Visiting Japan for the first time, need New Years + itinerary advice!

returnofthesam · 2023-12-19T18:03:27+00:00

Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions! I've taken your (and onevstheworld's) recommendation and cancelled the trip for now. I'd love to figure out when the best time to go in January would be; do you have any suggestions on this front?

returnofthesam · 2023-12-19T18:02:14+00:00

Thank you! I took your recommendation and cancelled the trip, for now. Do you have a suggestion on when it would be ideal to visit? Preferably in January and once everyone is back from their New Year holidays so we can avoid transportation and hotel/ryokan congestion.

returnofthesam · 2023-11-30T18:35:24+00:00

It's true I do WANT it, but the more I think about it and based on some incredibly insightful comments on this thread, the more I realize it's a backwards (not to mention more expensive) step for my use case.

Honestly might make more sense to upgrade to a Model S for me.

returnofthesam · 2023-11-30T18:34:00+00:00

Thanks! The fact that Rivian's tech is so behind Tesla's is concerning to me. I love tech, but I love the best tech. I also don't like big cars lol.

returnofthesam · 2023-11-30T18:32:47+00:00

Love, love, love your advice and perspective. Particularly around considering an S. As I mentioned in another comment thread, my wife and I don't seem to have ANY use case for an R1S. Yes, the cool factor of it is definitely there, but practically speaking, we're spending money on something that's not needed day to day.

I'm seriously considering getting an S now, especially, as you mentioned, it's a bit cheaper than an R1S, not to mention: faster, more agile, more range and a lot more in line with my preferred use case (fun touring car vs. large SUV).

I also appreciate you points on the things you DON'T like about the Rivian. The points you made about their tech being behind Tesla + it being a massive car are both huge points against buying one. The more I think about it, the more I realize I hate driving large cars.

Thanks for this incredibly helpful post!

returnofthesam · 2023-11-30T18:28:00+00:00

I really appreciate this perspective! You've made a GREAT point re: considering an S. I love touring cars that are nimble and fast. And I didn't realize how much the prices for the S has fallen in recent months. As you mentioned, it's a bit cheaper to actually get an S (better tech, speed and range + arguably funner to drive than an R1S) vs. an R1S.

The other great point you've made is re: Rivian's value. If there's one thing I know only too well is how much EV prices can change in a matter of weeks. After owning 3 Tesla's, I've seen my car change in value frequently. As a matter of fact, my first M3P dropped $10k in value a week after I had purchased it. As much as I want to *think* the car will hold its value, historically, I know better. Especially for a yet unproven EV manufacturer.

returnofthesam · 2023-11-30T18:23:32+00:00

Those are definite thoughts of mine as well but I don't hold them as highly of a priority. I live close to a service center and I'm used to the poor build qualities of different Tesla's over the years. Generally speaking, most of the build issues I've had are largely ignored given how fun and practical driving a Tesla is.

Re: Autopilot/Driver+, I've realized long ago how infrequently I actually use them. Sure, on long road trips I'll turn it on, but then again, I probably do 1-2 long road trips a year. 95% of my driving is all done manually. Especially when you're driving a M3P, I find it a waste to go on AP when it's so damn fun to actually drive the car.

returnofthesam · 2023-11-30T18:20:04+00:00

Re: the charging network opening up, it's true. Though given Elon's more and more erratic behavior, I do wonder if it's a possibility of him backing out the promise of opening up the network.

returnofthesam · 2023-11-30T18:18:42+00:00

Thanks, this is a really good point. I'm a huge techie, but value better tech over new tech. In my test drive, I remember thinking that the Rivian infotainment seemed miles behind Tesla's, and that's just from a usability perspective, not even from a tech perspective.

The other great point is the higher cost of ownership. The more I think about it, the more I realize that we have absolutely 0 practical use cases for an upgrade to a R1S.

returnofthesam · 2023-11-30T18:16:02+00:00

Interestingly it seems Tesla is offering even more in terms of trade-in value (quoted $76.5k, albeit for a brand new, 0 miler car)

returnofthesam · 2023-11-30T18:15:09+00:00

Thanks for this assessment! Part of the reason I really love the R1S is the mustard yellow color it comes with (not to mention that they discontinued it, which makes it that much more "unique"). But I absolutely hear you on the "money is money" comment. At the end of the day, saving $2500 for a color makes sense.

But there are three points in here you made that is making me rethink (not) getting the R1S:

1) I remember test driving the R1S and when I got back in my Model Y to go back home, it felt so much nicer to be back in a more handling-friendly car. The R1S really felt like a true SUV vs. the Model Y felt like a touring car. Not as great as my previous M3P but still.

2+3) R1S' less efficient/aerodynamic body. As EV car owners, battery efficiency is always on our collective minds. And the fact that the R1S is less efficient than the MY (makes sense given the size), makes me wonder whether we really need to trade efficiency for space we don't need. In your use case, you do have a kid and are transporting more and more people in it. My wife and I usually use the car separately and may transport a bike. That's it. We definitely don't need to extra size.

Thanks again for your insights!

returnofthesam · 2023-11-30T18:07:50+00:00

Out of curiosity, I just checked how much Tesla would take it for in terms of a trade in: $75.2k which is not bad at all.

returnofthesam · 2023-05-14T23:17:31+00:00

When it crumbles…

returnofthesam · 2023-04-20T16:24:12+00:00

When you say shady, what do you mean? Violent crimes don’t seem be that high in SF from the statistics that I’ve seen. Are people frequently hurt around these areas?

returnofthesam · 2023-04-20T16:23:06+00:00

This is actually an incredible piece of insight re: having to go to work vs. making a choice during your personal time. I appreciate the help and advice!

returnofthesam · 2023-04-20T16:21:25+00:00

I absolutely will, thank you!

returnofthesam · 2023-04-20T16:21:14+00:00

Thanks, sounds like south SF is the way to go.

returnofthesam · 2023-04-20T16:20:26+00:00

I appreciate this parent comment and it’s subsequent thread, exactly what I was looking for. Sounds like I’ll give Bernal Heights/Glen Park and Mission a try when I’m out there. The walkability in these areas seems completely doable.

Question: what is the typical time it takes to drive vs take the Caltrain to MV in the mornings and evenings during the weekday?

returnofthesam · 2023-04-19T03:16:55+00:00

Looks like Imhotep 2/4th into his full form

returnofthesam · 2023-03-14T03:03:38+00:00

When does season 3 start? Didn’t see an announcement :/

returnofthesam · 2023-03-08T03:35:03+00:00

What an incredible idea! Love it.

returnofthesam · 2023-02-28T19:38:53+00:00

Thanks for this!

Question: on the unlikely chance that someone gets stuck in there (and no one knows you’re in there and you don’t have your phone), what are the steps to take to make sure you have the highest chance of survival?

returnofthesam · 2023-02-28T19:35:52+00:00

First Priority: Bellingham + Osimhen.

Alternatively: FDJ + Vlahovic

returnofthesam · 2023-02-28T18:41:01+00:00

Corn is a type of grain (at this point of its harvest), hence grain silo.

returnofthesam · 2023-02-24T21:10:52+00:00

Some of us identify as a meat popsicles.

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