I Bought A Super Rare 2016 Cadillac ELR! Which Voltec Daily Driver Is Better: Chevy Volt Or ELR?

Yes I know, I am crazy. Now that we have that out of the way, let's have some fun for once... Let's go on a journey learning about the value proposition for these plug in Hybrids. Let's learn about the Voltec system that GM invented and then threw away. In the end, I don't need both these rides, so I will be taking my time evaluating both these new rides of mine to decide over the next month which of these cars I will keep as my daily driver. Why not come along for this ride and help me decide!
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#chevy #volt #cadillac

[@MrAmanW]

I had a Volt from 13-17 and my jaw would always drop any time a Model S or an ELR drove by. You are keeping the ELR.

[@wesvasher]

Always loved the Volt and ELR. Cool to see them getting more attention.

[@jimclay1969]

Lol....cost analysis? Dave, you never have anything long enough to even analyze cost per mile. We love watching your latest impulse buys. It's fun!! Enjoy the Cadi Sir.

[@gmv0553]

Check on Open Pilot self driving, it may work on your ELR because it has adaptive cruise control. It works on the second generation Volt with adaptive cruise control.

[@normt430]

Open Pilot/Comma was ranked best self driving by Consumer Reports at one time.

[@evangrimmett9327]

We've had a 2016 ELR for about 6 years now (bought it used 2 years old), and it's been an excellent car. It's primarily my wife's, but I drive it often as well. We had to have the battery refurbished (under warranty) last year, and it's now running like new again. Honestly, at this point we'll probably keep it another 5-10 years as there's just nothing else that my wife likes as much.

[@timgrinton6249]

Everytime i tune in you have a new car. Love it. Keep them coming. Happy Early Birthday.

[@buford1966]

Hey Dave, congratulations on the new ride. I LOVE IT! I’m really looking forward to your next videos comparing the two vehicles and testing the ELR. Wishing you a Happy Birthday and stay safe skiing in Canada. 🎉

[@caddyzig]

I upgraded from a 2014 Volt to a 2016 ELR (both new). As long as you don’t need the back seat, it’s a great car! I don’t think it’ll ever be collectible, but it’s sure rare, and I get lots of curious looks! Lots of firsts with the ELR that have now become more commonplace, and it’s amazing what the designers were able to do with the Voltec platform. I think it was just too far ahead of its time. It’s sad that they didn’t make a second generation, though. Looking forward to your upcoming videos!

[@AutoAuctionRebuilds]

I just bought this same car myself today! Same color, same year. Mine has 62K miles and was $12,500. Can't wait to bring mine to the channel!

[@ertwyu]

These look so nice, I remember just watching your test drive video, so cool that you got one!

[@log_wood]

range extended electric vehicles are the best. daily drive a 2015 volt and love it. wish the powertrain would have caught on more. excited for rams ramcharger that is coming out soon. hopefully yall check that out.

[@ojobee]

It's not fair when YT makes me spend money!! 😂😂 Lord, the man had rims on his escalade!! Winning!

[@edwingrigorian4585]

Beautiful car! Love Cadillac styling. Happy Birthday Dave!

[@TecnamTwin]

YES!!! Was waiting for this one. Thank you for the review.

[@tonyn3227]

Elr could be a collectors car one day, because it's so rare.

[@LetsGoBrandonOne]

ELR, a collectors??? LOL They couldn't give them away to the $200K a year crowd when they made them. You're lucky to get 30 miles on the battery and the engine/generator is very loud when it kicks off to charge the battery. Rarity does not equal collector status.

[@1JohnnyCruiser]

Out of Spec Dave jumps the shark. That car looks like a future money pit. I would think a Hertz Tesla rental sales would be a better 3rd car. Kathy is smart, she has her Y and a contract haha

[@edmundhayes1840]

Nice! Can really feel your excitement too

[@paulstewart1626]

Happy Birthday Dave. Welcome to Canada. Nice Ride. I would think 2 cars would be enough, but what do I know. Enjoy the ride.

[@sharylschlieckau734]

Have a 2014 and love it and love the styling of it. Its range gets me every where I need to go on a charge during a day -- in 9 years we've bought nine tank fills of gas. Had to change out a Cue screen but did that ourselves (a lesson in gymnastics getting it in and out but done) and otherwise not one single problem with it.

