Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

rayainsw · December 2016

'DC Fast Charging Capability Price : $750

This available option allows you to charge your Bolt EV away from home
Charges the battery to 160 EV miles in 60 minutes, or roughly 90 miles in just a half hour'

from the gm \ bolt build and price web site

http://www.chevrolet.com/bolt-ev-electric-vehicle/build-your-own.html#/exterior/option/CBT

suydam · December 2016

There are public fast chargers all over the place in California.

Michaell · December 2016

suydam said:
There are public fast chargers all over the place in California.

Are they universal? Have all the EV manufacturers standardized on a plug type?

suydam · December 2016

Of course not! The Volt can't use them, for one thing. However they are fairly standard now for all electric vehicles not named Tesla. It's very confusing to figure out at the moment. But we are quite new to this world.

stever · December 2016

Did you get the spare with your Volt @suydam? I hear that a Cruze rim fits the Volt and that some owners are buying one of those for a spare. Not sure how they secure them in the back.

suydam · December 2016

No, we didn't. That's what AAA is for.

jpp75 · December 2016

stickguy said:
The Buick does look like a V90. I can't believe they actually bring it here though.

Agreed on both counts. But I like it.

Mr_Shiftright · December 2016

There are public chargers but there are also a lot of EVs in California----so competition is keen for them (sometimes) and you have to observe "charging etiquette"---which means "pure" EVs with short range go first, then the Tesla big boys, and plug-in hybrids go to the end of the line.

What's a realistic OTD price for a Bolt anyway?

tjc78 · December 2016

"charging etiquette" Oh my..... In NJ it would be first come, first serve

graphicguy · December 2016

tjc78 said:
"charging etiquette" Oh my..... In NJ it would be first come, first serve

Agree....just like at a fuel station. Pull into an empty pump. If they're all occupied, pull behind the line and wait your turn.

In the EV scenario and relating it to regual fuel stations, Smart Cars go first, compacts next, midsize after that, then finally large cars, pickups and SUVs last.

Mr_Shiftright · December 2016

No the other way round---the neediest vehicles go first.

Michaell · December 2016

Mr_Shiftright said:
No the other way round---the neediest vehicles go first.

While gas station etiquette can be a bit anarchist, it's still better than trying to find the 'right' type of recharging station for your EV - assuming that any are available at your destination. Then, figuring out if you have to wait or not.

nyccarguy · December 2016

@Michaell - happy birthday!

Michaell · December 2016

nyccarguy said:
@Michaell - happy birthday!

Thanks! Another year older ... not so sure about wiser.

Mr_Shiftright · December 2016

It is permissable, however, to unplug someone else's EV if it's fully charged---kinda like what you can do at the laundromat.

tifighter · December 2016

Mr_Shiftright said:
There are public chargers but there are also a lot of EVs in California----so competition is keen for them (sometimes) and you have to observe "charging etiquette"---which means "pure" EVs with short range go first, then the Tesla big boys, and plug-in hybrids go to the end of the line.

What's a realistic OTD price for a Bolt anyway?

Honestly, it's not that big of a deal. Speaking to fast charging, Tesla's mainly use their own superchargers and most PHEV's don't have L3 fast charging anyhow. From there, etiquette is pretty clear: only charge up to 80% if someone is waiting. After 80%, the charge slows down to 240v/L2 speed, and most fast chargers have a L2 next to it. So after 80%, move over the the 'slower' charger and let the next person begin.

Most of this never matters anyhow, since you just charge at home overnight. It is full every morning.

sda · December 2016

Michaell said:

nyccarguy said:
@Michaell - happy birthday!
Thanks! Another year older ... not so sure about wiser.

Absolutely, Happy Birthday! Enjoy!

28firefighter · December 2016

Congratulations to all those who have punched in the last week or so! Some nice looking rides floating around these parts.

Also, Happy Birthday @Michaell !

rayainsw · December 2016

'ETIQUETTE

Some of the most challenging situations come from competition for public charging stations.

First, there's the problem of "ICE-ing," in which a car with an Internal Combustion Engine parks at a charging site, blocking access for plug-in drivers--whether inadvertently or maliciously.

Your best bet there is to see if there's a local security guard or a way to page the driver. Failing that, leave a factual but courteous note pointing out that their action prevented you from recharging--which was the sole purpose of the spot they parked in.

Electric vehicle parking by Flickr user aaron_anderer, used under Creative Commons license

Electric vehicle parking by Flickr user aaron_anderer, used under Creative Commons license

Admittedly, some charging spots are not well marked, while others are located close to buildings and hence in the most desirable spots, increasing the chance of selfish behavior.

