2012 Chevrolet Volt

The most amazingly economical car I've ever owned

Monday, November 09, 2015

What can I say - my 2012 Volt is the best car I've ever owned, foreign or domestic. It's also the most economical car I've ever owned - period. Comfortable, fun to drive, and cheap to keep. After 133K miles my total maintenance runs to 3 oil changes, one engine air filter, one set of new tires and tire rotations. Period. And I've saved over 3,800 gallons of gas in the meantime. Add it up - while expensive to buy (I bought early), it will cost far less than almost any other car by the time I reach 5 years of ownership. What? Battery worries? Sorry, the battery is just as strong today as the day I bought it 3-1/2 years ago. Not sure what to more to say except this car is a keeper (although the new Gen 2 Volt's are sure tempting!) Hmmm, maybe it's worth noting that I'm a super commuter and make a round trip to work of 186 miles every day on an average of 1.9 gallons of gas. Around town driving seldom uses any gas at all. Totally awesome. One last note though - avoid use of Sport Mode when the CHP are around - it's hard to behave when you're having fun.

Practical, well made and safe

Wednesday, January 13, 2021

This fun car will surprise first time drivers with its quick pickup, great passing power and smooth ride.

Incredible Technology, Driving Experience & TCO

Friday, August 14, 2020

Bought new, at least for tax claim purposes, MY2013 in August 2014, so I've owned it for 6 years and 72.8k of its 74k miles (loaner). OE tires lasted ~46k miles, rotated tires per recommended intervals. Regular oil changes, 5 year coolant change, fluids, and the accessory drive belt are the only maintenance/repair items, as well as the driver door window regulator failed at ~5 years. I've ran this car as both a full EV and as a pure 'ranged-extended electric vehicle'/EREV mode for several years for each based on home/apartment/work access to charging. There is no such thing as range anxiety, it's an inexpensive to operate utilitarian car, the hatch has been super useful. I only ran the car on premium fuel and found the typical MPG slightly above the EPA combined of 37, while the EV range regularly exceeds the 38 miles--more like 41, but environment & drive style play major factors. YMMV. No noticeable degradation in the battery after a life in Florida. I love the driving experience of the car, especially when in EV mode. Highly recommend for used buyers looking to experience EV inexpensively. Be aware that work on the high voltage battery pack would likely require a Chevy dealership and most only have one EV technician, some don't have any...be sure to check this if you're in a less dense dealer coverage area.