Dealer visit checklist

2025 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)

Battery thermal management can cause reduced range in extreme cold, with some owners reporting 20–30% range loss below 20°F
Infotainment system responsiveness has drawn complaints, including occasional freezing or slow wake-up times
Regenerative braking paddle calibration frustrates some drivers transitioning from traditional one-pedal driving
Charging speed is capped at 11.5 kW AC and 55 kW DC, making long road trips noticeably slower than competitors like the Model 3 or Ioniq 6
Interior plastics and materials feel noticeably budget-oriented, with some owners reporting squeaks and rattles appearing within the first year

Know the typical price: about $26,500 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