You folks keep on posting Prius and Tesla content...I'm plugging in something different

I have been considering replacing my 99 Volvo V70 for a while.  It has been a wonderful car, but like many approaching 180k miles we are faced with spending some money on it or simply replacing it.  

I have a daughter that will be driving soon, and as much as I love the car it's time to get something more efficient and with some newer technology.

I've been interested in electric cars the more I've learned about them but had no inclination to spend $40k+ to buy one.

I work in auto finance and suddenly one of my dealers took an e Golf on trade.  I started researching them and realized there was a lot to like for our uses.  We use this vehicle for local trips to sporting events, schools, and shopping.  Most of those are a 10 mile radius, with the furthest being around 60 miles round trip.

We installed solar on our home last year and thankfully overdesigned the system so it is producing more energy than we are using.  This means I can operate an EV nearly free.

Then a new federal tax rebate was announced on used EVs at least 2 years old that plug in.  It's 30% of the purchase price up to a ceiling of $4000.  In addition, out state will contribute up to $1000 towards a level 2 home charger and installation.  They have an approved list or models, but it appears I can get the job done for just over what they kick in.

So, here is the new ride.  A Certified Pre-owned 2017 VW e Golf.  It is a one owner, zero accidents, 73k mile car.  It's black on black, and for 2017 got more power and more range (estimated 125 miles per full charge).  It has brand new Michelin tires, new 12v battery, and they are installing new brakes before delivery.

I love that this is a German-built car.  The doors have a decent "thunk" when you close them and the batteries keep the center of gravity down low so the handling is impressive for what it is.

I'm beyond excited about it and we pick it up this coming week.  I'm interested to start on this new electric journey!

Something different...you mean like this?  Please keep the e-Golf content coming!

The only concern I would have is how much battery degradation does it have. Some Golf E models have had serious range loss with age. Others have faired very well with less than 10% loss at that age. Not sure if you can take the car for a day or two so you can fully charge then drive to make sure your not buying someone elses headache. 

In reply to 2023BD :

You make a great point and I am aware.  The first gen cars had an issue which was a nightmare combined with their 84 mile range which rendered them darned near useless.

This model has the newer 35 kWh battery and is covered by an 8 year 100k warranty.  The car wasn't retailed until 7/2018 so I have over 3 years of warranty on the battery alone.

I had the dealer fully charge the car before I went to drive it yesterday.  I left the store showing 136 miles of range on a full charge, and after an extensive test drive it still had most of that range left.

I'm convinced it is in good nick for its age.  I appreciate your feedback though, it was definitely a concern.

In reply to John Welsh :

Somehow I completely missed this!  Thank you!

Love it - can't wait to hear your thoughts after you live with it a bit

Nicely job optimizing your auto ownership. 

May I inquire how much you paid for this fine EV?

In reply to clutchsmoke :

I'm an open book about things like this.  I have a professional relationship with the dealership and they literally had just acquired the car.  It's an SE model which is effectively the base level for the car, but it's pretty nicely equipped with the 8" radio,  XM radio, Apple Carplay and Android Auto, heated seats, heated windshield, etc.

I'll be under $18k for the car prior to taxes and fees.  And it's CPO, which means I have 2 years or 24k miles of essentially what replicates the "bumper to bumper" original VW warranty from the date and miles I pick it up.  Oh and VW has 1.99% x 36 mos on CPO.  Plus the aforementioned $4k I will get back on my 2023 tax return next year.

Considering the CPO warranty plus over 3 years of warranty left on the battery pack (its guaranteed not to drop below 70% of original capacity), I feel comforted I'm not inheriting a nightmare.  The condition also supports the story too.  It has minor marks on the body with one ding I've found.  The interior is nearly perfect, with zero stains or odd smells.  I tried all features and all see to work as intended.  All the books are there and it has both original keys.

When I looked at the whole value proposition it was hard to argue against it.  I'm excited about it and hope my ownership experience is what I expect it to be.  Over the past week I have consumed all of the media on these cars that I could find and hope I'm making the informed choice that I believe I am.  

Congrats on the new to you e-Golf! As you can read in the link to my build thread that John provided, I really love mine, even though it's only a 2016 with the smaller capacity battery. It should be really great for your uses, especially since you can charge it with your home solar panels. They drive like a normal Golf, except that they just happen to be prepared by electricity instead of internal combustion.

- Sean

In reply to ShawneeCreek :

I read your thread end to end this morning and really enjoyed the Rivian content too!