In this week’s post:
- We bought a Cybertruck – WHY!?
- GMC Yukon vs Jeep Wagoneer?
- Tall family needs a 4×4?
The first questions/statements come from our fans (former fans) and viewers who can’t fathom why we bought a Cybertruck. Here are a few – but there’s hundreds.
Q (YouTube): Not sure I could trust a company that can’t make a gas pedal or a hubcap… @CarswithNash
- I fear this will not be one of the best choices at TFL. The buzz has waned. I hope I’m wrong because this is my favourite channel period.@Saddest1Gtown
- The Cyber Junk looks so small compared to the othwr trucks..yet the Cyber junk costs more..smh @Jolene580
- Two weeks ago every influencer…..why is my Tesla taking so long ???….this week LOOK!!!@Sambonedallas
- Done with you guys and your stupid purchases! Cybertruck is garbage! I know a idiot when I seen a idiot because I am a idiot! @WasDogTrainer
- Question is will it brick like the hummer did @Bugman687
- The very definition of Anti-Climax. Sorry for your loss. (100K) God be with you.@Enigma8750
- Why in god’s name did you monkeys get a Cybertruck? At least get something better like a Rivian! @NetCarbs_67
- Add this to the Land Rover pile@Aldeeezzy
- Funny how all these YouTubers said they’ll cancel their order and boom couple weeks later they all go pick up the cyber truck. @moosc
- The Cybertruck is old news. It’s been done to death and I’m bored with it already.@Blipco5
… and this only took a few minutes to find.
A: Look people, folks are still curious about the Cybertruck –
Honestly, I was happy to take a pass. It’s about double of what I was (initially) promised it would cost. In addition, it’s rought around the edges in SO many ways. Still, can you think of another vehicle that is as polarizing as the Cybertruck? There is a ton of interest as to how it will perform once the proper 4WD upload comes in OTA.
We will continue to get flak – and it doesn’t matter if we love it, hate it or manage to find soms sort of middle ground. Many of you will throw venom our way, regardless. Some “journalists” will take our findings and editorial out of context, good or bad. We’re expecting this.
Cybertruck, and Tesla fanboys will cure every negative and cheer every positive comment. We’re expecting this as well. Anti EV owners will hate every postiive result, and cheer every criticism. We’re expecting this too. Our accountant will want our head(s) on a platter, and local kids will find us old men – fascinating.
We’re expecting all of this, however; we expect people WILL be interested one way or the other.
Were you expecting anything less from us?
– N
The next question comes from a fan who is comparing the Yukon vs the Wagoneer.
Q (via: AskNathan@TFL.com) RE: Yukon vs Wagoneer.
Hello,
1st off I love watching your videos!
My wife and I are trying to decide on a vehicle between the yukon an wagoneer.
I’m really impressed withe the wagoneers ride and off road capability, however I’m concerned with the reputation Jeep has with mechanical issues.
What are your thoughts on these two vehicles?
Thanks
Jim
A: This is a comparison I hope we can pull off soon, especially with the new I6 Hurricane engine in the Wagoneer.
The Yukon base is $58,200 – and a well equipped (mid-level) SLT 4WD runs just a hair under $71,000.It comes with a 5.3-liter V8 makes 355 hp and 383 lbs ft of torque. There is a vaunted diesel option, but it’s extremely pricy. MOG sits at 15 city and 20 mpg highway – and it has up to 7,900-lbs towing.
The Wagoneer base starts at $62,945 – and a well equipped (mid-level) Series II runs about $74,000. The standard 3.0-liter, twin-turbo I6 makes 420 hp and 486 lb-ft of torque. It’s rated at 16 mpg city, and 23 mpg highway. It’s su[pposed to have up to (a class-leading) 10,000-lbs towing.
On papaer, other than the price, the Wagoneer is supperior. Conmsidering that the new Hurricane hasn’t been around long enough to rate its long-term reliability, it’s a bit of a roll of the dice. It’s a lot more powerful, and it’s especially noticable at higher elevation. It’s also a bit more efficient. Still, it’s an unproven quantity.
