[eurban]

The back of the back seats flip up on the R1T and I store "stuff" under the back seats just as I did with my Ridges.

Oh, and the front of mine looks just like a Minion. I haven't seen the movie but a waitress pointed that out to me a few days ago.

Don't forget about the gear tunnel that runs just behind the back seats, full width of the truck.

I have a 110lb Doggo that fits perfectly into the 2/3 space of the rear cab of my Ridgeline. He can hop in easily and lay down on the flat floor. The under seat storage in the Rivian doesn’t work well for me. I want large full cab height open space, not a cute platform for a little toy dog to lie on.

 

[feetdry]

I have a 110lb Doggo that fits perfectly into the 2/3 space of the rear cab of my Ridgeline. He can hop in easily and lay down on the flat floor. The under seat storage in the Rivian doesn’t work well for me. I want large full cab height open space, not a cute platform for a little toy dog to lie on.

Married to a veterinarian, I have seen a few of those. Reminds me of the Holstein bull calves that were just born on the farm. 110 to 125 was a big, just born calf. Yes, I don't carry around animals that big in my model T.

 

[CanAmSteve]

An affordable EV with fold down front seats. The BZ3X in China in cooperation with Toyota. We need these types of vehicles in the US at a reasonable price point.

View attachment 463598

We're going backwards. The only way to have anything similar in the US would be to have it built by AI-powered robots, because labor is just so expensive. But it looks like we are going back to become the new Luddites that reject technology and just build tariff-protected dinosaurs. But then, that's what most full-size pickups have been for years

 

[Sparkland]

We're going backwards. The only way to have anything similar in the US would be to have it built by AI-powered robots, because labor is just so expensive. But it looks like we are going back to become the new Luddites that reject technology and just build tariff-protected dinosaurs. But then, that's what most full-size pickups have been for years

Is there a solution to our labor being so expensive that it ultimately prices most people out of buying new vehicles of any sort?

 

[CanAmSteve]

Is there a solution to our labor being so expensive that it ultimately prices most people out of buying new vehicles of any sort?

Automation has replaced a lot of expensive labor but progress in the US on that front seems to have plateaued. Tech advancements seem to be happening elsewhere now. Much of it is in the EV space, where it seems the US will now mostly pause further development and let that be done elsewhere, while also restricting the ability of consumers to access that tech independently. This could mean that US auto manufacturing follows the road of Australia's - that is - disappears

 

[RossoRidgeline]

Need to watch some Tesla manufacturing videos. Robotics are at the forefront of tech and the large injection mold stamp machine is impressive. Reducing welds needed by one large stamped part taking the place of several smaller body parts.

 

[zroger73]

Need to watch some Tesla manufacturing videos. Robotics are at the forefront of tech and the large injection mold stamp machine is impressive. Reducing welds needed by one large stamped part taking the place of several smaller body parts.

I think that is the future of automobile manufacturing. Vehicles with large single castings have many advantages such as cheaper to manufacture, better quality (more consistent fit and finish), stronger (improved ride, handling, safety and reduced creaks and rattles), and more resistant to corrosion (aluminum alloy vs. steel and few "nooks and crannies" for liquids to hide). Some have said that one of the few disadvantages of castings is cost to repair, but that might not be as bad as it might seem - imagine an automobile frame made with three, single-piece castings - front, cabin, and rear - that are fastened together instead of hundreds of individual pieces that have to be straightened (and weakened) or cut, removed, reassembled, and welded. If you get rear-ended, you just unbolt the entire rear casting, bolt on a new one, and attach new body panels - much of the repair variability is eliminated and the vehicle will be like-new instead of straightened or welded.

As far as I know, Tesla started this and a few other automakers are now researching casting or planning use them.

Eventually, these large castings could make vehicles cheaper to repair...or cheap enough to dispose of and recycle even after minor collisions.

