Is the Volkswagen e-Golf A Used Electric Car Bargain?

[@OutofSpecReviews]

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[@DIAZ300ZX]

Can you guys compare the 2017 Ford focus full electric with this one the focus has fast charge and active battery cooling...👍👍and it's less expensive than the golf....

[@typxxilps]

you need to look for the real electric golf, the first sold I mean that one called city stromer and that was a GOLF II back in 1991. That is more or less no longer existing, but that is where the journey had started - if you do not take into account that the VW beetle designer and engineer Porsche had build his first electric vehicle before 1900 the Lohner Porsche.

[@richardyeang7414]

Needed a car in a pinch a several months ago. Not many new EVs that I liked were in stock, so went with a 2019 e-golf. My range shows 140-150mi on a full charge. Works great as my commuter car for a 20mi roundtrip commute in pleasant weather (California). But, like Max said, not a road tripping car.

[@MarkB3h]

I've owned the 2017 and 2019 egolf. 2019 with 36k battery was fantastic for local driving and trips requiring a little L3 range extension. Great handling and very efficient. I'd recommend it in a heartbeat for local commuting at a low cost.

[@jgoodwork]

How was the 2017 in your opinion?

[@MarkB3h]

The 2017 was a good car. Drove well and comfortable for a 6 foot plus driver and front passenger. It's primary compromise is the 24 kWh battery, but that depends on your daily driving needs. The entry level 2017 trim also lacks cruise control which was a silly decision by VW. They fixed that by 2019 along with the larger battery. Both my cars had finicky charging behavior that didn't match the user manual. I'd recommend either depending on your range requirements and some patience with the charging setup.

[@Dee0426]

They’re 10 grand rn

[@jezw1138]

I love my eGolf. Sure, range is limited but it tops up nice and quick with CCS. For commuting it’s super comfortable over crappy roads and really, really efficient.

[@dcmackintosh]

Our 2017 SEL Premium has been awesome over 42k miles so far, zero issues. We've also had a Model S and e-tron SUV, but this is still my favorite daily driver and city car, also more fun to drive. I use it for my 70-mile round trip winter commute to the ski area, it's great with studless snow tires. Heat pump, heated seats, heated windscreen all great in snow and ice, as long as it's not too deep.

[@themightypotato3803]

Thanks guys, Really enjoying this video series BUT I just could not personally justify the purchase of this Golf when it comes to price v. Range

[@tomsproet6972]

I currently drive an 2019 e-golf. I get about 220km (136 miles) of range avg over the year(mostly highway at 100-110 kph). Love the car but the range is a bit short for my needs as i drive 170km a day, so in winter the range is a bit on the close side. Got an id4 on order set to be delivered week 3-4 of 2023

[@jaredc422]

Is it a pain in the butt to deal with? Thinking of getting a 2019 e golf but once or twice a week i drive about 200 km to commute to school

[@tomsproet6972]

@@jaredc422 bit late. But after a few years the range of the egolf dropped to 160 km. Id4 is going great but that's a different price range

[@jaredc422]

@@tomsproet6972 ah ok. Maybe its not a good idea for me. Appreciate your input!

[@john_dee1431]

Thumbs up guys! I've had an '18 e-Golf SE for a couple years. From an enthusiast's perspective, and as Camissa can tell you, this thing makes you grin ear to ear at will on a daily basis. And that's hard to put a price on.

[@RyderNight99]

Loving the quality of this video, you can really tell this is from a dslr instead of an iphone. That DOF

[@_shreyash_anand]

Yep. Also the other things like the colours and the dynamic range

[@nickparry1720]

I loved my 2016 eGolf. That winter range hit in Chicago was rough. 45-50 miles with my SEL that had the heat pump. I bought it in 2019 for $16k. Worth it at the time… not so much now.

[@JimmyDorff]

One thing to check. At one point VW dealers outside CARB states could not service an e-golf. I'm not sure if ID.4 has changed this.

[@JimmyDorff]

Focus Electric, also a conversion, has liquid cooled/heated battery pack. Go for a CCS one with 33kWh pack. Note the 2012-2017 Focus Electrics were sold in all US states, not just CARB states like the e-golf was.

[@ram64man]

vw egolf was really underrated, especially with the bigger pack models and tech pack, its just such a shame vw broke it with the id3 vw need to get back to the e golf quality

[@kevinweber5129]

Good job Max. Seems like prices are nuts at 20K.

