New Garage Addition

scalbert · 10-15-2012, 06:39 PM

Well, actually on my side driveway as I curse myself for not being more patient and waiting to find a home with a 3rd garage. But for what it is, I could care less if it is parked outside, especially when I can start it from inside.

First off, the M3 is still in my garage with no plans on getting rid of it. In fact, this addition is the result of wanting to keep the M3 for many years. When I looked at the roughly 12 miles round trip to my office every day as well as the various mundane errands in boring driving areas, some aspect of driving the M3 did not do it justice. That, coupled with 14 MPG, started my research. After an Excel Workbook analysis of fuel, maintenance and reduced depreciation of the M3, I might be able to add a vehicle and save money (yes, it sounds crazy). So far my estimates were very conservative as I am doing much better than my original estimates.

After one full week, look at the current mileage. Granted, the M3 is more fun to drive, and I enjoyed it Saturday, but this vehicle isn't bad. The technology inside is pretty nice. With 280 lb/ft on tap at 0 RPM, it gets across the intersection well ahead of most traffic.

This is actual mileage so far:

And last week of the iOS app:

John Tanglewood · 10-16-2012, 08:56 AM

You got a Volt? Those are pretty pricey aren't they?

What are your initial impressions? RIDICULOUS gas mileage by the way!

scalbert · 10-16-2012, 09:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Tanglewood

You got a Volt? Those are pretty pricey aren't they?

What are your initial impressions? RIDICULOUS gas mileage by the way!

Yep, not bad for a daily commute either. It drives reasonably well and very quiet. They add a subdued horn to alert cyclist, etc. of your presence. Surprisingly, I am enjoying driving it. While I did enjoy my time in the M3 on Saturday, I have no problem climbing in the Volt and heading off for the day.

Mine stickered at $43,500 but the lease rates are ridiculous.

And during the drive into my office this morning it hit its maximum value. It stopped climbing and now just shows 250+ MPG. By the end of next week I will certainly hit 500+ MPG. But sometime soon I am going to have to burn some fuel. They state that you need to go through two tanks a year and the engine should fire up every couple of months.

John Tanglewood · 10-16-2012, 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scalbert

Yep, not bad for a daily commute either. It drives reasonably well and very quiet. They add a subdued horn to alert cyclist, etc. of your presence. Surprisingly, I am enjoying driving it. While I did enjoy my time in the M3 on Saturday, I have no problem climbing in the Volt and heading off for the day.

Mine stickered at $43,500 but the lease rates are ridiculous.

And during the drive into my office this morning it hit its maximum value. It stopped climbing and now just shows 250+ MPG. By the end of next week I will certainly hit 500+ MPG. But sometime soon I am going to have to burn some fuel. They state that you need to go through two tanks a year and the engine should fire up every couple of months.

WOW. Thanks for the review. DEFINITELY worth checking out! Where are the pictures?!

scalbert · 10-16-2012, 12:01 PM

Here are a few I just snapped with my phone. It isn't the most stunning automotive design. But IMO, it beats the Prius.

EJ_3 · 10-28-2012, 08:44 PM

Yo, dip your grills son and add a drop! Jk, this is on my list for a new daily if we sell the e60. Very nice.

scalbert · 10-28-2012, 09:00 PM

500+ miles now with 1.8 gallons burned in the Volt. I did take the M3 out today and it was nice. But I am enjoying the balance.

5tony · 10-29-2012, 07:02 AM

Looks like your passenger door has had some paintwork!

Fully_Bolted · 10-29-2012, 05:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 5tony

Looks like your passenger door has had some paintwork!

Looks like asphalt reflection to me.

Glad to hear you like the volt. I've also been tempted by it.

iwanna335 · 10-30-2012, 03:13 PM

Congrats Steve.....I find it interesting that the extra cost of a new car, albeit with HUGE fuel savings, appeals to people trying to save money on gas and or wear and tear on there "real" cars. I guess the M3 really does suck the gas.....I've been lucky to average 25.5mpg with a a heavy foot and couple of track days since I purchased the car 2+yrs ago.
Cheers
Todd

scalbert · 10-30-2012, 03:24 PM

Hey Todd, my commute is from my house, to downtown Woodstock, and then down Canton Road about 3 miles to my office. The maximum speed limit is 40 MPH and most of it is in light traffic. Just about the worst range for the M3 daily. I would average about 14 MPG if even that. Plus, the thrill of the M3 cannot be used to or from the office.