While looks, and overall styling are subjective, I can say that the interior of the Wagoneer feels more primium. My prefrences may be different than yours. I tend to gravitate to the least expensive option. In addition, the Chevy’s overall reliability seems to make it a tad compelling.
Still, that Wagoneer is a powerhouse!
It’s kind of a tossup.
– N
The last question comes from a family man who needs a proper 4×4 that can hold his (tall) family, and dogs.
Q: (Via: AskNathan@TFL.com)
Hi TFL Team –
I’ve been a long-time watcher and enjoy your content. I’m struggling to narrow down a reasonably priced vehicle to meet our needs. I’m hoping you’ll give me some thoughts.
I’m looking to purchase at the end of the year as my current prepaid lease is up in February 2025. I leased because I didn’t want to be locked into the car beyond three years because of the fluctuations in vehicle cost/availability at the time (the first and last time I would lease). I’m just starting to research the next vehicle but am struggling with refining it down to 2 or 3 vehicles that meet our family needs. I like to narrow it down to 2 or 3 and then see what I can get the best deal on within my price range.
I’m looking for something that can haul 4-5 tall people, plus a couple of dogs occasionally. It has to accommodate 6 feet plus as my wife is the shortest at 5’10”, and the kids and I are all over 6’ (6’ to 6’3”). Not large framed but tall. We also do 1-2 long road trips to Colorado up in the mountains (Lake City) a year, including going over passes (like Engineer) on the back trails if the weather permits. In the past, we have done this in 4×4 trucks and a Sequoia. We still have the 2014 Sequoia, but it is getting to be high mileage (even for a Toyota), and we’re planning on giving it to our son for his car, as it’s fine for local driving.
So, I’m looking for a good road trip vehicle comfortable for 4-5 folks around 6’ tall with a true 4-wheel drive and at least a center-locking differential. I was excited about the new Tacoma, 4 Runner, and Land Cruiser, but their prices seem ridiculously high. Plus, I’m worried about the mid-size pickups’ backseat comfort, especially after y’all produced the video comparing every manufacturer brand in the segment. I was hoping to keep the OTD in the 50s or low 60s and for it to be a reliable, long-lasting car. Normally, we like to keep our cars for about 10 years.
I would appreciate the help.
Thanks and best –
Ben
A: Hi Ben, I think the previous email might interest you as well (Yukon vs Wagoneer).
With that being said, there are other (less expensive) alternatives. I looked at the Ford Expedition, new Toyota Sequoia and Tahoe, among others, but they are pretty steep and have a few issues. I found the Sequoia’s passenger seating for tall people to be so-so. A decently equipped Expedition or Chevrolet Tahoe is still going to hit the $60,000+ mark OTD – easily.
It’s a shame, as both are strong contenders. Still, there is one SUV that may check all the boxes, but you must see if you fit properly. I’m referring to the Nissan Armada. A well equipped 2023 Nissan Armada SV hits the $60,000 mark, and a 4WD S sits in the mid $50,000 zone. There are still 2023 models on dealership lots, so you may be able to get them to deal.
I would not recommend the 2024 models as they have a huge price increase, with few benefits. Yes, there is an all-new model coming. One that will have a lot more power, be more efficient – and should be pricier too. The old 5.6-liter V8 is still a great engine, and they have a fairly good reputation for overall strength.
One thing to note: the interior is a bit unusual. Some tall folks are fine up front, but others may not be as comfortable. Case in point: I’m shorter than Roman and Andre, yet I find the driving position a bit confining. Andre and Roman call me a big baby and seem much happier in the driver’s seat.
It’s all up to the driver’s preference.
There is one more option, one that isn’t exactly an “off-roader,” but it’s something that has gobs of space, AND has the potential for good off-highway performance – for a crossover. I am talking about the new 2024 Chevrolet Traverse Z71. Forget the other models, this one has a beefier AWD system that might fit the bill. A well equipped model comes in under $50,000.
Hope that helps!
— N
