I’m looking at a 2019 Bolt EV Premier with 17K miles, priced at $15K. I don’t qualify for the $4K tax credit, though. Does this sound like a good deal?
Seems like a fair deal.
I think it’s a solid deal. I have a 2019 Premier and really enjoy it.
Make sure the battery was replaced as part of the recall. If so, your battery warranty would have restarted when the new one was installed. Also, check for DC fast charging; look for an orange tab on the bottom of the charging port.
If you’re in a colder area, expect about a 40% drop in range on really cold days if you use the heater a lot. Some folks stick to the heated steering wheel and seats, but I wouldn’t skip the heater.
Be aware that it’s not the best EV for long trips. I love my Bolt, but the DC fast charging is slower than other models. Most EVs these days are much faster at charging than the Bolt’s max of 55 kWh. If long road trips are your thing, Tesla still has the best charging network. I have a Cadillac Lyriq for work, and the difference in charging times is huge.
If you do plan on road-tripping, an OBD II dongle and a premium A Better Route Planner app subscription really helps. It monitors the battery in real-time and adjusts the charging schedule. For me, it’s worth the $5/month for the peace of mind.
@Tavi
Thanks for the info. I’ve got a Mini SE and a Tesla M3. The Bolt would be for those occasional 1-2 hour drives. The Mini’s our city car with only about 115 miles of range. I checked the VIN on GM’s site, and it has the battery replaced along with DCFC. It’s a GM buyback car.
@Tavi
Here’s a pic of mine:
I’ve got a 2019 Premier and would buy it again today for $15K, no question.
Double-check the ad. A lot of Bolts priced at $15K in my area are priced after the tax credit. Also, like others have mentioned, the Bolt’s not great for road trips.
@Nico
Thanks, it’s a GM buyback. Does that mean it has a branded title? And what does that imply?
Hollis said:
@Nico
Thanks, it’s a GM buyback. Does that mean it has a branded title? And what does that imply?
Yep, if it was a buyback, it’ll have a branded title, usually marked as ‘Buyback/Lemon’. It might be harder to finance or insure, and premiums could be higher because of its history. Your best bet is to get a quote for both a branded and clean title VIN from your insurance agent to see the difference.
@Nico
Appreciate the help!