I've been driving around in an X3 for the past week and I missed having a regular ICE engine. I want to trade in my Volt for a new car. Another reason is my HOV sticker is going to expire at the end of the year, but I also want something more fun to drive. Here's a few cars I'm considering
1. Chevy Bolt - This is a fun car, more so than the Volt because it's quicker, smaller. It'll make my commute even cheaper because I don't even need to charge at home anymore, the charging at work would be enough to last for my commutes. And getting this car would get me a carpool sticker that would last till 2022
2. BMW 330e - This seems like a good go between of an ICE car and an electric, I get some benefit from charging, quick acceleration and good handling, but no HOV sticker and new model coming out
3. Alfa Romeo Giulia - I'm leaning towards this one because I just like it. Decent mileage, good handling, quick.. fun to drive... downside.. probably reliability...
I might end up leasing simply because with electric, they seem to be upgrading with newer improved tech every other year, and with the Giulia, I don't know if it would last past the lease period.. plus I can write it off on taxes..
Any other possible options or opinions on these cars?
How much time approx does the HOV sticker save each weekday? Depending on your commute that could make the Bolt pretty attractive, and it would be my first choice out of the electrics anyway I think.
If you go with a combustion engine, that's easy - CRV.
Depends on what's most important to you I guess. From the choices it looks like you don't have that nailed down. If it's electric, then yeah Bolt all the way. As for the Alfa, I love them too but if I'm looking at the V6 model, I'd also look at the Stinger GT. From reviews it seems pretty close to the Alfa, looks great, and you can probably get the top model for similar price as the bottom Alfa. Plus, you can probably get full free service for the lease term from Kia, and it might prove more reliable. Looks very Italian in red, IMHO.
With HOV, I would probably save up to 1 hour every day depending on the traffic, a lot of the times, less because of hyper-miling assholes in Prius or Leafs holding up traffic... especially Prius drivers.
Originally, I was considering the Bolt as a replacement, but the more I heard the exhaust more, the more I'm thinking, fuck sensibility. My wife seems to like the Giulia too so that's a plus. If I get that, I would probably go with the Ti Sport model with the I4 + LSD, not the V6 since that doesn't seem like a great commuter car.
Get the Giulia. Have some fun.
Out of the BMW range I'd try if possible to stretch to the 530e. It is a much more refined car than the 3.
Quote from: MexicoCityM3 on June 02, 2018, 07:17:03 AM
Out of the BMW range I'd try if possible to stretch to the 530e. It is a much more refined car than the 3.
Good one, this one would have the HOV sticker option too. It's a little bit bigger than what I would like though. I would have to clean up the garage a bit for it to fit.
One of my partners has one. Not sporty but an excellent commuter. Very refined and super smooth and comfortable.
Quote from: NomisR on June 02, 2018, 06:29:27 AM
With HOV, I would probably save up to 1 hour every day depending on the traffic, a lot of the times, less because of hyper-miling assholes in Prius or Leafs holding up traffic... especially Prius drivers.
Originally, I was considering the Bolt as a replacement, but the more I heard the exhaust more, the more I'm thinking, fuck sensibility. My wife seems to like the Giulia too so that's a plus. If I get that, I would probably go with the Ti Sport model with the I4 + LSD, not the V6 since that doesn't seem like a great commuter car.
An extra hour a day (or even "up to" an hour/day) is damn near priceless IMO. Bolt no question.
An extra hour is a lot to give up. But then again, driving a boring car sucks. I say MX-5.
K-series swapped Insight. End of conundrum.
Just for commuting, or does it need to serve as a family car as well? Fiat Spider would be nice.
Quote from: Lebowski on June 02, 2018, 07:53:41 AM
An extra hour a day (or even "up to" an hour/day) is damn near priceless IMO. Bolt no question.
:hesaid: Honestly I'm not sure why you would even consider a car that you can't use in the carpool or whatever they call it lanes.
Every day you're going to be sitting in traffic in your sexy Giulia watching a Bolt zip by you and you're gonna be saying to yourself, #$@&%*!
Sometimes, you just gotta let gubt win. It's not worth it.
