Crazy Volt incentives makes me want to trade

You should be able to adjust your federal tax withholding rate for the remainder of the year and realize the $7500 credit over the next 8 months. Almost $1000/month should more than offset the monthly vehicle payments for the remainder of the year.

I suspect the CARB rebate should be retained from the PiPa as long as the PiPa stays in California. Did you already get the HOV stickers for it? That should help increase the trade in value.

 

Under the new bill (which was modified a bit since I last read it to clarify price is as paid (excluding taxes but also deducting any fed rebate) . It also includes leases (total lease cost, not car price).

As I read the rebate for a EV or Plug-in will be MIN(6000, Vehicle_cost*battery_in_kW/100)
So if net price is over 37,500 it will qualify for 6K (so maybe a fully tricked out Volt will get 6K, but a 41K list (some but not all options), and assuming one qualifies for full fed credit, a 2013 volt would be (41000-7500)*16.5/100 = 5527.
(Note this applies to both new and used and the bill also clarifies it applies to leases, and the money goes to the lesse)

An advanced PiP will qualify but for a lower amount:
33000*4.4/100 ~= 1452
And a minimal base PiP would be
28000*4.4/100 ~= 1220

Regular hybrids, including buying used hybrids..used to get big credits under the old rules, but the law that authorized those had the scheduled to be phased out for any credits by 2013, so they did not get added into the new bill. That Phase out was was part of the problem for the PiP and Volt as the Department head just said they are "hybrids" not alternative fuel vehicles, despite other parts of the old legislation that defined plug ins as alternative).

Plug-in Conversion of Prius still qualifies at the 75% of the conversion cost (minium 4kWh battery size)

 

glad you're hanging around, even if it's for my own selfish reasons.

 

Volt is butt ugly, plus it's made by Government Motors
Prius is so much better.

Mike

 

At least the U.S. Government spent our money here in the U.S. instead of throwing it overseas into a black hole.
But I do agree with you the Government should keep its nose out of the auto industry.

 

Actually, I think the Volt is pretty nice looking. The rear end reminds me of the 300ZX Twin Turbo of the 1990's. I just wish it wasn't a GM product. If Toyota decides to go after that market segment, then I might end up in F8L's shoes. (although I only owe $5k on my PiPa)

I'm closely watching Lexus LF-LC and LF-CC now that they have committed to producing them. The LF-LC concept has a 500 horsepower hybrid powertrain. I haven't seen numbers for the LF-CC's hybrid powertrain, but both body styles are exciting. Lexus has a master lease program where they pick up about $400/month (before taxes) of a lease on a new Lexus once I get my Parts Master certification. (in about 3.5 years)

 

Actually, GM took over 500 million of the bailout money and built a new plant down in Mexico...

 

and opened a IT innovation center in Austin with 800 employees.

 

Nine new Volts in the front line of my local Chevy dealer's lot this morning. In the past, I've noticed that after a few days they will rotate in a line of Camaros or Corvettes to that prime area and the Volts disappear. I don't think it's because they sell out, but rather that they hide the Volts, maybe because they are trying to give the public the impression that Volts are hot-sellers.

 

Come on! Volt looks nice to me, a trunk does not make much sense to me when I can have hatchback functionality like in the Volt/Prius/Scion tC/Tesla Model S or Audi 7 etc....

 

Why don't you go ask them?

I can still remember when my local Toyota dealers wouldn't order any Prius because they made more money selling, and servicing, other Toyota models. Dealers have their own business strategies that are not always aligned with the manufacturer.

 

You can just go on-line and check the dealer's inventory, so you really can't hide the Volts.

 

<Scratches head>

 

I'm not particularly fond of the external style of my own Prius.

But that is forgotten the moment I get inside. The function more than makes up for it.

 

Dude you sold a 2012 Prius for a new PIP now paying $659 per month, now thinking about a Volt. Hold on to what you have for awhile. Also best you get on the same page with your GF, last time she was upset.

 

If I go ask them, I might get talked into taking one like F8L.
I think it's just a visual thing, and not anything to do with being able check their inventory. I'm guessing not to many would-be buyers bother with that.

 

They make shampoo for that.

 

The Chevy dealer would probably talk you into a Malibu before a Volt. When I was shopping for a Volt last summer the sales people kept trying to switch me to other models, mainly because they didn't understand what the Volt was or how to sell it. I hope it has gotten better but it reminded me of when I was shopping for a Prius back in 2006.

 

I bought my Prius via emails with a sales lady last spring No sales pressure.

Mike

 

I'd be surprised if a Chevy dealer sold someone a Volt if they didn't come in looking for one.