Buy an eGolf w/no dealer support?

[swu5966]

I'm interested in the eGolf but live in MI, where the eGolf is not sold or serviced by VW dealers in the state. So, would that put a damper on buying a used eGolf if there's no service available in the state where you live? If there is any substantial EV work to be done, you would likely have to ship it to the nearest dealer.

Keep looking at used eGolfs or dock the idea until there is dealer support?

Thanks for any input!

 

[RonDawg]

Many folks have imported "compliance" EV's from states like California. They did so with the understanding that the local dealers are probably not going to be helpful.

Fortunately there is very little to service on an EV, and most if not all the routine maintenance stuff can be done by any mechanic, including a competent shade tree mechanic. You don't need an "EV specialist" to rotate tires or do brake fluid flushes.

However, for warranty work (including on systems common with the ICEV versions), your local dealer likely will not touch it.

 

[swu5966]

Thanks for your reply.

My concern is with anything EV specific. Our local, and probably any VW dealer in MI, are not allowed to work on any EV specific aspects of the car. Understandably due to specific training and EV diagnostic gear and parts.

Just wondering if that would deter folks from buying this EV, which fits the bill in many ways, that a Leaf or Bolt does not. Hopefully VW expands their EV market to include all states, then service would be there, but that timeframe I don't know.

 

[RonDawg]

It's all about your tolerance for risk, particularly if you are far away from an EV-certified VW dealer.

There have been folks that have imported vehicles like the Toyota RAV-4 EV, which was sold only in California. It has a Tesla powertrain and battery system, so even if a non-certified Toyota dealer was willing to touch it, they lack the training and parts availability. But that didn't deter some folks.

 

[Spektre]

VW has really been dragging its feet on training their technicians - remember when they said they'd sell the '17 in all 50 states (they lied)?

I've been driving my '15 SEL for just over two years, purchased 1 year old for $18300 with ~7500miles on the odometer from California. I had to get the EV part serviced just two months into ownership for that 'sudden stop' recall, and had to go through VW corporate to get them to send a technician from California to Scottsdale AZ.

I'm just about to hit 40K miles and that time above was the last time in the dealership. I really, really love this car and plan on keeping it until (hopefully) VW gets their next EVs on the market (IN ALL 50 STATES PLEASE!).

I say go for it and enjoy the car - it's a fantastic machine.

 

[swu5966]

Thanks for all of the replies. Still mulling over not having a nearby safety net in case...

The 2017eGolfs received the 30KwH battery, is that correct? 2015-2016 had the 24KwH?

 

[RonDawg]

The 2017eGolfs received the 30KwH battery, is that correct? 2015-2016 had the 24KwH?

35.8 kWH for the 2017+ and 24 kWH for the earlier versions.

 

[SocaleGolf]

We are moving from CA to NC and I just can part with my e-Golf. Will have plenty of charging stations, plus the overnight garage power cord so getting a charge won't be an issue. And while I am concerned with no dealer support in NC, the car like most EVs seems reliable with next to no maintenance needs. So onto the trailer it goes.

 

[swu5966]

A 2017 would be great as a daily driver and have enough range if I need to go extra miles that day.

One last question for now, does the e-Golf have a full size spare? The Leaf and Bolt have a can of goo.

Thanks for all of the replies!

 

[RonDawg]

One last question for now, does the e-Golf have a full size spare? The Leaf and Bolt have a can of goo.

Same with the eGolf, you get a can of goo. BUT, VW thoughtfully included a provision for a space saver spare; it's too shallow to fit a full size spare, though if you're willing to live without the false floor and have it intrude into the cargo area, I imagine you could fit a full size spare back there.

This is a thread about adding a spare to the eGolf, with the parts list: https://www.myvwegolf.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=860 I simply used the space saver from my Alltrack (which got a full size spare instead) and bought the plastic center nut which secures the tire to the floor.

 

[swu5966]

Circling back around... I'm curious to see what VW will have on display at the Detroit auto show in less than a month. If not to show, what they will talk about. EV ID cars in all 50 states in 2020? If they do go in all 50 states soon, then a used e-Golf, like a 2017 or 2018 would still be in the running for me if I can get it serviced at my local VW dealer. No hesitation then.

I drive 50 miles +/- a day so it would still make a fabulous daily driver.