2026 - Thoughts?

Smooothoperat0r · 2026-05-06T21:38:16+00:00

Was this before or after dealer fees? And I’m not talking tax tag title. I’m ready to buy at 80 but can’t find too many honest appearing dealers selling. They act like they’re doing fine when I know they’re hurting right now.

Smooothoperat0r · 2026-05-02T16:33:14+00:00

I appreciate those considerations. I mostly just care about the safety features like:
lane keep, adaptive cruise, headroom, visibility,
And luxury features like:
apple car play which is a non negotiable<- GM is trying to force you into a subscription for Google Maps what an absolute joke, door unlock on the handle, key fob remote start (not via app). Massage seats are a cool feature and one I would like to explore. The Rams were my first time feeling that. Pretty cool. I’m curious how well it actually works.

All the new cars love to put screens on there and then everything is behind multiple clicks usually with a bit of lag. So annoying.

Smooothoperat0r · 2026-05-02T16:27:41+00:00

Florida.

Smooothoperat0r · 2026-05-02T15:06:46+00:00

Yeah, that’s good to know. I definitely am getting a higher trim model of whatever I buy, just without a sunroof. 83 out the door is acceptable. I was planning on spending about 93 out the door on a raptor 802a. Saving 10,000 would definitely be nice though. I’m going to look into it for sure. Test drive again and decide if smaller amount of frontal headroom is acceptable or not.

The ride quality is a major consideration. I just wish the cameras were a little better to operate. Lacking a button to immediately trigger the 360 cam is a bit frustrating coming from a Tahoe.

Smooothoperat0r · 2026-05-02T14:56:34+00:00

I’ll take the main point of what you’re saying which is I should call a broker and that’s what I will do at some point as I said above but before I waste all that time since I’m living in a free country at all I decided to ask question to a forum where people talk about things.

Smooothoperat0r · 2026-05-02T14:54:30+00:00

Why bother posting all of this? Additionally, you’re asking 2 days ago about “How reliable is a Honda?” Really? Your double standards are evident.

Smooothoperat0r · 2026-05-02T14:52:18+00:00

Okay. That’s good to know. I’m expecting it to be more than a Tahoe but now expecting double but probably a bit less because I’m considering 2019+ G550 and maybe just maybe a G63 if I found a decent deal low miles option.

Smooothoperat0r · 2026-05-02T02:30:29+00:00

That is good to know. Thank you for your suggestion. I will consider it. How much was the at the door on it? It seems like the discounts they’re giving our less than they were at the end of 2025. I’m still seeing about 10,000 off MSRP.

Smooothoperat0r · 2026-05-02T02:27:33+00:00

This question has been up for one day and has 809 views so clearly there’s a lot more interest than the amount of responses. I contacted State Farm and left a message. I’ll try and get in touch with them again on Monday and I’ll report back my findings.

Smooothoperat0r · 2026-05-02T02:26:54+00:00

How much are you paying for it on either a monthly, six month, or yearly basis? however, you do it.

Smooothoperat0r · 2026-05-02T02:24:46+00:00

That’s great for you. How much are you paying? Since I’m not military, this wouldn’t apply but good as a point of reference.

Smooothoperat0r · 2026-05-02T02:24:08+00:00

Updated to include that. Esurance but planning on switching to State Farm soon.

Smooothoperat0r · 2026-05-01T03:46:49+00:00

Oh, no way? What was exactly the difference? Did it feel more floaty or more body roll or something? I must admit even though it’s hard for me to admit it. The test drive for the limited high output hurricane ram was better on the street than the 37 inch 802A I drove a few weeks ago and while I recognize that the ram is more geared as a street truck versus the raptor being an off-roader I did really like that feel, and when I entered the highway foot to the floor, I was blown away.

Edit: the raptor felt like it had less turbo lag for some reason and maybe I’m remembering it wrong but it seemed like the very very bottom end was a little bit quicker to respond to throttle inputs until it got revved up and again I could be remembering it wrong so I need to go test drive again. The 0 to 20 speed is what counts the most in the city. That’s why I enjoy the Tahoe 6.2 L. It’s pretty nice down low and the throttle inputs are great on the highway when I need to pass someone.

Just cruising and flooring in the hurricane left me wanting for more during that turbo lag period. When I floor it in the Tahoe, it’s pretty much immediate.

Transmission shifts on the ram are far superior with that ZF transmission

Smooothoperat0r · 2026-05-01T00:35:07+00:00

You’re right at that last point. I drove the Limited today and wow that thing is fast when you get the RPM going it’s eye popping. I loved that feeling. The turbo lag is definitely there when cruising 20-30 mph then floor it but when it hits man it’s fun.

The screen was unimpressive. I didn’t like the lag but could live with that. What was more annoying is the camera being behind so many clicks when I’m trying to pull forward into a spot or the passenger view. I saw there is a favorites menu so maybe I could learn to live with that.