 

[zroger73]

Reviews are starting to come in on the "new" (refreshed) Model Y. It's hard to find signal in all the noise from the shills and influencers, but initially, I'm getting that the refreshed Model Y may not be a significant improvement in terms of ride quality and quietness over newer versions of the "old" Model Y. Earlier versions of the were criticized for being harsh and loud, but Tesla has made continuous improvements to interior materials and have softened the suspension and added laminated (front) glass to the Model Y since its introduction.

Because Tesla improves vehicles continuously rather than by model year, it's harder to narrow down steps and also results in variations within the same model year. For example, my 2023 Model Y doesn't have matrix headlights and has version 3 of the autopilot computer, but newer 2023 Model Ys do have matrix headlights and version 4 of the autopilot computer, but my 2023 has a rear cargo cover unlike earlier Model Ys.

I'm still looking forward to driving a new Model Y in the coming weeks to assess first hand how it compares to my Model Y, but it may not be as different from mine as I had initially thought or hoped. I've heard over and over how quiet and smooth the new Model Y is, but I've never found mine to be unacceptably loud or rough.

My confidence that the Cybertruck will succeed continues to dwindle. I appreciate its uniqueness and have tried and tried to convince myself to buy one, but I wasn't blown away by the one I test drove and I don't like the idea of spending $80K on a vehicle that might become orphaned during my ownership period.

I wasn't overly concerned about depreciation when I bought my current Model Y. I expected it to be bad, but being worth half of what I paid two years ago has a part of me wanting to hang on to it longer than I originally thought or planned - especially if the new Model Y doesn't blow me away during a test drive - a $30K+ trade difference is a lot of money for a handful of incremental improvements.

When I think about it that way, I lean back toward keeping my current Model Y as a daily driver and buying a Cybertruck as a fun toy to replace the Miata, but then I would run into a space problem - I can't fit both vehicles in my garage which pushes me back to swapping my current Model Y for a new Model Y.

I need to drive another Cybertruck and a new Model Y as soon as one becomes available - that should help me reach a final decision.

 

[Jelly donut]

Reviews are starting to come in on the "new" (refreshed) Model Y. It's hard to find signal in all the noise from the shills and influencers, but initially, I'm getting that the refreshed Model Y may not be a significant improvement in terms of ride quality and quietness over newer versions of the "old" Model Y. Earlier versions of the were criticized for being harsh and loud, but Tesla has made continuous improvements to interior materials and have softened the suspension and added laminated (front) glass to the Model Y since its introduction.

Because Tesla improves vehicles continuously rather than by model year, it's harder to narrow down steps and also results in variations within the same model year. For example, my 2023 Model Y doesn't have matrix headlights and has version 3 of the autopilot computer, but newer 2023 Model Ys do have matrix headlights and version 4 of the autopilot computer, but my 2023 has a rear cargo cover unlike earlier Model Ys.

I'm still looking forward to driving a new Model Y in the coming weeks to assess first hand how it compares to my Model Y, but it may not be as different from mine as I had initially thought or hoped. I've heard over and over how quiet and smooth the new Model Y is, but I've never found mine to be unacceptably loud or rough.

My confidence that the Cybertruck will succeed continues to dwindle. I appreciate its uniqueness and have tried and tried to convince myself to buy one, but I wasn't blown away by the one I test drove and I don't like the idea of spending $80K on a vehicle that might become orphaned during my ownership period.

I wasn't overly concerned about depreciation when I bought my current Model Y. I expected it to be bad, but being worth half of what I paid two years ago has a part of me wanting to hang on to it longer than I originally thought or planned - especially if the new Model Y doesn't blow me away during a test drive - a $30K+ trade difference is a lot of money for a handful of incremental improvements.

When I think about it that way, I lean back toward keeping my current Model Y as a daily driver and buying a Cybertruck as a fun toy to replace the Miata, but then I would run into a space problem - I can't fit both vehicles in my garage which pushes me back to swapping my current Model Y for a new Model Y.

I need to drive another Cybertruck and a new Model Y as soon as one becomes available - that should help me reach a final decision.

You seem to feel a bit of urgency to getting a new vehicle despite being very happy with what you have. Why is that? I'm told that EV's will drive for many years and hundreds of thousands of miles needing only tires. Seems a pretty good bet to keep the vehicle you seem to be quite pleased with. Sell the Miata if you no longer have any interest in it but you don't have to replace it.

