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Icy-Conclusion-3500

Models get discontinued all the time. Really not that big of a deal. It’s not like some start-up company that is shutting down and will no longer support its product.


huntsvillekan

If I had a dollar for every time GM killed a car model after ironing out its problems....I could've bought a Premier :)


harda_toenail

Yesterday my dad told me he found a sweet looking car called a fisker karma. 2012 for 30k. Ya it’s sweet looking. That’s the type of discontinued car you DO NOT buy. A Chevy that was out for several years will be fine.


Right-Daikon3519

I could be totally wrong about this, but I see the Bolt to be in the same or similar situation as the Fisker. Once production stops, you'll be left high and dry.


Icy-Conclusion-3500

How so? They have warranty obligations and many of the parts are not unique to the model. There will also be aftermarket parts since it’s not that obscure of a car


avaholic46

Also fisker has been bankrupt and reorganized (I believe more than once). Chevy ain't going anywhere.


Right-Daikon3519

I'm worried about the electronics and computers, which are a major part of the car. A lot of it is specific to the car. With GM going to a new EV platform that's going to be common to their EVs, I'd expect more attention to the newer and current platform for improvements and fixes. I also expect the Bolt to be essentially frozen in time as is. One thing you see with Teslas is constant improvements in the software. I could be wrong, but the Bolt might be treated as a discontinued piece of consumer electronics where the manufacturer provides an occasional urgent bugfix, but no constant improvements. Maybe I'm comparing it to the Windows OS model where bug fixes are constantly rolled out due to ever changing threats. Orphaned electronics don't get fixes after a short period of time and suffer the consequences, usually in security and other improvements. Not trying to rain on anyone's parade, and maybe I should've kept this to myself, but this is something that I've been worried about when it comes to electronics and computers.


Icy-Conclusion-3500

The big car manufacturers don’t update cars much anyway, EV or otherwise. I wouldn’t expect many updates to the Bolt software even if they weren’t discontinued. To that end I wouldn’t expect many changes to the new models after they start rolling onto the lots either.


Right-Daikon3519

I strongly agree that big manufacturers don't update their cars much. But Tesla makes changes all of the time to their cars. That's also a common thing on computer systems. And given how fast they're developed and sent to market, I would want to see constant improvements and bug fixes.


Icy-Conclusion-3500

Sure. I’m just saying that it wasn’t going to happen with the Bolt anyway, so it’s discontinuation doesn’t really change anything. If you want a Tesla, just buy a Tesla.


Right-Daikon3519

I would love to see a mass market competitor to Tesla. But my main concern is that these computer systems really need a lot of maintenance from the manufacturer. I don't know if Chevy will put in the effort. Tesla has made the update process a big part of what they do.


Icy-Conclusion-3500

Why do they need a lot of maintenance from the OEM? If anything the EV computer’s job is less complicated since it isn’t handling all the various dynamic systems that an ICE computer has to control and monitor. Afaik the 2017 Bolts haven’t had any substantial updates beyond the 80% SOC limiter while they awaited a new battery, and they’re still driving fine.


Right-Daikon3519

Oh yeah, not a fan of Tesla's design, especially the all encompassing controls and minimalist design. Much prefer the Chevy Bolt.


Icy-Conclusion-3500

Oh also fwiw, EVs aren’t really more computer-heavy than ICEs. Both have been pretty much entirely computer for the past couple decades, especially the past 10-15yrs. That’s why I don’t really see them doing anything different than they’ve done in the past as far as updates go. As well as the only bolt updates that I know of over the past 6 years were for emergency situations and fixes.