[@trinitonv8]

This car was my first EV.2016 Egolf with the leather seats.No heatpump.Did cost $28 000 in Norway back in the days.Quiet and comfortable car,but bad range.

[@AnonymousFreakYT]

"0-60: Yes." As compared to an old Mitsubishi i-MiEV with battery degradation: "0-60: Maybe."

[@eclarkson]

Purchased this exact car last year with 30,000 miles for $13,000 from a KS dealer. I absolutely love it! It is a perfect around town car (we live in a small town where you can get anywhere in 5 minutes) My 16 yo drives it now for school, then in 2 years will be the next kids, then in 2 years will hand it down to the next. Perfect safe older car, low maintenance, no fuel cost, and charges overnight once a week on a typical household outlet in the garage.

[@MylesV]

I loved my 2015 e-Golf, it’s sad that the range is so poor. I wish they’d sell an updated version with a larger battery. Another downside is that it suffers from a rapidgate issue similar to the Leaf after a few consecutive fast charge sessions. It is worth noting e-Golf is not quite a direct conversion like the Ford Focus Electric, the BEV powertrain was kept in mind when VW designed the mk 7 platform. Still a very compromised vehicle but less than some other compliance cars.

[@typxxilps]

there is the 32 kWh battery which had been sold for years and had about 300 km of range at least in summer. This is not a compliance car, was intended as a commuter car for people with a solar power roof in europe which is quite usual compared to USA. We have here now over 50% of renewable power which means wind, solar power and bio mass.

[@aticus21]

I bought my 2016 e-golf back in 2019 with 18k miles on it for 12K. It's insane the prices on these nowadays. 🤯

[@DunkBoi]

Same here! I absolutely love my e-golf and I'm happy I got it when I did.

[@albertocoutinho5703]

I’m think about get one 17 reg for 12 k low mileage, but I’m bit confused, it’s 100% electric? What do if in a long journey ? And you guys have power to recharge at home?

[@tanmeetbagga8248]

How about maintenance?

[@Mike500]

@@albertocoutinho5703 Yes, 100% electric. If you do a longer trip than the range, you need to do stops in between at a fast charger (CCS charging, from 20% to 80% in maybe 45 minutes). If you cannot charge it at home, you're gonna have to resort to public chargers all the time, either slower charging (better for the battery) or fast-charging, both usually with considerably higher prices per kWh than you would pay on your own electricity bill. So it's not ideal.

[@Mike500]

@@tanmeetbagga8248 Maintenance will be very little. Topping up various fluids sometimes, and just generally bring it to the VW dealership for a checkup when it's due, so you don't lose the warranty. Brakes don't get used much, so they last much longer than on an ICE car. Tyres, if you use the full torque or go fast through the corners, then especially the front tyres can suffer. But in general, an EV is way simpler than an ICE and should cost much less to maintain. The big danger would be if the battery dies or has a major problem, then you have to hope that it's still in warranty. But doesn't seem to be a high risk of battery problems, just normal degradation over the years, also depending how you treat it. Don't park it up for a long time with the battery on 100% for example. If you fully charged it, then use it. Generally try to keep it between 20% and 80% charge (recharge at 20%, only up to 80%) for the best longevity.

[@newavenewtype]

I have a 2016 SEL that I got for 15k just before prices went crazy. Works for me in Los Angeles but I imagine if I move I may need something with more range if I move.

[@ericfhernandez]

If it’s good enough for Jason Cammisa (twice!), it’s definitely good enough for me, especially as an around town driver!

[@jasoncox7244]

I bought my used 2019 e-Golf a year ago and I friggin love it. Mine has the 36kWh battery, and still does my 90mi round-trip commute in New England winter with no problem at all. Sure I can't drag race a Tesla, but I can beat pretty much any ICE engine in a Massachusetts green-light race =P I do have to be careful with my tire wear though, cause if I mat it on dry pavement I will burn the front-drivers side tire every time.

[@hankhardisty9433]

I appreciate this series, thanks gents!

[@ryankassel5691]

I think you should also check out a volt even though it's technically a PHEV.

[@chengcao418]

I like the new camera and I can see you guys are trying to pump up the production value. One suggestion for you is to check exposure and maybe opening up the aperture when trying to film the insides or like the charing plug, because unlike a iPhone that handles the exposure all the time automatically with a proper camera it looks very dark and hard to see what's going on

[@iMaxPatten]

You're right! We'll probably stick to iPhone's for most videos but I like to experiment with my Sony - I'll try using more exposure adjustments on it for future videos where we employ it.