Hold up. Save an hour each day? How long is your commute??? :confused:
Quote from: Rockraven on June 02, 2018, 11:26:11 AM
Hold up. Save an hour each day? How long is your commute??? :confused:
Ha... welcome to Kalifornia traffic. :lol:
Quote from: veeman on June 02, 2018, 11:22:31 AM
:hesaid: Honestly I'm not sure why you would even consider a car that you can't use in the carpool or whatever they call it lanes.
Every day you're going to be sitting in traffic in your sexy Giulia watching a Bolt zip by you and you're gonna be saying to yourself, #$@&%*!
Sometimes, you just gotta let gubt win. It's not worth it.
But the POS Giula is "more fun"!
Really? More fun than what you'd be doing with that hour of found time? People saying that must not be even trying.
Don't you have a fucking ELISE?
Bolt seems cool
Quote from: Rockraven on June 02, 2018, 11:26:11 AM
Hold up. Save an hour each day? How long is your commute??? :confused:
32 miles each way, so I'm saving about 30 mins each way. Although the savings may be reduced because a portion of the commute is on a toll road which saves majority of the time and LA county is looking to not have HOV cars allowed for free. So I may end up saving a max of 20 mins if that happens.
Lol I ended up on one of those stupid to roads and forgot to pay online. We'll see what they send my parents in the mail (license plate is their KY address)
Quote from: 2o6 on June 02, 2018, 01:04:00 PM
Don't you have a fucking ELISE?
Not with me most of the time since I only have a 2 car garage.. and no time to drive it
The more I look at the pricing, with the discounts that's being offered on the Giula Quadrifoglio, I'm kinda leaning towards that..
Bolt
Quote from: veeman on June 02, 2018, 11:22:31 AM
:hesaid: Honestly I'm not sure why you would even consider a car that you can't use in the carpool or whatever they call it lanes.
Every day you're going to be sitting in traffic in your sexy Giulia watching a Bolt zip by you and you're gonna be saying to yourself, #$@&%*!
Sometimes, you just gotta let gubt win. It's not worth it.
No, boring car is death! All sacrifices to drive internet approved cars are worth it!!!
There are a lot of choices that will keep the HOV sticker. Q50 hybrid has the old VQ + 7 speed for example. Tons of new hybrids for sale that are decent to drive.
Quote from: 12,000 RPM on June 03, 2018, 05:36:54 AM
No, boring car is death! All sacrifices to drive internet approved cars are worth it!!!
There are a lot of choices that will keep the HOV sticker. Q50 hybrid has the old VQ + 7 speed for example. Tons of new hybrids for sale that are decent to drive.
Q50 hybrid doesn't qualify for the HOV in CA. Even the CT6 Plug in which is similar to the Volt doesn't qualify due to emissions. The list of cars that would qualify isn't really that big..
https://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/carpool/carpool.htm
If you go the Bolt route, make sure you try out the seats properly. They are not for everyone (rather shitty).
That being said, my wife enjoys it. it is zippy and effortless driving. The interior is nowhere near a Giulia, though.
Quote from: NomisR on June 02, 2018, 09:45:54 PM
Not with me most of the time since I only have a 2 car garage.. and no time to drive it
"No time" to enjoy your existing fun car and you are even entertaining voluntarily surrendering up to an hour of free time a day? For a POS Giulia? Insanity!
And if you're not using the Elise, sell it too.
It seems like California is yearly changing their requirements for what is allowed in the carpool lane. If you don't go fully electric, but still want to use the lane, I'd lease so you're not stuck with a hybrid type car whose value has plummeted.
Quote from: veeman on June 03, 2018, 10:22:46 AM
It seems like California is yearly changing their requirements for what is allowed in the carpool lane. If you don't go fully electric, but still want to use the lane, I'd lease so you're not stuck with a hybrid type car whose value has plummeted.
IIRC once you get a sticker, you keep it. Friend's '08 Civic Hybrid got a sticker, still good today.
30 mins is a fuckton of time.
I'd get the bolt. Not to mention, doesn't the Bolt have all sorts of incentives?
5 hours a week is worth driving a boring car, imo. Unless you really really really want the Alfa, and it sounds like you do, I would stick with the Bolt/Volt/whatever.
Quote from: Laconian on June 03, 2018, 10:44:19 AM
IIRC once you get a sticker, you keep it. Friend's '08 Civic Hybrid got a sticker, still good today.