Nothing wrong with being satisfied 😉

 

[zroger73]

You seem to feel a bit of urgency to getting a new vehicle despite being very happy with what you have. Why is that? I'm told that EV's will drive for many years and hundreds of thousands of miles needing only tires. Seems a pretty good bet to keep the vehicle you seem to be quite pleased with. Sell the Miata if you no longer have any interest in it but you don't have to replace it.

Nothing wrong with being satisfied 😉

Aside from a low single-digit number of exceptions, I have historically traded for a new vehicle every year on average for decades. I trade vehicles more often than some people trade smartphones. My father and grandfather traded vehicles often, too, so this is "normal" to me.

I am accustomed (or spoiled if you prefer) to driving vehicles that can trick most people into thinking they are new. Even the tiniest chip, scratch, dent, or scuff mark that only I would notice and only when detailing the vehicle tweaks my OCD. I don't like seeing any signs of wear or use on a vehicle.

Unfortunately, minor damage is practically unavoidable - even on vehicles like my Miata that stay garaged 167 out of the 168 hours per week. At some point, even these extremely minor defects begin eating at me and prompt me to get rid of a vehicle that I am otherwise completely happy with.

I like new things. I am addicted to new things and probably considerably more so than the avarage person. I am also much more logical than the average person. Unfortunately, I am almost always having a constant, internal battle over whether I should replace a pair of shoes, an automobile, and everything in between.

I have to remind myself to be thankful for what I have considering many people don't have a car that is still covered by a warranty or a car at all or even a roof over their head for that matter.

While I have been extremely satisfied with my current Model Y, I find it hard to resist all the little upgrades I would get with a new Model Y - and I'm ready to try a different color after having a series of white vehicles.

I think what attracts me to the Cybertruck is the engineering. As an engineer, I appreciate many of the things you can't see in a vehicle. The Cybertruck really appeals to my "fun" side while another Model Y appeals to the practical side.

I'd love to have both a new Model Y and a Cybertruck, but the practical side of me is not willing to spend $150K on two new vehicles at the same time - and they both wouldn't fit in the garage with the other stuff, so I'd have to spend more money on an outbuilding. And, one reason I haven't built a shop yet is because...I know I'll be tempted to fill it up with more stuff.

And, at this point in my life, the idea of a minimalist, nomadic lifestyle is becoming increasingly attractive. Sometimes, I look around at all the stuff that I and others accumulate and it overwhelms me. There are rooms in my home I haven't been in for months. There is stuff in closets, attacks, drawers, and rooms that I haven't touched in years and sometimes decades.

Perhaps I've watched too many videos about people living in their Teslas, but in all seriousness, I truly believe that I could live in my Model Y - it's got a bed, climate control, and internet.

 

[Jelly donut]

Aside from a low single-digit number of exceptions, I have historically traded for a new vehicle every year on average for decades. I trade vehicles more often than some people trade smartphones. My father and grandfather traded vehicles often, too, so this is "normal" to me.

I am accustomed (or spoiled if you prefer) to driving vehicles that can trick most people into thinking they are new. Even the tiniest chip, scratch, dent, or scuff mark that only I would notice and only when detailing the vehicle tweaks my OCD. I don't like seeing any signs of wear or use on a vehicle.

Unfortunately, minor damage is practically unavoidable - even on vehicles like my Miata that stay garaged 167 out of the 168 hours per week. At some point, even these extremely minor defects begin eating at me and prompt me to get rid of a vehicle that I am otherwise completely happy with.

I like new things. I am addicted to new things and probably considerably more so than the avarage person. I am also much more logical than the average person. Unfortunately, I am almost always having a constant, internal battle over whether I should replace a pair of shoes, an automobile, and everything in between.

I have to remind myself to be thankful for what I have considering many people don't have a car that is still covered by a warranty or a car at all or even a roof over their head for that matter.

