Search found 649 matches

by dsmclone
Mon Mar 11, 2024 10:21 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: California housing prices vs net people moving out.
Replies: 17
Views: 1146

Re: California housing prices vs net people moving out.

"In 2020 and 2021, the average gross income of taxpayers who moved from California to another state was about $137,000. This is up from $75,000 in 2015 and 2016."

I also think California misses out on a lot of potential people moving in. I love places like Palm Springs but when I run the numbers just on state income taxes, I would lose $100k+ compared to a neighboring state such as Nevada. This doesn't take into account everything else also being expensive.
by dsmclone
Tue Mar 05, 2024 11:06 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: New Retirement
Replies: 50
Views: 6651

Re: New Retirement

tibbitts wrote: Tue Mar 05, 2024 11:03 am
dsmclone wrote: Tue Mar 05, 2024 10:59 am
connor wrote: Tue Mar 05, 2024 10:11 am
dsmclone wrote: Tue Mar 05, 2024 6:46 am Is there a Q&A area for NewRetirement on Bogleheads? When I try out the Roth conversion explorer, I get

"The optimizer could not produce a plan that resulted in a lower lifetime tax liability."
No, but I got the same message because not everybody benefits from a Roth conversion. It really depends on your circumstances. Have you already started collecting SS?
No, I'm about 6 years out from retiring at 60. I think you're probably on to something. I've probably just went overboard with how much Roth I've been doing the last few years.
"Doing" means converting, not just contributing?
As in maxing out my 401k every year with Roth
by dsmclone
Tue Mar 05, 2024 11:06 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: New Retirement
Replies: 50
Views: 6651

Re: New Retirement

tibbitts wrote: Tue Mar 05, 2024 11:03 am
dsmclone wrote: Tue Mar 05, 2024 10:59 am
connor wrote: Tue Mar 05, 2024 10:11 am
dsmclone wrote: Tue Mar 05, 2024 6:46 am Is there a Q&A area for NewRetirement on Bogleheads? When I try out the Roth conversion explorer, I get

"The optimizer could not produce a plan that resulted in a lower lifetime tax liability."
No, but I got the same message because not everybody benefits from a Roth conversion. It really depends on your circumstances. Have you already started collecting SS?
No, I'm about 6 years out from retiring at 60. I think you're probably on to something. I've probably just went overboard with how much Roth I've been doing the last few years.
"Doing" means converting, not just contributing?
As in maxing out my 401k every year with Roth
by dsmclone
Tue Mar 05, 2024 10:59 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: New Retirement
Replies: 50
Views: 6651

Re: New Retirement

connor wrote: Tue Mar 05, 2024 10:11 am
dsmclone wrote: Tue Mar 05, 2024 6:46 am Is there a Q&A area for NewRetirement on Bogleheads? When I try out the Roth conversion explorer, I get

"The optimizer could not produce a plan that resulted in a lower lifetime tax liability."
No, but I got the same message because not everybody benefits from a Roth conversion. It really depends on your circumstances. Have you already started collecting SS?
No, I'm about 6 years out from retiring at 60. I think you're probably on to something. I've probably just went overboard with how much Roth I've been doing the last few years.
by dsmclone
Tue Mar 05, 2024 9:38 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: New Retirement
Replies: 50
Views: 6651

Re: New Retirement

tibbitts wrote: Tue Mar 05, 2024 8:23 am
dsmclone wrote: Tue Mar 05, 2024 6:46 am Is there a Q&A area for NewRetirement on Bogleheads? When I try out the Roth conversion explorer, I get

"The optimizer could not produce a plan that resulted in a lower lifetime tax liability."
Did you attend the live webinar for Roth conversions at New Retirement last week? There was a somewhat extensive and detailed Q&A with participants who clearly had experience with the product, and there were step-by-step workarounds provided for most concerns. My understanding is that support for questions like you have - how to use the software - is a feature of the NR product, although financial advising is only provided through a separate-but-related firm.
No, I'm in the two week trial and just trying to learn
by dsmclone
Tue Mar 05, 2024 6:46 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: New Retirement
Replies: 50
Views: 6651

Re: New Retirement

Is there a Q&A area for NewRetirement on Bogleheads? When I try out the Roth conversion explorer, I get

"The optimizer could not produce a plan that resulted in a lower lifetime tax liability."
by dsmclone
Tue Feb 27, 2024 11:01 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Might need to replace car: are used Tesla's the value play right now?
Replies: 41
Views: 5630

Re: Might need to replace car: are used Tesla's the value play right now?

