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Want to Buy a 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV? Start Here

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The typical end-of-month madness that can reap rewards for shoppers has extra urgency this March if you’re in the market for one of GM’s electric or plug-in hybrid vehicles. In 2018, the automaker behind Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC hit 200,000 cumulative EVs and PHEVs sold. As a result, the sales milestone triggered a government-mandated phaseout of the $7,500 federal tax credit on affected cars. Half the credit disappears Monday.

Related: 2020 Kia Soul Gets MPG Bump, 243-Mile Range for EV

GM has reportedly signaled no plans for a price drop on the Bolt EV in particular, so if you have one on the brain, this weekend’s the best time to follow through. The Bolt EV isn’t the only vehicle affected, however; below is the full list of cars that will see tax credits drop from $7,500 to $3,750 through Sept. 30, after which it will drop again:

Important caveat: The credit applies only to new purchasers; you can’t reap it for the purchase of any used example, but you can if you happen to find a new 2011 Chevy Volt somewhere (happy hunting). If any of those cars sound appealing but you’re not sure where to start, we’re here for you. Read on for a list of links that can save you time researching what type of car is best for you, what you need to know about financing and how to leave the lot feeling like you’ve left the madness behind.

What car should I buy? That depends on a lot of factors beyond the powertrain, and our reviews can help. Check out our recent additions: 

Which cars have the best deals right now? Check out our top deals for March. As always, your discounts may vary, so see your dealer for specifics.

Should I buy new or used? Read up on the pros and cons of each. If you go used, review our used-car buyers’ checklist and consider whether you want a certified pre-owned car.

How much can I afford? Read our primer. Then use our Price Comparison Tool while you shop to find what’s right for you.

Should I finance, lease or pay cash? That depends, but this might help you decide. How do I get the best lease rate? Bone up on common lease terminology, plus our tips.

How do I get the best financing rate? Our game plan lays out some advice. While you’re at it, here’s what you need to know about auto loans and what you’ll need to get one.

Anything I shouldn’t do when I’m at the dealer? Yep. Avoid these pitfalls.

Should I get an extended warranty? That depends. Here’s what you need to know.

How do I sell or trade in my old car? Learn how to prep your car before you sell it to a dealer, how to trade it in and how to deal with taxes and other considerations. If you still owe money on your old car, read this. Finally, if you want to sell it private party, here’s how to create the picture-perfect ad and how to seal the deal.

Cars.com’s Editorial department is your source for automotive news and reviews. In line with Cars.com’s long-standing ethics policy, editors and reviewers don’t accept gifts or free trips from automakers. The Editorial department is independent of Cars.com’s advertising, sales and sponsored content departments.

Chief Copy Editor
Patrick Masterson

Patrick Masterson is Chief Copy Editor at Cars.com. He joined the automotive industry in 2016 as a lifelong car enthusiast and has achieved the rare feat of applying his journalism and media arts degrees as a writer, fact-checker, proofreader and editor his entire professional career. He lives by an in-house version of the AP stylebook and knows where semicolons can go.

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