Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

stickguy

I could not live with 150 miles. Though not clear. At that point, can you fill the mini gas tank and go a little more (a glorified limp mode?)

I think I would much prefer a Volt as a better compromise between electric and normal. Probably a great candidate, since do so many local trips.

Michaell

stickguy said:

I could not live with 150 miles. Though not clear. At that point, can you fill the mini gas tank and go a little more (a glorified limp mode?)

I think I would much prefer a Volt as a better compromise between electric and normal. Probably a great candidate, since do so many local trips.

As it was explained to me, you can go about 80 miles alone on the battery capacity, and another 60 or so using the gas in the tank.

stickguy

But after the 60, can you put another couple gallons in, and nurse along another 60?

carnaught

Plus the Volt is much better looking, and prevents range anxiety.

Michaell

stickguy said:

But after the 60, can you put another couple gallons in, and nurse along another 60?

Yes, that is my understanding.

But, from the post from @breld, there is a speed limiter in place when using the range extender.

Michaell

carnaught said:

Plus the Volt is much better looking, and prevents range anxiety.

The Volt (and the Bolt, for that matter) is more traditional looking, to be sure.

The Bolt does 200-250 miles on a charge, IIRC.

kyfdx

I think the software limiting fuel usage was to make it compliant/qualified for full electric rebates.

When, they expanded the battery capacity on the newer one, they could add fuel capacity/usage, as well.

stickguy

A Volt or Prius would work much better for me. Much of my driving is short hop enough to run full electric, but I need to be able to do longer highway runs too. And I don’t handle range anxiety well!

Michaell

stickguy said:

A Volt or Prius would work much better for me. Much of my driving is short hop enough to run full electric, but I need to be able to do longer highway runs too. And I don’t handle range anxiety well!

I think that probably describes a majority of folks, if you ask them about electric vehicles.

I'll tell you, the torque on them (assume the Bolt is the same) is pretty addicting. Much better than the 4-cyl turbos we both drive currently.

Speaking of range anxiety, when I left the house to drive to @breld's for the game, my distance to empty was showing 290 miles. When I arrived, it was at 330 miles - and that was after a 33 mile drive.

corvette

qbrozen said:

corvette said:

breld, apparently you can do a software hack on the i3 to expand the usable capacity of the fuel tank to 2.4 gallons (from 1.9), and also to enable the "hold battery charge" mode. Both of which are available on the European version but not here. Sounds like something I'd be interested in.

I'd be interested in learning how software prevents the car from utilizing all the fuel in the tank.

It’s a very innovative “feature.” In the US-spec cars, fuel delivery is stopped once 1.9 gallons have been burned since the last full-up. Deliberately crippling the product to meet some sort of North American green car standard. 

qbrozen

corvette said:

qbrozen said:

corvette said:

breld, apparently you can do a software hack on the i3 to expand the usable capacity of the fuel tank to 2.4 gallons (from 1.9), and also to enable the "hold battery charge" mode. Both of which are available on the European version but not here. Sounds like something I'd be interested in.

I'd be interested in learning how software prevents the car from utilizing all the fuel in the tank.

It’s a very innovative “feature.” In the US-spec cars, fuel delivery is stopped once 1.9 gallons have been burned since the last full-up. Deliberately crippling the product to meet some sort of North American green car standard. 

Does it utilize a level sensor (fuel gauge) or is it really measuring "since last fillup"? And if the latter, what tells it you filled up? Can you just, for example, loosen and tighten the gas cap?

roadburner

corvette said:

qbrozen said:

corvette said:

breld, apparently you can do a software hack on the i3 to expand the usable capacity of the fuel tank to 2.4 gallons (from 1.9), and also to enable the "hold battery charge" mode. Both of which are available on the European version but not here. Sounds like something I'd be interested in.

I'd be interested in learning how software prevents the car from utilizing all the fuel in the tank.

It’s a very innovative “feature.” In the US-spec cars, fuel delivery is stopped once 1.9 gallons have been burned since the last full-up. Deliberately crippling the product to meet some sort of North American green car standard. 

It's done so that it can be sold in Kalifornia as an BEV and not a PHEV. As I've noted before, for the way we use the i3 the range and charging time isn't an issue. What I especially like is using it for short trips around our town- it takes miles and multiple cold start off our other cars.

suydam

I’m not sure I get the point. On the Volt Hold Mode is used to switch to gas consumption — for example on a long freeway stretch — in order to save the electric range for a stretch of driving where it’s more efficient, like once you get off the freeway and are driving around town. That way you get the most miles per charge on a trip. I don’t use it in daily driving because I’m rarely going more than 20 miles, or half the charge range.

