Used Chevy Bolts. Too good to be true?

[BringFuturamaBack]

In Washington I'm seeing Chevy Bolts from 2017-2019 of the premier version (top trim) listing for roughly 16k with BRAND NEW batteries. I'm wondering what the catch is. If you qualify for the 4k used EV credit you're getting a 2017-2019 vehicle with anywhere from 20-60k miles on the body and a literal brand new battery that has the range of the new bolts (new replacement battery is 10% larger capacity) and a warranty attached. 12k for what seems to be basically a new vehicle and no sales tax (in Washington) seems like a win-win-win. What am I missing?

I have some work to do on whether I'll qualify for the 4k EV credit. I'll be part time next year and make somewhere around 90k, so if I fully contribute to my 401k and HSA I think I'll make it with some headway.

[Paper Chaser]

They're supposed to be great vehicles.

The only thing I'd caution, is that many dealers are advertising prices after the tax credit rather than before. So get clarification on any potential deal before getting too far into the details.

[BringFuturamaBack]

Yeah, the 16k is before the tax credit and i've seen 10-13k with it included....depending on year, trim, mileage, etc.

[GilesMM]

I think the catch is it's a Chevy, haha.  CR ranked it the 5th worst car in production for the 2022 model year.

[Brystheguy]

One thing I don't know about these cars is if the title is a branded title or not. If you are keeping the car forever the branded title isn't a big deal but, if you ever want to sell it, some people won't consider a car with a branded title. We had a price agreed to on one but when the paperwork came in for us to sign, the price included the tax credit and we wouldn’t qualify for it so we had to walk away.

[six-car-habit]

 What makes you think you will not have to pay sales tax on a vehicle purchase in WA state ?
 Most counties sales tax rates are in the 8-9 % range, you pay the amount based on which county your car will be registered in.
 Consider adding $1000 back into your calculations to cover this expense.

[BringFuturamaBack]

I don't know if I can do links here or not but if you search for "New clean alternative fuel and plug-in hybrid vehicle sales and use tax exemption " August 2019 Special Notice you'll find the Washington state incentives for EVs (both used and new) from a tax perspective. From now until July of 2025 if a used car is 16k or less you don't pay tax on it.

[six-car-habit]

 Thanks for the response, I didn't know the program was set up like that.
 

[HeadedWest2029]

I bought a 2022 Chevy Bolt EUV Premier with 28k miles on it this year.  $23,995 - $4k federal EV credit - $4k state ev credit which I'll be able to apply for in a couple weeks.  I can't speak to the 2017-2019 vintages though.  So far so good, no complaints at all really.  Range does get hampered a fair amount in cold weather and highway driving so I view it more as an around town and intermediate drives vehicle (so, 95% of our driving) with our ICE for family road trips.   
Like others have said you have to be careful because I've seen dealers include the federal EV credit on price too.  I installed the Tesla universal charger in my garage and get 10.5 kwh so it charges super fast. I also got the adapter that allows you to charge at a Tesla supercharger station.  Me and a friend did the universal charger install, but these sort of amenities do tack on another $850. I considered the non-Premier trim because it does take off a few thousand but IMO the Premier trim is worth it.  MMM himself has said several times he views the Bolt as the more frugal EV option to the Model Y.  I test drove both the Bolt EUV and Model Y.  1500days wrote about his Bolt https://www.1500days.com/i-bought-a-chevy-bolt-the-good-the-bad-and-the-laggy/

[index]

We bought a 2020 with 38k miles three weeks ago for 14.8k with taxes. We dont qualify for the used ev tax credit. The new battery was installed 3/24 at 35k miles and has an eight year 100k mile warranty on the battery. We just went on a 500 mile road trip to visit family for Christmas and charging added 3 hours to the eight hour drive time. It was actually nice to go at a slower pace.

[BringFuturamaBack]

That's awesome. I've been trying to weigh whether it's worth giving up roth contributions in exchange for the 4k EV credit. We'd have to file separately in order for me to qualify and i'm not sure it's worth the hassle so we might end up not qualifying for the 4k either. All the incentives from the government for income level and especially Washington state are set almost absurdly low. We're incentivizing people who bring in a max of like 50k/yr to lease a NEW EV in the state of Washington. Like what are we thinking - low income people should not be getting brand new EVs that are expensive to repair and insure. Almost makes me think our government needs a class in MMM. 

Did you get your EV in Washington? I haven't seen any 2020s that low unless it's a standard model? I was thinking a premier might be worth it for the older models since it doesn't cost much more but seems to add a decent amount of features for the increased cost.

[index]

@BringFuturamaBack it was from Indianapolis. Base model with the cold weather package, driver assistance level 1 and level 2, and quick charge package. We don't like leather seats so that ruled out the Premier. All 2017 to 2019s have new bateries. For 2020+ you have to look at the GM recall and warranty site with the vin#. If they have a new battery it will show an extended battery warranty. Most 2020+ bolts only had a software update and didn't need the battery. There are good deals on 2023s ex Hertz Bolts, but they only have driver assistance level 1 and quick charge options. You can get a 2023 with 35kish miles for 15k -16k plus taxes.