Debating on my Slate

[305Mario]

Good afternoon everyone and happy 4th! I currently own a 2020 Toyota Tacoma 4 door. I work from home and travel to the airport for work roughly two-three times per month, which is about a 30 mile trip each way. I go to the gym and grocery store which is all super close. My Tacoma is paid off but it literally sits all day and I might put max 500 miles on it per month. What caught my eye on the slate is that it’s an EV, it could sit in my garage, it’s brand new and since I don’t drive much it’s the perfect 2nd vehicle. The reason why I am debating is because I have two toddlers. We have a SUV as our “family car” but not sure if I should just keep that one and get the slate or sell my Tacoma for the slate and lose the back seats. I planned on only getting the truck option slate as I could sell my Tacoma for $25k and get this it would be almost an even trade. I put my reservation in two days later the slate was released. Give me your thoughts please! Thanks

 

[GaRailroader]

How often do the toddlers ride in the Tacoma?

 

[305Mario]

How often do the toddlers ride in the Tacoma?

My one year old never. My three year old maybe 1-2 times per month to go to the park. But it’s because I have an extra child seat in there.

 

[sodamo]

Thoughts? Only you (and wife) can decide, but you have an SuV, so Slate

 

[GrizzlysGhost]

Not sure how to vote. Is your Taco your "SUV" or is it extra? I would recommend the slate as a second vehicle, you will really want those back seats for the kids. That Taco is an amazing truck, it would be hard for me to let it go. So I would say Slate as a second vehicle to the kid-hauler.

 

[E90400K]

It's not yet been covered anywhere in the Slate ecosphere that I have seen, and I'm not up on if the regs have changed, but 2-seat cars have been available with airbag deactivation switches, or the occupant detection mat in the passenger seat will deactivate the airbag based on passenger weight, which then accommodates front seat placement of a kiddie seat.

Maybe Slate needs to be asked such a question.

 

[ScooterAsheville]

My advice is to sit back and watch first. You have a nice ride. Just chill and see what comes your way in 2027. The Ford UEV, the Slate, who knows what else?

You can chill, read here about what people say about the Slate after a few months of ownership. You're in the same boat as me. I have a nice Maverick in the driveway. Paid for. I'm in no hurry to make a rushed decision.

 

[tubes]

99% it auto detects and displays whether it is active or not.

 

[AeroWolf]

Sounds like you have two paid off vehicles, with the Taco likely being a prior generation model with a good engine.

This is a tough call. Depends on your outlook of the future. You are in a good position to hold out for any good EV deals, but that depends on how you feel your Tacoma is holding up.

I would say it would be good to get an EV to learn the nuances of EV vehicles (one-petal driving, foot action for smooth acceleration, etc). This could help you when giving driving lessons to your kids later on when EVs are more prevalent.

I would tell you to wait and see how all of us Slate fanboys really see if we enjoy the Slate Truck. Keep your Taco to see what happens.

 

[305Mario]

Not sure how to vote. Is your Taco your "SUV" or is it extra? I would recommend the slate as a second vehicle, you will really want those back seats for the kids. That Taco is an amazing truck, it would be hard for me to let it go. So I would say Slate as a second vehicle to the kid-hauler.

We have a Toyota Grand Highlander as our family hauler. The Tacoma is mine but I barely drive it now.

 

[305Mario]

It's not yet been covered anywhere in the Slate ecosphere that I have seen, and I'm not up on if the regs have changed, but 2-seat cars have been available with airbag deactivation switches, or the occupant detection mat in the passenger seat will deactivate the airbag based on passenger weight, which then accommodates front seat placement of a kiddie seat.

Maybe Slate needs to be asked such a question.

That would be amazing if there is that option on the Slate. I am definitely going to ask. Thanks!

 

[305Mario]

My advice is to sit back and watch first. You have a nice ride. Just chill and see what comes your way in 2027. The Ford UEV, the Slate, who knows what else?

You can chill, read here about what people say about the Slate after a few months of ownership. You're in the same boat as me. I have a nice Maverick in the driveway. Paid for. I'm in no hurry to make a rushed decision.

Yes, that’s the way I see it. I’m just debating do I go for it? Or wait and then a possible price increase? Who knows lol

 

[danielt1263]

If I were you... I generally keep my cars for 10 years. I'm getting a Slate to replace my 2015 Kia Forte Koup. If I had a 2020 vehicle, I probably wouldn't consider it. I also work from home so the Koup isn't used much.

It seems to me that a family of four that can afford two vehicles should have a decent people hauler and a decent stuff hauler. It sounds like you are already set as far as that's concerned.

There is also the question of whether the Tacoma really fits your lifestyle. You imply that it doesn't fit in your garage...

That reminds me of when I was selling Jeeps and a guy came in wanting to trade a 3 month old full size pickup for a Grand Cherokee. The truck didn't fit in his garage, or on his driveway, and the HOA wouldn't let him park on the side of the street... The loss due to depreciation was quite painful for him.

 

[kvermeer]

99% it auto detects and displays whether it is active or not.

This has been the standard for decades. Any vehicle manufactured after 2015 must use an occupant classification system, not a key switch in the dash:

https://legalclarity.org/airbag-cutoff-switches-requirements-forms-penalties/

I kind of wish we could still make this decision manually, but sometimes I'm forgetful...maybe it's for the best.

 

[E90400K]

Yes, that’s the way I see it. I’m just debating do I go for it? Or wait and then a possible price increase? Who knows lol

If I was in your position, I'd just keep the Taco if you'd be under financial pressure if you bought a new Slate, but it appears that sale of the Taco would cover the Slate. Just make sure the bare bones Slate is what you really want. Also, you have the perceived idea the Toyota is very reliable, with the Slate, right now, it's a crapshoot regarding reliability.

Just a few thoughts.