2013 Chevrolet Volt POV Test Drive & 189K Mile Review

[@fixman88]

On December 23,2023 I got a 2013 Volt that looks exactly like that one (right down to the paint missing on the front of the hood)! There’s no rust there though. Mine has 63,000 miles on it and I have 10 miles on the battery with it 1/3 full, which would give 30 miles when full. I’m going to replace the spark plugs and the ignition module preventively and it’s showing a code for ‘EVAP No Flow During Purge’ which the service manual shows that the EVAP Purge Solenoid is the likely culprit. The car was sitting for a while at the dealership (there were cobwebs under the hood and leaves in the air cleaner box) so that’s probably why it’s having issues; it’s not good for a car to just sit for a long time. Update: I replaced the Evap Solenoid and so far no more problems. I replaced the spark plugs as well (and the old ones looked ok so no engine issues). I also had to replace the tires sooner than planned due to dry rot cracks between the tread (again, it had been sitting for a while). I put Bridgestone Weatherpeak tires with a 70,000 mile warranty on it (and those also have the Triple Peak Snowflake symbol, which means they are rated for Severe Snow Service). Also: I discovered why I keep seeing Volts with the paint coming off that spot on the hood: the hood is aluminum, and it can be hard to get paint to stick to aluminum, but on the other hand, no rust.

[@fixman88]

It’s nice to know that after 100,000+ miles a Volt is still in good shape. One cool thing about the front doors is that there’s a place to stick an umbrella. I’m looking for a first gen Volt and I’d actually prefer the plastic steering wheel to the leather one, since leather will eventually deteriorate and start looking awful and falling apart. My favorite color combo is Brownstone Metallic with the tan interior but that’s a pretty rare combination.

[@ondago2]

How about Dark grey with black leather. Not your color combo but a great car I've metticulously cared for from just off lease. I've got 4 used cars and just going to sell the 2 cars, get a touch newer BEV and keep the trucks for towing and crowd carrying.

[@jacobreed47]

It’s best to use or put it in HOLD position when driving on the highway. Then go back to NORMAL or battery use for the city. I love my 14 Volt with only 62 k miles. Haven’t bought gas in over a year! 😊

[@mike_t_007]

That generator sounds rough. Not sure but I think it needs new spark plugs and wires. Also switching to synthetic would help smooth things out! 18 miles is a guess. The car adjusted to the previous owner's neglect and lead foot. If you drive it gently that number will change drastically! In fact, you can check the kilowatt usage to determine if your battery is still healthy. The car shows you this after every drive when you shut it off. That's the number you want to see. Can probably get the miles back up to around 30 plus with OEM Low Rolling Resistance Tires and generator tune up. Always remember your 4 Ts for any EV: Tires Terrain Temperature Technique Master these four and the car will reward you very well for your efforts. Some folks with 2011-2015 Volts still are averaging 250 MPG over hundreds and thousands of miles and only put gas in their car a few times over the 10+ years they've owned this car!!!!! You're right... It was and is still a big threat. GM lost so much money on these cars because they are over built and don't break down. No money for the service department I guess! I think this car's battery is still healthy. Volts have the BEST degradation rates of any EV due to the active cooling and heating of the Voltech battery system. This isn't a Nissan Leaf! My 2011 Volt has 154K miles and the battery and car's condition is still like new. These cars are overbuilt and hold up very well. Best car GM ever made by far

[@mommygoodlife8238]

Thinking about buying a used 2013 with 170 k miles. $5000. What do you think about that?

[@azhardav]

@@mommygoodlife8238 risky, but as an owner of 2014 150,000 miles since birth- best car ive ever owned.

[@azhardav]

they all sound like that. even when brand new

[@mike_t_007]

@@azhardav mine doesn't and I've got 169k miles on my 2011

[@Theonestrongbusleader]

This is my dream hybrid car! Nice job bro.

[@TylerDamongey]

I just bought one used 11 months ago with 139k miles on it

[@pretrickvanderee9040]

@@TylerDamongey Thinking about getting a Volt later this year. How is your Volt experience so far?

[@elleincloud]

I’m getting one tomorrow with 52k miles, hoping it serves me well ⚡️

[@andrewthach1989]

Just bought a 2012 180k miles one owner well maintained to daily.

[@coupish]

How is it holding up a year later?

[@FRESHALEX760]

@@coupishI wanna know also

[@w-g3776]

We need an update!

[@captlarry-3525]

Nice young man, giving a very thorough look at the first gen Volt.

[@paulwindisch1423]

I bet this battery isn't as degraded as it seems. I would bet that the previous owner did not drive very efficiently and the battery is actually okay. I have 123,000 miles on my 2013 Volt and still generally get 40 miles electric. It doesn't take much to drive these efficiently. You don't need to hypermile and make people mad, just use a little bit of coasting when appropriate. Climate settings are a big factor, too. Once my cabin is warmed up, I usually only use the seat heaters.