Didn't he say though that the Volt (not Bolt) he already has soon won't qualify or will expire? I'm assuming he won't be able to renew it.
Sell everything and move closer to your jerb.
Quote from: mzziaz on June 03, 2018, 09:05:52 AM
If you go the Bolt route, make sure you try out the seats properly. They are not for everyone (rather shitty).
That being said, my wife enjoys it. it is zippy and effortless driving. The interior is nowhere near a Giulia, though.
Yeah I've tried it. It's "ok", I don't know how I would like them on a daily commute though. One of the reason why I'm looking at another car because I didn't like the Volt's seat that much.
Quote from: Lebowski on June 03, 2018, 10:08:45 AM
"No time" to enjoy your existing fun car and you are even entertaining voluntarily surrendering up to an hour of free time a day? For a POS Giulia? Insanity!
And if you're not using the Elise, sell it too.
Time mainly because of kids which means I don't have the ability to drive a 2 seater as much. With a 5 seater, it can be a family car which I would drive around more often on the weekends as well. That's the difference...
Unless you're routinely dropping kids off on your commute, I can't see the point of giving up HOV lane access. Especially when you have an actual fun car you can drive if you wanted to.
Quote from: Laconian on June 03, 2018, 10:44:19 AM
IIRC once you get a sticker, you keep it. Friend's '08 Civic Hybrid got a sticker, still good today.
Quote from: veeman on June 03, 2018, 11:16:49 AM
Didn't he say though that the Volt (not Bolt) he already has soon won't qualify or will expire? I'm assuming he won't be able to renew it.
Yeah my current Volt's sticker is expiring, if it wasn't for that, I would plan on keeping it. And yes I definitely plan on leasing because of the value and based on what I read about HOV stickers for California, they seem to encourage leasing because the current stickers that's being issued now which is red in color expires in 2022. The stickers I have right now on my car expires in 2019, both Jan. And pretty much anything purchased after 2020, the sticker will last 3 years and the stickers will be issued until 2025. So this seems like leasing is the best deal.
Quote from: Xer0 on June 03, 2018, 11:04:36 AM
5 hours a week is worth driving a boring car, imo. Unless you really really really want the Alfa, and it sounds like you do, I would stick with the Bolt/Volt/whatever.
It might not be 5 hours a week anymore because LA county metro is changing the rules of one of the toll roads I take, I don't know when it takes effect, but pretty much, instead of paying $0 to drive it with HOV stickers, I pay would pay a "discounted rate" which is still pretty expensive, so instead of possible $15 one way, you're looking at $12.75, for example. And during peak, I've seen the price go up to that much. It's not in effect yet but we'll see when it changes. If that's the case then I may just keep the Volt, or maybe get a Giulia because the stretch that I use the HOV is much shorter and not as beneficial.
$12.75 one way...! WAT
Quote from: Laconian on June 03, 2018, 09:22:26 PM
$12.75 one way...! WAT
Yup, so once they abandon the free toll road scheme, most of the time savings from having an electric car would be gone anyways.
How long is your commute? How many toll gates do you go through?
Quote from: Laconian on June 03, 2018, 10:50:33 PM
How long is your commute? How many toll gates do you go through?
Going to work it's about 1 hour to 1 hour 30 mins give or take depending on traffic. I might also request a schedule change so I can avoid some of that traffic as well.
Man I would def pursue the schedule change. I moved my work time 30 minutes earlier to get my daughter from day care and it makes a world of difference. Probably saves me an hour a day just getting in and out of my damn work parking lot
Then you can have your fun car and actually enjoy it
I feel like I'm taking crazy pills. Up to an hour saved a day? I'd drive a Prius, minivan, whatever if it meant an hour a day. That's a massive quality of life change.
Yup, Bolt for sure, if you legit think you can keep on top of the charging.
The only thing worse than a long commute is running out of "fuel" in the middle of it.
Quote from: NomisR on June 03, 2018, 01:20:49 AM
The more I look at the pricing, with the discounts that's being offered on the Giula Quadrifoglio, I'm kinda leaning towards that..
:rockon:
Let's just do it and be legends, man.
Quote from: Tave on June 04, 2018, 07:10:43 PM
:rockon:
Let's just do it and be legends, man.