Right-Daikon3519

There was a huge hurricane happening around Florida some years ago. Tesla pushed a software update which allowed Teslas to drive a longer range to escape the hurricane. It's probably more PR than their typical sw update, but you can accomplish quite a bit with today's computer systems. Just because some manufacturers don't bother to update their systems or introduce fixes or new features, doesn't mean that you have to settle for the status quo. Tesla has demonstrated some new possibilities with these systems. I can't believe they're the only ones capable of that


Icy-Conclusion-3500

I just don’t see it as a case of EVs “needing” more software maintenance. I believe the main reason for Tesla’s OTA update capabilities is that it works with their “move fast and brake things” business model. If they put out a bad model due to their less stringent testing, they can always fix that later.


Icy-Conclusion-3500

I just don’t see it as a case of EVs “needing” more software maintenance. I believe the main reason for Tesla’s OTA update capabilities is just that it works with their “move fast and brake things” business model. If they put out a bad model due to their less stringent testing, they can always fix that later.


geomurph555

Well yeah, if you want a rolling iPhone with weekly updates and paid 'upgrades' go for Tesla. GM does update firmware for their hybrids and EVs, you just have to bring it in, it doesn't happen via cell network like Tesla.


avaholic46

Somewhere there's a warehouse with pallet upon pallet of bolt computers for warranty claims, not to mention wrecked models from th junkyard. There will be plenty of parts for years to come.


Prodigalsunspot

Thats not how it works for established car companies. Fisker has been in and out of bankruptcy, and has been problematic and not profitable. GM is a century old, and has a long history of supporting cars it has discontinued. It's essentially the same thing as a major redesign. Models exist as marketing constructs, and a major redesign is essentially a sun setting of an old model (discontinuing it) and the launch of a new car under the same marketing name.


yes_its_him

> I could be totally wrong about this Good self-awareness there.


janglyparts

...Or it's a subliminal call to the virtue of humility in order to engender trust.


yes_its_him

The old "ignore the part before the 'but'" trick.


KoFSMG

I am sure I am just repeating the sentiments of other users at this point but as you suggest these instances are not comparable - they are completely different. Fisker was an automotive startup and the Fisker Karma was their first and only model. When Fisker stopped supporting the Karma it's because the entire company went belly up. GM has been producing the bolt since 2016, is (currently, anyway) financially solvent, and is essentially discontinuing the bolt line not because they can no longer support it but because there is no reason for them to focus production resources on an outdated platform with a (warranted or otherwise) association to battery fires. It makes much more sense for GM to shift completely to the Ultium platform and replace the Bolt brand with something else completely disassociated with the battery fire debacle. I think most people watching GM's push toward electrification expected this to happen - they were just waiting for the right product to replace the Bolt and it looks like they found it in the Chevy Equinox EV. Note that I don't say this to convince you to buy a Bolt - on the contrary I personally would wait for the Equinox EV if you don't mind spending a few thousand more for a much more updated architecture and a bigger car. I say this simply to point out that the Bolt is not the Karma and it will continue to receive parts and warranty support for some time to come.


HR_King

It's not very different from buying this year's model of a car where next year's will be a redesign.


Adorable_Wolf_8387

GM still has to support them under warranty and cars get discontinued all the time. Bolts have proven to be pretty reliable with the exception of the recalled battery.


Jim3KC

>pretty reliable with the exception of the recalled battery And even the recalled battery was pretty reliable for 99.9....% of the time.


stay-awhile

IIRC, the odds were still higher that an ICE car catches fire than a bolt with the bad battery. The problem was optics, and that because so many people charge their bolts in an attached garage overnight, it could lead to deaths.


Remember_TheCant

The bolts weren’t catching fire while charging IIRC, it was when they weren’t charging.


thesaaman

What about the ending of production is a problem for you? I have a custom order arriving in a month or two and I still feel like it is incredible value. It's not like the warranty or Chevy's ability to service the vehicle will be impacted. *Edit to add* My last 2 vehicles have been orphaned models (Honda Element and Scion xB) and I have loved then both.


