Next Car(s)?

[Morris Minor]

I've shared my prejudice against PHEVs several times on the 'SPIN. So, yes  - regular Prii > Primes.

[cawimmer430]

Whenever I see "MBUX" my mind immediately goes to V-Bucks (Fortnite currency that my nephews always want for birthdays and Christmas). So I always want to think that it is money that you can only spend on Mercedes Benz accessories.

The only video game I play is chess on my iPad and maybe SimCity 2000 in a browser when I am really bored.

[Rich]

I test drove an 86, and it's out of the running.

The biggest thing is noise.  Some other things
- I think the gas pedal gives full throttle at about 50%.  Going from 50% to 100% in gear doesn't seem to make a big difference.
- The new-car nannies are annoying.  I'm sure they can be turned off, though.
- The steering seems to be a smidge more numb than the previous generation.
- The torks aren't where I want them even with .4L more displacement

Some good things 
- It sounds fantastic
- It still has super flat cornering and the unibody is so stiff.
- The interior is really nice - buttons and soft touch surfaces.  Simple and I liked it a lot.

[Rich]

I took the lady to test drive a Model Y, and she loved it a lot more than I thought she would.  I tried out "FSD" for the first time, and it was fun.  It's a fun party trick, but babysitting is more stressful than just driving to me.  I'd test-driven a 3 a few weeks prior.

I think I will probably lease a 3.  It's between a Prius and a 3.  The Prius has a CVT and FWD and no dual-zone climate control.  I'm sure the Prius has a higher level of operations and design quality going into it, but the Tesla also has a dirt-cheap lease.  3k down and $300/month (before taxes and all).   $345/month for 12k miles/yr, which is probably what I'll do.

I'll give a call to an electrician tomorrow to get a quote for a couple of 240 outlets in the garage.   

I'll still keep the Miata. It's in the body shop getting some paint cleaned up. I'll put a clear bra on it and fluid film each year so I can drive it more in the fall and spring without worrying about rust and road crud.

[MrH]

Oooof.  I could send you a laundry list of horror stories getting warranty work done, getting murdered on fees when you turn it back in, etc.  But it sounds like you already made your mind up.  Sad.

Ioniq 5 & 6 are worth a look and are similarly cheap for a lease, but without as much BS.

[CaminoRacer]

Ioniq 5 & 6 are worth a look and are similarly cheap for a lease, but without as much BS.

Probably depends on the dealership. Sounds like the Hyundai/Kia dealerships haven't moved up market as quickly as their cars have.

[Morris Minor]

I wouldn't buy anything that's non-NACS-native. Lots of Osborning going on.

[Rich]

I'll have to post a walk through video of the local Hyundai Kia dealerships here

If Tesla service sucks I'll be done with it and move on in time  

[MrH]

I wouldn't buy anything that's non-NACS-native. Lots of Osborning going on.

Why?  CCS + an adapter is literally the same thing.

[MrH]

I'll have to post a walk through video of the local Hyundai Kia dealerships here

If Tesla service sucks I'll be done with it and move on in time  

It's horrendous.  If anything, Tesla has made the arguments for dealerships existing.  Tons of dealerships suck, including most Hyundai & Kia dealerships.  But there are good dealerships out there, and they're priceless when you actually have an issue.

[veeman]

We've had a Kia EV6 for 2/3 of a year and have put 24 thousand miles on it. Never set foot in the dealership after the day I got it. If I wanted to rotate the tires, I'll take it to a local tire shop. I'll get new tires at around 30 thousand miles anyways as EVs tend to eat tires. I've never charged it at a public charger (fast or slow ones). I've charged it several times at family members Tesla chargers and with the Amazon bought adaptor, it works fine. If going on a long distance journey, I take one of the ICE cars we have. Even if the Kia EV6 was compatible with public Tesla superchargers with an adaptor, I wouldn't bother. I don't want to plan "fueling" on a long distance trip. Enough other things to be concerned with and don't want my car to dictate when I need to take a 20 minute or often longer break.

If you get an EV and are financing or leasing, particularly non Tesla branded EV, I'd consider gap insurance. They have horrendous depreciation. My Kia EV6 has probably lost 1/3 of value already. Even knowing that, I wouldn't hesitate to get another one. It's my favorite car.

All car mag reviews I've read of the refreshed Model 3 have given it stellar ratings as a driver. Reliability is not great.  While parts and service can take a long time, I believe Tesla will usually give out a loaner during the warranty period if your car can't be driven.

 

[veeman]

Just one other thing. The Model Y has not had the same refresh as the Model 3 yet. Tesla has actually delayed it until 2025 because when they released the refreshed Model 3, Tesla had a hard time selling the existing older Model 3 unsold inventory. They did not want to make that mistake again so they have delayed the refresh of the Model Y.

So the Model Y does not have a cush ride. Depending on one's arse, that may or may not be a problem.

[MrH]

I wouldn't buy anything that's non-NACS-native. Lots of Osborning going on.

!!!  Entire supercharger team was fired today.

[GoCougs]

!!!  Entire supercharger team was fired today.

At this stage, what the hell kind of talent would EVER go to work for a Musk joint? Jesus.

[veeman]

Yeah I don't see why any of the "best and brightest" would ever want to work for him. Reward excellence by being laid off all the while he demands a 56 billion pay package. 

[MrH]

Equity when you have a fraud at the helm pumping the stock constantly is a hell of an incentive.  It cuts both ways though.  When it performs poorly, the compensation packages look really rough.

[AutobahnSHO]

Most people just chase the money. LOTS of money? sure, that too...