NoRegrets78
OG
A lot of you may be wondering why I abandoned my 19k mile 2012 GTI in favor of something that is slower, doesn't handle as well, and isn't mod friendly.
Well, a couple of reasons actually.
Buying the house zapped all of my mod budget away. Not being able to mod, I got bored with the car and wasn't able to have it live up to the original purpose, which was to mod over an extended period of time. Without that purpose, it became A-B transportation and in my mind there were other better choices for that. Zipping around everywhere was nice, but it gets old and eventually I yearn for something different. Just the way I am.
Even with a soft spring setup like the driver gear springs, which I swear rode better than the stock springs, the ride quality in my area was pretty crappy. I eventually got tired of banging over every road imperfection and bouncing over every dip.
Those who have seen my car list shouldn't be surprised by this move. I go through cars like crazy, always finding something else I want. This was my 2nd GTI, and probably won't be my last...maybe...
Originally we were looking at the Volt for my wife as a fuel efficient commuter. Her drive is shorter than mine, about 14 miles RT, and since I drive my car everywhere else, she would NEVER use fuel. Sounded good at the time, but the trade she had put her too far upside down for it to work. She wanted out of her 2010 Mazda 3 and actually really liked the Cruze so she wound up going that route. Have to say, really impressed by the Cruze. Having looked myself at the Elantra, Civic, 3, and Focus, the Cruze is by far the nicest of the group. The features for the money are outstanding and it's extremely comfortable and solid. She wound up with the loaded LTZ RS package. VERY nice car!
As for me, I was looking at either a 2013 Fusion or 2010 A6 CPO. I know, two different worlds, but both cars had things about them that I found appealing. I wasn't even interested in the Volt until I test drove it after the wife did, but I was instantly sold and the thoughts of the A6 or Fusion just left.
The ride quality is OUTSTANDING and I would go as far as to compare it to the A6. It handles really well and corners flat, which I can attribute to the low center of gravity from the battery that sits under the center of the vehicle and spreads out into a T behind the rear seats. I don't have to tell you the thing is quiet, as only an EV can be, which is also a welcome change from the GTI. You really feel like you are driving a very substantial very solidly built vehicle, you just don't have to hear it. Don't get me wrong, for certain cars you want that feedback and grunt, but the Volt isn't for that. It's for something else entirely. Cargo capacity is ample, especially with rear seats folded and that giant hatch opening. You can even remove the bases of the rear seats if you want it to go completely flat.
Being solid and an EREV doesn't mean it's slow. Not by any means. I mean, it's not a GTI, or anything in that class, but it's not a Prius either. 274ftlb of torque instantly available at any speed (no RPM's, no real transmission) feels amazing in Sport mode and really moves this car when you call for it. Of course driving like that drains the battery faster than Normal Mode driving so I usually reserve Sport for merging onto highways and the like, but it's there if I want it which is nice. There is also the L position on the shifter, which basically take the place of the brake pedal when you lift off the gas and uses maximum regeneration which slows the vehicle like downshifting a manual would. This can effectively give you one foot control, but living in an area with people who tailgate as a rule, I wouldn't use it in most cases as it does not light the brake lights. I reserve it for heavy traffic and downhill coasting to maximize my regen, but there are those in other areas that use L exclusively and LOVE the one foot control it offers. The Tesla does this by design and there is no other choice for them, but if you want it to behave like a normal car just use D. Braking engages the regen first, up to the max it can slow you down, and if you need to slow faster the pads engage seamlessly without you ever knowing.
Driving Modes, iPhone app integration, and all the features are covered here: http://www.chevrolet.com/volt-electric-car.html
I could go on and on about how much I love driving this car. How I haven't filled up in 13 days so far and how my current mileage is 149mpg and that includes the car being delivered to me with 71 miles on it, most of it gas, and using the generator for a few miles the day I picked it up, and after 1 long trip. Still have 85% of the dealer fill left, which btw can be seen via the iPhone app as well as tire pressures for each tire, oil life, battery level, current charging status and alerts. You can also use the iphone app to search an address and send the data to the car for navigation to use later. Lock, Unlock, Remote Start, Horn and Lights are also available in the app, as well as text and email alerts for plugging in and charging interruptions and completion. OnStar is included for 3 years, including their concierge service which I haven't used yet.
