Tacoma Vs. Rivian

You’re welcome.

Think I snagged the LC spec pdf from when you posted it in another thread. Found the other on Reddit.

 

Posted this earlier, it’s a Golf Country…love the styling of the VWs, but they are a mechanical and electrical nightmare.

 

Inspiration maybe?

 

Probably.

 

Nightmare? My 80s/90s VWs were some of the simplest and easiest to work on cars I’ve owned.

 

My mother had a cabriolet, aunt a new beetle, girlfriend a Jetta, grandmother a diesel rabbit. Spent more time in the shop than on the road. My girlfriends Jetta I almost dragged it out into the desert and lit on fire I was so frustrated with it. VWs left a bad taste in my mouth.

Sure…simple and easy to work on, good thing too, because they were always breaking.

They all went to a Toyota or Honda product.

 

This EV vaporware company, Alpha, make great looking vehicles but just have been all computer renders for now with one cobbled together prototype. But man their designs are great and it's some of the best realistic computer generated vehicles I've ever seen. Here's this maybe inspired by the VW and older Subarus maybe? Their pickups definitely have an old school Toyota vibe

https://www.alphamotorinc.com/

 

Have been loosely following them, does seem like a scam. Do like that little truck, reminds of the pre-79 Toyotas and Datsuns.

 

Whenever I see a Rivian I think two things: you paid waaaaaay too much for that and it looks like a half digested toad.

But I think this sums up the Rivian best.

 

It’s cheaper than buying a Porsche and a Tacoma.

 

Cost of ownership wise after 10 years is real close. (even closer now with the jump in msrp for the 4th Gens) I spend $4000/year in fuel. Would imagine the Rivians are cheaper to service too. Spending roughly $1000/year on the Taco just with the recommended dealer service intervals. Probably more than most since I drive 20K/year so hit them sooner.

Have been following the Stark Varg, not quite there yet, but one day soon petrol engines are going to become archaic. (They already are)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&si=YhiBku35NtNN49B2&v=Rgi8nNv09AY&feature=youtu.be

 

Rivian announced that they are pausing construction on the new Georgia factory.

 

I saw that, believe that is because of the slow down in the economy, so doesn’t make sense to throw money at it.

The R2/R3s might be the models that keep the company afloat. R2 is real close in size of the new Land Cruiser, can see that pulling sales from Toyota SUVs. The R3s are supposed to be in the mid $30s, imagine it would pull sales from Subaru and the RAV4 market. Gas powered vehicles are pretty much a pain in the ass. EVs theoretically should be easier to own and operate, especially having the ability to charge at home and less maintenance.

 

If they can keep the prices reasonable and the quality high then they should sell well. I haven’t heard about many problems with Rivians lately other than the wheels falling off and the bed cover.

 

Am I blind, the lights, front end are ugly as shit

 

The wheel thing was a ball joint that wasn’t properly torqued. Think the powered cover is still on hold, haven’t been paying attention.

The electric motors in theory should be easier to keep alive than an ICE engine.

 

Luckily you can’t see that while driving.

 

Because it will always be in front of a Tacoma.

 

Didn’t like them at first either, they are better looking in person. Nothing more than brand identity, you can definitely tell when a Rivian is coming at you on the road.

Most of the trucks today are fairly over the top and hideous. It is like a contest of who can build the ugliest truck anymore, ya know. Do like the Rivian since it is toned down and not trying too hard, it is a real sleeper of a vehicle since it can smoke just about any stock petroleum powered truck out there, not that I am into racing, but it is impressive.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=acSdPy38XKU

 

So true. Looks better in person than in pics. It's like a two face.