Yes, they're hideous. Has anyone driven one of these? Seems like you could do a lot worse for a work commuter...
Yes, they're hideous. Has anyone driven one of these? Seems like you could do a lot worse for a work commuter...
I think wearymicrobe has one?
I've driven both the EV and the REx pretty hard. It's a fun car--swift and agile handling. I wasn't able to adequately explore it's "on the limit" behavior on the street, so I don't know what it would be like to autocross. That said, it's easily the most fun EV this side of a Tesla.
In reply to nderwater:
Impressions? Would one bore me to tears as a daily?
I like the steering wheel
My wife and I test drove one. She was really wanting a Tesla, but obviously that is out of our range. The i3 really is too, but we were bored and wanted to try it.
Our impressions? We both loved it. If I get a new job soon with more money and longer commute, I may look into one. The only thing I didn't like, and I suspect would get over since it annoyed me less and less as the drive went on, was the regenerative braking. Just weird--like engine braking magnified by a gajillion. Throws you off for sure.
Ian F wrote: I think wearymicrobe has one?
I did and as long as you get one that is not the first year they are FANTASTIC.
But you can get one way cheaper the 18K. Like 12-14K in a Rex and about 10K without the Rex options.
wearymicrobe wrote:Ian F wrote: I think wearymicrobe has one?I did and as long as you get one that is not the first year they are FANTASTIC. But you can get one way cheaper the 18K. Like 12-14K in a Rex and about 10K without the Rex options.
Where are you finding them that cheap? In a 500 mile radius the cheapest I've found is $16.9k and they are all 2014s.
The California market is the epicenter of EV deals.
In reply to pointofdeparture:
Look in southern California
I drive one somewhat often thanks to ReachNow (rideshare app) and I legitimately like them. The flat torque "curve" of the electric motor is great when squirting around in traffic and I love how quiet it is without a gas motor making noise. As mentioned before, the braking regen is VERY aggressive and takes some getting used to. I could really see myself using one as a DD if I had the cash and didn't commute on the train.
What is the range?
How do they compare to the volt?
I see pretty much every hybrid and ev driving around NY daily and I see far more of everything, even Teslas than I see of these. Given how popular BMWs are in general I'd think there's got to be a reason people are avoiding them.
I love the i3. Yes styling is goofy, but it's practical all things considered. Also one of the fastest BMWs from 0-30. It has great power delivery for city/suburban driving. Handling was very tossable and confidence inspiring. Especially when one considers the goofy pizza cutter wheel/tire combo.
It didn't take me long to acclimate to the aggressive regen. Unlike others I really like it. The brake lights automatically come on when you let off the throttle. I was able to make my 15mi commute home via surface streets and stop/go traffic on the highway without touching the brake once. When you master its propulsion system you can easily drive the i3 with 1 pedal. I might need one for $10k.
In reply to rustybugkiller:
118 miles with non range extender and 180 miles with range extender
It's not the prettiest thing out there, but it is leaps and bounds ahead of the boxes of ugly that is the Lexus line and the Civic. I like it.
yupididit wrote: How do they compare to the volt?
The Volt is a better car, the i3 is a better concept car. Depends on what you want to own.
I just checked my local Craigslist. The cheapest example is $19k. If I were shopping new, I'd take a long look at the Chevy Bolt first. Longer range, more power, more spacious interior.
I tried to get Mrs. T.J. Interested in an i3 last year, but I failed. I've not driven one, but think they are at least interesting.
clutchsmoke wrote: The brake lights automatically come on when you let off the throttle.
Ha! I was hoping for this feature for the last 30 years for all cars. Makes sense to me.
I know WM will disagree, but the Leaf is a better car.
I've been trying to convince my wife on one for quite some time. I'd love to have one as our short trip/around town commuter or as a project in place of my iQ.
Wall-e wrote: I see pretty much every hybrid and ev driving around NY daily and I see far more of everything, even Teslas than I see of these. Given how popular BMWs are in general I'd think there's got to be a reason people are avoiding them.
According to Wiki, less than 25K were sold in the US (total) as of Nov 2016, so it's not surprising you've seen more Teslas. Tesla sold more Model S's here in 2015 alone.
tuna55 wrote: I know WM will disagree, but the Leaf is a better car.
Agreed - Off-lease Leafs are half the price, seat five, have more interior and cargo space, have normal rear doors, have a normal instrument cluster, have lower ownership costs, etc.
But despite its many quirks the i3 is a significantly faster car, is RWD, is more fun to drive, and has a range-extender option.
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