Driving the Volt will not satisfy performance enthusiasts (kinda, there is sport mode which I find really engaging, but again it really takes its toll on range), but those looking for a vehicle in this segment would do themselves a favor and check it out. Charging at home costs me about 30 bucks a month estimated (haven't had the bill go up yet), but I am allowed to charge at work which helps keep those costs down. Compared to 300 on fuel a month for the GTI, it's a welcome change. Honestly, just the idea that I'm not using foreign oil as much as I used to gives me a warm and fuzzy feeling
I have also noticed that since I have adjusted my driving style to be more efficient, that I am a lot more relaxed on the road. I no longer suffer from any real road rage, as even if I had anger I couldn't do anything about it so I find I just let things go more instead of getting angry about things I have no control over. I'll admit, when I had the GTI and someone pissed me off, I would floor it and just get around them cursing to myself at their stupidity as I engaged in my own. Now, I just laugh at how much fuel they used to pull such a stupid maneuver and go on my merry way. I FEEL so much better driving this car. Yes I could have done the same in my GTI, but having all that power at my disposal would be too tempting for me. I have issues, what can I say.
I encourage anyone looking for a new car and has considered the Prius to check out the Volt. I'm currently averaging over 40 miles on a charge (which I hear will go down to about 30 in colder weather, well over my 20 mile RT commute), which to me puts it in a league above the Prius. You don't have to suffer from range anxiety as you would a Nissan Leaf, because if your battery dies you can just keep filling it up and it will run on fuel to the tune of about 37mpg combined. People have seen well over 40mpg highway when running on fuel. I haven't driven a Prius personally but I hear they are slow, heavy and have TONS of body roll. The Volt isn't "slow", feels substantial but not "heavy" and has minimal body roll. It really is an absolute pleasure to drive and I dare say it might have ruined me for all other strictly gas powered vehicles.
If you do consider a Volt, lease one, don't buy it. Yes you have that $7,500 tax credit if you buy, but when you lease the leasing company gets that money and it helps make your payment lower. It's costing me LESS to lease the Volt at a $42,000 sticker price than it would to lease the Fusion at a $30,000 sticker price. Factor in the gas saved, and you have a lower payment for what is in my opinion a nicer car.
I will do my best to answer any questions but I will not respond to trolls. The other thread I have about trading the GTI is for that, so please keep trolling there. Thank you.
TLDR: Traded GTI for a Volt. LOVE IT! The End.
Well, a couple of reasons actually.
Buying the house zapped all of my mod budget away. Not being able to mod, I got bored with the car and wasn't able to have it live up to the original purpose, which was to mod over an extended period of time. Without that purpose, it became A-B transportation and in my mind there were other better choices for that. Zipping around everywhere was nice, but it gets old and eventually I yearn for something different. Just the way I am.
Even with a soft spring setup like the driver gear springs, which I swear rode better than the stock springs, the ride quality in my area was pretty crappy. I eventually got tired of banging over every road imperfection and bouncing over every dip.
Those who have seen my car list shouldn't be surprised by this move. I go through cars like crazy, always finding something else I want. This was my 2nd GTI, and probably won't be my last...maybe...
Originally we were looking at the Volt for my wife as a fuel efficient commuter. Her drive is shorter than mine, about 14 miles RT, and since I drive my car everywhere else, she would NEVER use fuel. Sounded good at the time, but the trade she had put her too far upside down for it to work. She wanted out of her 2010 Mazda 3 and actually really liked the Cruze so she wound up going that route. Have to say, really impressed by the Cruze. Having looked myself at the Elantra, Civic, 3, and Focus, the Cruze is by far the nicest of the group. The features for the money are outstanding and it's extremely comfortable and solid. She wound up with the loaded LTZ RS package. VERY nice car!
As for me, I was looking at either a 2013 Fusion or 2010 A6 CPO. I know, two different worlds, but both cars had things about them that I found appealing. I wasn't even interested in the Volt until I test drove it after the wife did, but I was instantly sold and the thoughts of the A6 or Fusion just left.
The ride quality is OUTSTANDING and I would go as far as to compare it to the A6. It handles really well and corners flat, which I can attribute to the low center of gravity from the battery that sits under the center of the vehicle and spreads out into a T behind the rear seats. I don't have to tell you the thing is quiet, as only an EV can be, which is also a welcome change from the GTI. You really feel like you are driving a very substantial very solidly built vehicle, you just don't have to hear it. Don't get me wrong, for certain cars you want that feedback and grunt, but the Volt isn't for that. It's for something else entirely. Cargo capacity is ample, especially with rear seats folded and that giant hatch opening. You can even remove the bases of the rear seats if you want it to go completely flat.