[@johncillis3431]

Good review of what I felt was the best hybrid car, because the gas engine was used as a generator and the electric engine was used all the time, with electric torque. BMW had a car like it. I have thought of a Volt for my next car, if I ever start driving again, since I am an apartment dweller I cannot get an EV, other than a lightweight EV bicycle. Being an apartment dweller I quit driving a few years ago, but miss the freedom of driving. Pity u cannot replace the battery to get more range for local trips.

[@ivantuma7969]

if your daily commute is ~35 miles, you can do it all on battery power in an older Volt (with a healthy battery). In fact, it will propel you to 100 mph in EV mode only. The best range I've gotten on batteries alone (2013 model) is 52 miles with EV rated tires - that was truly under ideal conditions, but 42 miles is not uncommon during spring and fall, when you don't have to use the heater or AC. The lifetime mpg on mine is 172mpg. Even using standard road tires. When in hybrid mode, the Volt does strategically engage the gas engine to power the wheels during long highway trips. If you travel in a steady state - it will give you over 40mpg on the gas engine alone (highway) - even with the main battery almost fully discharged (it's never really fully discharged). I would recommend one that's had all the bugs taken care of by the dealer - but one still has a strong battery. This one shown, I'd have to hear the gas engine in person to asses it's health - BUT - it looks like the battery has degraded ~40% since new - but still very usable. I think the previous owner basically just drove it like a pure hybrid instead of an EV.

[@markspence3750]

My Momma died in 2020, right when COVID-19 hit. I inherited her 2005 Toyota Prius. I drove it to Nokomis Beach in Florida, out in the sand to the boat ramp. Some old man screamed cuss words at me. I also have a 2011 Wrangler on 35's. I was like, what the heck is your problem? Driving my dead Momma's Prius, and I get cussed at.

[@ppatterson4238]

haha! Electricity and water don't go together.

[@daveheel]

18 miles on electric really sucks but that was a lot of miles driven. I need to know how much a new hybrid battery costs on these.

[@NothinButCarReviews]

People are starting to replace the cells in the battery to get range back I’ve heard.

[@krasimircholakov6488]

Great video and review. Thanks! Helped me with a Volt I am looking at in Orlando.

[@jamesmccluskey1476]

"and here you have the battery over here..." jubus.

[@GrahamRiverProductio]

Next review - please close the drivers door (ding ding ding ding ding)

[@Lobo243]

i have one 2014 volt with 147 k miles and i still have 40 miles on the battery

[@NothinButCarReviews]

Noooice, that’s impressive

[@jonjon9237]

How is a new battery?

[@Lobo243]

@Jhon Jhon The same battery...no problems

[@Lobo243]

@@jonjon9237 Same battery 🔋

[@Lobo243]

Yes no problems

[@Wicked_RotF30]

Thanks for this review, I'm thinking about purchasing one of these. New subscriber. Keep up the hard work, it will pay off.

[@NothinButCarReviews]

Thanks so much!

[@TylerDamongey]

100% worth it! I have been driving my 2013 Volt last August And it is the perfect car to take girls out on dates with ❤

[@ABDULHAFIZSULEIMAN-f4m]

Please I have problem with mine when I conect the cable it was not changing and the car refused to start

[@Sikh1.5Accord]

if u can find a 2013 to 2014 Nissan Maxima do a test drive it

[@NothinButCarReviews]

Okay, will try to get one

[@Wheelgauge-bt7ox]

My 15 is solid as a rock👍

[@ABDULHAFIZSULEIMAN-f4m]

Please help me to discover the the issue

[@xivfinn4921]

just so you know, you stated the volt had a good transmission, it actually has no transmission at all!!

[@KolokoLOVE]

thanks mate!

[@melvinporter3361]

Hey

[@dreamwevr]

I’m confused is it gas and electric car

[@Lincolnator721]

PHEV; Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle.

[@ManuelRamirez-us7yg]

Why only 18miles?

[@NothinButCarReviews]

Degradation.

[@ManuelRamirez-us7yg]

So prob not worth purchasing a used one with over 100k miles

[@NothinButCarReviews]

Might still be in good shape. I’ve heard people who rebuild batteries pretty cheaply nowadays too

[@supasage8131]

That was interesting. I have a 2011, I drive on gas but when I do charge I still get 30 miles from the charge

[@ManuelRamirez-us7yg]

Anyone have a 2013? I get 38mpg on my Sentra. Is it worth it to get a 2013 volt?

[@NothinButCarReviews]

When everything is running right. And I think the Volt drives loads better than the Sentra.