Read the article in today's WSJ "The Day our Tesla Deflated" about how it took a road-tripper days to get a Tesla flat-tire replaced. And what is your takeaway from that article? What makes getting a flat-tire or a replacement something unique to Tesla? Author said that his Tesla came without jack and spare tire and that the specific tires for Teslas are difficult to find when outside of high-population areas. Said that next time he's flying. (Tire for some reason could not be patched) I hope this person wasn't someone that regularly reviews cars for a living. The last 3 vehicles I've owned have not had spare tires. It's very common on BMW's, MB, and sports cars trying to save weight. It does stink though when it actually happens...
by dsmclone
Tue Feb 27, 2024 9:59 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Might need to replace car: are used Tesla's the value play right now?
Replies: 41
Views: 5630

Re: Might need to replace car: are used Tesla's the value play right now?

Here is what I'd recommend, talk to actual Tesla owners. The internet is filled with a lot of people that "heard that". I made the mistake of listening to some of these people and they put the fear of god in me. After owning a Model Y for the last 6 months, pretty much everything they said would be a concern turned out to not be an issue at all. While other things like insurance costs, did turn into something to think about.

Go drive one and talk to actual owners. If you need a referral for a test drive, let me know.
by dsmclone
Mon Feb 26, 2024 1:08 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 2024 Honda CRV Hybrid mileage
Replies: 73
Views: 15683

Re: 2024 Honda CRV Hybrid mileage

Tangentially related. I've owned four Honda Accords in a row and it's only me who has driven them and has driven them all basically the same. The miles per gallon for each were / are: 1984 - 33 1986 - 30 1995 - 27 2004 - 24 Notice the trend? What happened to the improvements in gas mileage due to superior technology? 1984 Honda Accord weighed 2,100 lbs, had 99 horsepower, 0-60 in 12.5 seconds 2004 Honda Accord weighed 3,300lbs, had 250 horsepower, 0-60 in in 7.5 seconds for comparisons 2017 Honda Fit weighed 2,600lbs, had 130 horsepower, 0-60 in 8.5 seconds It's about weight and power. Technology has improved fuel mileage but things like safety and Americans large appetite, has lessened those gains. In addition, people are driving a lot fa...
by dsmclone
Thu Feb 22, 2024 1:46 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: The Shrinking Lifespan of Large Appliances
Replies: 108
Views: 10072

Re: The Shrinking Lifespan of Large Appliances

ScubaHogg wrote: Thu Feb 22, 2024 1:42 pm
dsmclone wrote: Thu Feb 22, 2024 11:54 am After hearing so many glorious reviews of Bosch dishwashers, it decided to replace our 12 year old maytag, which started spitting out errors over the last month. I really like the 3rd level tray but I have to admit that the opening mechanism and rollers don't seem as good/smooth as our 12 year old maytag. I've yet fill it up and run it but I'm assuming it will be pretty silent.
One of the Bosch quiet dishwashers came with our house. I’ll give it this, it is *very quiet.* Before I was really tuned into it I would literally have to put my hand on it to figure out if it was running
Yes, on the brochure it said "We don't try to go below 44 decibels, because you can't hear 44 decibels". For some reason I found that funny.
by dsmclone
Thu Feb 22, 2024 11:54 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: The Shrinking Lifespan of Large Appliances
Replies: 108
Views: 10072

Re: The Shrinking Lifespan of Large Appliances

After hearing so many glorious reviews of Bosch dishwashers, it decided to replace our 12 year old maytag, which started spitting out errors over the last month. I really like the 3rd level tray but I have to admit that the opening mechanism and rollers don't seem as good/smooth as our 12 year old maytag. I've yet fill it up and run it but I'm assuming it will be pretty silent.
by dsmclone
Wed Feb 21, 2024 9:42 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Thoughts on buying cheap, used, "intermediate" range EV?
Replies: 168
Views: 13618

Re: Thoughts on buying cheap, used, "intermediate" range EV?

"Solid State Batteries". Someone must have heard the speech Toyota has been giving for the last 15 years. This was about the same time they started promoting hydrogen.
by dsmclone
Tue Feb 20, 2024 6:58 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Do you use a second refrigerator/freezer?
Replies: 74
Views: 4586

Re: Do you use a second refrigerator/freezer?

