We’ll be taking a look at the new RAV4 at the DFW auto show this weekend. We had a 2018 for a rental last year, and it was a dog; plus no Apple Carplay. I’d drive it a couple of times a week on average, and we’d road trip it, too. So, it’s enough to care.

This just reminds me of the multiple attempts I’ve made to convince my wife to buy something other than a traditional CUV...

Are you me?

A) Early versions of this concept were designed around the idea that if someone was already heading, say downtown, you could hitch a ride.

Three words: Audi Parts Bin.

As opposed to the reputation that had 20 years ago: “Jesus, Kia!”

The thing that’s creating cognitive dissonance for me is that this exists in a world where the Telluride just launched...and it doesn’t look all that different.

It is a nice shade of blue.

Screw Miatas...this is always the answer.

#prequelmemes

Massacring the Sand People (th’ th’ the women...and th’ th’ th’ children...make my eyes rain) in Clones is the first Dark Side act...unless you embrace the notion of institutional specism that pervades the Star Wars universe.

My Indian co-workers trip-out when they learn I drive a manual.

Hey now...I bought a new manual last year. Gotta vote with your dollars, even if it hurts a little sometimes. But I have no illusions that the next time, there probably won’t be a sedan manual option available at any price point. 

I mean, you’re not wrong about this particular car, but it’s fair for the writer to point out that its existence runs counter to what the industry (in general) says it’s trending towards (EVs). She makes several points about this quirky anachronism of a vehicle of which its lack of eco-friendliness is just one. And I…

VTEC, yo? More like VTEC, no!

Now Cha cha change your underwear.

How do things like geography, pending redesigns, price point versus competitors, etc impact this kind of data?

I’ve gotta think it’s a question of value prop versus competitors...why would I spend $70k on a Cadillac when I could get a comparably spec’d Audi or Volvo the same price (possibly less in some cases if memory serves).

USA Today link seems to be broken...

I had a Citation in the late 90s. I left it unlocked and someone tried to steal it by ramming a screwdriver into the ignition. The theft was unsuccessful, but I ended up having to replace the steering column, which fairly easy to do.