Assuming you find a public charging site, how should you behave?

First, make sure that you don't occupy the space longer than it takes your car to recharge.

RELATED: Etiquette Tips For Electric-Car Charging: New Video Explains It All

Charging spots are not there to provide free parking for electric-car drivers, just as no gasoline or diesel driver would expect to be able to park at a gas pump for hours.

Second, if you can't get back to your car to unplug and move it immediately once it's done recharging, you may choose to leave a note for other plug-in drivers. Usually it will say something like, "If the green light on my dash is flashing, you may unplug the charging cable."

Electric Vehicle Only parking sign, Philadelphia public garage [photo: Jim Burness]

Electric Vehicle Only parking sign, Philadelphia public garage [photo: Jim Burness]

Some electric cars now have interlocks that require the key fob to unlock the cable, however. Make sure you know whether your car does.

Third, be aware that if you've still got 30 to 50 miles on your car--and you're planning to drive less than that--you may want to wait until you get home. Even if the charging is free.

Someone may well be on their last miles, and need the recharge a lot more than you do.

Finally, there are other disputes that we're going to steer clear of.

Be aware, for instance, that some drivers of all-electric cars believe that plug-in hybrid drivers should always defer to their needs, because the plug-in hybrid can use its engine to get home--but the battery-powered car can't.

The goal is for all of us just to get along.

And you're likely to find electric-car drivers to be enormously informative, willing to talk about their cars and why they like them, perhaps even offer you a drive.

That's how some electric cars get sold to first-timers: They drive the car, decide they like the experience, learn about the much cheaper cost-per-mile of electricity versus gasoline, and the seed is planted.

Meanwhile, educate yourself, be courteous to others, and go forth to drive electric!'

http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1098401_electric-car-charging-the-basics-you-need-to-know/page-3

stickguy · December 2016

Yes Michael, happy birthday.

brian125 · December 2016

Stickguy

I found a beautiful Truck for you to knock around in NJ.

http://www.msn.com/en-us/autos/enthusiasts/1961-gmc-suburban-combines-the-best-of-both-worlds/ar-AAlgpDg?li=BBnb7Kz&ocid=UE07DHP#image=AAlgzv7|12

suydam · December 2016

Most of the charging stations around here are free most of the time. I assume because many people charge at home.

stickguy · December 2016

That was expensive

breld · December 2016

Happy birthday @Michaell!

ab348 · December 2016

suydam said:
Most of the charging stations around here are free most of the time. I assume because many people charge at home.

Around here it is because there are almost no electric cars needing to be charged.

But that never stopped our politicians from spending money on things that are not needed. Like, this, a municipally-owned arena and fitness center in a rural part of the province that has 14 electric charging stations that go largely unused. Probably either got federal money to install them or needed them for a LEED certification. My tax dollars at work (not):

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/non-electric-car-drivers-bridgewater-charging-station-1.3319115

PS: Happy B'day, @Michaell !

tjc78 · December 2016

@Michaell happy birthday! Enjoy.

Michaell · December 2016

sda said:

Michaell said:

nyccarguy said:
@Michaell - happy birthday!
Thanks! Another year older ... not so sure about wiser.
Absolutely, Happy Birthday! Enjoy!

Thanks!

Michaell · December 2016

28firefighter said:
Congratulations to all those who have punched in the last week or so! Some nice looking rides floating around these parts.

Also, Happy Birthday @Michaell !

Thank you!

Michaell · December 2016

stickguy said:
Yes Michael, happy birthday.

Thanks!

Michaell · December 2016

breld said:
Happy birthday @Michaell!

Thank you!

Michaell · December 2016

ab348 said:

suydam said:
Most of the charging stations around here are free most of the time. I assume because many people charge at home.
Around here it is because there are almost no electric cars needing to be charged.

But that never stopped our politicians from spending money on things that are not needed. Like, this, a municipally-owned arena and fitness center in a rural part of the province that has 14 electric charging stations that go largely unused. Probably either got federal money to install them or needed them for a LEED certification. My tax dollars at work (not):

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/non-electric-car-drivers-bridgewater-charging-station-1.3319115

PS: Happy B'day, @Michaell !

Thank you!

Michaell · December 2016

tjc78 said:
@Michaell happy birthday! Enjoy.

Thanks!

roadburner · December 2016

tjc78 said:
@Michaell happy birthday! Enjoy.