[@mamadouaziza2536]

For $25k I would rather get a BMW i3 because it does come with a heat pump and a 33kw or 42kw battery and the battery is liquid cooled. The Range Extender option is nice too..

[@ArtifexBarbarus]

The Golf platform is one of the most thoughtfully designed cars in the world. VW appears to have chosen very well on their battery vendor - these Samsung cells are proving to be extremely long lived and reliable. Same for the in-house produced motors. It's no racecar, but very reliable. Weighing only 200lbs more than the ICE version and with a lower center of gravity, all of the Golf's great driving dynamics are intact and perhaps even enhanced if you upgrade to some stickier Continentals tires.

[@bmwloco]

It work day to day...but my Aprilia Scarabeo is much more efficient. More fun too. Still, for rainy days...

[@undrachvrsage]

Enjoying the series of cars that are actually within my price range for once 😂 That said anything with so little range is effectively worthless as a primary vehicle unless you're entirely urban/never need to leave the county you live in. The only actually useful options I've seen under/around 25k are the Bolts and a used Kia soul EV.

[@williamwebberjr8045]

I like this series however like some of the other comments the low range EVs aren't practical yet; once there are 100,000+ charging stations then maybe these sub-150+ mile range cars can be considered.

[@nothere572]

Low range EVs are fine around town, and can even go on short road trips if you plan well and the infrastructure is good near you

[@radioa3sthetic]

i own two of these, se and sel premium, i personally think these are the some of the most efficient evs ive driven ND on normal, man I get to 60 in like 5 secs( prob quicker but my tires burns out) I d k how you got over 10 secs lol , also range I get about 80-100 miles in summer and 65-80 in winter

[@williamclark6466]

I appreciate your detailed discussion of key factors to consider when looking for a used BEV. Thank you!

[@simonthebroken9691]

I was soo looking forward to this series. I can't. I really tried multiple times. I just can't.

[@dylanlong6269]

Crazy to spend anywhere near $20k on an e-Golf when Kyle's LEAF (with a similar range) was just over $3k!

[@tomsproet6972]

However kyle cant charge on ac

[@dylanlong6269]

@@tomsproet6972 Very true but I got a perfectly working LEAF for $5k and that wasn't even a very great deal

[@nothere572]

Kyles Leaf can’t charge on AC and has a huge dent in the rear.

[@roodick85]

Lol dude overpaid for sure. It's about 10k in my area or less

[@AnalogueKid2112]

You guys should check out the Ford Focus Electric. All the virtues of the E-Golf with excellent driving dynamics plus a water cooled battery

[@davelzdr]

Those prices are crazy I bought my 2017 SE e-Golf for 14,500 USD back in 2020. 125 mi rated epa but I consistenly get 135-140mi during the summer and 110 during the winter. I love the car, I just wish VW would release a 250mi version of it.

[@spontanioussponge]

I love the eGolf, but the range just isn't tenable since I live in a rural area. And then we don't get to have ID.3...

[@davidmccarthy6061]

Maybe once used car prices get close to normal again and people with short range needs might find it a value as a second car for local errands. Could be 50 miles in winter.

[@91kitt]

Try the Fiat 500e with liquid cooled battery about same range with a sporty hatch style 😎

[@jasondowning8319]

I just bought the black 2016 e Golf select from Carvana. It’s my first electric car. I live in San Antonio, so I have to get used to monitoring range and looking out for charge points.

[@dieserNiko]

I actually just did a roadtrip with my 2020 e-Golf, 4700km (almost 3000mi) through europe/italy in about three weeks. And yes, it works, but it kinda was a pain xD not sure if I would do it again but I had fun :D

[@brabecjakub]

Mostly on charging points in italy, right? 😂

[@douglasdietrich4174]

Will you be testing a smart fortwo electric drive? I find them very interesting, knowing they are only 2-seaters.

[@KyleKlabunde]

Does this one have the fast charging package? If not skip this one.

[@KalleSWBeck]

Compliance cars are cool. I have a 2016 Kia Soul EV

[@Jcewazhere]

Wait, Emich in Boulder? lol that could be the eGolf I test drove all that time ago. I hated it, but lets see how you like it. I tried the eGolf first and wasn't impressed to say the least. Then I tried a Fiat 500e and very nearly just got a gas Golf to replace my dying 'Roo. Then I found a listing for a 2017 Bolt Premier from a private seller. Fell in love instantly. Colorado occasionally gets below 0f, not so nice for car mounted heat pumps. As long as it has some kind of resistive backup that's fine. My advice for an eGolf? Keep it under $15k, maybe even $10k. It's an air cooled compliance car coasting off the 'Golf' name with terrible range and poor (for an EV) performance. I hope Kyle's Golf love wasn't harmed too badly in the making of this video.

