I Scored a GM Buyback 2017 Chevy Bolt with a New Battery, A Game-Changing Affordable EV Find

I stumbled upon a rare GM buyback 2017 Chevy Bolt with a brand-new battery, an unbeatable EV bargain that could change the way you see affordable electric cars forever.

While strolling through the "Chevy Bolt EV and EUV Owners Group" on Facebook, I stumbled upon an interesting post by Wendy Greenhouse. She’s considering a 2017 Chevy Bolt with 45,000 miles and a clean history, but with one major twist, it was repurchased by GM and stored since 2022 before receiving a brand-new battery. Wendy needs a budget-friendly replacement for her totaled Volt, and this buyback Bolt seems like a practical, affordable stop-gap before she transitions to a new Ultium battery-powered Bolt. The price is right, but she wants to hear from those with experience. She writes:

“If you were considering purchasing a used Bolt, would you hesitate on a fast-charging-equipped 2017 model with 45k miles and a clean history that had been repurchased by GM and stored since 2022 before its recent battery replacement? We need a low-cost replacement for our recently totaled Volt, which we had planned to replace with a new Ultium battery Bolt, so this would serve as a temporary solution. The price is right, and I would appreciate any insights based on your experience. Thank you in advance.”

Why This GM Buyback Chevy Bolt Is Worth Considering

The biggest draw of Wendy’s potential purchase is that it comes with a brand-new battery, which effectively resets the vehicle’s most crucial component. The 2017 Chevy Bolt originally had a 60 kWh pack, providing an EPA-estimated 238 miles of range. However, with the new replacement battery under GM’s recall program, it’s likely to have improved chemistry, making it an even better deal.

For those who are hesitant about buying a used EV, it’s worth checking out my Chevy Bolt EV buying guide, where I break down the key factors that make the Bolt a great purchase and what to watch for.

Community Weighs In: Should You Buy a GM Buyback Bolt?

Wendy’s post gathered a range of responses, with most people leaning toward buying the Bolt, assuming the price is reasonable. Here’s what some Bolt owners had to say:

Alan: “If the price is good and it qualifies for the used EV rebate, I’d pick it up. No telling what might happen a year from now with EVs in the current political climate. Drive it for a few years and then pick up a 2026 Bolt or Kia EV3 or whatever is available then.”

Steve: “Buying a used car is always a gamble, and frankly, so is buying a new one. Like the other commenters, I’d be all in if the price is right. I can’t control what has happened to a used car in the past, but I can control how it’s treated going forward. Taking care of the battery is crucial, and storing the car in an insulated (or even uninsulated) garage is by far the best option. Keeping the charge between 80% and 30%, charging at home, and always keeping it plugged in at home significantly increase the chances of longevity.”

Linda: “Sure, if the price is right. Given that it’s been sitting, I would replace the 12v battery upon purchase. A dying 12v battery can cause all sorts of seemingly unrelated issues, and you might also need to replace the batteries in the key fobs.”

Steve’s comments on battery care are spot on. One of the best ways to ensure a long battery life is to practice good charging habits. I explored this in my article about three years of ownership and my first 1,000-mile Bolt EV trip, where I shared real-world efficiency insights.

What Makes This Bolt a Smart Buy?

This Bolt ticks all the right boxes for an affordable, reliable, and efficient EV. With its new battery, it offers the same, if not better range than a brand-new 2017 model. Additionally, if it qualifies for the used EV tax credit, Wendy could lower her total cost even further.

For those comparing used EV options, I highly recommend reading my analysis of the Chevy Bolt vs. Nissan Leaf as a smarter buy for short commutes. The Bolt consistently comes out ahead in terms of range, performance, and charging speed.

Why People Hesitate on GM Buybacks

Despite the benefits, some buyers hesitate to pull the trigger on a GM buyback vehicle. The main concerns revolve around the reason for the buyback and the potential for undisclosed issues. However, in this case, the Bolt was repurchased due to the battery recall, meaning that the primary issue has been resolved with a full replacement.

It’s also worth considering a side-by-side comparison of GM’s electrification efforts, especially between the Chevy Volt and Bolt. If you’re curious about the differences and owner perspectives, check out my article on Chevy Volt vs. Chevy Bolt, where I break it all down.

The Moral of the Story: A Great Deal for the Informed Buyer

If you’re shopping for a used Bolt, a GM buyback with a new battery is one of the best deals out there. You get a low-mileage EV, a fresh battery, and potentially a great price, a combination that’s hard to beat. However, you must do your research, ensure the car is eligible for any available incentives, and be aware of any potential issues from prolonged storage, like the 12V battery replacement Linda mentioned.

Speaking of EV batteries, look at how these researchers found a clever way to potentially double the lifespan of the lithium-ion batteries in this video from the Torque News Youtube channel.

For those curious about what it’s like transitioning to an EV and discovering the joys of electric driving, I shared my journey in Discovering a Unique Sense of Freedom in My Electric Journey. Owning an EV isn’t just about cost savings, it’s about the experience, convenience, and new way of thinking about transportation.

What’s Your Take?

Would you buy a GM buyback Chevy Bolt with a new battery? Have you ever owned a buyback vehicle?

Please share your experiences in the comments below.

Narek Hareyan is a young automotive journalist with experience in a golf cart dealership and an interest in the automotive industry. Follow Narek on X for daily news coverage about cars.