I drink a lot of craft beer and smoke a lot of meat. So my fridge usually has a dozen or so IPA's (don't age) and my freezer usually has jerky, bacon, pulled pork, etc. that I've vacuum sealed. I keep it in the unfinished portion of our basement.
by dsmclone
Mon Feb 19, 2024 10:18 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Should I get a Lexus ES for its V6?
Replies: 96
Views: 8508

Re: Should I get a Lexus ES for its V6?

I also have a love for NA V6/V8's, as well as turbo charged 6cyl's. I've also hated every 4cyl turbo I've driven (not many). They've been loud and pretty gutless. I just remembered that I owned a Mazdaspeed 3 and VW GTI that had a pretty decent turbo 4's but I wouldn't want them in a normal sedan.
With all of that said, they all seem like dinosaurs after driving my wife's Tesla Model Y. The crazy power, the no gear shifts, the smoothness, etc. It's crazy how addictive electric power is.
by dsmclone
Mon Feb 19, 2024 9:59 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Yellowstone trip - Advice
Replies: 37
Views: 3739

Re: Yellow Stone trip - Advice

I'd highly recommend using the gypsy guide for your driving around Yellowstone. I use it in Hawaii and it was just ok but it was amazing in Yellowstone. Also make sure to do google offline maps for your trip. There are parts of Yellowstone where cell coverage is sketchy.
by dsmclone
Tue Feb 13, 2024 7:29 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How old were you when you hit the "No-Go Years?"
Replies: 77
Views: 13601

Re: How old were you when you hit the "No-Go Years?"

I expect it to be a gradual process. Mid 40's-From 25-45, we would always go skiing in Colorado. Knee problems in the group has stopped us from doing this. We've since replaced this with an annual relaxing Caribbean vacation. Mid 50's-Since 30, we've been to Europe 10 times. We still go to Europe but plan around less strenuous tasks. Like last year, when we went to Scotland. We did a little bit of hiking but there were points where we turned around instead of finishing the hike. We'll probably do less and less European travel mostly because I dread the long flights and dealing with airlines. I don't know what the future holds but I can see what has happened to my 90 year old mother. Stopped vacationing around 75(never big into it). Stopped ...
by dsmclone
Mon Feb 12, 2024 7:55 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Hybrid Car - Cost Savings?
Replies: 68
Views: 6938

Re: Hybrid Car - Cost Savings?

The whole "I hate having to fill up every 350 miles" bogles my mind. That's usually 5 hours of driving and it's too much to pull over for 10 minutes to fill up? How many miles do you drive on one of these trips? Even if you drive 1000 miles(14 hours) and have to fill up 3 times in 14 hours, compared to twice, is that 10 minutes spread over 14 hours really that important? Also, how often do you perform these 1000 mile a day trips?

Also, how do you go 14 hours without visiting a bathroom? Or do I not want to know this?
by dsmclone
Thu Feb 08, 2024 9:38 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 4runner vs. Highlander?
Replies: 109
Views: 27750

Re: 4runner vs. Highlander?

I'm considering one of these for my next car and always surprised with how little 4Runners depreciate (I don't want to buy one with 170k miles for $20k+). Yet I won't drive it a lot, maybe 50,000 miles in ten years. What would you expect a 10 year old 4Runner with 50k miles to sell for versus a 10 year old Highlander with the same mileage? Safety wise, how do they compare? Edit: I was just looking up some on cars.com and ~2014 4Runners with < 60k miles are about $30k. ~2014 Highlanders with similar miles are about $8k less. For safety, it looks like both have similar safety features but the Highlander rates a little better in IIHS tests. Why would you buy one of these when you're only driving 50k miles in 10 years? Unless you plan on off r...
by dsmclone
Wed Feb 07, 2024 8:26 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 4runner vs. Highlander?
Replies: 109
Views: 27750

Re: 4runner vs. Highlander?

