Gonna get a Chevy Volt, wish me luck.
11-24-2011, 07:53 PM
#46
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Thread Starter
I drove the volt and Prius and all the other economy cars. The VW has so much more BIG torque....it wasn't as benign feeling as the others....it really kicks out. The Volt was a cool car though...you really can't go wrong!!!!!
Yes, I pay $1.00 more per gallon, but I get way more in driving fun, and when I am at speed (70 +) on the highway, and I want to pass, it really moves out from that torque.
Then there's the DSG tranny....talk about fast shifts and responsiveness...
Here's an interesting emissions article comparing VW TDI with the Volt:
http://www.popularmechanics.com/cars...han-vw-diesels
Yes, I pay $1.00 more per gallon, but I get way more in driving fun, and when I am at speed (70 +) on the highway, and I want to pass, it really moves out from that torque.
Then there's the DSG tranny....talk about fast shifts and responsiveness...
Here's an interesting emissions article comparing VW TDI with the Volt:
http://www.popularmechanics.com/cars...han-vw-diesels
The linked report is meaningless as it requires that the Volt gas engine be running full time, something that never happens. In any case, I don't believe the AGW mumbo jumbo anyway, my reasons for wanting an efficient car are outlined above.
11-24-2011, 08:28 PM
#48
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Volt torque = 273, JSW = 236. Volt max torque is also available from 0 rpm. Both feel torquey but it's no comparison, the Volt feels WAY more torquey and powerful. Again, I drove them back to back the same day. Strange, maybe you drove one that wasn't charged?
The linked report is meaningless as it requires that the Volt gas engine be running full time, something that never happens. In any case, I don't believe the AGW mumbo jumbo anyway, my reasons for wanting an efficient car are outlined above.
The linked report is meaningless as it requires that the Volt gas engine be running full time, something that never happens. In any case, I don't believe the AGW mumbo jumbo anyway, my reasons for wanting an efficient car are outlined above.
I figured the JSW was more of a "real" car. It had a much better range (.....Vegas to Cali and back on one tank....I can go at least 600 miles.), held way more cargo, more passengers, top (limited) speed much higher, and the torque felt much higher. The turbo kicks it hard, and the DSG was much more responsive. Cruising at 80-90 (which I commonly do on I-15) was easy......while the Chevy is just about maxing out at those speeds.
It's all preference, and we buy cars for benefits that are important to us. The Volt would not work for me.....for you it does...congrats. It is a good car.
Here's a nice article of all the vehicles in the 40 MPG+ club. They all seem to be fairly nice.
http://www.motortrend.com/features/m...b/viewall.html
Out of curiosity, how long are the batteries warrantied and what is the cost of replacing them? Also, did you have to put one of those special 240v outlets in your home, or are you drawing from your 120V?
11-24-2011, 08:35 PM
#49
Three Wheelin'
I drove the volt and Prius and all the other economy cars. The VW has so much more BIG torque....it wasn't as benign feeling as the others....it really kicks out. The Volt was a cool car though...you really can't go wrong!!!!!
Yes, I pay $1.00 more per gallon, but I get way more in driving fun, and when I am at speed (70 +) on the highway, and I want to pass, it really moves out from that torque.
Then there's the DSG tranny....talk about fast shifts and responsiveness...
Here's an interesting emissions article comparing VW TDI with the Volt:
http://www.popularmechanics.com/cars...han-vw-diesels
Yes, I pay $1.00 more per gallon, but I get way more in driving fun, and when I am at speed (70 +) on the highway, and I want to pass, it really moves out from that torque.
Then there's the DSG tranny....talk about fast shifts and responsiveness...
Here's an interesting emissions article comparing VW TDI with the Volt:
http://www.popularmechanics.com/cars...han-vw-diesels
11-24-2011, 08:39 PM
#50
11-24-2011, 08:40 PM
#51
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The big turn off for me on the TDI was the numerous quality issues I read about on some of the TDI specific forums. Seems the newer cars had a tendency to fail not long beyond the warranty period leaving a $1-2K repairbill. The older ones seemed to be much more reliable.
VW has extended the warranty on these, but still, it is a chance.
Many of us put an additive in the fuel, but if you're a diesel geek like most of us who own diesels, that's fun rather than a PITA. There have been no failures of the HPFP for those using the additive.....I add about 1/4 ounce /gallon.
11-24-2011, 08:46 PM
#52
Race Director
Thread Starter
I did drive them both the same day.
I figured the JSW was more of a "real" car. It had a much better range (.....Vegas to Cali and back on one tank....I can go at least 600 miles.), held way more cargo, more passengers, top (limited) speed much higher, and the torque felt much higher. The turbo kicks it hard, and the DSG was much more responsive. Cruising at 80-90 (which I commonly do on I-15) was easy......while the Chevy is just about maxing out at those speeds.
It's all preference, and we buy cars for benefits that are important to us. The Volt would not work for me.....for you it does...congrats. It is a good car.
Here's a nice article of all the vehicles in the 40 MPG+ club. They all seem to be fairly nice.
http://www.motortrend.com/features/m...b/viewall.html
Out of curiosity, how long are the batteries warrantied and what is the cost of replacing them? Also, did you have to put one of those special 240v outlets in your home, or are you drawing from your 120V?
