How do you figure that’s a good deal? All else equal, it would take 14 years to break even. No way the Volt will last that long.
I don't think it's a good deal. With the tax credit, it's just not that bad a deal. For a toy. In essence, buyers are paying $9K extra for bragging rights, much like someone might feel the need to spend a few grand on a home speaker system (a few grand more than I would spend). Unlike most toys, buyers get some of their money back in the form of gas savings (about $1K a year).
Do I think it makes sense for taxpayers to subsidize it? No.