I'm considering one of these for my next car and always surprised with how little 4Runners depreciate (I don't want to buy one with 170k miles for $20k+). Yet I won't drive it a lot, maybe 50,000 miles in ten years. What would you expect a 10 year old 4Runner with 50k miles to sell for versus a 10 year old Highlander with the same mileage? Safety wise, how do they compare? Edit: I was just looking up some on cars.com and ~2014 4Runners with < 60k miles are about $30k. ~2014 Highlanders with similar miles are about $8k less. For safety, it looks like both have similar safety features but the Highlander rates a little better in IIHS tests. Why would you buy one of these when you're only driving 50k miles in 10 years? Unless you plan on off r...
by dsmclone
Tue Feb 06, 2024 9:38 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Buying a used car: what's your limit?
Replies: 65
Views: 6215

Re: Buying a used car: what's your limit?

Here is my advice, ignore the advice of anyone that puts a blanket statement about any make. Companies that have a history of making reliable models, make unreliable models. Companies that have a history of making unreliable models, make reliable models. Things also change over time. Hyundai was a joke 20 years ago but today some of their models are the most reliable in the industry. The year of the model also has a big impact. A 2021 Tesla Model Y is a lot different than a 2023 Tesla Model Y, even though the car has never had a refresh. People tend to have loyalty to brands and it clouds their judgement. Look at the actual data.
by dsmclone
Mon Feb 05, 2024 10:33 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 4runner vs. Highlander?
Replies: 109
Views: 27750

Re: 4runner vs. Highlander?

Here is a 2021 4runner Interior https://spirotours.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/2021-Toyota-4Runner-dashboard.jpg Here is a 2011 4runner interior https://rnrautoblog.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/4runner-interior.jpg Here is the interior of a $25k Honda Civic for comparison to a $50k 4 runner https://www.motortrend.com/uploads/sites/5/2021/04/2022-Honda-Civic-Sport-First-Look-3.jpg Here is a 2010 Lexus GX interior https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/amv-prod-cad-assets/images/10q1/337128/2010-lexus-gx460-interior-photo-337418-s-986x603.jpg Here is a 2021 Lexus GX interior https://houstonexotics.blob.core.windows.net/ech-x285005/full/img8009.jpg My point is the buyers don't buy these for very fancy tech/contemporary - why fix something tha...
by dsmclone
Thu Jan 11, 2024 11:58 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tesla - ARgh [Frustrated with tech support]
Replies: 60
Views: 10340

Re: Tesla - ARgh [Frustrated with tech support]

And now Hertz is selling off one third of its EV fleet, mostly Teslas . Apparently drivers who are not used to how quickly an EV can accelerate get into accidents more often, and the repair costs are higher than for more traditional vehicles. On the actionable side, if you're looking for a used Tesla this might be a good opportunity. Driving a Tesla, or any EV for the first few weeks is a lot different experience. Now put yourself in the drivers seat of someone that is in a new city, can't use AA/Carplay, trying to adjust the temp, trying to put it in drive, doesn't understand braking, has never driven a car with this amount of torque, etc. It's asking for a bad experience/wreck. I have a feeling that people who have rented them for a long...
by dsmclone
Fri Jan 05, 2024 2:23 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Is this a good deal on Tesla model Y Long range
Replies: 114
Views: 15202

Re: Is this a good deal on Tesla model Y Long range

At some point I should stop being surprised at the level of confidence with which people assert about things they don't know. I've ridden in trucks. I've driven trucks. But I have no interest in trucks and little experience with trucks and wouldn't insert myself in a discussion about Chevy Silverados and Ram 1500s to comment on which is good and which is bad. It's a unique phenomenon about Tesla where everyone needs to make themselves heard. Uhhh....no. This happens in just about every thread on every topic (and I'm just as guilty of it as anybody). IMO it's also not impossible for someone who doesn't currently own an EV (or doesn't have direct real life experience on other topics) to have an opinion that may be valuable and/or informed. A...
by dsmclone
Fri Jan 05, 2024 9:45 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Is this a good deal on Tesla model Y Long range
Replies: 114
Views: 15202

Re: Is this a good deal on Tesla model Y Long range

Without even seeing the article, those were not Tesla Superchargers. No idea if this is true or not and I'm not going to postulate, but WSJ has had several articles the last few months specifically about problems with public chargers and the decreasing valuation of several companies who are building/developing them. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3m_z27LJa6o&ab_channel=TheWallStreetJournal Los Angeles County has more public DC fast chargers for EVs than any other city in the U.S. The majority of non-Tesla electric vehicles have a CCS port that works at these charging stations as well. The problem? WSJ’s Joanna Stern hit up 30 EV charging locations in a Rivian R1T and found that 40% of them were broken. Here’s what’s being done to fix ...
by dsmclone
Thu Jan 04, 2024 7:14 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Roth Contribution
Replies: 14
Views: 1736

