Which 2012 would you buy and why? Last 5 vin #'s 21204 vs 26129?

[Deep River]

I am assuming higher Vin made later then earlier, negotiated similar deals on both cars, same colors, both base cars with little options. Question is for a couple hundred bucks more is higher Vin worth it? I have heard that recently built cars may have 2013 cars battery chemistry and therefore increased ev range? Any other advantages ? Thoughts? Thanks

[RScott]

I am assuming higher Vin made later then earlier, negotiated similar deals on both cars, same colors, both base cars with little options. Question is for a couple hundred bucks more is higher Vin worth it? I have heard that recently built cars may have 2013 cars battery chemistry and therefore increased ev range? Any other advantages ? Thoughts? Thanks

I would seriously doubt that the 2012s would get the 2013 batteries (for example, the software would likely have to be different as well, and the 2012 service manual would need to be updated). Even if it might, is it worth a gamble of a couple hundred bucks to maybe get something and maybe not (and would you even know)?

From a resale perspective, it's unlikely that anyone buying the car used in the future would pay more based on the VIN. But for a new car, knowing that it had likely spent less time sitting outside on a dealer's lot (or on a train or whatever), it might be worthwhile. I'm guessing perhaps 2-3 months time difference between the two cars, as far as when they were built.

[an_outsider]

If that matter to you, you can check if these ones are late MY2012 care with or without, the ''Engine Assisted Heating / Plugged-in" parameters as seen here.

About the increased EV range (and Hold mode), you'll have to wait for the MY2013

[langosta39]

You could go test drive the newer one and deplete the battery. Check the power meter to see if you get 10.5 kWh or not. If you hot rod it with the HVAC full on maybe you can get it done in 30 minutes! I plan to pick up my 2012 Thursday and will get to check this on the 55 mile ride home.

[DonC]

I believe someone reported their 2012 MY car didn't kill the center console when the radio was turned off. I'd look at this. That would be worth a couple of hundred bucks.

[Bob_Livonia]

I believe someone reported their 2012 MY car didn't kill the center console when the radio was turned off. I'd look at this. That would be worth a couple of hundred bucks.

The difference between the 2 cars would be worth $0 for me. Cars aren't like milk or bread (unless the car has been sitting on the dealer's lot for many, many months). Personally, I can't understand the fixation about turning the radio off (although I mute mine as occasionally necessary).

[saghost]

I am assuming higher Vin made later then earlier, negotiated similar deals on both cars, same colors, both base cars with little options. Question is for a couple hundred bucks more is higher Vin worth it? I have heard that recently built cars may have 2013 cars battery chemistry and therefore increased ev range? Any other advantages ? Thoughts? Thanks

IF there isn't a difference in options or deal that you prefer, I'd take the later one. There are a couple changes that GM rolled in incrementally which the newer car is more likely to have. If there's a difference in price, or if the earlier car has an option you like better, I'd take that. Either way, it's an awesome car, and getting around to buying one is more important than debating over which one, IMO...

[CMMPro]

Whats this 10.5kw number all about...my 2012 got 10.6 the other day when we ran it right out of juice.

Luckily it switched over about 200m from my front door so no big deal.

[RScott]

Whats this 10.5kw number all about...my 2012 got 10.6 the other day when we ran it right out of juice.

Luckily it switched over about 200m from my front door so no big deal.

The 2012's (and beyond) show you the amount of electricity the car used. In your case, you used 10.6kWh. The number can fluctuate slightly, as the initial charge and the charge at which it turns on the gas engine vary a bit.

[Fedway]

I have heard that recently built cars may have 2013 cars battery chemistry and therefore increased ev range? Any other advantages ?

I believe that the newer MY2012 Volts likely do have the new battery chemistry. I just depleted my battery for the first time and reached 10.9kWh Used. From what I have seen posted from others, this is a bit more usable charge than on the MY2011 or earlier MY2012 Volts. Also, the newer VIN will likely have newer software installed. For example, on recent Volts, it is now possible to turn off the radio and still display the Home Screen, Energy and Climate controls. My VIN is #C-27825. I'd go with VIN #C-26129 if both Volts are otherwise identical.