[@WizardsArts]

Check out the Spark EV! I would love to see your guys input!

[@aMotoheadsGarage]

Wait, is this the guy who was on TFL?

[@jdsreid]

...for sub $25k, the best option is actually a PHEV and I think they still qualify for the $4k EV tax credit. Clarity, CMax, Outlander PHEV, Volt, etc...

[@ramblerandy2397]

Of course, as Out of Spec's Kyle has found out for himself, the VW ID3, the successor to the Golf/E-Golf, is sooooo much better than the old Golf. It's a shame the USA isn't getting it. New or, inevitably, Used. You would love it - and the software is getting much better, if still no where near Tesla. Then again, nobody else is either.

[@darkman007e]

At the very least, VW could have brought the new Golf GTE (plug in hybrid).

[@traigendickson4831]

Where’s Kyle at? Miss my homie

[@MrSakolphan]

I live in Beaverton Oregon and I came across a perfect condition 2016 E-Golf with only 42k miles for $13k, I have $11k budget and I am very tempted, but my heart wanted a used 2014 BMW I3 for the same price but unfortunately the BMW I3 got sold, I rather have a unique EV car with a status badge name instead of a college kid Volkswagen lol 😆

[@barryw9473]

B mode does not limit performance

[@Model3Challenge]

I sold my 2016 with 45k Miles on it for $8,750 in May of 2021. Prices have gone insane. The range is only good for commutes and grocery runs (65 miles or so). The Bolt is a much better value.

[@beautyofgrace3915]

Great video. These videos are so helpful. I'll be looking for an affordable ev real soon.

[@CDNRower99]

No active battery cooling means actively avoid.

[@Kimbrough87]

means no leaks when car gets old

[@zale76]

Well, I was owning BMW i3 60Ah and switched to VW e-Golf 2018 and it is more efficient than the BMW was. I guess it is because lack of the battery cooling. BTW there is same battery cells manufacturer - Samsung SDI. I hope there will be new chemistries that will allow to get rid of battery conditioning in the future.

[@ajbrannigan4223]

Depends where you live. Texas, I’d avoid. N Europe no need for cooling.

[@lakefiftyseven]

Nice job Max, Too bad about the camera but nice video anyway.......I say buy now and trade next year on something that gets the $7500 rebate and also when dealers will be getting to sell it with the $4000 rebate.

[@jamoe4802]

2017 had the bigger battery?

[@thenerdyarab7622]

You might as well look at the Ford Focus Electric too.

[@iMaxPatten]

So few were made that it's hard to find any remotely close to us. The e-Golf as far as compliance cars go was one of the more mass-distributed ones.

[@joshuarosen465]

$20K for an 8 year old eGolf is ridiculous, it's worth 5 or 6K at best. It's a compliance car like a Spark, only worth buying if you can get it for almost nothing. A new Bolt can be bought for almost the same money after the new Fed credit, if there is a state rebate the Bolt might even be cheaper.

[@rambo4war]

These go for 11k and under in my area. 20k is overpriced for the range

[@barryw9473]

35.8 kWh pack. My 2017 LE has a heat pump.

[@jywn]

the front camera wasn't overexposed but the camera on the side was way overexposed? was the audio peaking as well? sorry 😓

[@cabinboybp1]

Lowest ev just posted 2k JA3215H17CU014943 Mits imev In chicago. As long as the motors work where is the harm?

[@BusTrainsGuy18]

Why didn't you show the front part where the engine would be, and yes I know its electric but I can't find the words to say it.

[@iMaxPatten]

Since it's a conversion there's no frunk to speak of :(

[@joeb4294]

@@iMaxPatten I don't think that VW offers a frunk in their EV-only designs either

[@dollarmerchtree4587]

Great video Max and Jordan. Wonder if you can find a high-mileage Model S 60 or 75 for under $25k to review.

[@nothere572]

Would be hard, Model S doesn’t deprecate quickly and one’s under $25k are very hard to find and usually not in the best condition

[@sdhute]

Isn’t a new egolf battery 23k? You’d be better off buying a new car

[@barryw9473]

DCFC was standard in 2017+

[@herr7979]

Yes it is

[@trmon8890]

It's a Golf, it's a golf how many time are you going to say that?