[@vetteb96c]

looking forward to this series.

[@dennissteul5445]

Totally agree, Tappan Zer bridge. That was the name I grew up with, and it will always be the Tappan Zee Bridge.

[@alexanderkajdi8117]

Do a Katzskin episode for the hole in the front seat. All you need to do are the one or maybe both front seats. I know they have a location in New Rochelle NY near the Costco. I think it is a great idea to do a comparison between the Volt and the ELR. The Volt Powertrain was another missed opportunity by GM. Happy Birthday and stay safe traveling and especially skiing!

[@jamesegreenjr7069]

Love it. I will take that volt off your hand if you decide to sell it.

[@adamchoi8136]

Every out of spec Dave episode is the ride home thinking of justifications why the purchase was a great deal. 😂 The Caddy will be a great and classy ride in Florida. Beats paying for rentals.

[@MegaRetr]

Dave thanks for this video😊

[@rgonzo009]

The volt is going to be cheaper, hands down. But if I was not going to buy a full electric and going to buy a hybrid. I'm going ELR every day of the week.

[@mikehildebrand425]

I've been looking at a 014 ELR, beautiful car . Been waiting for your review and not step. I guess you have been skiing close to me. Waiting to see your take on these cars 014 - 016. Hope you had a great ski vacation.

[@Marvelofebikes]

A choice?? Hmmm, coach or first class? Cadi all day long. Great video. Grew up in Westchester. Keep up the good work.

[@jnellie1970]

Love our 2012 Volt. No complaints whatsoever. Only American car I’ve owned in 20+ years.

[@loualiberti4781]

Sweet Ride !!!

[@MatthewSerta1]

Happy early birthday!

[@charlesrondeau6119]

I remember when Cadillac first showed the Converj at the Detroit Auto Show and thought that it looked so cool. I recently found one that’s currently for sale in Indiana, formerly owned by a GM employee with about 77,000 miles. Problem was that they were asking $19,999! I hope you enjoy your Cadillac!

[@BaconGod.]

Theyre selling a red ELR in Minnesota for 16k at 45k miles

[@krafter324]

I owed a 2014 and LOVED it. I wanted the 16 badly but with only 500 or so made, it wasn't avail when I was looking. I heard the power in the 16 is much better.

[@smarticus6384]

About three years ago, I learned about the ELR and found myself wanting one of these. I also was looking for one with adaptive cruise control. However, at the time, I found them overpriced, so I went in a different direction.

[@dpsingh6421]

When I saw your ELR driving review, I knew you'd be buying it. No doubt. 😄

[@tomhoots]

Not crazy at all, Dave. VERY glad to see you in a vehicle like this.

[@GregHassler]

Does anyone remember the ridiculous ad that Cadillac made for the ELR? It's always good for a laugh.

[@cglan_9748]

Interesting that the ELR will start the engine in sport. My gen 2 Volt turns the engine off when I pop it in sport. The regen paddle is nice. Remember that in Voltec cars the "L" gear isn't really a low gear, it's a regen setting. there is no "low gear" in the drive unit to shift to. I drive my Volt in "L" all the time for nearly (emphasis on nearly) one pedal driving even if the generator is running.

[@nicklasolsson1489]

I have always loved the ELR since the first day I saw it! For me it's one of the best designed cars period!

[@kellysmith2303]

Sooo jealous! You bought my dream car, at least for looks. Picking up my new-to-me ‘19 Volt tomorrow. Can’t wait to save $$ on my commute. Please keep the ELR, for me! Lol

[@ogtej]

Anyone else from Vancouver here? Would be great to see Dave and do a drive of the Sea To Sky Highway or something similar if weather permits.

[@Michael-ts9yp]

Current MYLR owner and Rockland County resident. Looking forward to seeing your comparison between the Volt and the ELR. I hope you stopped at Rockland Bakery before you left the county.

[@dconner9]

Love their bagels and rainbow cookies! Rockland bakery ROCKS

[@FthePump]

Very cool ride

[@berthogendoorn2133]

It is nice to see these hidden GM gems!