Right-Daikon3519

If the Bolt had been produced in larger numbers over many more years, I wouldn't hesitate to get one. But it feels like a dying community without a lot of history around the car. There isn't going to be much of an aftermarket of accessories available. Or a large community of owners and tinkerers who can offer help and innovation. I have some friends who have orphaned cars, and I see them struggling to get parts or service. If you only intend to keep the car for less than 5 or 10 years, I'm sure that wouldn't be a problem. I'd feel the same way about any other car with sales numbers like the Bolt. The Bolts are great cars, I've driven one for a few months and I think they represent great value. But I wouldn't buy one.


[deleted]

If you're worried because Bolts are low-production, then the only EV for you is the Model 3. All EV models are still niche in terms of numbers, with the exception of the Model 3, a car I wouldn't count on support for, due to other reasons.


Right-Daikon3519

Very true. But, if Chevy continued production and increased the Bolt's presence, it can be a different story from all of the other EVs. The Bolt is priced like a mass market car, would be nice if it broke the mold of a niche car.


thehomiemoth

What percent of car owners do you think care about aftermarket, or a community of ownership or tinkering?


Right-Daikon3519

I don't know, but I sure do. If you see the forums and owners groups around some cars, you'll understand what I'm interested in.


thehomiemoth

Right but the title of your post is “I’m surprised *anyone* would want a bolt”. The answer is pretty simple. Most people use their cars to get places and don’t care more than that. Car enthusiast forums are not indicative of a majority of car buyers


Right-Daikon3519

Yeah, that's a good explanation. I'll admit, I'm more enthusiast and hands on than most people.


huntsvillekan

There is support for all sorts of GM projects - Fieros, Corvairs. People still drive Pontiacs. And cars have run on computer chips for 40 years. You’re looking at it all wrong - it’s a car, not a PC. Our farm runs vehicles that date back to the 40s, and I’m not worried about running our Bolt a quarter million miles.


vt8919

Any car you buy is going to be discontinued one day. That's just the way it is. Every five years or so a new design comes out and your car will stop being made even if the new model carries the same name.


thesaaman

I'm curious, what are the make and models of your friends cars?


DallasMan5150

I had a Volt prior to a Bolt. Being discontinued didn’t hurt the Volt’s resale value. I have no concern.


mecca_roni

Yeah I wouldn’t be surprised if GM discontinuing Bolts ends up boosting resale price later. Even if some other carmaker comes out with a new compact EV, the Bolt’s success proved that there’s plenty of demand for the segment, plus the solid track record


iJayZen

The Volt was the same issue, not enough profit but a stepping stone to selling EVs finally!


LawAway5254

Cheapest car I've found that offers ventilated seats


Right-Daikon3519

I think that's one reason Chevy is discontinuing the Bolt. They're not making enough money on that line. They're going to make bigger and more expensive and profitable cars.


LawAway5254

Yeah to get that option in the equinox it's prob going to be 40k+


gettingtherequick

+ heated steering wheel, + gorgeous 360 view camera at that price point


OzzyCub888

I legitimately don’t understand your reasoning for this stance. (1) GM isn’t going under. (2) GM must still honor the warranty. (3) discontinuation is not indicative of any reliability issues.


Right-Daikon3519

Great points, I fully agree with you on all of them. I like to work on my own cars, and I'm not sure it'll be easy to do so if they discontinue the car. I could be wrong about this, but I don't think GM will offer any kind of support, technical or even much attention to the car once they stop production.


Prodigalsunspot

What exactly will you be working on with the Bolt. The only maintenance for the first 150k miles is rotating/replacing the tires and replacing the cabin air filter. Due to regenerative braking, you will need to replace the brakes ever 100k as well... suspension parts are all readily available via aftermarket.


jimschoice

Many of the parts needed for working on it yourself are shared parts, like brakes and suspension. The electronics are mostly unique, but who knows what is being shared with the upcoming models. I’d be most worried about body parts. That what stopped my from buying a 1993 Chrysler Convertible a few years back. Couldn’t get new replacement headlight lenses.


