How can I buy being a resident of Texas?

[Manitou]

I'm fine with flying out to do a deal and then shipping the car back. Would prefer to do everything remote and just have it sent here though. I'm fine with a 2015 for a great deal. I'm fine with a 2016 for a good deal (newer stereo I gathered? Doesn't seem like a big deal).

I prefer to purchase cars, but would consider a lease (really would rather buy if one can really be had for less than $20k. I'll give it to my some when he turns 16 in a few years.. Keep him from going to far from home! Haha)

 

[RonDawg]

You'll have to track down a dealer in California (probably the closest state to you where it's sold) who is willing to sell you the car. VW officially frowns upon the practice but in the end they can't stop them from selling the car. It's been done to some "California-only" cars like the Toyota RAV-4 EV.

Note that unless you want to pay at least 7.75% California base sales tax, the car cannot be registered here and thus will need to be trucked or towed out of state. You'll be on your own registering the car in Texas as well. And hopefully you will not get a car that suffers from a problem like the shutting-down-for-no-reason defect, because the car will need to be shipped back to an eGolf-certified dealer to have it repaired.

 

[TheOath]

I'm fine with flying out to do a deal and then shipping the car back. Would prefer to do everything remote and just have it sent here though. I'm fine with a 2015 for a great deal. I'm fine with a 2016 for a good deal (newer stereo I gathered? Doesn't seem like a big deal).

I prefer to purchase cars, but would consider a lease (really would rather buy if one can really be had for less than $20k. I'll give it to my some when he turns 16 in a few years.. Keep him from going to far from home! Haha)

Manitou,
I am in the same boat as you. I live in Texas as well. I have a number of irons in the fire and I will post back here if I can get it worked out. Let's share info.

TheOath

 

[Manitou]

That would be awesome. I just moved here from Tahoe and wish I would have gotten one before I came. The alternative is a Kia Soul (due to arrive in 6-8 weeks the Austin dealership said). I prefer the VW very much though.
anyone got a list of states that are actively selling the egolf? I'm open to flying to do the deal if I have to.

 

[JoulesThief]

That would be awesome. I just moved here from Tahoe and wish I would have gotten one before I came. The alternative is a Kia Soul (due to arrive in 6-8 weeks the Austin dealership said). I prefer the VW very much though.
anyone got a list of states that are actively selling the egolf? I'm open to flying to do the deal if I have to.

I'd wait and see how VW battery packs do in the heat for 3 or 4 years in CA desert, before buying an e-Golf for down in Texas. Plus, good luck getting it serviced, if something malfunctions. VW electrical systems are not exactly flawless, in the past.

 

[Manitou]

Main battery is liquid cooled is it not? I'd agree if it's air cooled. As for the other bits.. Well if the power windows break and a local vw dealership tried to tell me they can't fix it because it's an egolf.. They will not win that battle.
If the propulsion system jacks up.. They'll have to give me a loaner (gas) while they figure out how to handle it. Probably goes in the pro lease column.
I seriously could have bought one a few months ago while I was still a CA resident. Manufacturer can't tell me I'm not allowed to move out of state with their product.
This whole credit system for carb is just making things stupid.
"Leaving a state does not void a warranty." That's a better way to say it.

 

[JoulesThief]

Main battery is liquid cooled is it not? I'd agree if it's air cooled. As for the other bits.. Well if the power windows break and a local vw dealership tried to tell me they can't fix it because it's an egolf.. They will not win that battle.
If the propulsion system jacks up.. They'll have to give me a loaner (gas) while they figure out how to handle it. Probably goes in the pro lease column.
I seriously could have bought one a few months ago while I was still a CA resident. Manufacturer can't tell me I'm not allowed to move out of state with their product.
This whole credit system for carb is just making things stupid.
"Leaving a state does not void a warranty." That's a better way to say it.

Main battery is air cooled. Really. Do a google search to confirm. And the Li ion chemistry in the panasonic batteries is such that it likes slow charging at level 2 charge rates, 7.2Kwh, not level 3 charge rates. Heat and high charge rates dramatically shorten the battery life and capacity.

 

[miimura]

There is no forced air cooling. At least the Kia Soul EV has air circulated from the cabin to the battery. The e-Golf battery relies on heat conduction and external convection for cooling.

You may not be able to lease from a state like California and avoid its sales tax. I think I heard that VW does not allow leases to owners who don't reside in or register the vehicle in the states they have selected for sales. If you have an address you can use, you can probably start the lease and then tell VW you have "moved". Does Oregon have sales tax?

If you do an outright purchase, you should be able to get a deal done with a CA dealer and have them tender the vehicle to an auto transport company. You will not have to pay CA sales tax with that arrangement.

 

[Manitou]

ahh crap.. that kills it for me. Not even active air cooling from the cabin's a/c system... that's just asking for a melt down in Texas summer heat. I really don't like the look of the soul, but I like driving it (yea yea.. I'm a little superficial).
I really don't want to contribute to pollution any more, but the options are less than ideal (I don't have Tesla S/X money).