Re: Roth Contribution

Question on this topic. My wife and I are going to be right on the border on whether we can contribute to our Roth IRA's. If we fall below the maximum, it sounds like we have until April 15th to fund these for 2023. Would it be ok for me to do my taxes first and then fund them or doesn't it matter?
by dsmclone
Wed Jan 03, 2024 1:26 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Is this a good deal on Tesla model Y Long range
Replies: 114
Views: 15202

Re: Is this a good deal on Tesla model Y Long range

Without even seeing the article, those were not Tesla Superchargers. No idea if this is true or not and I'm not going to postulate, but WSJ has had several articles the last few months specifically about problems with public chargers and the decreasing valuation of several companies who are building/developing them. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3m_z27LJa6o&ab_channel=TheWallStreetJournal Los Angeles County has more public DC fast chargers for EVs than any other city in the U.S. The majority of non-Tesla electric vehicles have a CCS port that works at these charging stations as well. The problem? WSJ’s Joanna Stern hit up 30 EV charging locations in a Rivian R1T and found that 40% of them were broken. Here’s what’s being done to fix ...
by dsmclone
Wed Jan 03, 2024 1:26 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Is this a good deal on Tesla model Y Long range
Replies: 114
Views: 15202

Re: Is this a good deal on Tesla model Y Long range

Without even seeing the article, those were not Tesla Superchargers. No idea if this is true or not and I'm not going to postulate, but WSJ has had several articles the last few months specifically about problems with public chargers and the decreasing valuation of several companies who are building/developing them. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3m_z27LJa6o&ab_channel=TheWallStreetJournal Los Angeles County has more public DC fast chargers for EVs than any other city in the U.S. The majority of non-Tesla electric vehicles have a CCS port that works at these charging stations as well. The problem? WSJ’s Joanna Stern hit up 30 EV charging locations in a Rivian R1T and found that 40% of them were broken. Here’s what’s being done to fix ...
by dsmclone
Wed Jan 03, 2024 11:05 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Is this a good deal on Tesla model Y Long range
Replies: 114
Views: 15202

Re: Is this a good deal on Tesla model Y Long range

Without even seeing the article, those were not Tesla Superchargers.
by dsmclone
Tue Jan 02, 2024 9:23 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Is this a good deal on Tesla model Y Long range
Replies: 114
Views: 15202

Re: Is this a good deal on Tesla model Y Long range

Oh forgot one thing, I drive rather fast and find the standard cruise control (Autopilot not FSD) is annoying at times. Each time you change lanes to pass, you have to reengage it and there is no option for just cruise. I'm not sure exactly what you mean by "just cruise", but if you mean adaptive cruise with no auto steer, then this is an option. There is a setting called "single pull for autopilot" or something like that that you can disable. Disabling it allows a single pull of the stalk to turn on adaptive cruise control with no auto steer, while a double pull of the stalk turns on adaptive cruise and auto steer. Please go into those settings on your Tesla and let me know how it works. What you've described, is not p...
by dsmclone
Tue Jan 02, 2024 9:23 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Is this a good deal on Tesla model Y Long range
Replies: 114
Views: 15202

Re: Is this a good deal on Tesla model Y Long range

Oh forgot one thing, I drive rather fast and find the standard cruise control (Autopilot not FSD) is annoying at times. Each time you change lanes to pass, you have to reengage it and there is no option for just cruise. I'm not sure exactly what you mean by "just cruise", but if you mean adaptive cruise with no auto steer, then this is an option. There is a setting called "single pull for autopilot" or something like that that you can disable. Disabling it allows a single pull of the stalk to turn on adaptive cruise control with no auto steer, while a double pull of the stalk turns on adaptive cruise and auto steer. Please go into those settings on your Tesla and let me know how it works. What you've described, is not p...
by dsmclone
Wed Dec 20, 2023 7:02 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Is this a good deal on Tesla model Y Long range
Replies: 114
Views: 15202

Re: Is this a good deal on Tesla model Y Long range

hunoraut wrote: Wed Dec 20, 2023 6:06 am
stoptothink wrote: Tue Dec 19, 2023 12:11 pm


