Yeah, this is my dilemma. I have heard positive things about Ford and GM in regards to them making it easier to skip the dealership, do that at least addresses the convenience factor. Another factor in wanting to avoid the dealership is that I don’t trust their business model where they sell you a car that they want you to bring in regularly for maintenance. I’d rather buy from a company that doesn’t see vehicle service as a revenue opportunity. Does that apply to Tesla? I’m not sure, but I know that’s how the traditional dealership model works so it’s hard to trust those companies.
Comment on Tesla’s in its flop era
AngryCommieKender@lemmy.world 6 months agoChevy Bolt is full EV, and only $12,000 after some rebates that may only apply in California. It doesn’t have 300 mile range, only 250-280. I haven’t actually checked, but I think it has a motor on each wheel, so that would be 4WD. Unfortunately, they have decided to discontinue the Bolt after this year.
OpenPassageways@lemmy.zip 6 months ago
bilb@lem.monster 6 months ago
I really like my Bolt, it perfectly suits my needs and I love driving it. I think the biggest compromise that makes it unattractive for long distance travel is the relatively slow charging speed. I very rarely do that, however, and if I did I might rent a different vehicle.
captainlezbian@lemmy.world 6 months ago
It was also UAW made. Which is one of the most important things for me when it comes to buying a new vehicle
OpenPassageways@lemmy.zip 6 months ago
This is a good point, I’m more inclined to support a unionized company. Still… my understanding is that GM and Ford (and others) all circumvent unionization by manufacturing (to some extent) in Mexico. I guess it depends on the individual car. I’m supportive of Federal and State EV incentives that prioritize made in the US, unionized manufacturing.
captainlezbian@lemmy.world 6 months ago
Very true. The unfortunate reality is no vehicle manufacturer is friendly to the UAW (to my knowledge, though Volkswagen claims to be apathetic, but when I was a union member of a company they own it certainly felt like they had a problem with us). I don’t support these companies because they’re good companies I support them because I want the industry to face financial pressure towards unionized labor. And my alternative isn’t nonunion vehicles, it’s used vehicles.