I suppose I need to look at the i3's again. I like that hamster ball, but I don't like a $55k hamster ball regardless of how fun.

 

[JoulesThief]

Buy a tdi, or if you are worried about polluting, don't drive at all. Ride a bike, a scooter, or a skateboard, don't breathe hard, that will increase your carbon footprint, and don't fart, that will add methane.

I get depressed when people buy vehicles to make political statements about how "green" they are... it's a fallacy, transportation is dirty, period. Energy, in general, is a dirty business, whether you mine it, extract it, build something to capture or store it. It's all dirty.

 

[Manitou]

HA! Luckily this is my thread and I think I can delete it all together..
Dude, I'm no politician. I just know what I think. Those that don't agree with you aren't always wrong.
Ahh crap.. won't let me delete the thread.
Diesel is bad mmkaay - southpark guy

 

[miimura]

If you don't mind its trunk space, or lack thereof, the Focus Electric is similar to the e-Golf and has a liquid cooled battery system. Good 5 passenger space, good handling, pretty good tech, and fold-down rear seats when you really do need some cargo space. I crossed it off the list more than 2 years ago because I need to be able to fit 1 large and two small suitcases in the car with all the seating in place.

 

[TheOath]

Hello, can anyone speak to operating the egolf in 90 degree weather? I did see a you tube video of some who drove a number of miles , fast charged and then showed the temp was causing the max power gauge to limit (it was 110 degrees outside) What he did not say, is what was the power gauge at during a normal drive in 90+ Temps .Meaning I don't know if the fast charge contributed to the drop in power.

I am inclined to go and get one anyway so if I do, I will report back.

For me it either a tesla or the egolf and since I can't afford the tesla....

None of the other ev,s meet my range or looks requirements.

TheOath

 

[RonDawg]

Hello, can anyone speak to operating the egolf in 90 degree weather? I did see a you tube video of some who drove a number of miles , fast charged and then showed the temp was causing the max power gauge to limit (it was 110 degrees outside) What he did not say, is what was the power gauge at during a normal drive in 90+ Temps .Meaning I don't know if the fast charge contributed to the drop in power.

I haven't driven mine in 110 degree weather, but in the 100-105 degree temps that we experienced in August and September here in LA, I didn't notice any issues. The power gauge would stay maxed out unless I was getting low on charge.

Fast charging in such temps likely overheated the battery which in turn caused the car to dial down the power. QC'ing in hot weather is never a good idea on a car with no active cooling like the eGolf or Leaf, and will hasten heat-related battery degradation.

 

[RonDawg]

anyone got a list of states that are actively selling the egolf?

California, Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington DC.

(for those interested, even if the OP no longer is)

 

[TheOath]

anyone got a list of states that are actively selling the egolf?

California, Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington DC.

(for those interested, even if the OP no longer is)

Thank you for the information.
Trying to go electric in Texas is a bit rough. I am finding out that I know more then the salesman. It is very frustrating.

So my first choice is the egolf, second Ford Focus electric. The egolf wins hands down but is not sold or serviced n Texas. The focus is coming to Texas this model year and the battery is water cooled but has less range and top speed and no DC fast charge.

I can confirm the ftew California dealers I have spoken with don't want to sell to Texas. It's like pulling teeth. One wanted. 3k above sticker. I think it was a discouraging tactic.

TheOath

 

[JoulesThief]

anyone got a list of states that are actively selling the egolf?

California, Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington DC.

(for those interested, even if the OP no longer is)

Thank you for the information.
Trying to go electric in Texas is a bit rough. I am finding out that I know more then the salesman. It is very frustrating.

So my first choice is the egolf, second Ford Focus electric. The egolf wins hands down but is not sold or serviced n Texas. The focus is coming to Texas this model year and the battery is water cooled but has less range and top speed and no DC fast charge.

I can confirm the ftew California dealers I have spoken with don't want to sell to Texas. It's like pulling teeth. One wanted. 3k above sticker. I think it was a discouraging tactic.

TheOath

I don't think an air cooled battery in Texas heat, combined with quick charging, would be a good recipe for longevity of life of the battery pack. The miles are long, the distances great, and the speeds are high on the roads in Texas. Not a good combo for the e-Golf and long battery life, you'd probably be sorry, and rather soon. I notice a huge loss in miles per kwh, just changing the cruise control speed from 60 to 65 to 70 mph. Forget about 80 mph, borderline abuse on the battery pack, plus add in hills to go up and down... really not good. Battery chemistry is such that the life of any battery in hot southern states is compromised severely. This isn't your $100 battery under the hood, it's about $17,000 to replace.

I understand it's your money, and your choice, but just don't come back whining about VW denying warranty coverage on the Li battery pack, and the price of it being R&R'd coming out of your wallet. The cost of being green can mean no more green your wallet, and plenty of green in VW's account. Don't play, if you can't afford to pay. Do your due diligence before you spend your hard earned money.

