Are you actually going to BUY the Slate Truck without a Test Drive?

[cadblu]

Appears that many folks on this forum are ready to sign on the dotted line when their reservation is called. Tick the boxes for desired options, secure the down payment, arrange loan terms or pay cash via electronic check, upload your driver's license and insurance card, click submit, and "Done." There. I just bought a truck, sight unseen. After all, this is a direct-to-consumer transaction. Yes, I am one of those people. Call me impulsive.

Let's not overlook the fact that you cannot "test drive" this vehicle until it's delivered to your door, or at a nearby regional center. While that may change going forward, I'm fairly certain that your pre-configured Slate won't even get close to you unless paid in full. And although the Slate is still considered a bargain even fully optioned out, it is still a big-budget purchase and something you will have for a (hopefully) long time. And this presents a huge dilemma...what happens if... (warning- proceed with caution):

1. You don't like the way it drives
2. It feels too cheap or basic
3. It's not what you thought it would be.
4. You're no longer in love with it.

Feel free to cast your vote in the poll above...⬆

 

[Mike215]

I bought my Maverick after an 18 month wait. Never saw one, sat in one or drove one. It has been great but I want an EV.

 

[Letas]

All new cars drive "okay". I expect it to be slow, clunky and have an overall very low-level finish to it. I do not imagine they could miss my expectations.

That being said, my biggest hold-up is price. SUV, Extended Range and a Wrap, are a bare minimum for me. That being said... if pricing on these is not favorable, this has potential to be the worst $40,000 car ever released.

 

[GeoLogic]

Even if of lesser cost than other patronizingly priced new vehicles, $27,000+ is still a LOT of money to be gambling satisfaction with. Zero chance I buy one without first evaluating actual driving characteristics. Also zero chance of buying one without AWD. And zero chance of keeping the vehicle if it doesn't deliver better-than-average reliability. I expect 1985 Toyota truck reliability without exception. To each their own, but I'm putting Slate on notice that I demand reliability, or you're gone.

 

[Luxrage]

There were some things in the initial videos coming out about the Slate that I want to see in person, particularly those glove-box style doors, the one on their demo model looked like it was already about to fall off. I've bought vehicles sight-unseen before and I'm all fine on taking that gamble for something that's going to be a weekend car, but I intend to use this as a daily/backup car for others in my household so I'd like to get behind the wheel of it before I buy it to see the fit and finish.

 

[cadblu]

There were some things in the initial videos coming out about the Slate that I want to see in person, particularly those glove-box style doors, the one on their demo model looked like it was already about to fall off. I've bought vehicles sight-unseen before and I'm all fine on taking that gamble for something that's going to be a weekend car, but I intend to use this as a daily/backup car for others in my household so I'd like to get behind the wheel of it before I buy it to see the fit and finish.

Many of the trim pieces you see in the introductory videos were actually 3D printed. When the vehicle goes into production the trims should be more robust.

That said, it would be a great idea if Slate could have a "near production" vehicle on display at the next 2026 International Auto Show typically in Detroit, Los Angeles, and New York. That would ease our uncertainty on fit, finish, door 'thunk,' body panel integrity, and those infamous "panel gaps" that Tesla has greatly improved over time. Not as good as a test drive, but still a close up and personal inspection that we as potential customers must perform.

 

[Luxrage]

Many of the trim pieces you see in the introductory videos were actually 3D printed. When the vehicle goes into production the trims should be more robust.

That's good to know!

I'm really hoping they continue their USA tour, I am very curious how the seating position is in them first and foremost. Maybe by the time it hits my region they'll have a few more built and can offer demo drives.

 

[slateya]

My only concern is fitting comfortably in the front and my teenager “can fit ok” in the back suv seat for short around town trips. 6’3” 200lbs for both.

 

[MiketheCarGeek]

MAYBE
It depends on my situation in early 2027. I predict a mild-recession followed by a comeback sometime in 2027

 

[GoinPostall]

I want to see if Slate happens to be at the LA Auto show later this year. If they are, I'd love to play around with it, see how it feels. The ride shouldn't be any worse than my 1979 Dodge W150, which has leaf springs all around and 31" BFG KO2s. Either way, I want to drive it before buying it. Seeing as how my Dodge and my 2020 Civic both have manual transmissions, we'll see how many times I'll go the the non-existent clutch pedal of the Slate out of habit.

 

[skidoofast]

I plan on making a trip to one of their events, hopefully they come to Minneapolis or at the very least Chicago, Id go to that just to see, touch and feel

 

[Saint Alban]

I am hoping it will be available to try at the electrify expo in October (New York). Although I honestly could see myself buying it without a test drive.

 

[TRP]

I purchased my 2021 Mach E without ever sitting in one. Never even owned an EV before. My test drive was while they were preparing the paperwork. I drove from TN to Iowa to trade a Jeep on it.

Learned how to DCFC on the drive home.

 

[Shay]

It’s not that big of a deal. People make way too much of a purchase decision on an automobile. It’s a product off a shelf, not a marriage.