Mr_Shiftright

Michaell said:

carnaught said:

Plus the Volt is much better looking, and prevents range anxiety.

The Volt (and the Bolt, for that matter) is more traditional looking, to be sure.

The Bolt does 200-250 miles on a charge, IIRC.

Look at this screen capture from a Bolt. Owner *swears* no hypermiling--just mix of city and highway, normal driving:



Take THAT, Tesla!

Michaell

Mr_Shiftright said:

Michaell said:

carnaught said:

Plus the Volt is much better looking, and prevents range anxiety.

The Volt (and the Bolt, for that matter) is more traditional looking, to be sure.

The Bolt does 200-250 miles on a charge, IIRC.

Look at this screen capture from a Bolt. Owner *swears* no hypermiling--just mix of city and highway, normal driving:



Take THAT, Tesla!

Even better - but, you can't renew that 300 miles in 5 minutes like you can with an ICE.

andres3

Someone needs to test the "range" at 90 or 100 MPH. NV is very close to CA.

suydam

The higher the speed, the lower the range. Just like gas. No mystery there.

Michaell

andres3 said:

Someone needs to test the "range" at 90 or 100 MPH. NV is very close to CA.

Sure, if you start in Barstow.

Mr_Shiftright

suydam said:

The higher the speed, the lower the range. Just like gas. No mystery there.

And with an EV, the faster you go, the slower you go.

There's a point with electric cars where excessive speed and excessive range are a complete misapplication of the technology. Speed drains power at an alarming rate (which is why a Tesla roadster will never beat a Ferrari in any kind of sustained high speed driving), and increased range increases weight and costs a lot more $$$.

Why build an EV that goes further than 99% of drivers are likely to go in a day? And why make them capable of going faster than 90 mph?

corvette

qbrozen said:

corvette said:

qbrozen said:

corvette said:

breld, apparently you can do a software hack on the i3 to expand the usable capacity of the fuel tank to 2.4 gallons (from 1.9), and also to enable the "hold battery charge" mode. Both of which are available on the European version but not here. Sounds like something I'd be interested in.

I'd be interested in learning how software prevents the car from utilizing all the fuel in the tank.

It’s a very innovative “feature.” In the US-spec cars, fuel delivery is stopped once 1.9 gallons have been burned since the last full-up. Deliberately crippling the product to meet some sort of North American green car standard. 

Does it utilize a level sensor (fuel gauge) or is it really measuring "since last fillup"? And if the latter, what tells it you filled up? Can you just, for example, loosen and tighten the gas cap?

I’m assuming it “resets” the 1.9 gallon limit when the car senses the fuel level has increased. If so, you could run the tank bone dry if you had an incomplete fillup. 

Mr_Shiftright

I wonder if anyone has successfully added a small auxiliary tank somewhere under the car?

Sandman6472

Since I go 60 miles round trip when I go work, I'd need a EV with a range of at least 90 since sometimes I do stop on the way home to do an errand. When off, most of my travel is within 20 miles, give or take. Think I'd be a good candidate for the I3 like a couple of you got. Like the idea that it can charge to 100% overnight in the garage. But, will the a/c have an effect on the range? South Florida is like summer for about 9 months of the year and the a/c is running full time when we're in the vehicle.

The Sandman

Sandman6472

Got to drive a new 2018 GMC Canyon on Friday and was quite impressed with it. Sure, it was large but not as big as the Silverado that I sometimes have to drive. I hate them because they are just too big. But the Canyon wasn't that bad at all, not saying I'd want one as my d d but, wouldn't mind driving one. Took a few seconds to get used to the accelerator and brake modulation but after that. smooth sailing from Miami to Lauderdale. It was red over black which on this vehicle looked pretty good to be honest.

The Sandman

(P.S. No word on the Enterprise gig but don't really care either way to be honest. Left early today for a doctor appointment so will make up the couple hours Wednesday afternoon. As long as I can get at least 30/week, I'm good!)

suydam

Either the Bolt or new Nissan Leaf would work for you then. I really like the looks of the new Leaf. And of course the Volt has an 8 gal. gas tank in addition to its 50 mi. Charge capacity. And yes, a/c draw will lower range depending on how high you set it.

andres3

Mr_Shiftright said:

suydam said:

The higher the speed, the lower the range. Just like gas. No mystery there.

