Poll: Does the release of Fathom price and info affect your Slate decision?

[bkimball014]

It's.. very disappointing that these businesses don't think customer-forward. This reputational damage is massive, and all they have to do is not be a jerk about things.

They knew dealerships were the only option...but maybe that has changed...

 

[RevMS]

I think something more along the lines of the old VW Bug Bible would be more in keeping with the Slate ethos.

Thinking something like the Bentley Manual I had for my Mk IV Jetta.

Basically the full blown factory service manual.

 

[bkimball014]

If it quacks like...

...but I don't think its going to "look like a duck". Seems like Farley is getting people ready for something closer to a "'sedan with a bed' crossover", rather than a small pick-up.

hmmm...four-door Ranchero?

 

[bkimball014]

I just think the way vehicles are advertised and sold comes off as deceptive to most people. Automobiles are the second largest purchase people make outside of their homes.

You buy something that you think is $24,950, but then the destination fee makes it $26,400. Then in my case a $250 document fee makes it $26,650. Then with state and county sales tax (8%) it’s $28,782. Then there’s the punitive Ohio EV registration fee of $200, which should be based on weight and miles driven for all vehicles in order to cover road maintenance and repairs. This means that a Blank Slate actually ends up costing me just shy of $29K at $28,982, which is closer to $30K than the under $25K it’s advertised as. We need transparency above all else.

Slate can't do anything about any of these charges...but they do need to make a profit to stay in business...which would greatly benefit all owners.

I live in Mass so I'm with you on endless taxes and fee's.

 

[bkimball014]

The only offerings that would make me look away from my Slate are:

1. Honda Element (Loved that car)Hybrid version. Needs more power than the original. Rumored release 2027 let the bugs get fixed 1st year so wouldn't buy until 2028 or later
2. Honda makes a truck on CRV frame with hybrid. Would need to be standard or extended cab-Not gonna happen in todays world
3. Toyota truck on Rav 4 platform that is hybrid. Needs to be standard or extended-Not gonna happen either.

People want 4 door sedans with a truck bed nowadays.

Nah...

 

[bkimball014]

Yep I DIG the design, a friend said well it looks like you could always put a Ford inline 300 six cylinder in it !

Just imagine... replacing the Slate motor with a hot, smoking, 17 mpg, gas guzzler with less horse power...and a nice maintenance schedule in case you get board...

 

[KHN707]

...but I don't think its going to "look like a duck". Seems like Farley is getting people ready for something closer to a "'sedan with a bed' crossover", rather than a small pick-up.

hmmm...four-door Ranchero?

Jimbo does like his 4-door vehicles. The Mustang is next.

 

[slate413x]

We can't Fathom all of the data/info about us that they will collect and sell as a result of driving a Ford vehicle. Whereas with Slate, there is none.

 

[AZFox]

...but I don't think its going to "look like a duck". Seems like Farley is getting people ready for something closer to a "'sedan with a bed' crossover", rather than a small pick-up.

It'll be interesting to see what the "new silhouette that's really not quite a pickup" looks like and what the "digital experience that no one’s seen" turn out to be.

The Fathom is really kind of an un-Slate.

The contrast could hardly be more stark. The FN has an appealing "timeless and familiar form" and its digital experience is perpetually-upgradable BYOD.

 

[calamari]

It seems likely I'm jumping ship, but it has nothing to do with the Fathom. And not even that much to do with the Slate. As much as I'd nostalgically like a blank Slate, for the type of driving I do I've decided that a 4 door SUV simply continues to make the most sense. I don't need rear seats for passengers anymore, but I rely on full height covered cargo area to protect what I haul from the weather and also for casual theft deterrence, and having rear doors makes whatever I'm hauling easier to load and access. Plus sometimes it makes more sense to keep a seat unfolded for the extra floor to ceiling height. So the cargo area is more versatile with seats too.

Looking at the options, a used crossover EV appears to be both significantly cheaper than a new Slate SUV, yet will also have more safety features and creature comforts. It just seems like a better value overall. I haven't made a final decision, but the Ioniq 5 (maybe 2023 model?) is currently leading the pack. Compared to the Slate it has a deeper cargo area (nearly 6ft instead of 5), better range, faster DC charging, configurable regen, V2L, and already comes with a stereo, center console, and door storage. Oh and I can get a white one with paint that I can take through a car wash if needed. I don't prefer the screen or telematics (which might be able to be disabled?), but it at least has some physical controls and I'm willing to deal with it. I realize there are some flaws with the Ioniq (Technology Connection is very honest), but it seems like Hyundai has fixed the most important ones.