I figured the JSW was more of a "real" car. It had a much better range (.....Vegas to Cali and back on one tank....I can go at least 600 miles.), held way more cargo, more passengers, top (limited) speed much higher, and the torque felt much higher. The turbo kicks it hard, and the DSG was much more responsive. Cruising at 80-90 (which I commonly do on I-15) was easy......while the Chevy is just about maxing out at those speeds.
It's all preference, and we buy cars for benefits that are important to us. The Volt would not work for me.....for you it does...congrats. It is a good car.
Here's a nice article of all the vehicles in the 40 MPG+ club. They all seem to be fairly nice.
http://www.motortrend.com/features/m...b/viewall.html
Out of curiosity, how long are the batteries warrantied and what is the cost of replacing them? Also, did you have to put one of those special 240v outlets in your home, or are you drawing from your 120V?
Warranty is 8 years/100,000 miles. Battery replacement cost is around $8K and based on numbers coming on from Prius cabs, expected lifespan is around 300K miles.
As I wrote earlier, a 240v charger is installed free of charge. It does a full charge in 4 hours and is eligible for a reduced electrical rate off peak of $0.06/kwh vs. $0.34/kwh.
11-24-2011, 09:07 PM
#53
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Agreed, horses for courses. For long trips like yours the JSW is a slam dunk, for short around-town jaunts the Volt is way better. Just interesting to me that you perceived the perf as being higher on the JSW while I felt the opposite.
Warranty is 8 years/100,000 miles. Battery replacement cost is around $8K and based on numbers coming on from Prius cabs, expected lifespan is around 300K miles.
As I wrote earlier, a 240v charger is installed free of charge. It does a full charge in 4 hours and is eligible for a reduced electrical rate off peak of $0.06/kwh vs. $0.34/kwh.
Warranty is 8 years/100,000 miles. Battery replacement cost is around $8K and based on numbers coming on from Prius cabs, expected lifespan is around 300K miles.
As I wrote earlier, a 240v charger is installed free of charge. It does a full charge in 4 hours and is eligible for a reduced electrical rate off peak of $0.06/kwh vs. $0.34/kwh.
300,000 miles for battery life is excellent. You probably won't have any replacement issues because you'll get another by then.
Tomorrow I'm going to look at the Volt again. My daughter will soon need a car to go back and forth from high school (20 miles each way) and the Volt may be the car to get.
11-25-2011, 04:56 AM
#54
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Here is a summary of all the eco cars currently available in the US:
http://www.motortrend.com/features/m...b/viewall.html
http://www.motortrend.com/features/m...b/viewall.html
11-25-2011, 05:10 AM
#55
Big thirst, Sore Thumbs
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Napoleon
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Napoleon
11-25-2011, 11:27 AM
#57
Feral Cat
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Prices in my area, http://www.truecar.com/
Volt @ $38,306 - $7500 tax credit = $31,006
Toyota Corolla LE @ $15844 + Toyota Yaris @ $14,064 = $29,908
$31,006 > $29,908
I thought it was striking that you could buy two gas-sipping Toyotas for less than the cost of one Chevrolet Volt, even with the tax subsidy.
OK to buy a Volt as a fashion accessory but you can probably buy a nice wristwatch for $15,162.
Volt @ $38,306 - $7500 tax credit = $31,006
Toyota Corolla LE @ $15844 + Toyota Yaris @ $14,064 = $29,908
$31,006 > $29,908
I thought it was striking that you could buy two gas-sipping Toyotas for less than the cost of one Chevrolet Volt, even with the tax subsidy.
OK to buy a Volt as a fashion accessory but you can probably buy a nice wristwatch for $15,162.
11-25-2011, 02:26 PM
#58
Race Car
Holy crap that Volt interior is nice!
I likey and agree, they look the best hands down in the 'lectric car circle...............even though that a'int sayin' much.........
I likey and agree, they look the best hands down in the 'lectric car circle...............even though that a'int sayin' much.........
11-25-2011, 03:23 PM
#59
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Prices in my area, http://www.truecar.com/
Volt @ $38,306 - $7500 tax credit = $31,006
Toyota Corolla LE @ $15844 + Toyota Yaris @ $14,064 = $29,908
$31,006 > $29,908
I thought it was striking that you could buy two gas-sipping Toyotas for less than the cost of one Chevrolet Volt, even with the tax subsidy.
OK to buy a Volt as a fashion accessory but you can probably buy a nice wristwatch for $15,162.
Volt @ $38,306 - $7500 tax credit = $31,006
Toyota Corolla LE @ $15844 + Toyota Yaris @ $14,064 = $29,908
$31,006 > $29,908
I thought it was striking that you could buy two gas-sipping Toyotas for less than the cost of one Chevrolet Volt, even with the tax subsidy.
OK to buy a Volt as a fashion accessory but you can probably buy a nice wristwatch for $15,162.
IMO electric cars are still too limited with a heck of a price tag....I think eventually the hybrids/electric vehicles will fade out entirely in favor of very high mileage diesels...like the European market.
We also haven't seen too much battery replacement in this vehicles. I've read they're between 6-10K. Add that to the price of the car when replacement time comes, or subtract it from resale value when selling time comes, and these vehicles are really costly.
11-25-2011, 03:33 PM
#60
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I suspect we will eventually see more hybrids coming out of Europe, including diesel hybrids. Peugeot has developed a hybrid system that uses electric on the rear axles, and combustion in the front - it's easy to adopt to any car they make.
I agree that pure electric will take a long time to become mainstream, if it ever happens. I'd give the fuel cell a higher likelihood than the battery to power these.