[Recent2021BoltBuyer]

The 80% software limit is just for the following 6,200 miles, then it automatically flips and lets you charge to 100%. Most EV owners only charge to 80 or 90% anyways, unless they need the range for a road trip.

The used 2020 I bought has the software limit, the battery is only 3 years old anyway, for me the priority was to have a car that had less wear on it, so only 3 years old and lower miles, then say a 6 year old car with a new battery. You cant really go wrong either way.

So, to clarify -- yours has the software limit -- and, if for some reason you have a problem with that battery, it's under warranty? (what is the warranty situation with your battery -- and (if some kind soul wants to repeat this) what's the basic warranty situation with used Bolts now on the market?)

Here's my understanding: most used Bolts that are 2019 (or 2018 or) newer (?) have had their batteries replaced. The 100,000 mi 8 yr warranty is transferable (right?). Some have not had their batteries replaced, but have the software 'solution' in place. If they have a problem within the 6200 mi limit, their owners get a free replacement (?). I'm butchering this.

 

[MichBolt]

...what's the basic warranty situation with used Bolts now on the market?...

In general, for most used vehicles, any remaining factory warranty transfers to the new owner. What remains depends on the original purchase date and current mileage.

The Bolt has a 3 year / 36,000 mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, 5 year / 60,000 mile powertrain warranty, and 8 year / 100,000 mile battery warranty from the original purchase date.

Bolts that were repurchased by GM due to the fire recall should have a new, 1 year / 12,000 mile bumper-to-bumper warranty added.

Here's my understanding: most used Bolts that are 2019 (or 2018 or) newer (?) have had their batteries replaced.

All 2017, 2018, and 2019 are eligible to have their original battery replaced (some owners may not have bothered to get it done before selling / trading it in).

Some 2020, 2021, and 2022 Bolts may have had their batteries replaced. Some may have only received a software update. If you have the VIN, here's how you can tell whether the battery was replaced: Used Bolt Buyer's Guide

The 100,000 mi 8 yr warranty is transferable (right?).

Yes, just like the other factory warranties.

Also, if the battery was replaced under the recall, the battery warranty was reset (new 8 years / 100,000 miles) as of the date and mileage of replacement. You can use the Chevy owners website to check the VIN and see any warranties on the vehicle (don't need an account to look it up): Chevy recall and warranty lookup

Some have not had their batteries replaced, but have the software 'solution' in place. If they have a problem within the 6200 mi limit, their owners get a free replacement (?)...

Some 2020, 2021, and 2022 Bolts received a software update instead of a new battery. The software limits the maximum charge to 80% and monitors the battery for 10,000 km (about 6200 miles). If the software detects an issue during the 6200 miles, the battery will be replaced free as part of the recall, and reportedly, the warranty will be reset.

After 6200 miles, the 80% limit will automatically be removed, but monitoring will still continue. If the software detects an issue and the battery is still under warranty, it will be replaced free.

 

[2020 Bolter]

So, to clarify -- yours has the software limit -- and, if for some reason you have a problem with that battery, it's under warranty? (what is the warranty situation with your battery -- and (if some kind soul wants to repeat this) what's the basic warranty situation with used Bolts now on the market?)

Here's my understanding: most used Bolts that are 2019 (or 2018 or) newer (?) have had their batteries replaced. The 100,000 mi 8 yr warranty is transferable (right?). Some have not had their batteries replaced, but have the software 'solution' in place. If they have a problem within the 6200 mi limit, their owners get a free replacement (?). I'm butchering this.

Everything MichBolt said below.

Every EV sold, every brand has the 8 yr battery warranty, it's why I have felt comfortable buying used EVs. My first Leaf was used, my 2nd Bolt was used, and I am currently debating trading my 2 year old MachE in and buying a higher trim used MachE. EVs are a safer used buy than ICE IMHO

 

[2020 Bolter]

yours has the software limit -- and, if for some reason you have a problem with that battery, it's under warranty

Yes, I have the software, so if my battery has issues it should trigger warning flights, I would then go to the dealership and get a new battery. If no warnings after 6k miles I am likely fine.