While I have been extremely satisfied with my current Model Y, I find it hard to resist all the little upgrades I would get with a new Model Y - and I'm ready to try a different color after having a series of white vehicles.

I think what attracts me to the Cybertruck is the engineering. As an engineer, I appreciate many of the things you can't see in a vehicle. The Cybertruck really appeals to my "fun" side while another Model Y appeals to the practical side.

I'd love to have both a new Model Y and a Cybertruck, but the practical side of me is not willing to spend $150K on two new vehicles at the same time - and they both wouldn't fit in the garage with the other stuff, so I'd have to spend more money on an outbuilding. And, one reason I haven't built a shop yet is because...I know I'll be tempted to fill it up with more stuff.

And, at this point in my life, the idea of a minimalist, nomadic lifestyle is becoming increasingly attractive. Sometimes, I look around at all the stuff that I and others accumulate and it overwhelms me. There are rooms in my home I haven't been in for months. There is stuff in closets, attacks, drawers, and rooms that I haven't touched in years and sometimes decades.

Perhaps I've watched too many videos about people living in their Teslas, but in all seriousness, I truly believe that I could live in my Model Y - it's got a bed, climate control, and internet.

You and I are very different. I have little need for the "latest and greatest" and increasingly find new things to be a downgrade from the old. My vehicles become old friends that I know very well. I replace them when they can no longer serve the necessary role I require or if there is a compelling financial motive. I miss my old cars when they are gone.
Wear and tear doesn't bother me. I'm worn and torn, why shouldn't my vehicle match?

Different strokes for different folks. Whatever you choose I hope you enjoy it.

 

[zroger73]

You and I are very different. I have little need for the "latest and greatest" and increasingly find new things to be a downgrade from the old. My vehicles become old friends that I know very well. I replace them when they can no longer serve the necessary role I require or if there is a compelling financial motive. I miss my old cars when they are gone.
Wear and tear doesn't bother me. I'm worn and torn, why shouldn't my vehicle match?

Different strokes for different folks. Whatever you choose I hope you enjoy it.

Despite being very nostalgic, I haven't kept many vehicles long enough to get too attached to them. Even if I missed them, the excitement of replacing them with something newer was the stronger emotion.

I kept a new '99 Regal for 7 years - that's the longest so far. That car carried me through my party phase and college, so I had lots of good memories with it. The second-longest is my '19 Miata which is now 5-1/2 years old, but with only 11K miles, I've spent far more time looking at it in the garage then driving it.

Part of my strong satisfaction with the Model Y is that it gets new features through software updates several times per year - it's a significantly better and more capable vehicle today than it was when I purchased it nearly two years ago. That's something different that I've never experienced with any other automobile.

I truly expected a Tesla to have more problems, but I have been pleasantly surprised with only one, easy warranty repair so far in 35K miles. I'll still have the peace of mind of a full warranty for another 15K miles and even then the most expensive components (battery, motors, and inverters) are covered for 8/120K. Given its reliability so far, I have a lot more trust in it now than earlier on. I've taken several road trips and what little range anxiety I had is gone - I'd spontaneously drive it across the country without worry if I had to.

I'll keep driving and enjoying it until or unless it gets replaced.

My desire for a Cybertruck wasn't strong to begin with and is even less after a test drive and increasing uncertainty about the future of the model. I suspect a test drive of the new Model Y in the coming weeks will determine whether I replace my current Model Y or hang on to it for the foreseeable future.

No matter what, I doubt I'll ever buy another gas car. EV is just the way to go for me. So far, Tesla is the only brand of EV that appeals to me, but if and when another automaker has something equal or better, I'm certainly open to changing brands again.

 

[Sparkland]

A humorous comparison between the old (2024) and new Model Y (2026). I found it interesting that he thinks the white seats on the older Model Y were easier to clean than the ones in the new Model 3.

 

[zroger73]

A comment and correction regarding his sound level test.

1. The distribution of frequencies is often more important than overall sound levels. A "good" sound with a higher dB level can seem quieter than a "bad" sound with a lower dB.
2. A difference of +3dB equals twice the power, but less than a 25% increase in loudness. A difference of +10dB is required for something to sound twice as loud.