That man was truly a prophet. Fyre Festival will be remembered.
Fuck, thanks for that reminder :lol:
Still working through the logic of buying a nicer car to sit in more traffic.
Merc C350e would be my choice off of the list... By an absolute mile
Quote from: r0tor on June 05, 2018, 10:30:38 AM
Merc C350e would be my choice off of the list... By an absolute mile
Did not see that. Yes, obvious choice.
BMW 330e looks pretty good as well. Personally I could care less about the plug in factor... but its nice to see some relatively affordable hybrids with style and balls. 30MPG combined and a low 14 second quarter mile sounds pretty damn good to me.
I feel like the 330e and 550e would lose HOV lane access in the very near future.
Quote from: 12,000 RPM on June 05, 2018, 07:59:48 PM
Did not see that. Yes, obvious choice.
BMW 330e looks pretty good as well. Personally I could care less about the plug in factor... but its nice to see some relatively affordable hybrids with style and balls. 30MPG combined and a low 14 second quarter mile sounds pretty damn good to me.
That pretty much exists without the hybrid already. You're setting the bar pretty low. 2015 GTI did it in 14.5 and got combined 28mpg. Sure, it's technically mid 14s, not low, but it's less than 10% off the combined mileage. I would hope that all the extra money, weight, complexity, and potential environmental impact of hybrid batteries could yield more than .2 seconds in the 1/4 and 2mpg.
http://www.motortrend.com/cars/volkswagen/gti/2015/2015-volkswagen-golf-gti-first-test/
Quote from: 2o6 on June 05, 2018, 08:21:47 PM
I feel like the 330e and 550e would lose HOV lane access in the very near future.
None of them has HOV access in California, the only one that does is the 530e. But since large part of my HOV access is via a toll road, and if I lose that, then an EV doesn't make as much difference anymore unless I'm looking to not pay anything on gas or maintenance.
What are the criteria for HOV-eligible cars?
Also, do I understand correctly that the sticker's non-renewable after the three years are up?
Quote from: NomisR on June 06, 2018, 05:15:42 AM
None of them has HOV access in California, the only one that does is the 530e. But since large part of my HOV access is via a toll road, and if I lose that, then an EV doesn't make as much difference anymore unless I'm looking to not pay anything on gas or maintenance.
530e maintenance is included 3 years IIRC.
Quote from: Morris Minor on June 06, 2018, 03:43:25 PM
What are the criteria for HOV-eligible cars?
Also, do I understand correctly that the sticker's non-renewable after the three years are up?
Something about zero emissions, which is why a lot of the hybrid vehicles don't qualify due to emissions. Non-renewable so it makes more sense to lease.
Quote from: MexicoCityM3 on June 06, 2018, 05:52:40 PM
530e maintenance is included 3 years IIRC.
Hmm, yeah, but still not as much fun. Got an extended test drive of a Guilia a few days ago... I definitely want one.. it feels better than a 3 series to drive.
Coming back to this one, I might end up leasing a Chevy Bolt instead, the long term reviews of the Guilia seems like a nightmare that I don't want to deal with with my commuter car. Since the carpool sticker will only last till 2022, I figure a lease would be easier since they're relatively cheap and I'll get another one with a sticker that will last another 3 years after this one expires. Might not be as fun, but i'm at least saving some money from not having to charge at home too.
Probably a wise choice. I hope you'll be happy with it. You might want to consider buying it outright. A decent amount of Bolts are getting imported here, so the residuals may stay pretty strong.
Quote from: NomisR on October 05, 2018, 08:56:36 AM
Coming back to this one, I might end up leasing a Chevy Bolt instead, the long term reviews of the Guilia seems like a nightmare that I don't want to deal with with my commuter car. Since the carpool sticker will only last till 2022, I figure a lease would be easier since they're relatively cheap and I'll get another one with a sticker that will last another 3 years after this one expires. Might not be as fun, but i'm at least saving some money from not having to charge at home too.
If the narrow seats agree with your butt, then you'll probably like it.
Quote from: NomisR on October 05, 2018, 08:56:36 AM
Coming back to this one, I might end up leasing a Chevy Bolt instead, the long term reviews of the Guilia seems like a nightmare that I don't want to deal with with my commuter car. Since the carpool sticker will only last till 2022, I figure a lease would be easier since they're relatively cheap and I'll get another one with a sticker that will last another 3 years after this one expires. Might not be as fun, but i'm at least saving some money from not having to charge at home too.
