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Keep it Simple - Please

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B

bobz

Active member
Dec 6, 2024
26
26
Chapel Hill, NC
These days, so many manufacturers are overloading their vehicles with all kinds of gadgetry and some features no one ever touches. One of the things I like about my 1991 FJ80 Land Cruiser is its simplicity. Yes, it doesn't have all the creature comforts of a modern SUV and it doesn't even have airbags or anti-lock and just barely goes 70 miles an hour on a 155 HP reliable inline six cylinder. But what it does have is 260,000 miles on it , reliability, awesome offroad even with just a center diff, and longevity and things are pretty darn simple.
I also admired the Scout in the early days of its simplicity. I love the idea of a modern scout, but my preferences, tend to navigate towards simplicity but with a modern 4x4. Heck the new 2024 LC and Lexus LX are getting more complex so maybe we can get a great Scout but with a level of simplicity that is reasonable.
Thanks for reading...
 
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I agree, I've ordered a Terra, I need a truck, use it frequently, do not need bluetooth bidets and occular implant sync with my home Alexa.

I just need to drag junk reliably.
 

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bobz said:
These days, so many manufacturers are overloading their vehicles with all kinds of gadgetry and some features no one ever touches. One of the things I like about my 1991 FJ80 Land Cruiser is its simplicity. Yes, it doesn't have all the creature comforts of a modern SUV and it doesn't even have airbags or anti-lock and just barely goes 70 miles an hour on a 155 HP reliable inline six cylinder. But what it does have is 260,000 miles on it , reliability, awesome offroad even with just a center diff, and longevity and things are pretty darn simple.
I also admired the Scout in the early days of its simplicity. I love the idea of a modern scout, but my preferences, tend to navigate towards simplicity but with a modern 4x4. Heck the new 2024 LC and Lexus LX are getting more complex so maybe we can get a great Scout but with a level of simplicity that is reasonable.
Thanks for reading...
Click to expand...
Unfortunately, options=profit. In a perfect world, Scout will offer an affordable base model and enable those who want the luxuries to go crazy ticking the option boxes.
 
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Unfortunately, those days are behind us. I love simplicity too. But, with all the electronics and necessary and mandated safety equipment, you have so many computers and wiring associated with it, that it will simply never exist again. They can make it appear that way above the surface though. There is very good video on Rivian's Zonal Architecture, that shows how massive the computers and associated wiring is in a modern vehicle. And that is much smaller in comparison to other vehicles. You should check it out.
 
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Ideas for keeping it simple and maybe options for us simple people:
1. Manual windows - Do you know what it costs to replace regulators and motors when electric windows fail?
2. No radio - keep it optional. Bring your own speaker. The peaceful outdoors on the back country trails is a nice feature ;-)
3. Analog Analog: Use physical buttons instead of full-touch interfaces for essential functions (climate, headlights, drive modes).
Include a straightforward digital instrument cluster and basic infotainment without excessive screens or gimmicks.
4. Minimize software gimmicks.
5. Use excellent materials - (e.g., rubber flooring, non-glossy plastics, durable fabrics) that age well and are easy to clean or replace.
6. Could this Scout Harvester last 30+ years and over 500,000 miles. That would be an outstanding achievement. More plastic, the more brittle it gets in age.

No, I do not want the future Slate vehicle. I'm committed to the new Scout Harvester SUV
 
Last edited:
Moates442 said:
Unfortunately, those days are behind us. I love simplicity too. But, with all the electronics and necessary and mandated safety equipment, you have so many computers and wiring associated with it, that it will simply never exist again. They can make it appear that way above the surface though. There is very good video on Rivian's Zonal Architecture, that shows how massive the computers and associated wiring is in a modern vehicle. And that is much smaller in comparison to other vehicles. You should check it out.
Click to expand...
Rivian just removed 10 ECU's and 1.6miles of wiring with the launch of their gen2 units.

From Rivian: Advanced Technology

Our second generation R1 vehicles feature an entirely new electrical architecture and compute platform which reduces 17 ECUs found in first generation vehicles down to 7, maximizing efficiency and allowing for the removal of 1.6 miles (2.6km) of wiring from each vehicle.
 
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Unfortunately, a lot of tech stuff is mandated these days. Backup cameras, advanced airbags, etc. Also, most of this stuff adds almost no cost, like a radio, cruise control, etc. Not to mention, more options is more cost. For example, having to design multiple interiors with speakers and without, with lots of screens and without, etc. That complexity adds cost, even though the number of bits going into the truck is lower for some customers.

I do agree with avoiding all of the driver assist stuff as it's generally garbage (I've been driving Teslas for 15 years and FSD is absolute garbage), but even that is changing. For example, lane keeping assist is mandatory in the EU.

As for hand crank windows, have you checked out Slate?
 
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Reactions: J Alynn, cyure and Cranky Canuck
bobz said:
Ideas for keeping it simple and maybe options for us simple people:
1. Manual windows - Do you know what it costs to replace regulators and motors when electric windows fail?
2. No radio - keep it optional. Bring your own speaker. The peaceful outdoors on the back country trails is a nice feature ;-)
3. Analog Analog: Use physical buttons instead of full-touch interfaces for essential functions (climate, headlights, drive modes).
Include a straightforward digital instrument cluster and basic infotainment without excessive screens or gimmicks.
4. Minimize software gimmicks.
5. Use excellent materials - (e.g., rubber flooring, non-glossy plastics, durable fabrics) that age well and are easy to clean or replace.
6. Could this Scout Harvester last 30+ years and over 500,000 miles. That would be an outstanding achievement. More plastic, the more brittle it gets in age.
Click to expand...
Sounds like that new Slate truck might be perfect for your needs
 
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