[@michaelprichard3258]

Love my 2014, commute to work was 35 miles, charged at work and then drive home. They reprogrammed the computer and now there is no rhyme or reason for when the engine runs now versus before the update so that is a little frustrating. Also stopped to buy a lamp one day and the box wouldn’t fit in the trunk…tiny opening. Keep an eye on the battery coolant tank level.

[@corpnupe85]

Yes, I am interested in more videos about this vehicle.

[@JohnGeorgeHill]

I think I have you beat Dave. I too have that special white tri-coat paint. But it’s a 2016 SPORT ELR. Suspension a little tighter, the steering wheel a little thicker and smaller. It is wider and longer than the Volt. Here are a couple of useful tips. The second you get on the freeway put it on battery hold. That should save you enough energy to run just on battery when you’re on city streets. If you are on a long drive, and will run out of battery anyway, even though you’re on the freeway, put it on mountain mode, way before you intend to pull off the freeway, and what it will do is start saving extra energy in the battery, up to 14 miles, so that when you do get off the freeway, you will have at least 14 miles that you can drive in electric mode without hearing the motor turn on. One last horrible thing, my Cuescreen had to be replaced, and from what I’ve heard, every Cuescreen has to be replaced because the material used was defective. I had to buy an aftermarket Cuescreen and the dealer did not want to install it because it was an aftermarket Cuescreen. So I had to do half of it myself and the other half was at a car stereo installation place. But I would not wish that on anyone. If you replace it with the Cuescreen for that car, I am told it will go bad just like the first one, so be warned.

[@IanMacKinnon-nz3oi]

Okay Dave, what is going on? Gone from a Lucid to a $5k Volt. Has Kathy finally put her foot down?

[@DjVendetta]

Someone may have said this already but i think the escalade hybrid was their first. But you have my dream car! I hope i can find another one exactly the same when i get back to the states in a few months.

[@rafaelbetancourt3551]

ELR looks very nice, enjoy!

[@DaveHaas]

I want to be OOS Dave when I grow up. So much wheeling and dealing!

[@Thunder7ga]

Caddy's have always had a sterotype, but are great cars.....so smooth and comfy....

[@voodoo-rides]

Hey Dave Honda clarity is the same 3 mode PHEV

[@doc2w534]

There is a book by GM about the creation of the Volt. With lots of good stuff from Bob Lutz. My Gen1 Volt had over 100k miles with no loss in range. Best car I’ve ever owned. I got rid of it for a Model 3 and had nothing but problems. If I was in a position I’d love an ELR as a collector car. It has a special place in automotive history. With GM announcing they may go back to offering a hybrid-type vehicle I really hope the go the way of the EREV/series hybrid again.

[@chargepozitive]

Always liked the look of the ELR. Wish they had made a version based on the 2nd Gen Volt for more range etc

[@walterspector735]

You need to watch the three-part youtube series that Pamela Fletcher, Chief Engineer of the Voltec program, gave on the powertrain back in the day. The 2014 ELR was basically the same, and the 2016 had some additional enhancements. The Gen 2 Volt is quite different, and better in many ways. So now you need to find a Gen 2 Volt to compare to the others...

[@DS-mz7dy]

The regen paddle is standard on the Gen 2 Volts but the Gen 1 Volts did not have it. Cadillac must have played around with that on the ELR and then included it on the Gen 2 Volts. It is either on or off, it is not variable and will slow the car down as well as throw juice back into the battery (brake lights should come one when using it). I use it once in a while on my Gen 2 Volt but over the years have found that the brake pedal is best for me because it acts as a variable regen. so that you can modulate the power going into the battery. You can actually use it in conjunction with the brake pedal AND low on the gear shift to maximize regenerative braking.

[@normt430]

My 2018 CT6 2.0E plug-in with Voltec has three levels of regen via the paddles.

[@DS-mz7dy]

I have to admit, I didn't even realize Cadillac put Voltec drivetrains on the CT lineup. Thanks for the information.@@normt430

[@johnpoldo8817]

Congrats on getting ELR and yes, sell the Volt. We are interested in your ELR videos, but I could never own one these and make trips to the gas station. It takes too long at a gas station and stinks. Charging an EV at home is only 1 minute. And why send money to OPEC who hate us.