Makes sense for a commuter car. Do you have another car for fun?
Quote from: NomisR on October 05, 2018, 08:56:36 AM
Coming back to this one, I might end up leasing a Chevy Bolt instead, the long term reviews of the Guilia seems like a nightmare that I don't want to deal with with my commuter car. Since the carpool sticker will only last till 2022, I figure a lease would be easier since they're relatively cheap and I'll get another one with a sticker that will last another 3 years after this one expires. Might not be as fun, but i'm at least saving some money from not having to charge at home too.
How do leases compare with the i3? i3 leases AFAIK are hugely subsidized. If you don't need the Bolt's extra range, the i3 is a far nicer place to spend time in.
330e leases are pretty competitive too.
Quote from: 12,000 RPM on October 05, 2018, 07:11:36 PM
330e leases are pretty competitive too.
I don't think that car qualifies for HOV lane access.
Quote from: NomisR on October 05, 2018, 08:56:36 AM
Coming back to this one, I might end up leasing a Chevy Bolt instead, the long term reviews of the Guilia seems like a nightmare that I don't want to deal with with my commuter car. Since the carpool sticker will only last till 2022, I figure a lease would be easier since they're relatively cheap and I'll get another one with a sticker that will last another 3 years after this one expires. Might not be as fun, but i'm at least saving some money from not having to charge at home too.
As long as the Giulia is a 2018 you should be fine... Great deals can be made right now on them
Quote from: mzziaz on October 05, 2018, 10:22:52 AM
Probably a wise choice. I hope you'll be happy with it. You might want to consider buying it outright. A decent amount of Bolts are getting imported here, so the residuals may stay pretty strong.
I'm more doing it for the Carpool lane stickers, and considering how quickly this technology may advance especially for autonomous driving, it's better to just lease at this point.
Quote from: FoMoJo on October 05, 2018, 12:23:14 PM
Makes sense for a commuter car. Do you have another car for fun?
Yeah, a garage queen right now in the profile pic..
Quote from: MexicoCityM3 on October 05, 2018, 12:25:48 PM
How do leases compare with the i3? i3 leases AFAIK are hugely subsidized. If you don't need the Bolt's extra range, the i3 is a far nicer place to spend time in.
i think the deals for the i3 and the Bolts are comparable, but I prefer having the Bolt for the range, it's a slightly better drive too.
It drives better than the Beemer? Do tell... One of my coworkers is a big i3-booster and the "it drives like a BMW" line is his go-to line when describing why the i3 is worthwhile.
Quote from: Laconian on October 10, 2018, 04:29:45 PM
It drives better than the Beemer? Do tell... One of my coworkers is a big i3-booster and the "it drives like a BMW" line is his go-to line when describing why the i3 is worthwhile.
"My teacher tells us real beauty is on the inside."
"That's just something ugly people say."
Quote from: Laconian on October 10, 2018, 04:29:45 PM
It drives better than the Beemer? Do tell... One of my coworkers is a big i3-booster and the "it drives like a BMW" line is his go-to line when describing why the i3 is worthwhile.
bicycle tires kills it.. and real tires kills the range..
Alfa Alfa Alfa
He needs something that will get him to work
Alfa Alfa Alfa
Quote from: Laconian on October 10, 2018, 04:29:45 PM
It drives better than the Beemer? Do tell... One of my coworkers is a big i3-booster and the "it drives like a BMW" line is his go-to line when describing why the i3 is worthwhile.
I've driven both. Neither is a sports anything. Both are peppy around town. IMO the main point for the i3 is the much better interior. The looks are polarizing. I like it better than the Bolt but many hate it.
The Bolt's point is of course the range. At a comparable lease rate I'd definitely go for the i3, but if the extra range is needed the point is moot.
Finally: Alfa > i3 > Bolt IMO
Quote from: 12,000 RPM on October 11, 2018, 06:05:46 PM
He needs something that will get him to work
King of reliability scaremongering, again. FFS.
Quote from: MexicoCityM3 on October 11, 2018, 06:36:26 PM
King of reliability scaremongering, again. FFS.
