Hate to leave, but it is time
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 818
Likes: 3
From: Atlanta, GA
'02 C230 Coupe (Me) '03 SLK320 6MT (Wife)
Hate to leave, but it is time
I have hated the idea of leaving and trading cars, but it finally became time. After right at 190,000 miles on the Coupe, I decided to trade. It was a hard decision, and for those that know me, you know I still had projects in the works.
I had done everything I wanted, except retrofit Bi-Xenon headlights with the full auto-leveling and headlight washer system and was starting to collect parts and information for that. I had replaced a timing chain in January, but the transmission issue continued. I became convinced it was probably the Transmission Control Unit, but...whether that was the result of an additional oil leak, or I was wrong and it was actually a transmission I won't know.
I sold my baby, and picked up a Chevrolet Volt last week. I have to say that I have been pleasant surprised with the Volt, as the fit and finish of the car is far beyond what I expected from a Chevrolet. The mileage and range is everything they promised, and I ended up not giving up a single feature (unless you count the pano-roof, which really I don't). It is a VERY different experience. But it is also extremely plesant.
I will miss everyone on the forum, and will make the best plans to stop in and offer comments on threads. Thanks for all the help and advise over the years! I will still have the SLK, and will probably come here with questions.
And if I ever clean out my spare parts, I will definitely post!
I had done everything I wanted, except retrofit Bi-Xenon headlights with the full auto-leveling and headlight washer system and was starting to collect parts and information for that. I had replaced a timing chain in January, but the transmission issue continued. I became convinced it was probably the Transmission Control Unit, but...whether that was the result of an additional oil leak, or I was wrong and it was actually a transmission I won't know.
I sold my baby, and picked up a Chevrolet Volt last week. I have to say that I have been pleasant surprised with the Volt, as the fit and finish of the car is far beyond what I expected from a Chevrolet. The mileage and range is everything they promised, and I ended up not giving up a single feature (unless you count the pano-roof, which really I don't). It is a VERY different experience. But it is also extremely plesant.
I will miss everyone on the forum, and will make the best plans to stop in and offer comments on threads. Thanks for all the help and advise over the years! I will still have the SLK, and will probably come here with questions.
And if I ever clean out my spare parts, I will definitely post!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 5,054
Likes: 11
From: fort worth, tx
06 C230 SS 6spd
i hope you removed he volt graphics lol chevy and dodge have come back in a strong way lately since they got out of bankrupcy. shoot even dodge came back with the Viper for this year and competing in the American Le Mans again.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 818
Likes: 3
From: Atlanta, GA
'02 C230 Coupe (Me) '03 SLK320 6MT (Wife)
Actually I am leaving them on there for now - it sort of appeals to the boy-racer side of me. 
Besides, when they really annoy me, I can remove them and get that whole "it looks different" feel again.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 818
Likes: 3
From: Atlanta, GA
'02 C230 Coupe (Me) '03 SLK320 6MT (Wife)
House I will risk - no worse than running a 12Amp heater on the 110V plug and after the 240 volt charger gets wired no worries. As far as the car and fires...well, read what they did with them! They did side impact into a pole, then roll-over and then stored the car VERTICALLY for two weeks and it caught fire when fluid leaked down into the compromised battery compartment and shorted.
I will risk that if I slide sideways into a pole, and then flip my car - that either I won't land vertically and be stuck in the car for two weeks, or if I do, I won't be in any condition to mind being burned up. But GM also made some changes to help mitigate the issue.
I will say that I would have NEVER thought I would have bought a GM product. If you had asked a month ago, I would have called you crazy if you said my next car would have been anything other than a W204 (C350 Sport in silver/birdseye maple/black leather/navigation to be exact).
That said - I'm happy, and as of last night....381 miles and 3.56 gallons of gas. That's insane.
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From: New Joisey
13 Jeep JKU Sahara w/4" lift Kit & the works,2015 Toyota Sienna XLE,2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
....381 miles and 3.56 gallons of gas.....I am liking this........volt looks much agressive and better that any prius etc....and if those numbers hold for long than this would be a real steal of a car.....Plus you get tax rebate too at the end of the year correct???
javvy
javvy
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2008
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2019 G70 6MT & 2022 Ford Maverick XL
Just as I get ready to head back to MBWorld full time, another person is departing. It is a tough decision to move on from a car you're invested in, but I remember thinking "It's time" just like you. I'm sure you'll find your way back to this brand someday.