The analogy to cell phone is if you wake up in the morning with a full charge, you’re not having to think of how to keep it powered. 90%+ of the time, peoples first drive of the day starts from home.
This right here. Before buying a Tesla, I really couldn't wrap my head around this concept but in those 6 months, this has been my experience. 99% of the time, we're charging at home(to 80%). We've only had to use chargers outside of the house on two trips for a total of 4 times.
The other thing that I've had to learn is to trust the Tesla software when it comes to charging. It's saving you time by letting the battery get lower before you charge.
by dsmclone
Tue Dec 19, 2023 11:39 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Is this a good deal on Tesla model Y Long range
Replies: 114
Views: 15202

Re: Is this a good deal on Tesla model Y Long range

As with most things in life, you'll probably get the most useful information from people who actually own or have owned the product. I've heard a lot of things over the internet the last few decades and then when I've experienced them for myself, they are often wrong.
by dsmclone
Tue Dec 19, 2023 10:37 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Is this a good deal on Tesla model Y Long range
Replies: 114
Views: 15202

Re: Is this a good deal on Tesla model Y Long range

Model Y owner here. Here is a summary of my 6 months of ownership. Before buying the car, I had two major concerns. Range and quality. Quality may have been an issue in the past but ours was perfect. I had the checklist and after checking off about 10 things, I threw away the list, which I had never used on the previous 20+ cars I've owned. The suspension has changed since the model Y first came out and I find the ride fine. Range was a concern but in reality, was pretty stupid if I thought about it. We have a large ICE vehicle that we can use for road trips and even then, we take maybe 4 trips a year further than 250 miles. I have software running that tracks a bunch of things about the car and 99% of our charging is done at home at 11 cen...
by dsmclone
Tue Dec 19, 2023 10:05 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Is this a good deal on Tesla model Y Long range
Replies: 114
Views: 15202

Re: Is this a good deal on Tesla model Y Long range

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Choice-supportive_bias I'm glad Tesla is pushing the boundaries. I'm just relating my experience in saying that "cost" involves more than price. From what I've seen, I'd not buy one now. Too many issues I couldn't live with. Range and ride (too stiff for my liking) are top of list for me. It's heartening to see that Toyota has big plans for battery tech, though: "Long-range battery packs will provide up to 500 miles of range by 2026 and 620 miles by 2027. Toyota is aiming to introduce solid-state batteries in 2027, which will be capable of ultra-fast 10 minute recharge times from 10 to 80 percent state of charge." I don't give two hoots for how fast a car can go from 0-60, btw. Never unders...
by dsmclone
Mon Dec 18, 2023 9:17 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tesla - ARgh [Frustrated with tech support]
Replies: 60
Views: 10340

Re: Tesla - ARgh [Frustrated with tech support]

Eventually these problems will be sorted. But this is still the early adopter phase. Tesla has been making and selling cars for a decade now. Even the Model 3 is six years old. How long does the early adopter phase last? I have a Model Y with zero issues. I've owned 20+ vehicles, with most being Japanese luxury(Lexus, Infiniti, Acura,etc), and it's been as solid as any of them and it's not even a luxury car. Unlike those, I don't have to wait a year for a software fix and then go to the the dealership, I don't have any oil changes, but I do miss out on their free K-Cups and free internet/ I haven't seen the studies but I have a feeling that EV owners are going to be the most loyal customers of any car segment. Unless your use case changes ...
by dsmclone
Wed Nov 22, 2023 7:55 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Electric SUVs in the pipeline
Replies: 119
Views: 11627

Re: Electric SUVs in the pipeline

What are you looking for in an SUV? If it's like most people and just the extra space I would check out the Tesla Model Y. If you are looking to do any off roading I wouldn't look at that. The model Y has lots of space to carry around all you want. We were recently looking at a CRV or Rav4. We decided to take the Tesla for a test drive and my wife loved it. After factoring in the $7,500 tax credit the price of the Model Y was not much more than the CRV or Rav4. Especially since Honda and Toyota were not willing to negotiate at all (they actually wanted to add things like mud flaps for several hundred $$) We have had the Tesla for three months and recently took a trip of over 1,000 miles with no issues at all I don't know how you feel so fa...
by dsmclone
Mon Nov 20, 2023 11:19 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Electric SUVs in the pipeline
Replies: 119
Views: 11627