And with an EV, the faster you go, the slower you go.

There's a point with electric cars where excessive speed and excessive range are a complete misapplication of the technology. Speed drains power at an alarming rate (which is why a Tesla roadster will never beat a Ferrari in any kind of sustained high speed driving), and increased range increases weight and costs a lot more $$$.

Why build an EV that goes further than 99% of drivers are likely to go in a day? And why make them capable of going faster than 90 mph?

Well, if your range is good for 99% of drivers you probably won't miss the 1% of the market that doesn't buy your product for that reason.

As to going faster than 90 MPH, you might one day find yourself on the Autobahn, and TX has 85 MPH speed limits, so if you stick to that segment of the population that thinks you should "always drive 10 over," you'll have to go 95 MPH (or 90 in Utah would be 10 over).

If you want to track you car you'll want to go over 90. If you do a quarter mile drag race you'll want to exceed 90 MPH or you'll never win.

I've seen decent MPG's when travelling at high speeds, the drop-off isn't that dramatic with gasoline (or diesel, at least if you have a high top gear). Is the electric drop-off in efficiency equal, worse, or better?

Of course I'm talking high speeds for the US, not 155 MPH like people do on the Autobahn.

jpp75

I picked up the TDI Touareg last Thursday afternoon. Due to a stomach bug I didn't get to drive it much this weekend but had recovered enough to join @breld and @Michaell and company for the first half of the game.

So far I'm really pleased with it, the colors are a nice change from the Canyon Gray and Black on the previous Touareg and the torque with the diesel is definitely the right powertrain for this vehicle.

tbirdmarco

 Where’d to hear you’re feeling better enough to go enjoy them for the Super Bowl party on Sunday for half of the game I’m glad you finally got your new car can see the colors in the picture I’m sure it looks lovely in person 

tbirdmarco

Sandy good right up on the canyon pick up truck whether you get the new job or keep the one you have now in my opinion you have an awesome job

28firefighter

Congrats, @jpp5862 - that is a gorgeous color.

tbirdmarco

 Pending possible punch for my mom on a 2018 GMC terrain did which already over the phone speaking with them and I’m text message or the other dealers Amy the bologna that I had to comment that they couldn’t do anything over the phone and text it to legal reasons which is a bunch of baloney will keep you guys updated she got the lease payment she wanted close to it with only putting down the first months payment and the DMV fees think it’s gray the one she’s gonna get 

roadburner

jpp5862 said:

I picked up the TDI Touareg last Thursday afternoon. Due to a stomach bug I didn't get to drive it much this weekend but had recovered enough to join @breld and @Michaell and company for the first half of the game.

So far I'm really pleased with it, the colors are a nice change from the Canyon Gray and Black on the previous Touareg and the torque with the diesel is definitely the right powertrain for this vehicle.

Nice!

tbirdmarco

 Has cloth interior and heated seats forget what other options it has it has quite a few it’s more based model 

Michaell

28firefighter said:

Congrats, @jpp5862 - that is a gorgeous color.

Pictures don't do it justice ....

nyccarguy

Looks fantastic @jpp5862

breld

@sandman_6472 - as @suydam mentioned, sounds like something along the lines of the Bolt would suit your needs well.

For us, the i3 is a great way to "try out" an electric vehicle, along with the rest of the fleet. If I were to go with an EV as my primary car, I'd certainly want additional range.

Everything I've read about the Bolt is extremely positive - if I end up wanting something with more range, I'd definitely check one out. But given the prices on the used market for the i3's, it was a no brainer at this juncture.

tbirdmarco

 So working out final details mom’s gonna go with white silver or black that they have in stock so they’re gonna get it from a Nother dealer 

stickguy

sharp looking SUV there. I like it.

tifighter

I opened the BAT website for the first time in a few months.

I gotta stop doing that...

tbirdmarco

Nice  nice

graphicguy

@jpp5862 ....beautiful ride. Congrats!

nyccarguy

tifighter said:

I opened the BAT website for the first time in a few months.

I gotta stop doing that...