Being solid and an EREV doesn't mean it's slow. Not by any means. I mean, it's not a GTI, or anything in that class, but it's not a Prius either. 274ftlb of torque instantly available at any speed (no RPM's, no real transmission) feels amazing in Sport mode and really moves this car when you call for it. Of course driving like that drains the battery faster than Normal Mode driving so I usually reserve Sport for merging onto highways and the like, but it's there if I want it which is nice. There is also the L position on the shifter, which basically take the place of the brake pedal when you lift off the gas and uses maximum regeneration which slows the vehicle like downshifting a manual would. This can effectively give you one foot control, but living in an area with people who tailgate as a rule, I wouldn't use it in most cases as it does not light the brake lights. I reserve it for heavy traffic and downhill coasting to maximize my regen, but there are those in other areas that use L exclusively and LOVE the one foot control it offers. The Tesla does this by design and there is no other choice for them, but if you want it to behave like a normal car just use D. Braking engages the regen first, up to the max it can slow you down, and if you need to slow faster the pads engage seamlessly without you ever knowing.
Driving Modes, iPhone app integration, and all the features are covered here: http://www.chevrolet.com/volt-electric-car.html
I could go on and on about how much I love driving this car. How I haven't filled up in 13 days so far and how my current mileage is 149mpg and that includes the car being delivered to me with 71 miles on it, most of it gas, and using the generator for a few miles the day I picked it up, and after 1 long trip. Still have 85% of the dealer fill left, which btw can be seen via the iPhone app as well as tire pressures for each tire, oil life, battery level, current charging status and alerts. You can also use the iphone app to search an address and send the data to the car for navigation to use later. Lock, Unlock, Remote Start, Horn and Lights are also available in the app, as well as text and email alerts for plugging in and charging interruptions and completion. OnStar is included for 3 years, including their concierge service which I haven't used yet.
Driving the Volt will not satisfy performance enthusiasts (kinda, there is sport mode which I find really engaging, but again it really takes its toll on range), but those looking for a vehicle in this segment would do themselves a favor and check it out. Charging at home costs me about 30 bucks a month estimated (haven't had the bill go up yet), but I am allowed to charge at work which helps keep those costs down. Compared to 300 on fuel a month for the GTI, it's a welcome change. Honestly, just the idea that I'm not using foreign oil as much as I used to gives me a warm and fuzzy feeling
I have also noticed that since I have adjusted my driving style to be more efficient, that I am a lot more relaxed on the road. I no longer suffer from any real road rage, as even if I had anger I couldn't do anything about it so I find I just let things go more instead of getting angry about things I have no control over. I'll admit, when I had the GTI and someone pissed me off, I would floor it and just get around them cursing to myself at their stupidity as I engaged in my own. Now, I just laugh at how much fuel they used to pull such a stupid maneuver and go on my merry way. I FEEL so much better driving this car. Yes I could have done the same in my GTI, but having all that power at my disposal would be too tempting for me. I have issues, what can I say.I encourage anyone looking for a new car and has considered the Prius to check out the Volt. I'm currently averaging over 40 miles on a charge (which I hear will go down to about 30 in colder weather, well over my 20 mile RT commute), which to me puts it in a league above the Prius. You don't have to suffer from range anxiety as you would a Nissan Leaf, because if your battery dies you can just keep filling it up and it will run on fuel to the tune of about 37mpg combined. People have seen well over 40mpg highway when running on fuel. I haven't driven a Prius personally but I hear they are slow, heavy and have TONS of body roll. The Volt isn't "slow", feels substantial but not "heavy" and has minimal body roll. It really is an absolute pleasure to drive and I dare say it might have ruined me for all other strictly gas powered vehicles.
If you do consider a Volt, lease one, don't buy it. Yes you have that $7,500 tax credit if you buy, but when you lease the leasing company gets that money and it helps make your payment lower. It's costing me LESS to lease the Volt at a $42,000 sticker price than it would to lease the Fusion at a $30,000 sticker price. Factor in the gas saved, and you have a lower payment for what is in my opinion a nicer car.
I will do my best to answer any questions but I will not respond to trolls. The other thread I have about trading the GTI is for that, so please keep trolling there. Thank you.
TLDR: Traded GTI for a Volt. LOVE IT! The End.
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