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 506
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From: Argyle, TX
10 Tahoe LT, 07 Silverado Z71, 99 BMW R1100RT
Interesting choice after an MB. But if gas mileage is what you are after, then I guess Volt is probably not a bad choice. 
If I was looking into something similar, I'd definitely choose Volt over a Prius, that's for sure.
If I was looking into something similar, I'd definitely choose Volt over a Prius, that's for sure.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 818
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From: Atlanta, GA
'02 C230 Coupe (Me) '03 SLK320 6MT (Wife)
The Volt does qualify for the 7500 tax credit, plus usually something from the State - catch is you have to juggle your taxes so you OWE 7500 because they won't give it to you as a refund. I didn't get that because I bought a used one from CarMax with 13,000 miles on it (and cheaper than anything they have currently listed).
For real-world data on their mileage, check out VoltStats.net They are collecting through an OnStar link and publishing data. You can see how many are near you, and their mileage.
So far it is holding. All of my running around town is electric. My drive to work is electric, so I burn gas (at about 35 - 40 mpg) on the drive home. So far I have burned between 0.96 and 1.1 gallons on the way home, depending on errands.
It is a *completely* different driving style, and they make it almost a game to drive easy and conservatively, with the graphics and everything in the instrument panel. It will actually go if you step on it - LOTS of torque and instantly available - but with no noise, it really doesn't make you want to do it. (Unless it is to screw with the Honda beside you
)
I have been told it moves like a big, overpowered golf cart, but since I'm not a golfer. I just find the not shifting weird.
I miss my Coupe, but this is truly everything they promise. Just a damn Chevy. If you are curious, lurk some with the gm-volt.com forum. Some of their comments are interesting. The majority - or at least lots - of the owners are ex-MB, BMW, Porsche people. They are just a bit different, but great info.
For real-world data on their mileage, check out VoltStats.net They are collecting through an OnStar link and publishing data. You can see how many are near you, and their mileage.
So far it is holding. All of my running around town is electric. My drive to work is electric, so I burn gas (at about 35 - 40 mpg) on the drive home. So far I have burned between 0.96 and 1.1 gallons on the way home, depending on errands.
It is a *completely* different driving style, and they make it almost a game to drive easy and conservatively, with the graphics and everything in the instrument panel. It will actually go if you step on it - LOTS of torque and instantly available - but with no noise, it really doesn't make you want to do it. (Unless it is to screw with the Honda beside you
) I have been told it moves like a big, overpowered golf cart, but since I'm not a golfer. I just find the not shifting weird.
I miss my Coupe, but this is truly everything they promise. Just a damn Chevy. If you are curious, lurk some with the gm-volt.com forum. Some of their comments are interesting. The majority - or at least lots - of the owners are ex-MB, BMW, Porsche people. They are just a bit different, but great info.
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Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 947
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From: Las Vegas, NV
I drive a Toyota Hybrid...
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 818
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From: Atlanta, GA
'02 C230 Coupe (Me) '03 SLK320 6MT (Wife)
Originally Posted by tasmit99
She must have some fine stuff...I mean your Very Hot Girlfriend that talked you into buying this volt which is about the equivalent of buying a Vega back in the 70's. Good Luck
Actually it was my choice, the wife didn't mind - actually said try it for six months and if I didn't like it, trade for the W204. But that being said - I also remember that some folks got big surprises from the Cosworth Vega's (but they were still Vega's)
Originally Posted by johnand
Sad to see your coupe go, but I understand. Good luck with the Volt. Not a bad choice at all.
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Joined: Jul 2011
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From: Northeast PA-Poconos
2014 E350, 2006 C350 Sport(made it to 280k, loved it!), 1990 300E
I will say that I would have NEVER thought I would have bought a GM product. If you had asked a month ago, I would have called you crazy if you said my next car would have been anything other than a W204 (C350 Sport in silver/birdseye maple/black leather/navigation to be exact).
J/K you have a fine auto there. If I decide on mpg's, the Volt looks like the ticket. I like the body. Better than that refrigerator on wheels(Prius)
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 10,067
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From: Westwood, NJ
2004 Civic Si. FWD for the Win!
I'm with Phister; I'd do with the CRZ if I were going to get any of them. On a related note, took my CRX out of storage an hour ago. Started like a champ. And 32 MPG, no hybrid, no slushbox, sunroof, and lots of power with an aftermarket suspension. But, I digress...