The batteries replaced in 2017-2019 were manufactured at a different plant than 2020 on, so they think the risk is less.

 

[Packard V8]

EVs are a safer used buy than ICE IMHO

Yes, No, Maybe.

I'd not hesitate to recommend a used Bolt to friends and family.

OTOH, to hear some horror stories, go to the BMW i3 forum. Bimmer maintenance is always outrageous, but i3 maintenance seems a deal-breaker on a sub-$20k used car.

jack vines

 

[MichBolt]

Yes, No, Maybe.

I'd not hesitate to recommend a used Bolt to friends and family.

OTOH, to hear some horror stories, go to the BMW i3 forum. Bimmer maintenance is always outrageous, but i3 maintenance seems a deal-breaker on a sub-$20k used car.

jack vines

I feel like BMW is an exception to any rule regarding reasonable maintenance...

 

[Recent2021BoltBuyer]

In general, for most used vehicles, any remaining factory warranty transfers to the new owner. What remains depends on the original purchase date and current mileage.

The Bolt has a 3 year / 36,000 mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, 5 year / 60,000 mile powertrain warranty, and 8 year / 100,000 mile battery warranty from the original purchase date.

Bolts that were repurchased by GM due to the fire recall should have a new, 1 year / 12,000 mile bumper-to-bumper warranty added.


All 2017, 2018, and 2019 are eligible to have their original battery replaced (some owners may not have bothered to get it done before selling / trading it in).

Some 2020, 2021, and 2022 Bolts may have had their batteries replaced. Some may have only received a software update. If you have the VIN, here's how you can tell whether the battery was replaced: Used Bolt Buyer's Guide


Yes, just like the other factory warranties.

Also, if the battery was replaced under the recall, the battery warranty was reset (new 8 years / 100,000 miles) as of the date and mileage of replacement. You can use the Chevy owners website to check the VIN and see any warranties on the vehicle (don't need an account to look it up): Chevy recall and warranty lookup


Some 2020, 2021, and 2022 Bolts received a software update instead of a new battery. The software limits the maximum charge to 80% and monitors the battery for 10,000 km (about 6200 miles). If the software detects an issue during the 6200 miles, the battery will be replaced free as part of the recall, and reportedly, the warranty will be reset.

After 6200 miles, the 80% limit will automatically be removed, but monitoring will still continue. If the software detects an issue and the battery is still under warranty, it will be replaced free.

Thanks a million for this.

@MichBolt, it seems that all Bolts (including 2017-2019) are included in the Used Bolt Buyers Guide (or whichever resource it was that you mentioned), as well as more recent Bolts. So -- it seems that no matter what year you're looking at, when you're looking at a Used Bolt, you can use the VIN to check and see what the battery status is. Which means that you can rest assured that you won't be left high and dry (say, without a replacement when one is justified). All that's left for my family is to find a good used Bolt, a good price, have it checked over by a mechanic (tho' many won't really be too familiar with Bolts) w/ a typical buyer's inspection, get the instant rebate, and, in our case, install a charger in our driveway. That means renting a trencher and letting the electrician do the rest (because most probably won't let us lay the cable and affix it to our subfloor due to liability). Not all that hard, but a few humps to get over. Also, in the Seattle area right now, it looks like Used Bolts can be had for roughly $10-$11K (after $4000 rebate), with relatively low mileage (40K or less). I'm assuming that mileage on used Bolts is pretty much the same as mileage on used Honda Civics or Toyota Corollas -- 40K miles just doesn't seem like all that many. I'm guessing most Bolts will go for at least 100K, no? Thank you again.

 

[MichBolt]

...have it checked over by a mechanic (tho' many won't really be too familiar with Bolts) w/ a typical buyer's inspection...

...I'm assuming that mileage on used Bolts is pretty much the same as mileage on used Honda Civics or Toyota Corollas -- 40K miles just doesn't seem like all that many. I'm guessing most Bolts will go for at least 100K, no? Thank you again.