 

[SleeStak]

Nearly 50 years later......and an electric car can only match the interior noise level of a 1977 Chevy Caprice. Btw, the Caprice still has a better ride. Vintage Feature: 1977 Chevrolet Caprice - Motor Trend Car Of The Year - Curbside Classic

 

[stevem5215]

Loved our 77' Caprice Classic ! Except for the junk 250 Turbo tranny which they cheaped out on and ours failed several times. (lifetime warranty repaired at Aamco) It rode nice for sure and after I put a "curve kit" in the distributor it was like a rocket ship. My father in law said after I did it he couldn't believe how much better it scooted along !

 

[zroger73]

I started driving after the industry had moved from rear-wheel-drive, body-on-frame "land yachts" to front-wheel-drive unibody platforms that tried to copy European ride and handling, but I remember the former from my childhood.

You could drive over a railroad tie in a '72 Coupe de Ville and never even jiggle the goods of the lady of the hour you had riding next to you.

Even "luxury cars" today don't have anywhere near the same level of isolation.

 

[longboat]

I started driving after the industry had moved from rear-wheel-drive, body-on-frame "land yachts" to front-wheel-drive unibody platforms that tried to copy European ride and handling, but I remember the former from my childhood.

You could drive over a railroad tie in a '72 Coupe de Ville and never even jiggle the goods of the lady of the hour you had riding next to you.

Even "luxury cars" today don't have anywhere near the same level of isolation.

Soft springs and balloon¹ tires on steel² wheels, plus huge rubber isolators between cabin and frame. Probably several layers of sound-deadening material under the thick carpet, as well. And those crush velour thick cloth seats...

Even as late as the mid-80s, some GM cars (my Dad had an '84 Olds Delta 88 Brougham, and a friend had a Buick Riviera) still had very insulated luxurious quiet interiors. That Olds had a nice (for the time) Bose AC/Delco stereo that probably sounded even better due to lack of road noise.

¹ Having changed tires on many 1970s³ vehicles, common sizes were 205/75R15, 215/75R15 and 225/75R15. A 225/75 had 6.6 inches of rubber between the steel rim and the road. For reference, our Ridgelines have 6.2" rubber (plus three more inches of wheel). Sporty cars had 70 series tires, and muscle cars might have 65 series, or even 60 series.

² steel typically absorbs vibrations better than alloys

³ 1960s vehicles often had 14" rims (changed a lot of those, too).

 

[zroger73]

I've never found more comfortable seats than the thickly-padded velour variety that is now extinct. They were grippy, soft, warm in the Winter, and cool in the Summer.

The "leather" used in the vast majority of automobiles is no better and sometimes less comfortable than a high-quality synthetic alternative. The vinyl upholstery in my Model Y is softer than the leather in my Hondas and is showing less wear over 35K miles so far as well. The solid material does get hot sometimes, but Tesla fixed that by installing perforated upholstery with ventilated seats in the new Model Y.

I've flip-flipped back and forth between cloth and leather automobile interiors and furniture in my home. Leather may have a certain cachet, but aside from being easier to clean for messy people with pets or children, I find it and vinyl to be far less comfortable than a soft cloth.

 

[longboat]

I've never found more comfortable seats than the thickly-padded velour variety that is now extinct. They were grippy, soft, warm in the Winter, and cool in the Summer.

The "leather" used in the vast majority of automobiles is no better and sometimes less comfortable than a high-quality synthetic alternative. The vinyl upholstery in my Model Y is softer than the leather in my Hondas and is showing less wear over 35K miles so far as well. The solid material does get hot sometimes, but Tesla fixed that by installing perforated upholstery with ventilated seats in the new Model Y.

I've flip-flipped back and forth between cloth and leather automobile interiors and furniture in my home. Leather may have a certain cachet, but aside from being easier to clean for messy people with pets or children, I find it and vinyl to be far less comfortable than a soft cloth.

Agreed! I would pay extra for a good cloth seat.

Here is the interior of my '02 Accord with 174k miles on the cloth.