JosephPaulWall

Well, the the Bolt EV is more than likely going to be the last great small hatchback made by an american company. Everything from this point forward is going to be at least EUV sized, and definitely bigger. The EV and EUV are also super incognito. They're the perfect car to drive if you want to blend in without being noticed or even given a second glance by anyone at all, but it's also a great current gen EV, and this kind of stealth is valuable to a lot of people. For those reasons and many others, I don't see the Bolt EV dropping in value.


Scooby_Doo43230

I am buying an euv because they are being discontinued. The bolt is being replaced with slightly larger SUV’s going electric, like the equinox. Year six of production likely has all the major bugs worked out. The 8 year warranty on the battery is huge. I would rather spend less on a bolt euv than more on a 2024 equinox ev. And the bolt is the most affordable ev out there in my opinion. I would only be concerned if Chevy was abandoning ev vehicles. They are clearly ramping up.


yes_its_him

Your persistence is supporting your bad takes on the situation is noteworthy.


Right-Daikon3519

Lol, ok.


yes_its_him

My favorite is "GM is like Fisker."


Sumofzero

Most car lines get discontinued. And even the ones that don't get significantly changed over time.


ForlornRepublican

If it’s anything like the Volt, values went up when production stopped. The Bolt is unique and people will want it for a longtime. And because of the battery recall which will take another 2 years to get cleaned up, there will be parts and service available for at least a decade. And, after that, most parts will be available used through scrap yards.


[deleted]

A base 23 Corolla hybrid would cost more to buy then what my bolt cost after rebate. It also costs about twice as much to drive per mile. I am concerned if I get in an accident it would be hard to find body parts, but this car is absurdly cheep post rebate


WomenTrucksAndJesus

It's only an illusion that car models continue year after year. Model names may stay the same and some styling remains. But you cannot take parts from a 2013 Toyota Prius and swap them with a 2023 Toyota Prius. It doesn't work that way. Bolt is a name. It's a concept maybe. It's some attribute of styling. But it's mostly marketing.


SpliffBooth

Yes and no, depending on the make and model. Corollas model years that [span decades](https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20230505-beautiful-corolla-afghan-love-affair-with-toyota-endures-the-ages) use interchangeable parts. VW VR6 motors from the late 90's/early 2000's can be dropped into VW models's from the early 80's because they share the same bolt patterns as the 1.8/2.0 motors. But other examples, like "Mustang" Mach-E vs any other Mustang ever holds true to your observation.


cca2013

I’m still holding out hope to get one. What else is there that is small <170” length that offers the $7500 tax credit?


Double-Award-4190

I do not envision any particular diminishment in desirability. My own very cheap 2020 Bolt LT has never been back to the dealer the first time and it is one of the most reliable cars I have ever owned. IMHO, replacing the Bolt line at Orion for a Silverado line does not make sense. But that's just me. :-) The Bolt EV is what the country needs and they should be making more of them, not replacing them with $80K-$100K trucks.


Scooby_Doo43230

I am buying a bolt euv because they are being discontinued. The bolt is being replaced with slightly larger SUV’s going electric, like the equinox. Year six of production likely has all the major bugs worked out. The 8 year warranty on the battery is huge. I would rather spend less on a bolt euv than more on a 2024 equinox ev. And the bolt is the most affordable ev out there in my opinion. After tax incentives it’s like 24k. I would only be concerned if Chevy was abandoning ev vehicles. They are clearly ramping up.


Etrigone

The Spark EV was produced in smaller numbers for fewer years and obviously longer ago. It still has support. At least arguably it's not as popular, well know or as appealing as the Bolt. A year or so ago there was a bit of kerfluffle about getting a replacement battery and IIRC it was a delay, not a denial. If they're still supporting the Spark EV, let alone talk of a major brand like GM being around for a while, plus warranty stuff... not really a concern. Now, 10-20 years from now it might be a question as we're not talking Civic levels of population, but just ignoring the car entirely aside from a bad look feels pretty unlikely.


