Dealer visit checklist
2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV checklist
Print it or keep it on your phone. Tick each item as you go so nothing gets missed.
Inspect the car
- Check every panel gap and look for mismatched paint (signs of past accident repair)
- Look at the tires: even wear, matching brands, at least 4/32" tread
- Check under the car and engine bay for oil, coolant or other leaks
- Start the engine cold; listen for knocks, ticks or squeals and watch for smoke
- Test every window, lock, seat, light, the A/C, heat and infotainment
- Test drive on city streets and highway: straight braking, smooth shifts, no pulling
- Ask for the service records and a vehicle history report
- Have an independent mechanic do a pre-purchase inspection (about $100–$200)
Known 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV problems to check
- Battery thermal management limitations can reduce range in extreme heat or cold, with some owners reporting 15-20% range loss in sub-freezing temperatures
- Infotainment system responsiveness and occasional software glitches have been reported, though over-the-air updates help address some issues
- Rear seating is tight for adults on longer trips, which isn't a cost issue but affects buyer satisfaction and resale appeal
- The 11.5 kW onboard AC charger is solid, but the 55 kW DC fast-charge cap means longer stops on road trips compared to competitors like the Tesla Model 3
- GM recalled 2017-2022 Bolts for battery fire risk; the 2023 model uses a revised LFP-adjacent chemistry fix, but prospective buyers should verify the recall resolution history on any unit
Ask: have these recalls been fixed?
- STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2017-2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV vehicles.
- AIR BAGS:FRONTAL: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV vehicles.
- STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2017-2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV vehicles.
Negotiate the price
- Know the typical price: about $23,500 for this model year
- Negotiate the out-the-door price, not the monthly payment
- Get the full price with every fee listed in writing before you sign
- Bring your own loan pre-approval so the dealer has a rate to beat
- Say no to add-ons you didn't ask for (paint protection, VIN etching, nitrogen tires)
- Negotiate your trade-in separately, after the car's price is agreed
- Be ready to walk away; another listing is usually a click away