I plan driving the M3 tomorrow though as I have some errands to run during mid-day.

10-15-2012, 06:39 PM	#1
scalbert Major General 153 Rep 5,780 Posts Drives: '13 S4, '15 Q7 Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Woodstock, GA iTrader: (8)	New Garage Addition Well, actually on my side driveway as I curse myself for not being more patient and waiting to find a home with a 3rd garage. But for what it is, I could care less if it is parked outside, especially when I can start it from inside. First off, the M3 is still in my garage with no plans on getting rid of it. In fact, this addition is the result of wanting to keep the M3 for many years. When I looked at the roughly 12 miles round trip to my office every day as well as the various mundane errands in boring driving areas, some aspect of driving the M3 did not do it justice. That, coupled with 14 MPG, started my research. After an Excel Workbook analysis of fuel, maintenance and reduced depreciation of the M3, I might be able to add a vehicle and save money (yes, it sounds crazy). So far my estimates were very conservative as I am doing much better than my original estimates. After one full week, look at the current mileage. Granted, the M3 is more fun to drive, and I enjoyed it Saturday, but this vehicle isn't bad. The technology inside is pretty nice. With 280 lb/ft on tap at 0 RPM, it gets across the intersection well ahead of most traffic. This is actual mileage so far: And last week of the iOS app:
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10-16-2012, 08:56 AM	#2
John Tanglewood Porn Star 1315 Rep 3,350 Posts Drives: E60 M5 \| F95 X5M \| F90 M5 Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Stamford, CT iTrader: (13)	You got a Volt? Those are pretty pricey aren't they? What are your initial impressions? RIDICULOUS gas mileage by the way! __________________
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10-16-2012, 12:01 PM	#5
scalbert Major General 153 Rep 5,780 Posts Drives: '13 S4, '15 Q7 Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Woodstock, GA iTrader: (8)	Here are a few I just snapped with my phone. It isn't the most stunning automotive design. But IMO, it beats the Prius.
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10-28-2012, 08:44 PM	#6
EJ_3 Colonel 371 Rep 2,838 Posts Drives: e92 335i, e34 525i & e60 530i Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: N Las Vegas iTrader: (13) Garage List 2007 BMW 335i [8.34] 2016 Ram 1500 Sport [8.00] 1994 BMW 525i [10.00] 2007 BMW 530i [8.66]	Yo, dip your grills son and add a drop! Jk, this is on my list for a new daily if we sell the e60. Very nice. __________________ click here for mods
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10-28-2012, 09:00 PM	#7
scalbert Major General 153 Rep 5,780 Posts Drives: '13 S4, '15 Q7 Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Woodstock, GA iTrader: (8)	500+ miles now with 1.8 gallons burned in the Volt. I did take the M3 out today and it was nice. But I am enjoying the balance.
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10-29-2012, 07:02 AM	#8
5tony Lieutenant 147 Rep 500 Posts Drives: '21 M5/'15 X5 35i/'88 M3 Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Atlanta iTrader: (1)	Looks like your passenger door has had some paintwork! __________________
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10-30-2012, 03:13 PM	#10
iwanna335 Lieutenant 20 Rep 440 Posts Drives: '07 E90 SGM, ZSP, 6m, Nav Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Canton, GA iTrader: (1)	Congrats Steve.....I find it interesting that the extra cost of a new car, albeit with HUGE fuel savings, appeals to people trying to save money on gas and or wear and tear on there "real" cars. I guess the M3 really does suck the gas.....I've been lucky to average 25.5mpg with a a heavy foot and couple of track days since I purchased the car 2+yrs ago. Cheers Todd __________________ 2007 E90 SGM..ZSP..6 man..NAV..Logic7...Sleeper
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10-30-2012, 03:24 PM	#11
scalbert Major General 153 Rep 5,780 Posts Drives: '13 S4, '15 Q7 Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Woodstock, GA iTrader: (8)	Hey Todd, my commute is from my house, to downtown Woodstock, and then down Canton Road about 3 miles to my office. The maximum speed limit is 40 MPH and most of it is in light traffic. Just about the worst range for the M3 daily. I would average about 14 MPG if even that. Plus, the thrill of the M3 cannot be used to or from the office. I plan driving the M3 tomorrow though as I have some errands to run during mid-day.
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