[@johnhumburg1828]

Does the ELR have rear AC/heat? I cant find any vents in the photos of the car showcasing the rear vents and climate zone

[@RuijieZhou]

Is it a Gen 1 volt? I wanted to get a Gen 2 last year, but can't find one with fair price. Does the back seat feels quirky still?

[@thomas6502]

Wow, Gorgeous. Waiting on an Aptera, but now I'm contending with a new crush: that smartly dressed e-caddy!

[@azteccrew5]

Sweet deal, sweet car. Looking for one myself

[@naughtysauce4323]

Bought a 2016 from Carvana a few years ago and returned it. I travel in my car a lot and take plenty of rest breaks in between. The front seats do not recline all the way back which was a deal breaker for me and something that nobody ever mentioned.

[@edmundhayes1840]

Happy birthday for Thursday!!!

[@adofoi30]

That was a beautiful car!

[@shannonvisser8555]

I would keep the ELR! Looks sharp.

[@thomasjacques5286]

The few Cadillacs I owned that had the CUE audio/Nav/UI sucked, good luck. BTW we owned 3 Volts since March 2012 (2012, 2013, and 2017) and ended up in a Tesla back in 2020 since GM walked away from the Voltech platform. Looking forward to your future reports.

[@dennisschlieckau8723]

I’ve never seen the Interior features of the ELR. There is truly no comparison to the Volt. They went All out designing the ELR. Dave, the biggest benefit is that it’s 2 door . The additional length of the doors makes it so much easier to enter/exit.

[@V10PDTDI]

What about new and used parts availability and price I’m asking because of the low production especially body parts in the case of a from or rear collision.

[@joshuarosen465]

It's basically a Volt and they made plenty of those, plus everything is out of the GM parts bin.

[@frank6708]

have fun skiing in whistler

[@t.l.robinson2162]

They both are very nice. The ELR is the most beautiful of the two but I would keep the Volt if you regularly carry rear seat passengers.

[@mujjuman]

Nice. I want the Cadillac version of the Corvette

[@230319811]

Hello from Serbia can you tell me how many miles can cross on electric engines. And how many miles on gallon.

[@brianmcnish1835]

Honestly Dave "Weber Auto" did a 2+ hour teardown video of the Vortec drive. worth a watch.

[@j2production49]

I went to Cadillac school in fla when they were putting the car to market vs to Tesla. ELR is a lot of car for the money. I’m personally searching one out myself. Off the top of my head, white is the rarest one was actually a “sacks fifth ave” edition. Was the only way you could get the white. They all came fully loaded.. to my knowledge they all had adaptive cruise.. in 16 they performance pkg was an option.. it’s been a while so I may be in correctly speaking off the top of my head. We had a hard time selling them due to price, however ppl that bought them loved them.

[@carlosl5766]

😂😂 Kyle talked you into it

[@DavidHernandez-uk2pv]

Dave how loud is your car when running in gas only

[@jaskirschner1966]

When you keep the ELR and need to part ways with the Volt, I would be interested for my 16yo twins first daily driver. Had to shoot my shot.

[@pauldavis4287]

Hi! Thank you for doing such a deep dive on the ELR. Cadillac really missed out not turning the ELR into an EV or just improving the range with future years. Cadillac has yet to produce a car better looking than CTS coupe and ELR.

[@Lord_zeel]

I think you got a fantastic deal on it, I highly doubt you will see another one of those for such a low price. Between this and a Gen 1 Volt, ELR seems like the way to go even if you did spend a lot more.

[@mjorn19]

I knew this was going to happen after the last video lol.

[@davidmcdermott3415]

There is a '14 with 70k for $18k and a '16 with 60k for $20k around here. The '14 is a half hour away, the other is 2 hours, hope to look at the '14 Friday. If I can get it for $15k I will be excited.

[@Quickicecarreviews123]

I had a gen 1 volt and it was a great car: only 2 complaints which were big. 1:the generator randomly kick on with no rhyme or reason unlike my fusion hybrid it’s set up perfectly. 2: such small room for my teens. Couldnt get out with backpacks full. I loved the hold mode and wish all hybrids had that.

