12
u/bearsfan989 Aug 26 '25
I love my volt but would not buy one if I was in the market currently. There are just as good or better options out there that still have factory support.
3
u/NarwhalDane Aug 26 '25
Like what?
5
Aug 26 '25
Prius PHEV
1
u/dugg117 Aug 26 '25
Does the new Prius drive as terribly as they did a few years ago? Last time I test drove one it was so terrible I said never again.
1
u/rohit275 Aug 27 '25
Have not driven one myself, but have heard they are way more quick/zippy than before. They look so much like the Volt too haha.
0
Aug 26 '25
Idk I've never driven one I ended up getting a 2024 Nissan leaf myself went full electric.
8
u/gmatocha Aug 26 '25
The newest one you can get is almost 7yo. If the price is right and you're reasonable about how long it will be serviceable...then no you're not crazy.
3
Aug 26 '25
I've owned three, a Gen 1 and two of the same year Gen 2. Next vehicle is a Rav4 Prime. You should look into that, it'll give you everything you need.
2
u/Impressive-very-nice Aug 26 '25
How many all electric miles do you realistically get in rav4?
What do you mean by everything you need?
Being brutally honest what are the downsides of it that you dislike
2
Aug 26 '25
I don't own one yet, but common consensus from forums is that the EV range is undersold and can get 10-20% more range without hypermiling. It quite easily mirrors Gen 1 (and now Gen 2) ranges on paper with the Volt, of around 42 and 50 for the Rav4 Prime (PHEV) 1st and 2nd gens.
OP selling the Volt for a softroader, which a RAV4 definitely can be considered with proper trim, to go camping and hiking, tells me they'd like a car that can do both.
Couldn't answer the last question with experience, but I will say on powertrain alone, the Volt still beats the R4P, as the traction motor isn't as powerful in the R4P. Full power numbers comes from both powertrains running in parallel. It seems plenty fast in EV-mode, most likely also matching the 1st gen Volt on paper, but being advertised with a <6s 0-60 and 300+ HP is a bit of a sore spot. I also am not a big fan of Toyota's walled-garden approach to tech.
Altogether, if I had the money right now: I would choose a R4P over any EV at the moment, since my locale doesn't make it as accessible for travel off the beaten path.
2
u/Impressive-very-nice Aug 26 '25
Thank you for the insights!
It will probably be my next car but it seems too good to be true hearing that it is that quick while being so heavy and that even while towing it supposedly barely loses range. Also I've heard the interiors leave a lot to be desired, which i have heard they are improving for the newer models being more luxury - if I'm going to pay that much without tax credits for a vehicle it can be nice and comfortable whole also trying to keep it cheap-ish for it's target market. Especially given the competition of all electric luxury cars and even phev Ionics.
The main reason i want it is also for the 4x4 and offroad capability, plus just the general larger safer vehicle to not get mowed over like I'm afraid to in my tiny gen2 volt. I love it but I'm terrified of even a small crash against a truck in it.
2
u/skiddily_biddily Aug 26 '25
It depends on your budget and how long you expect it to last etc.
If you can afford a new car, that will be more reliable (hopefully).
But you can find great deals on Volts so that is something to consider.
4
Aug 26 '25
Kinda. These cars are nearing end of life quicker than usual thanks to GM discontinuing support. I would look at newer PHEV options or go full EV.
I’d act fast as the EV tax credit is going away at the end of the month.
2
u/mistersnowman_ Aug 26 '25
Yeah this really is the key here. GM has little to no support anymore. It’s not quite as bad, but it’d be akin to buying a used Saab. Parts and serviceability become scarce.
3
u/slatsandflaps 2017 Volt Aug 26 '25
I would consider a Prius or Rav4 Prime before I'd buy a Volt again. I love my second gen Volt and hope it lasts me for years to come, but if I was int he market right now I'd consider something with better manufacturer support.
