Help with new Volt in ATL

[CMull]

Hi.

I have been following Lyle's site since 2008 and believe it is finally time for me to get on the list to get a Volt! I called a local ATL dealership last night and according to them, I will be the first in line. They just simply want a 'small' deposit. I know ATL is not one of the emerging markets where the Volts will ship initially, but this dealership says they should have no problem getting Volts in Jan 2011! I am not sure I believe them. Anyone in an out of market area secured your spot for a Volt? What type of deposit should I expect to pay?

Thanks!

[honoreitiscom]

I've called dealers who asked for $100 deposit and some as high as $4300 (10% of a loaded Volt). It should be a refundable deposit, though. You are not committing to buy the car till you sign the purchase agreement.

I'd be surprised if they can get one in January 2011.

[CMull]

Thanks very much for the information. This is a metro ATL dealer and just gave me a general 'a small deposit' would work statement. I was going to call a few more area dealers before making a decision about who to go with.

Like you, I would be surpised if anything was allocated to the ATL market before the end of Q1 2011.

[ChrisC]

CMull, I'm in Atlanta. That dealer is lying to you. It's extremely unlikely that Atlanta will get any Volts before June, and more likely it will be next fall.

Personally I decided I wasn't willing to wait, and I was willing to take on some risk, and so I am buying my Volt from DC and driving it down. I'll have the first Volt in Georgia, likely next month some time.

We have a thread about long distance purchasers that you should read.

On the deposit issue, personally I'm a believer in money talking. Pick your dealer and put down a deposit. When the time comes for the dealer to start triaging orders, he will take yours more seriously over the yahoo who didn't put down any money. But you first need to identify the dealer, and specifically you need to find out A) how many allocations he may get (based on GM sales volume, I guess) and B) what position in line you'd be.

[CMull]

Great information ChrisC! I am going to take your advice and do more research and possibly go out of state as well. I am really excited about getting a Volt as soon as possible!