Having had my e-golf now for 2 full weeks and 550 miles on it already, I find that the e-golf is fine for everything around town, in the city, that is where it shines, on surface streets, no idling losses at red lights or stop signs. If I need to go 30 miles one way or more, though, the e-golf gets parked next the the charger, and the TDI passat or Touareg gets to stretch their legs instead on the freeway, highway, or interstate. The e-Golf gets the Costco, Walmart and going our for dinner or a haircut runs around town on the Blvd's, in the city, where cleaner air is a priority. Up the speed to 55 mph or more, on my way out of the city to more rural areas, and for me, it's TDI time.

 

[miimura]

... The miles are long, the distances great, and the speeds are high on the roads in Texas. Not a good combo for the e-Golf and long battery life, you'd probably be sorry, and rather soon. I notice a huge loss in miles per kwh, just changing the cruise control speed from 60 to 65 to 70 mph. Forget about 80 mph, borderline abuse on the battery pack, plus add in hills to go up and down... really not good.

Saying the miles are long and the distances are great in Texas is meaningless. An EV is useful for driving around any metropolitan area. Many people drive inter-city very infrequently, so having one EV and one hybrid/TDI/other ICE will work well for many families. There are many more useful and informative issues regarding operating an e-Golf in Texas. For example, are there any SAE Combo fast chargers in your city? I only see two in all of Texas on Plugshare and they are in Austin.

In any case, if you know your driving pattern is a good fit for an EV, don't let people like JoulesThief talk you out of it with dubious or irrelevant negative points. The point about heat and the battery is a relevant one, but we don't have any real-world data on the Panasonic prismatic cells that are used in the e-Golf. Saying that a 2011 Leaf degrades fast in Texas is irrelevant to the e-Golf because the battery cells are completely different.

 

[JoulesThief]

... The miles are long, the distances great, and the speeds are high on the roads in Texas. Not a good combo for the e-Golf and long battery life, you'd probably be sorry, and rather soon. I notice a huge loss in miles per kwh, just changing the cruise control speed from 60 to 65 to 70 mph. Forget about 80 mph, borderline abuse on the battery pack, plus add in hills to go up and down... really not good.

Saying the miles are long and the distances are great in Texas is meaningless. An EV is useful for driving around any metropolitan area. Many people drive inter-city very infrequently, so having one EV and one hybrid/TDI/other ICE will work well for many families. There are many more useful and informative issues regarding operating an e-Golf in Texas. For example, are there any SAE Combo fast chargers in your city? I only see two in all of Texas on Plugshare and they are in Austin.

In any case, if you know your driving pattern is a good fit for an EV, don't let people like JoulesThief talk you out of it with dubious or irrelevant negative points. The point about heat and the battery is a relevant one, but we don't have any real-world data on the Panasonic prismatic cells that are used in the e-Golf. Saying that a 2011 Leaf degrades fast in Texas is irrelevant to the e-Golf because the battery cells are completely different.

As a life time VW owner, and having owned and had to get warranty work out of VW of America, a failed HPFP, having to get NHTSA involved, an engineering analysis done by NHTSA, going after Vw and Bosch for a failed HPFP and a $7000 repair because Bosch/VW was too cheap to do failure analysis on their HPFP design, which wipes out the whole fuel system, I have a well formed opinion and years of experience with VWof America, how corporate works, how their dealerships work, and how Dealerships screw over customers on what should be warranty work, that VW denies coverage on. One need only look at the DEF pump/heater fiasco on Passat and Touareg TDI's, clearly covered by EPA and CARB requirements, and VW weasels out of it, pay $1400 please, to pull apart your rear bumper to replace a $650 part that fails with alarming regularity.

I don't know how much experience you have with warranty work from VW of America, to make the claims you do, but I can assure you, short of hiring an attorney in Texas to get it resolved, warranty work on an e-Golf in Texas will be problematic, just as getting service on a VW PD based motor in a TDI in California was, when the PD motor was a non CARB certified motor. TDI owners that bought them out of state had a hell of a time just getting motor oil and filters for California dealerships to do an oil and filter change. I won't bore you with window regulator failures, turn indicator failures or brake switch failures under warranty either, or rust repair on front fenders, suffice it to say, there are far too many people that can tell you war stories about VW, warranty work, and dealership denied warranty work. Do a search on TDi club, and then ask yourself why most everyone there refers to them as "stealerships".

A VW ownership or lease isn't for everyone. Owning a VW is an adventure into quirky engineering, VW's engineers do things because they can, not because they should.

 

[miimura]

JoulesThief, why are you still a VW customer? With that litany of complaints, I certainly wouldn't be. We traded in a 2001 Passat GLX Wagon, so I am familiar with some of VW's problems, but have no experience with TDI, thank god.