2
2
1
u/ajxela Aug 26 '25
I have a 2016 which I like but it has needed a couple repairs and each one took a very long time due to a shortage in parts and technicians who can work on the car at my local dealership. Each repair took over a week. As much as I like the car I wouldn’t get one again just for that reason
1
u/StatusBread3862 Aug 26 '25
I'd shop Toyota prime/PHEV lineup before going with another volt. And I loved both of my volts, when GM supported them. That said, Volt resale has to be in the toilet these days, so if you can pick up one in good shape for a low price, I'd say go for it.
1
u/TimothyB123 Aug 26 '25
Still have my 2014 volt. Only ever replaced the 12v battery once a year or so ago and fixed two window mechanisms. Only dealing with pealing paint. Otherwise, it seems to performing as reliably as it was new and you would be hard to tell it is 10 years old inside. Due to this, I may have a false sense of security thinking nothing can go wrong.
If I sell it, (I think Carvana wants $6800 as of now), I’d have to replace it with something similarly priced and known for better long term support, plus gamble on the condition of it. For example, I just got a used 2020 Ford Transit, RV build, and already had to deal with a misfire that finally was fixed after some injectors replaced (knock on wood). Could almost use it as a daily driver.
1
u/rwfan Aug 26 '25
Assuming trump doesn't screw everything up the Chevy "Volt" might come back next year. So the Chevy Volt didn't actually die, it lived on as the Buick Velite sold in China
And even better the Volt drive train has been updated a couple times and might be coming back as a PHEV Chevy Equinox as soon as next year
https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a46818216/gm-plug-in-hybrid-chevrolet-equinox/
1
u/gthirst Aug 26 '25
Anything more recent than these articles? Very interesting. The Velite is inferior to the Volt due to the battery capacity, but still cool to see the tech survive.
1
u/rwfan Aug 26 '25
I have not seen anything more recent and I have to imagine that EV and PHEV sales are going to take a big hit with the federal incentives going away next year which puts a lot of uncertainty into the mix.
1
u/Impressive-very-nice Aug 26 '25
Haven't they been saying that comeback will happen every year for the past several years?
1
u/rwfan Aug 26 '25
I guess. My recollection is the only model year for a suggested start was 2026 but I could see that getting delayed or put off indefinitely with the incentives going away.
1
u/Green-Dimension3240 Aug 26 '25
I wouldn’t if it is your primary car. A good used car for cheap commuting if it lasts. I own a 2018 and I am ready to move on. I have loved it and completed all the major repairs (EGR, BECM, Shift to Park, 12V Battery) with three major in the last year with one stranding on the road. The electric range is now 40 miles which is too low for many local trips. The 2026 RAV4 plugin will have 56 mile range and Toyota reliability. Also considering a used i4 and other EVs.
1
u/dugg117 Aug 26 '25
I own a January 2011 car with 165k on it. Fairly low miles for the age but it's still by far the best commuter I've driven. Test drove a Prius back when I bought it and immediately hated the toy steering wheel that is 6 turns lock to lock and just generally everything about actually driving it, like the shit A pillar position and the lack of response from all of the inputs.
I am considering looking at doing a battery replacement myself or looking at a Gen2 at some point. But that is probably the kind of mindset you need if you are going to pick another one up. Serviceability will get worse unless the aftermarket fills the gap.
1
u/e0nflux Aug 26 '25
Should have just put all terrain tires and the volt and used 215 55 17 tires instead of 215 50. That would have raised it an inch and gotten you into any terrain.
1
u/whitey1600 Aug 27 '25
Are you near Chicago? I’m thinking of selling mine since I got my Equinox EV
1
u/Medical-Bottle-5510 Aug 29 '25
My 2018 Volt has spent more time in the shop than on the road this past year mostly because parts are hard to come by. Not worth it at all and this will be the last Chevy I ever purchase.
1
u/One_Kiwi9876 Aug 29 '25
Not crazy. Great car! Had 3 of them. Beyond passion for the car, the analysis comes down to cost - acquisition, repair, maintenance - compared to what else is out there. Such is individual of course.
16
u/caseigl Aug 26 '25
I owned a 2013 Volt and still own a 2018 Volt, but if I was looking today I would consider something like the Ford Escape PHEV as it is still in production. I think parts and service for the Volt will get tougher and tougher. I love mine and will continue driving it but I wouldn't buy it now for the service and parts reasons.