That's a BAD place to hang out

nyccarguy

This looks like Mrs. @breld's car, but in white. The price seems to be a bit on the proud side, but it is local if anybody wants me to take a look:

https://www.rileyvolvocarsstamford.com/used/Volvo/2016-Volvo-V60-stamford+ct-738248070a0e0adf2031c686c8300660.htm

nyccarguy

It will be interesting to see where this one bottoms out at:

https://www.audigreenwich.com/certified/Audi/2014-Audi-A4-Greenwich-CT-06830-207cbdcf0a0e0adf066f1de59aabd344.htm

2014, Red, 6-Speed Stick
One month of B to B warranty
2 years of CPO warranty
Low mileage
Lots of maintenance
They've got the "let's throw it to the wall & see what sticks" price since they just got it at the end of January.

au1994

@jpp5862 congratulations! That’s a great looking ride. Color really fits with the vehicle 

au1994

nyccarguy said:

This looks like Mrs. @breld's car, but in white. The price seems to be a bit on the proud side, but it is local if anybody wants me to take a look: https://www.rileyvolvocarsstamford.com/used/Volvo/2016-Volvo-V60-stamford+ct-738248070a0e0adf2031c686c8300660.htm

That just kicked my Volvo lust into overdrive. Wouldn’t be my 1st choice in color combo but man, that thing is awesome.

jpp75

Thanks everyone, I'm really happy with the Touareg upgrade.

@nyccarguy after a quick drive around a parking lot in Mrs. @breld's Polestar I was very impressed with the vehicle!

breld

nyccarguy said:

This looks like Mrs. @breld's car, but in white. The price seems to be a bit on the proud side, but it is local if anybody wants me to take a look:

https://www.rileyvolvocarsstamford.com/used/Volvo/2016-Volvo-V60-stamford+ct-738248070a0e0adf2031c686c8300660.htm

Yup - that's a virtual twin of my wife's car, but in white and a few less miles. We paid less than that by a few thousand.

She chose to drive the i3 this morning so I drove her Polestar in. Obviously the performance and driving manners are impressive, but I love those seats. And the adaptive cruise control makes a real difference in the rush hour commute - the system in my Durango is fine for interstate driving...it will stop the car as needed but it won't start up again (it's more for emergency braking). But the Volvo's system is basically autonomous and works well in stop and go traffic. Reinforces my thoughts of getting into an XC90 sometime.

stickguy

Like them both. But I would get a normal v60 instead and picket the roughly $20,000 difference.

The Audi is probably sweet.

breld

Couple local M235i's are catching my eye:

2016 M235i

2015 M235i 'vert manual

I've enjoyed our E46 convertibles in the past, but I'm a little hesitant to get into another soft-top, though the manual trannie doesn't hurt things. Having said that, I have fonder memories of the E46 'vert with the automatic than the ZHP manual one. Miatas excluded, I've found a convertible to be a fun "cruising" car where an automatic suits it better.

That 2016 just had a significant price reduction that brings it more in line with what I'd expect. It has pretty much every option other than the Drivers Assistance Plus, which is fine with me. If it had the red interior, I'd be a bit more enthusiastic, but as it stands I'll probably still go take a look at it this week or weekend.

nyccarguy

A few months ago, I posted here as well as in "Cars & Conversations" about my Father-In-Law's 2017 Outback. The good news is that he got the car back and it seems to have been fixed "good as new" or "good as previously undamaged 7-8 months old & 14K miles." He doesn't notice any strange rattles and is happy how they matched the color.

The bad news is that my In-Laws are POd (they have every right to be). According to the police report, the insurance company deemed the driver of the Outback 100% at fault. 2 people in the Civic they hit were taken to the hospital. They are not sure of the extent of the injuries or how much damage was caused by the other car. The dealer had the car fixed at their body shop, paid the cost for the parts and labor, but billed insurance for "the full boat." My Father-In-Law was given a loaner car (Crosstrek) when he brought the car in for service, but once they brought his car to their body shop, they started charging his insurance company $30/day for a rental car. As a result of this accident, USAA said they are going to raise my In Law's rates when their policy comes up for renewal (they will NOT tell them how much until the time comes). I hope to god that the people that were in the other car were NOT seriously hurt and they have sufficient coverage and DO NOT SUE my In-Laws (they happen to be wonderful people)

They've retained a lawyer who will try to sue the dealer for diminished value in small claims court.

Crazy though. The dealer forces you to sign a waiver when you bring your car in for service so they are not liable to any damages caused to or by YOUR car during a test drive. Then YOU are forced to provide proof of insurance in order to drive THEIR loaner car. If anything happens to THEIR loaner car in YOUR possession, it is YOUR responsibility. Seems like they are covered BOTH ways and the consumer loses out. Can a consumer walk into a dealer with a typed up "waiver" and force the dealer to sign it? The dealer can choose NOT to service your vehicle because of this, right?