Chevy Bolt Drive

[campfamily]

One of the better (most complete and unbiased) reviews I've read on the Bolt.

http://jalopnik.com/the-2017-chevrolet- ... 1791586154

Keith

[damania]

One of the better (most complete and unbiased) reviews I've read on the Bolt.

http://jalopnik.com/the-2017-chevrolet- ... 1791586154

Keith

It would be interesting to hear from someone who has test driven it to compare it to a FFE.

[campfamily]

One of the better (most complete and unbiased) reviews I've read on the Bolt.

http://jalopnik.com/the-2017-chevrolet- ... 1791586154

Keith

It would be interesting to hear from someone who has test driven it to compare it to a FFE.

I have driven one, albeit just around the block (dealer wouldn't let me go much further). It's accelerates faster than the Focus, and drives and handles competently. But, interior quality is typical GM rental car feel (the one I drove was a base model). And, I'm not sold on the looks.

It is a very competent car. That's about all I can say about it.

I'm trying to convince the dealer to let me have one for a long weekend, similar to the extended test drives that BMW was offering on their i3s when they first came out (that is what sold me on getting an electric car as my daily commuter). So far, no dice.

Keith

[damania]

We'll need to wait for a Ford version that'll be out in the next few years.

[triangles]

looks like we'll have the Model E and some unnamed small SUV from Ford in a couple years. The Bolt is not for me but I'm glad GM brought them to market. Hopefully they don't just treat it like a compliance car. 5 years from now there will be many good and affordable EV choices.

[michael]

You guys know I loved my FFE, but on March 1, when my next lease expires, I'm definitely getting a Bolt. Apart for the unaffordable-for-me model S, I can't imagine anything else equally capable being available in the next two years.

The FFE came standard fully optioned. The premier version of the Bolt falls a little short, but it's plenty nice by my standards.

[campfamily]

You guys know I loved my FFE, but on March 1, when my next lease expires, I'm definitely getting a Bolt. Apart for the unaffordable-for-me model S, I can't imagine anything else equally capable being available in the next two years.

The FFE came standard fully optioned. The premier version of the Bolt falls a little short, but it's plenty nice by my standards.

The problem I have with the Bolt is that, comparing MSRP, it is $12,000 more than a comparably equipped FFE. Discounts on the FFE are huge, when I bought mine, I got nearly $7,000 off of MSRP. I doubt you'll get that off of a Bolt, at least not for a while. So, is the Bolt worth an additional $16 - 19,000? Not to me.

[jmueller065]

The problem I have with the Bolt is that, comparing MSRP, it is $12,000 more than a comparably equipped FFE. Discounts on the FFE are huge, when I bought mine, I got nearly $7,000 off of MSRP. I doubt you'll get that off of a Bolt, at least not for a while. So, is the Bolt worth an additional $16 - 19,000? Not to me.

You are kind of comparing apples to oranges here (and I'm not talking about the range).

The Bolt is a brand new car and the FFE is a 5 year old design with minimal updates. Back in 2012 when the FFE was the latest kid on the block it had a price tag as high as the Bolt's.

[campfamily]

The problem I have with the Bolt is that, comparing MSRP, it is $12,000 more than a comparably equipped FFE. Discounts on the FFE are huge, when I bought mine, I got nearly $7,000 off of MSRP. I doubt you'll get that off of a Bolt, at least not for a while. So, is the Bolt worth an additional $16 - 19,000? Not to me.

You are kind of comparing apples to oranges here (and I'm not talking about the range).

The Bolt is a brand new car and the FFE is a 5 year old design with minimal updates. Back in 2012 when the FFE was the latest kid on the block it had a price tag as high as the Bolt's.

True. So if (when?????) the Bolt comes down a bit (not equal, since the Bolt does offer more capability than the FFE), my reasoning would definitely change. I'm thinking, though, that by then, there should be more vehicles like this to choose from.

[JimB_FFE]

I have driven both. Over 65k miles between two leased FFEs. One week with a Bolt owned by an out of state buyer. I'm torn.

Advantages Bolt:
60 kWh! Run the heater! Pedal to the metal! Who cares?!? No need to micromanage the measly 18 kWh usable capacity. (Yes I've measured it.) That a huuuuge advantage.
0 - 60 in just over 6 seconds. The FFE is peppy, but the Bolt just bolts! All the power you need whenever you need it.
Roomy. Plenty of cargo space for bikes and whatever you want to stuff in there. I've taken my FFE camping with my two sons, but it wasn't easy. With the Bolt, Mom (and her stuff) could come too.
Better GOM. GM got the range display right. Shows best case, worst case, and current range all in one display. Makes it super easy to know if you can run the heat or if you should go econ.

Advantages FFE:
* Much nicer interior. Serene and comfortable. If you spend an hour a day in the car like I do, this looms large. The Bolt seats are not very comfortable. Large expanses of the same plastic everywhere.
* Much better infotainment system. Instant access to any song, artist, album on the USB drive using the voice command. Use this feature almost daily. With the Bolt, you're stuck scrolling through a long menu of selections. Not something you'll be doing while driving.
* Bolt has no NAV without paying monthly for OnStar. Does support Android Auto and Apple Car Play but you MUST plug your phone in to the car every time. That's a pain. FFE nav isn't great, but it's usable and doesn't chew up your data if you're on a cheap plan like I am.
* MFM: Use it to locate the car. Lock and unlock the doors. Remote start when beyond Key fob range. Really going to miss that.

My lease is up mid 2018. Would love a 200+ mile FFE. I could even live with the battery hump. May go with the Bolt or may get a third FFE. Tough call.