I might keep driving my 2014 RAV4 for now. I like how it drives, it gets good enough gas mileage, and I've only been putting around 5000 miles on it a year. It's not even hit 100K yet. It should have a lot of life left in it. But that means this also might be the perfect time to sell it. Haven't decided yet.

Still hoping the Slate is extremely successful. It has a very skilled team behind it with some great engineering and ideas, and at a great price for the blank Slate. We need more direct sales options like the Slate. And I'm hoping that eventually BYD and other companies will be allowed to compete over here too.

 

[Doctors Do Little]

It seems likely I'm jumping ship, but it has nothing to do with the Fathom. And not even that much to do with the Slate. As much as I'd nostalgically like a blank Slate, for the type of driving I do I've decided that a 4 door SUV simply continues to make the most sense. I don't need rear seats for passengers anymore, but I rely on full height covered cargo area to protect what I haul from the weather and also for casual theft deterrence, and having rear doors makes whatever I'm hauling easier to load and access. Plus sometimes it makes more sense to keep a seat unfolded for the extra floor to ceiling height. So the cargo area is more versatile with seats too.

Looking at the options, a used crossover EV appears to be both significantly cheaper than a new Slate SUV, yet will also have more safety features and creature comforts. It just seems like a better value overall. I haven't made a final decision, but the Ioniq 5 (maybe 2023 model?) is currently leading the pack. Compared to the Slate it has a deeper cargo area (nearly 6ft instead of 5), better range, faster DC charging, configurable regen, V2L, and already comes with a stereo, center console, and door storage. Oh and I can get a white one with paint that I can take through a car wash if needed. I don't prefer the screen or telematics (which might be able to be disabled?), but it at least has some physical controls and I'm willing to deal with it. I realize there are some flaws with the Ioniq (Technology Connection is very honest), but it seems like Hyundai has fixed the most important ones.

I might keep driving my 2014 RAV4 for now. I like how it drives, it gets good enough gas mileage, and I've only been putting around 5000 miles on it a year. It's not even hit 100K yet. It should have a lot of life left in it. But that means this also might be the perfect time to sell it. Haven't decided yet.

Still hoping the Slate is extremely successful. It has a very skilled team behind it with some great engineering and ideas, and at a great price for the blank Slate. We need more direct sales options like the Slate. And I'm hoping that eventually BYD and other companies will be allowed to compete over here too.

I just put in $100 reservation on Scout SUV EREV…I won’t see it until 2028, I’m guessing and I’ll be ready to trade X5 by then anyway (if I don’t trade for Slate??).

Slate will do my truck/open air things, regardless.

How dumb is that?
Two unknown manufacturers a year apart?

 

[calamari]

I just put in $100 reservation on Scout SUV EREV…I won’t see it until 2028, I’m guessing and I’ll be ready to trade X5 by then anyway (if I don’t trade for Slate??).

It looks great. Hope it's everything you want!

 

[Doctors Do Little]

It looks great. Hope it's everything you want!

Thanks! When I test drove it the other day, oh wait…I’ll be delayed a year on test driving it.

The reservation is refundable, so we will see!

I like the nostalgia with knobs and buttons and 500 miles fits most of my family trips.

It can be garage queen during the week until the weather is too chilly for open air Slate?

 

[Frozen North]

I just put in $100 reservation on Scout SUV EREV…I won’t see it until 2028, I’m guessing and I’ll be ready to trade X5 by then anyway (if I don’t trade for Slate??).

Slate will do my truck/open air things, regardless.

How dumb is that?
Two unknown manufacturers a year apart?

It's vindicating to know I am not the only one that gets the car bug every now and then, and that I am not the only one to take a wild chance on these unknowns.

If you like your X5 you will likely enjoy the Scout.
I had a very love/hate relationship with my X5. That damn thing had everything but reliability. I loved driving it, it looked great and it performed great, and it sucked to own.
At 112k and 10 years old, it was plagued with problems that cost me thousands to repair and months of downtime over the last couple years I had it. BMWs are best leased.

I signed up for Slate, Telo, and REO, and I bet the Slate is the only one to take off.

To me, the Scout is a beautiful vehicle. But I fear for it's reliability and In that price range. I am still in love with the Rivians, just can't justify spending that much on a vehicle any more.
Plus I like the funky fun cars I don't have to wory about.

 

[sodamo]

They have promised to make it available.
I think that they would "consider" Chilton's style manuals if the demand was there. It would be neat to buy that from their online store.
If they only publish it online, some enterprising soul will print it all out, and maybe sell physical copies for us old folks.

I hope the digital version is printable, especially pagination