Aside from the electric drivetrain (motor, battery, inverters, etc.), the Bolt is a typical subcompact car. So I personally think it's worth having things like suspension, steering, wheels, bearings, brakes, etc. checked out. There won't be as much to check because there's no engine, no belts or chains, no alternators or starters, no fuel pumps, no exhaust systems, etc. So you might be able to negotiate a lower inspection cost with your mechanic...?

As for mileage, Chevy isn't Toyota or Honda, so I don't know that I would compare a Bolt with a Corolla or Civic. However, I expect at least 100k miles to be a reasonable expectation.

 

[NortonCommando]

.... So I personally think it's worth having things like suspension, steering, wheels, bearings, brakes, etc. checked out. .....
So you might be able to negotiate a lower inspection cost with your mechanic...?

If 'suspension, steering, wheels, bearings,' has a problem you'll hear and feel it. How can a 'mechanic' inspect such components? Lay Hands on them?
Brakes can be inspected with the wheels on with a flashlight and mirror. You can see if the struts have 'dizzles'.
If it feels solid and is quiet when you test drive it, what more do you want?
A mechanic can't guarantee that a wheel bearing or strut wont' go bad in the next 10k miles.

But if it brings you joy to give a mechanic money to get your Bolt up on a lift and listen to him whistle a happy tune (while hoping you aren't' watching him) and go around 'taking a look at things',
Do it.

 

[NortonCommando]

If it still has the original 12 volt battery, I'd replace it as soon as possible. ....

Meanwhile.... my '17, at 108k miles has its original 12V battery. ymmv....
And this is with midwest winters and summers.
I used to put an expensive 'Batteyminder' on it once in a while hoping its 'anti-sulfation' function would do some magic, maybe it helped.... I gave me Hope.
I haven't done that recently and I read that the Bolt sends 'anti-sulfation' functions to the 12V battery sometimes.

 

[MichBolt]

If 'suspension, steering, wheels, bearings,' has a problem you'll hear and feel it. How can a 'mechanic' inspect such components? Lay Hands on them?
Brakes can be inspected with the wheels on with a flashlight and mirror. You can see if the struts have 'dizzles'.
If it feels solid and is quiet when you test drive it, what more do you want?
A mechanic can't guarantee that a wheel bearing or strut wont' go bad in the next 10k miles.

But if it brings you joy to give a mechanic money to get your Bolt up on a lift and listen to him whistle a happy tune (while hoping you aren't' watching him) and go around 'taking a look at things',
Do it.

That's easier on a vehicle you're already familiar with. What's that creaking noise in the back? Is that the axle, the bushings, or just the latch on the rear hatch? A dealer will tell you, "That's normal - it's always been that way." If you've never driven the vehicle before, how would you know?

Also, putting a vehicle up on a lift can reveal some damage that might indicate an accident that was never reported, or damage to the undercarriage. Certainly, a lot depends on the trustworthiness of the mechanic.

 

[Recent2021BoltBuyer]

I've bought maybe 8 used cars in the past few decades...I took 'conventional wisdom' to heart, got a buyer's check on all. Only problem I really recall clearly was "a small oil leak, probably not much" that turned out to be a pain before long. I wished the mechanic (ASE certified) had made the warning stronger. There was one owner who let me travel an hour and go thru an entire buyer's inspection before pulling out the title -- with "REBUILT" emblazoned. That car turned out just fine, probably 'cause the Ukrainians (was it Russians? Can't remember) are said to be semi-famous for body work in Everett, WA. Then there was a used Sentra whose alternator died a couple days after I bought it. No way for the (buyer's check) mechanic to see that, and that car, too, went on to provide many years of faithful service. I also remember buyer's checks usually giving us excellent justification to ask sellers to lower prices. They've paid for themselves in basically all cases. That said -- a super important part of used car buying has been the test drive. If I get a real good feel when I drive a vehicle, it's huge. But $100'ish seems a reasonable price to pay for a little extra peace of mind if we're plunking down 11K. I'm with MichBolt on that -- and I'm not above asking for a lower price based on the 'less stuff to check' idea.