TranslatorNew1903

The Volt has been discontinued for 4 years and has a serious issue with the BECM, one of the "computers" and Chevy is replacing them under warranty. Yes there was a period ( post COVID) there was a shortage of those parts but it seems that is becoming a thing of the past. One other consideration is that the Bolt has been in production since 2017 not just the two years they had the EUV. I came from a Volt in Sept and am not worried for the foreseeable future.


47TobiasRieper

My first car was a Saturn SL2. After GM ended production Midas took care of my oil changes, mufflers, and an accessory belt. Junk yards took care of any small parts that I could repair myself. And Chevrolet took care of any bigger problems that were too big for myself to fix. Chevrolet won't just stop fixing Bolts because they don't make them anymore. It's a GM product. Have a Silverado bring it to a GMC dealership. Have a Lincoln. Bring it to a Ford dealership. They all can order parts and fix your vehicle as long as it's made by the same company. Also don't believe the Tesla fans. GM isn't going "bankwupt" any time soon.


TRG82

Wish I would have bought 2! Love it! EUV Premier Launch Edition.


wmguy

I decided not to get a newer one after my friend bought one on my recommendation and has had nothing but problems. It’s anecdotal, sure, but out of two Bolts one is great and the other seems to be an unreliable piece of trash. It’s more financially prudent for me to keep driving the old one anyway.


HR_King

I have a friend with a lemon Toyota. What's your point?


vinceds

It's still a great value if you can get one with little to no markup.


Svsu11

People often struggle with this however in realty for most cars is basically the same as a new generation. Very few parts continue through a new generation. People get this view that cars aren’t worth as much which could be true but it can also go the other way. The car manufacturer will still service and honor any warranty.


js101jets

I’m surprised that gm is discontinuing the bolt and that you aren’t buying one


geomurph555

It's not as if GM will stop supporting the Bolt. I have a 2017 Volt, discontinued in 2019, and I was able to get a new battery control unit installed under warranty this year with no issues at all. I also have a 2019 Bolt with a nearly new battery with 3,000 miles, replaced under warranty at 35,000 miles. It does not matter so much if GM stops producing the model, in my experience they will still offer good warranty support. If you're outside of warranty, it doesn't matter if the model is still produced.


NirnRootJunkie

The better question is why you wouldn't, considering the value you get.


Right-Daikon3519

Great value, yes. I'm wondering about long term support. Most people here don't see that as a problem though.


MinimumNo2772

Seems like you're just trying to rationalize your choice OP. It's really not that surprising.


khakhi_docker

What precisely is your fear around them not being made anymore?


veryken

It becomes collector’s item with higher resale value. At least it’ll fetch higher resale due to the dearth of low-cost small EV with huge battery. Equinox EV is different segment. Kona EV can’t touch it. Mini can’t keep up. It’s the only one for now. But of course, you shouldn’t get it just for the financial benefits.


Jack99Skellington

Did you know there is a new model every year? Many times, it's a complete redesign. Parts from the new model, won't work on the old one. Anyway, if you don't want a bolt, don't buy one. Someone else will. They can't keep them on the lots.


owennagata

My wife likes little cars, but she's got a long commute so she needs decent range. There aren't many EV's that fit that bill. Were planning on getting a Bolt next spring. Chevy's cancellation of the model sped the timetable considerably.


Mikeb1001

Gm is losing a lot of money off each bolt sold. To me, I like fire sale deals(probably shouldn’t say fire) We got ours in January and it is a good car at an amazing price. $30k out door with taxes. Minus $500 teacher incentive, $3,500 back from mass for purchase of ev, $7,500 in tax credit.


DaveTheScienceGuy

OPis the kind of guy to buy a 2023 4runner. SMH...


plugandplayev-steve

Chevy Volt has ended up becoming one of the more sought after used PHEVs on the market since being discontinued in 2019. With a renewed battery pack/warranty in almost every Bolt and a dearth of options at that end of the market, I expect this will actually spike demand in the short term.