But walk through that math.

My “next year or so” was based on the idea that the amount owed would approach the value of the car within that period of time. That will very depending on the down payment and loan length, but in any case, the value of the GAP coverage ages like milk. If you’re not totaling your car quick, your 20:1 bet gets closer…

Can you walk me through the math that makes GAP worthwhile? To me, it seems like you’re just placing a $500 bet that you will total your car in the next year or so, and it pays out somewhere between $0 and $10k.

I was just replying to the original “ludicrously expensive by comparison” point. If your goal is to have something that will last 18 years, then it’s hard for me to argue for the Chrysler.

Value-wise, I think that a discounted Pacifica PHEV has a lot going for it. I think if you go spec-for-spec, you’re somewhere…

It takes a little more planning to drive an EV long distances than an ICE vehicle. For Teslas specifically, there are some things that create an operational learning curve- the convertible-style frameless windows make opening doors weird, it’s hard to figure out cruise control at first, and regenerative braking feels…

I would shop around a little bit. There are still ‘22 PHEV Pacificas on dealer lots. Dodge dealers seem to love doing the “stack a ton of shit you can’t possibly qualify for” to get to a low advertised prices, but it’s possible to get a new ‘22 Hybrid L for ~$42-$44k without going too crazy negotiating. Tack on the…

My thoughts on Tesla are complicated. I dislike Musk, I think Tesla fans are obnoxious, I hated that my wife bought a Model Y in January this year because it looks silly, and I strongly dislike how much shit on these seems to be done just for the sake of being different.

On the other hand, my family has two cars now-…

There are a few reasons. Obviously impatience is one of them- having a truck today is more valuable than having a truck tomorrow, or in 18 months, etc.

But what you gain in certainty regarding options, you lose in other factors. No lender is going to promise to honor 2023 financing terms in late 2024, the value of your…

As with most things, I think that the premium you end up paying for the top-ranked car, television, mattress, etc. is generally far greater than any actual observed difference in quality between #1 and #3, especially if you’re not an enthusiast.

Also, regarding used cars, reliability differences end up vastly…

The article is comparing the impact of purchasing a new EV to a new ICE car. If you treat that as the only decision point, then as long as the car makes it to 69k before it’s dumped in a landfill, it is better that an incremental EV was produced, sold, resold, etc. than an ICE vehicle.

You have to thread the needle income-wise, but the tax credits make EVs a lot more compelling. For example, a family of 4 in California making less than $130k will qualify for:
1. Full $7500 Federal rebate
2. $7500 “enhanced rebate” from the State
3. Potentially another $1-3k from regional air districts.

A $40k Model 3…

Tesla has a good system for this. When you hit your max charge, you have a 5 minute grace period then it’s $1/minute.

I think you’re off by an order of magnitude. I work for a tree trimming company, and it costs us six figures to send 15-20 dudes with equipment to work an emergency on a long weekend.

I think the cost of the attempted rescue was in the $50m-$100m ballpark.

I think you’re both right and wrong.

I believe the correct answer is Cadillac ELR.

Income is a pretty good proxy for need, and there’s no really good way to get closer to need without opening doors for abuse and/or making the requirements even more complicated (adjusting for local cost of living, etc.).
Ideally, I think that incentives like this are (and should be) closely tailored to accomplish…

Looks like a very nice car and glad you are happy with the deal, but why fuck Tom?

I did a “DIY” massage gun with a Jigsaw and some bits off of Amazon, and it’s amazing. I already had a jigsaw, so the total cost was about $20. If you’re considering giving this type of massager a try, that’s a cheaper way to go, although probably not as lightweight.

I did a “DIY” massage gun with a Jigsaw and some bits off of Amazon, and it’s amazing. I already had a jigsaw, so…

Thank you for this. 

I’m late to this discussion, but I’m not sure where you’re disagreeing with the good Dr.