You are right, there are no unreliable cars, because you drive each of your 12 cars 2000 miles a year :lol:
https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2018-bmw-i3s-with-range-extender-test-review
I think NomisR should buy a Ford Raptor. That is way cooler than a Bolt or i3 (IMHO of course).
He could drive right over the other cars then.
Quote from: MexicoCityM3 on October 11, 2018, 06:35:56 PM
I've driven both. Neither is a sports anything. Both are peppy around town. IMO the main point for the i3 is the much better interior. The looks are polarizing. I like it better than the Bolt but many hate it.
The Bolt's point is of course the range. At a comparable lease rate I'd definitely go for the i3, but if the extra range is needed the point is moot.
Finally: Alfa > i3 > Bolt IMO
Having a car with a suicide door previously, I don't really care for it because it makes things really difficult with kids. And the interior space of the Bolt is much roomier than the i3 as well which is a plus for me if I ever need to drive around with the kids. I would definitely prefer the Alfa but I'm so used to maintenance free driving with the Volt...
Quote from: SJ_GTI on October 12, 2018, 06:29:00 AM
I think NomisR should buy a Ford Raptor. That is way cooler than a Bolt or i3 (IMHO of course).
Might have problem fitting into my garage because I have a lot shit though..
Quote from: NomisR on October 12, 2018, 12:08:59 PM
Having a car with a suicide door previously, I don't really care for it because it makes things really difficult with kids. And the interior space of the Bolt is much roomier than the i3 as well which is a plus for me if I ever need to drive around with the kids. I would definitely prefer the Alfa but I'm so used to maintenance free driving with the Volt...
Alfa! Alfaaaaaaaaaa! :lockedup:
Bolt is a billions times better than the i3. Much as i called it long ago, the Bolt is the best EV you can buy today, and Car and Driver agrees: https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2019-chevrolet-bolt-ev-review
Quote from: r0tor on October 12, 2018, 01:08:30 PM
Alfa! Alfaaaaaaaaaa! :lockedup:
I'm getting the Bolt this weekend and wait for the next Wankel instead.
Do you still have the Elise?
Quote from: NomisR on October 16, 2018, 03:26:34 PM
I'm getting the Bolt this weekend and wait for the next Wankel instead.
Booooo
Quote from: MrH on October 16, 2018, 04:22:24 PM
Do you still have the Elise?
Yeah, don't drive it much now though, just no time
Quote from: NomisR on October 16, 2018, 05:05:29 PM
Yeah, don't drive it much now though, just no time
Mike will buy it.
HOV access is huge for your quality of life given your commute. Good choice.
Quote from: NomisR on October 16, 2018, 05:05:29 PM
Yeah, don't drive it much now though, just no time
S2000 for it straight up!
Quote from: NomisR on October 16, 2018, 05:05:29 PM
Yeah, don't drive it much now though, just no time
God is a funny woman
Quote from: 12,000 RPM on October 17, 2018, 07:42:31 AM
God is a funny woman
Seriously.. fun car you can't drive, i have to get a boring car to save time, or another fun car that's not as fun as the first one but more time on the road.... first world problems..
Quote from: NomisR on October 17, 2018, 12:12:56 PM
Seriously.. fun car you can't drive, i have to get a boring car to save time, or another fun car that's not as fun as the first one but more time on the road.... first world problems..
An S2000 would see the road more...
I picked up my Chevy Bolt. Great pickup, quiet and enjoyable to drive, it's pretty much what the hot hatches of back in the day were suppose to be, but only quicker off the line. The seat's definitely horrible, that's one good thing about the i3.
2019 model?
Congrats and pics.
I love that the car is so roomy, yet have such a small footprint.
Quote from: FoMoJo on October 20, 2018, 10:32:50 AM
2019 model?
2018 base model with Fast charger
Quote from: MexicoCityM3 on October 20, 2018, 10:37:26 AM
Congrats and pics.
Let me go through the car with some plastidip first.
Of the EVs, it seems like the best choice. Do you still get a government rebate?
Quote from: FoMoJo on October 20, 2018, 01:41:27 PM
Of the EVs, it seems like the best choice. Do you still get a government rebate?
$2500 state rebate and HOV sticker..
Sweet, congrats!