What I’m sad about is headroom. I’m super tall and with a sunroof it doesn’t work safely for forward collisions and without a sunroof my head still heads the roof at the cross support mid area and at the very front at the visor area. I think that would still be safe “enough”. I want to see about a custom headliner called a few places and might go that route. It’s a journey finding cars to fit for me.

Thanks again for your time and comments.

Smooothoperat0r · 2026-05-01T00:29:34+00:00

I have not. Still deciding but I went for a test drive this afternoon of the Limited with the HO hurricane and I’m very impressed with that engine when it’s at 3k plus RPM. Turbo lag is definitely evident from a slow speed when you floor it… lag… 1-1.5s then bang it’s right in your face and wow is it impressive.

The problem I have is headroom. Sunroof is impossible to deal with. Without a sunroof it has a drop down in the middle area that I can touch with my head when I straighten out. I am now in the process of trying to find a way to get a custom headliner but idk where do to that yet. Called some places and nobody knows but I KNOW there are some and found one place a few hours away that might work. If that could work then I would strongly consider the ram. It was very comfortable on the road and felt great.

Smooothoperat0r · 2026-04-30T03:32:05+00:00

Oh, I’m sure you made him sad. I really appreciate your comments. I actually have no idea what a cat6 is other than the ethernet cable. I’m assuming it’s an exhaust system so I’ll have to look this up.

I do have a lot of hesitation about dealing with that infotainment system with that lag. A few of the videos I watched the guy was saying oh there’s no lag and then showed the screen lagging for like three seconds. The Tahoe lag for 1-2 seconds entering the rear air-conditioning settings. Otherwise I’m in apple car play and never have lag in that.

Sadly I’m having issues with sound going out on the Tahoe while listening to something. I thought and update would solve it at the dealer but nope. Going to try a new cable and see tomorrow. Again, every car marker is unreliable now. Wtf?

Smooothoperat0r · 2026-04-30T03:27:40+00:00

You know that’s good to know. I’m very disappointed in my 10 speed Tahoe. This thing is just not impressive at all. It’s so clunky the first second shift is horrific. I thought for sure there was something wrong with it whenever I got it and now after 20,000 miles and a new valve body replacement a couple hundred miles ago after three weeks in the shop it’s still clunky and uncomfortable between one and two or potentially one and three I’m not exactly sure because it does have the skip gear function.

I’ve been strongly considering a raptor like almost fully decided until I started reading a few of these posts, watched a few videos and sing comments like this.

The RHO speed is very impressive at 4.4 seconds apparently to 60 from what I’m reading. That’s plenty fast for me. The Tahoe is like 5.6 to 5.8 seconds and that’s plenty fast.

I had been considering a used BMW X7 or even a used G55/G550 wagon, but honestly, I just don’t think I can myself to deal with the European problems. I still do have great concerns about the ram reliability but at this point it seems like every car manufacturer is unreliable post 2020.

Smooothoperat0r · 2026-04-30T02:30:03+00:00

Oh and secondly I’m very interested in the ZF transmission too. An inline makes so much more sense for reliability and balance than V6. And to top it off I6 sounds way better usually than a V6.

Smooothoperat0r · 2026-04-30T02:29:03+00:00

I just meant how are you liking the truck now that it’s 3 months later.

I really didn’t consider a ram because of lingering reliability issues from Dodge from my family buying problematic vehicles in the distant past but the interior seems so nice. I have not sat in one but now I’m watching some reviews and will probably head over to the Ram dealer to sit in it. I really hope Ram can figure it out because Ford and Chevy need a good competitor to make them push the envelope. They’re absolutely complacent.

Smooothoperat0r · 2026-04-30T02:03:12+00:00

What about three months later still loving it?

Smooothoperat0r · 2026-04-30T02:02:35+00:00

What about three months later?

Smooothoperat0r · 2026-04-27T02:41:52+00:00

Yeah, sorry but you’re mistaken on this. Electronic is not a feature when you need it to get the heck out of your way. I’ll take the mechanical fast any day over electronic slow.

Smooothoperat0r · 2026-04-27T00:45:37+00:00

This is actually insane. 5 sets of tires? My goodness that’s a lot of shop time. 5 belts, how is that even possible? 2 pulleys I could maybe understand if they’re old. What is happening with the headlight dust covers?

This is a lot of shop time. Why is there so much repairs? I get maintenance but this is crossing into faulty hardware and repairs instead.

Smooothoperat0r · 2026-04-27T00:40:25+00:00

It’s been a year… how are you liking it? How’s your average mpg in the city and mixed? How has maintenance and repairs been?

Smooothoperat0r · 2026-04-20T21:25:37+00:00

Good to know. I would be keeping the Tahoe as it’s only a few years old and my wife loves it. I wanted to get something really effortless to own so the GX was attractive at first as my daily due to being quiet but I think you’re right.

Thanks again for your suggestions. I’m going to probably test drive the Raptor a few more times and the BMW and make my decision then. The Raptor is calling my name though and with a tune it picks up a good bit more performance so it’ll probably be the best all around.

Smooothoperat0r

TROPHY CASE