[@aaronhodgman]

Either your battery was getting old, and the car was turning on the engine to keep it charged, or it was cold weather related. Guessing you had an '11 or '12 maybe? My '15 has never done this behavior unless it"s less than 15F.

[@duvalbarbergoon6584]

How often do you have to charge it versus adding fuel? And what kind of fuel for the ELR.

[@outofspecdave1554]

28 miles of range and then gas; premium fuel only

[@mmahtnart8986]

Best looking Cadillac ever made.

[@ChargeToDrive]

I'm a subscriber to Kyle's channel, I have not seen any content about the Model X since you shipped it, I think you should get it back.

[@broosewee]

Keep the ELR! It's very cool.

[@dwaynefortune]

I WAS ACTUALLY PREPARING TO BUY THIS CAR! I was wondering why it was so cheap myself. I thought there was some unstated damage that the dealership wasn’t trying to fix. DAVE, if you ever want to sell it please, PLEASE let me know first. I will give you my information if you’re interest. Thank you for such detailed videos BTW.

[@dandaigle4546]

love the cadillacs

[@barryw9473]

Bob Lutz thanks you.

[@johnross6314]

All the leather, in Florida? No way. Keep the Volt. I will buy the Caddy for Midwest less sun weather.

[@andredixon1057]

I vote Volt in a tux. It looks way better.

[@hartfischer5509]

No question, keep the ELR. I almost would have bought one in 2014, but because it is Front Drive, I had to pass. I have a strict rule against Front Drive. My 2014 Cadillac CTS is just fantastic. I wish I could have gotten an ELR : (

[@chaso4937]

COM-MON DAVE!! YOU FELL IN LOVE WITH THIS CAR WHEN YOU DROVE THE GRAY ONE!! ITS NOT JUST THE EXCLUSIVE-NESS VERSUS THE V-O-L-T, BUT I GOTTA TELL YA THIS 1ST; MY OLDER BROTHER WAS ONE OF THE EARLY GUYS TO LEASE A GEN ONE VOLT. BACK THEN, GAS WAS HIGHER THAN NOW, AND HE LOVED NOT HAVING TO BUY GAS FOR MONTHS!! THE TROUBLE WAS, THAT HE HAD TO PLUG IN THE BATTERY CHARGER EVERY FREAK'IN NIGHT TO GET THE FULL 30+ MILE RANGE, AND EVENTUALLY HE GOT SO SICK OF PLUGGING IT IN AND OUT, THAT HE TURNED IT BACK TO THE DEALER TWO MONTHS BEFORE THE LEASE WAS UP!! BUT TO ME, THE #1 REASON TO PICK THE ELR OVER THE VOLT; MY BROTHER OFFERED ME A RIDE WITH ME DRIVING; AND I'M A PRETTY BIG GUY : 6' 3", WIDE, AND SIZE 16 SHOES, AND THE DOOR ON THE VOLT WAS SO SMALL, I COULDN'T GET MY LEFT LEG INSIDE!! ( no head room either!! ) I KNOW YOU'RE NOT ANYWHERE AS BIG AS ME, BUT THE CADDIE HAVING THOSE TWO BIG DOORS HAVE GOT TO MAKE IT EASIER FOR YOU TOO!! GOOD LUCK WITH IT!! CHAS ORVIS, PLAINVILLE, CT. PS : HI TO CATHY AND BAILEY TOO!!

[@42luke93]

I did not even know this existed. Just like Cadillac Escalade Hybrid.

[@PeaceChanel]

Thank You Dave for All that you are doing for our Planet Earth.... Peace.. Shalom.. Salam.. Namaste.. 🙏🏻 😊 🌈 ✌ ☮ ❤

[@mmahtnart8986]

Damn! Keep the ELR!

[@nedj10]

The ELR is gorgeous , pity Caddy could not figure it out from a sales perspective.

[@timt7891]

When one cell in the battery goes below voltage, it will be a gorgeous paper weight 😂

[@daviddufresne7049]

George Goebel: "Did you ever get the feeling that the world was a tuxedo and you were a pair of brown shoes?" Those seats