Ditto!!!

Michaell · December 2016

roadburner said:

tjc78 said:
@Michaell happy birthday! Enjoy.
Ditto!!!

Thanks.

Just feeling like any other Thursday, to be honest. Wife and daughter work late teaching tonight. Lunch plans for Saturday with the family at a Brazilian steakhouse in downtown Denver.

suydam · December 2016

Happy Bday and thanks for lease info!

andres3 · December 2016

stickguy said:
been getting a steady stream of questions from my son today about his impending purchase (scheduled for 11 Saturday). Just a little antsy, since while this is his 2nd car, it is the first one he is doing on his own (without me involved or being there for the paperwork). Also his first buy (not lease) FWIW.

Today he went through revisiting insurance. Was amazed by the different quotes. Seems he is giving his business to Flo. They were a full $100 per MONTH cheaper than Liberty. He is currently with Geico, and for same coverage, his rate is actually going to be less than he was paying Geico for the Jetta.

Also had a chat about add ons. Passing on the fancy wax and clear bra, but will explore that locally to him (he is buying about 2 hours away). He will discuss wheel and tire protection, since he is getting the skinny little rubber band tires.

Skip the wheel and tire protection. If something goes bust, that's a good reason to upgrade to OZ wheels and new rubber

I busted a sidewall at the Buttonwillow track a couple weeks ago with those OEM 20" wheels, The 255/30/R20 tires just didn't have enough sidewall to absorb a 2-1/2" cliff/lip in the rumble strip asphalt (soil worn away creating a cliff or lip if you will). The pressure point pinched the sidewall and I had a small tear right by the wheel/rim edge where the tire bead is. Tire went flat pretty quick.

Another club member was nice enough to loan me his Neuspeed 18x8 wheels with Michelin Super Sports (245/40R18) that were sitting in case it rained, and his TT was out of commission anyway (old one with mod issues). So my weekend didn't get wasted

Super cool of him!

Lastly, drove 300 miles home on a donut spare tire. Thank goodness Audi offers that, or I'd of been camped out until Monday morning. I had the spare put on the rear, even though it was the front right tire that took the big hit originally. Drove the speed limit and under as it was a nice cool and sometimes rainy day home so I felt there was no way I'd overheat the little Frisbee-like spare tire. I got passed by just about everybody going 67 or 68 in a 70, but when the rain came down in 65 zones, I was one of the fastest cars on the road going 65.'

Tire guy at the track said a 19" wheel with a 255/35R19 probably would have survived the same hit the 20 tire didn't survive.

Good thing I had an early Christmas present on order already for 4 new Italian Racing wheels in light gray. They arrived a couple days after I got home (drove the Kia in the meantime). It is nice having 2 vehicles at use!

Merry Early Christmas to me! I love my new super light weight forged 19 x 9" OZ wheels, and I love Michelin's 255/35R19 Pilot Sport Cup 2's! Great tires, this is the way Audi should OEM them!

andres3 · December 2016

breld said:
On another note, I spent half the day earlier this week driving the wife's MINI around, as I was getting snow tires put on it (with all the large, low-profile tires we're used to, very refreshing to pay $70/tire these days for 175/65/15 non run-flat tires!).

As bad a rap as MINIs seem to get around here, I have to admit, her car is pretty darn fun to drive! And that's for a base model with, what, a whopping 121 hp! The stickshift definitely contributes to that fun in this model. It's also surprisingly roomy for the driver, and remember, I'm 6' 3". Obviously there's no room remaining for backseat passengers, but still.

Similarly, I had a loaner Countryman S All4 a few months back as a loaner and found that to be very enjoyable as well.

And both those are the previous gen of MINIs - the current ones (including the upcoming Countryman which I'm really liking) seem to have more BMW DNA in them.

I just put my winter set of tires on the Audi TTS. 255/35/R19 Michelin Sport Cup 2's all the way around on all 4 corners.

The things you can get away with in San Diego where 50 degrees is considered "freezing" by most that live here.

andres3 · December 2016

tjc78 said:
@stickguy I'm still stunned that Liberty was $1000 less a year than Geico. What I like about Liberty is they are one year policy so only one chance a year to hike your rates. Geico was six months.

I'm starting to think all Insurance companies are starting to collude on pricing. You be the low price leader in this State, we'll be the lower one in that State, so that in no State are we competitive.......

Michaell · December 2016

suydam said:
Happy Bday and thanks for lease info!