Re: Electric SUVs in the pipeline

I am dreaming of my next vehicle. It will be an all-electric intermediate SUV. I know there are already some in the market, but the current options are limited and the prices are not so great. What do the next 3-5 years look like for new brands of electric SUVs to hit the market? I was looking at Motor Trend or C&D the other day and the amount of new EV's coming to the market in the next 3-5 year is pretty impressive. In 3 years, all of them will have the NACS plug. A lot of them will use the same base setup. For example, Hondas first SUV EV will be based on the Chevy Blazer EV. Same with Acura. Cadillac and multiple chevys will also use these same shared components. Hyundai and Kia have some SUV's really close to being introduced. Pol...
by dsmclone
Tue Nov 14, 2023 10:56 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Prius vs Model Y economic estimates
Replies: 156
Views: 17733

Re: Prius vs Model Y economic estimates

I've owned 20+ cars in my lifetime. Besides the Kia Telluride that we own, the previous 15 were Japanese. I've owned pretty much every brand except Subaru. Mazda was the only one that I didn't think had good fit/finish. With that history in mind, earlier this year we bought a Model Y and I had heard all the things about fit/finish and for the first time in buying a car, I brought a checklist of like 50 things. I arrived at Tesla and after checking about 10 things I realized this was stupid and I could tell from looking at it that is was solid. After 6 months or so there are zero panel gap issues, zero quality issues, zero rattles, etc. It's not a luxury car so it doesn't have things like the alcantara headliner that the Kia has, or the arom...
by dsmclone
Thu Nov 09, 2023 10:05 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Prius vs Model Y economic estimates
Replies: 156
Views: 17733

Re: Prius vs Model Y economic estimates

windaar wrote: Fri Jul 07, 2023 8:59 am What will resale value be in 10 years? Prius holds its value pretty well. Will anyone want your Tesla if its battery has faded and its range and recharge time is horribly inferior to the EVs sold at that time? Will anyone want to buy a used EV that is due for a 20-35K battery replacement? Another economic variable to consider. I just sold a 2009 ICE Honda and I got a great price because it still runs great with many years left in it.
The next 10 years will look a lot different than the previous 10 years. Who will want a VCR when everyone is driving DVD players? It won't matter that you're driving the most reliable and efficient VCR. It probably won't be as drastic but at this point, a lot of things will change in the next 10 years.
by dsmclone
Mon Nov 06, 2023 9:32 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Small to Medium sized cities for FIRE
Replies: 103
Views: 10090

Re: Small to Medium sized cities for FIRE

gerntz wrote: Mon Nov 06, 2023 9:15 am College towns not far from larger cities in LCOL states are all likely good. Lafayette, IN comes to mind. Also Athens, GA & Clemson, SC, Fayetteville, AR, Columbia, MO, Lawrence, KS.
100% this
by dsmclone
Mon Nov 06, 2023 8:53 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Small to Medium sized cities for FIRE
Replies: 103
Views: 10090

Re: Small to Medium sized cities for FIRE

[/quote]

If Iowa City is suggested by OP, that suggests winter isn’t an issue. Plus, winters Minnesota aren’t anything like they used to be. Climate is changing fast.

https://climate.state.mn.us/recreation- ... er-warming
[/quote]

I'm sure last January when it got above freezing 4 times in the first 40 days of the year, they were real happy.

or when the same thing happened 4 times in the first 40 days of 2022.

These are the daily HIGHS. It's more common in January for the lows to be below zero than the highs above freezing. But they rank high on some indexes and they have expensive housing(for the midwest) to go along with those high indexes.
by dsmclone
Mon Nov 06, 2023 7:01 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: toyota tundra 2022+
Replies: 8
Views: 1210

Re: toyota tundra 2022+

With Toyota you usually pay a price for that reliability and that's in the form of a dated vehicle. A perfect example of this is the 4Runner, which is reliable but the drivetrain and the tech is embarrassingly out of date. You can spend $50k on an SUV in 2023 that has a 5 speed transmission, tech that looks 10 years old, 17mpg, slow, poor handling, etc. BUT IT'S RELIABLE. If I was going to buy a full size truck, I would buy a Ford or Chevy. They are some of the most sold vehicles in the world so if there were reliability issues, you would hear about those issues. With that said, it looks like the Tundra got updated in 2022 so maybe it's more competitive. When Car and Driver did a comparison on the redesign, it finished in last and pretty ha...
by dsmclone
Thu Sep 21, 2023 7:20 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tell Me About Your Fabulous Stove
Replies: 89
Views: 10006

Re: Tell Me About Your Fabulous Stove

We had a BlueStar for about 8 years. We were sold on its simple look, powerful burners, and universal design. It was great for about 2 years and then we had non stop igniter issues. A couple of yeas ago we finally gave up on it and bought an LG gas stove/range. The burners are not quite as powerful but the stove itself is better in every way.
by dsmclone
Tue Aug 22, 2023 10:36 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Scotland / London…where to stay?
Replies: 70
Views: 4719

Re: Scotland / London…where to stay?