[@tazeat]

Having owned a compliance car, at that price, no way I'd bother. No way to save enough money at that price to ever recoup any difference in gas and mitigate the electrics shortcomings. Useless as as a sole car and not enough savings to justify owning an "extra" car for efficiency. Maybe if you're just stupid frugal and have a two car household with a spouse and don't care if one of the cars is severely crippled so long as it's cheap to run.

[@michaeljay6349]

Right, but in that case a 10k used LEAF makes more sense.

[@StrosB4Hos]

So is it a Golf?

[@RichardSmith-ic1zw]

Im pretty sure if audi made a electric hatchback it will be the same like the e golf but more expensive

[@justinfowler2857]

Too little range for the price. Plus air cooled batteries are a no go.

[@polska905]

Vw sells the e-golf brand new in China for 16k we are getting completely ripped off for these cars.

[@roodick85]

I had one of the first ones and they're amaizng buuuut i paid 12k for mine years ago

[@nerdlywehunt]

Like Scotty said, 95% of EV cars are still on the road and the other 5% made it home!

[@ronaldrissel6665]

😄😆🤣

[@nothere572]

Scotty is awful

[@concinnus]

Don't like the price/range, or the wrong-wheel-drive, but I'll like the video anyway.

[@largol33t1]

Is this car still in production? I can't believe VW gave up on the car when they need it more than ever. They COULD have had a massive head start on the competition but got lazy for some reason. I don't understand. Even today, 33 mpg isn't that good with gas prices and Bidenflation reaching $5.50 a gallon. It costs me $6 to drive my car to and from work every day. That's $30 a week out of my wallet! 10 years ago, I could drive a 4 door Jeep and it would be 25% cheaper to drive!

[@fenceman53]

BMW I 3 with rex

[@joetacchino4470]

Short answer....no! I can't believe how expensive these are on the used market. Shopping for one now and yikes, they are not cheap!.

[@wooddavid8293]

Not cheap enough given the age and range. A good car but the 80mi range is just too little for the price.

[@technologyandsociety21C]

Although the Chevy Bolt may be a POS, it's clearly better than the e-Golf.

[@mikevbushy]

Just got one for 10gs flat

[@robertt1336]

The car is questionable, but can tell would be an enjoyable put around car for in town use exclusively. 🚗 nice video 👍

[@jjbgmb719]

I questioned your reliability when you say the Egolf is a fairly decent electric car LOL. 80 miles is a joke and probably doesn’t have a heat pump either so in the winter that mileage gets neutered. I can understand all of the sentimental reasons though.

[@mamadouaziza2536]

80 miles isn't a joke if your daily commute is less than 10 miles roundtrip and level 3 chargers are plentiful.

[@nothere572]

The eGolf is a good electric car. The range is the only major issue and 2017 and above models have better range.

[@teckniec2]

They are even cheaper now.

[@jaerbenjamin]

Yes def bargain

[@Edward3D]

Unclear to me what this has over a used Leaf, which is going for half of what this is.

[@nothere572]

Much better interior, better quality, more power, the way the battery is air cooled is done better in the eGolf and it experiences a lot less degradation than LEAFs, CCS available on models instead of chademo, etc

[@barryw9473]

Fully adjustable steering wheel on e-Golf is a BIG plus over angle only wheel adjustment on Leaf. E-Golf battery chemistry is superior to Leaf cell chemistry. CCS VW CHAdeMO.

[@bsp1978]

Is it a Golf? 😂

[@danhoussar7325]

Easy answer NO no range

[@toofast4radar]

An 8 year old first generation electric VW is not something I would want to buy.

[@NicoSchurr]

Do you guys think that this is a golf?

[@mamadouaziza2536]

naw, I pass. the car is way overpriced for what you get. Its a gas car with a battery in it. Air cooled battery?

[@feortega5062]

MAKE A MINI GASOLINE CAR IS MORE SELLABLE

[@feortega5062]

I DON'T LIKE ELECTRIC CARS, THEY ARE USELESS AND DANGEROUS

[@joeb4294]

ARE YOU LOST? HOW DID YOU GET TO THIS CHANNEL IF YOU DON'T LIKE ELECTRIC CARS?

[@barryw9473]

Don’t buy one. Try smoking at a gas station and enjoy the fireworks. Or leave your gas car running I the garage and kill a bunch of people. Very safe.

[@BikerJim74]

Where did they find this kid

[@danielspencer1923]

Why do you ask?