Thanks!

qbrozen · December 2016

Had to order up 6 tires myself. 4 new for the Rover because the wife is complaining about them although they have plenty of tread and worked just fine last winter. And 2 used for the EX35. Reason being I still have a set of 17" wheels from way back when I had my G35x. Of course, those tires are too small for the CUV; HOWEVER, I have 2 leftover Dunlops from the old T&C that have 70% tread. I found 2 more on ebay with 75%-80% for $100 delivered.

stickguy · December 2016

I have a feeling I am going to be debating switching tires on the Acura earlier than I want to. Choosing traction in the wet/slick vs. using up the tread!

nyccarguy · December 2016

Legacy tires are starting to get noisy. I'm sure there is no shot that's covered under the Tire/Wheel insurance part of my Subaru 5 year/100K mile gold warranty:(

stickguy · December 2016

my son texted earlier that he was all excited. supposed to snow overnight Sunday into Monday where he is, so he might get to try out the quattro sooner than expected.

plus new tires. The crappy OEM Bridgestones on his Jetta are real slippery at this point (and even new, where not very good in the wet stuff).

stickguy · December 2016

nyccarguy said:
Legacy tires are starting to get noisy. I'm sure there is no shot that's covered under the Tire/Wheel insurance part of my Subaru 5 year/100K mile gold warranty:(

My wife thinks I am nuts, but even though I hope to get at least another 2 years out of the tires on her car, I already browsed around online and picked out what I would get!

http://us.coopertire.com/Customer-Care/Tire-Selector.aspx?searchType=vehicle&year=2013&make=Acura Trucks&model=RDX &option= Base&tab=0

nyccarguy · December 2016

Taking a look (nothing wrong with a little online browsing) at a few CPO cars since I saw that out of warranty 335i 6MT ///M Sport last week at my local Ford dealer. Cars aren't as expensive as I thought, but still out of my price range:

Here's a 2015 328xd ///M Sport with 35K miles for $34.5K

http://cpo.bmwusa.com/certified/BMW/2015-BMW-328d+xDrive+Sedan-9d6745510a0e0a6b0cf40ddb13d5f3be.htm?geoZip=06902

2014 335xi ///M Sport with 29K miles for $35.3K

http://cpo.bmwusa.com/certified/BMW/2014-BMW-335i+xDrive+Sedan-290121620a0e0a175e1e14e3c9604fa8.htm?geoZip=06902

2014 335xi ///M Sport with 29K miles for $36.5K

http://cpo.bmwusa.com/certified/BMW/2014-BMW-335i+xDrive+Sedan-e81071b20a0e0a175837ce585edbe0a3.htm?geoZip=06902

A BMW search would not be be complete without an Estoril Blue car. Here's a 2014 335xi ///M Sport with 22K miles for $36.9K

http://cpo.bmwusa.com/certified/BMW/2014-BMW-335i+xDrive+Sedan-73fc2cf50a0e0adf4ae7cb91b58d9575.htm?geoZip=06902

stickguy · December 2016

after trying a couple, I am now a huge fan of the 2.0T motors. great combo of lots of power, flexibility, good economy, and even sound good. Especially on one of the lighter cars, would not really even consider paying a lot more for the less reliable 6.

roadburner · December 2016

I really like the brushed aluminum interior trim with the Estoril Blue accent.

roadburner · December 2016

I clocked in a Tanzanite Blue 340i M Sport today; saddle interior, three pedals, and every option. I almost asked the NCM what a 3 year lease would cost but I found out it was already sold...

nyccarguy · December 2016

On the other end of the German iron spectrum, here's a 2013 MB E350 Sport 4Matic with only 19K miles with a $32K asking price:

https://www.mbusa.com/mercedes/cpo/inventory/zip-06902/bodystyle-SDN/class-E/model-E350W4/vin-WDDHF8JBXDA712344

2014 E350 4Matic Sport with 20K miles for $33K

https://www.mbusa.com/mercedes/cpo/inventory/zip-06902/bodystyle-SDN/class-E/model-E350W4/vin-WDDHF8JB1EB020663

stickguy · December 2016

Hmm.. I really need to stop looking. I really like this one. Too much money, but I love the colors.. Gorgeous. Plus, the must have sports seats! Miles are low, I could live with this, but seems more like what you would pay for a brand new one. Though I do appreciate it only has the 17" wheels, and some actual sidewall on the tires.

http://www.bmwofturnersville.com/detail-2016-bmw-3_series-328i_xdrive-used-14300883.html

Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

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