We went to Scotland a few months ago and we flew into Inverness because it made sense because we were exploring Isle of Skye and other parts of Scotland. With that said, I wouldn't go out of my way to visit Inverness just to visit. Also, we went to Edinburgh during a time where it suppose to be somewhat dead and it was swamped. Everywhere required reservations. We actually got reservations to drink at a bar.

Post Covid travel has been crazy busy everywhere I've went international(Europe and Mexico).
by dsmclone
Wed Jul 19, 2023 9:20 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: EVs and “real world” range in winter?
Replies: 72
Views: 4993

Re: EVs and “real world” range in winter?

I wonder why you're not considering the Model Y LR? Right now it seems like the best bang/buck and it's not really close. One big question I have about winter driving is one pedal driving. I love one pedal driving but I wonder how our Tesla will react on ice. Anyone that has driven on ice knows that the best bet on ice is not to just jam on the brakes, which is kind of what the regenerative breaking does. I guess we'll see this winter! I haven't heard of any issues so Tesla must have figured this one out. For me, it’s price and other issues. The model Y are still expensive (2 year old used ones are going for 50k) and I’m not a fan of Teslas dynamic pricing. I love the vehicle and would love to own one, but I’m so hung up on the stories of ...
by dsmclone
Wed Jul 19, 2023 8:59 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: EVs and “real world” range in winter?
Replies: 72
Views: 4993

Re: EVs and “real world” range in winter?

Longdog wrote: Wed Jul 19, 2023 8:57 am In the depths of winter here in Philadelphia (i.e., February), when the temperature is sometimes in the mid 20s, I’ve noticed a reduction of 40% or more on my Tesla. It hasn’t mattered, though, because most of my driving is local. And also because it’s local, the battery doesn’t have a chance to warm up. On a long trip, even in cold weather, the battery will warm up as you drive so it won’t be quite that bad.
On long drives have you played around with precondtioning the battery?
by dsmclone
Wed Jul 19, 2023 8:42 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: EVs and “real world” range in winter?
Replies: 72
Views: 4993

Re: EVs and “real world” range in winter?

I wonder why you're not considering the Model Y LR? Right now it seems like the best bang/buck and it's not really close.

One big question I have about winter driving is one pedal driving. I love one pedal driving but I wonder how our Tesla will react on ice. Anyone that has driven on ice knows that the best bet on ice is not to just jam on the brakes, which is kind of what the regenerative breaking does. I guess we'll see this winter! I haven't heard of any issues so Tesla must have figured this one out.
by dsmclone
Sun Jul 02, 2023 8:09 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tesla Model Y
Replies: 133
Views: 16022

Re: Tesla Model Y

While on the Model Y subject... I have had some seat time in a Model 3 and a Y. Neither were 2023 models. The "3's" seats are way to low for me to get in and out of (older person here), unlike the models Y's. The Y's ride comfort was not nearly as nice as my 9 year old car (over somewhat non-smooth surfaces) I have seen it mentioned the 2023 Y's suspension has had some changes that are supposed to make the ride better. Has anyone been able to feel the difference in ride quality? How would you describe the differences in ride quality between pre-2023 and 2023 models? I have looked for a list of voice commands for Tesla vehicles, and have not found a comprehensive list. I think those of us shopping Tesla would benefit if someone pu...
by dsmclone
Sun Jul 02, 2023 12:40 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tesla Model Y
Replies: 133
Views: 16022

Re: Tesla Model Y

canderson wrote: Sun Jul 02, 2023 12:35 pm I think anyone thinking about a Tesla who does road trips needs to do a long test drive. I think the seats are the most uncomfortable of any modern car I’ve set in in the last few decades.
It really must depend on the driver. I find them very comfortable. I'm 6'2 250 male.