Must haves to purchase…

[SpaceEVDriver]

Off the bat deal breakers would be -

-Range below 300 miles.
-Price over 70k
-Inability to test drive one before I buy
-If i somehow have to go through a VW dealership and they mark it up
-Scott basically buys his way into an administration and arbitrarily fires a bunch of people while possibly high on ketamine (former fed who left before it but to him)

I’m thinking ev green traveler with solid roof (or glass with shade, I believe that will be an option). No rear tire so it will fit better in my garage. No off road package

Right there with you. I had to cancel my Scout reservation because in February several of my contracts were illegally cancelled without justification. Still fighting to get them back.

 

[cyure]

Right there with you. I had to cancel my Scout reservation because in February several of my contracts were illegally cancelled without justification. Still fighting to get them back.

On no. That’s terrible.

You don’t have a reservation anymore?

 

[nolen]

Right there with you. I had to cancel my Scout reservation because in February several of my contracts were illegally cancelled without justification. Still fighting to get them back.

There’s not a reaction emoji that works for this but I hope you win and then some

 

[SpaceEVDriver]

On no. That’s terrible.

You don’t have a reservation anymore?

I don't.
I couldn’t justify holding onto a $70k reservation.

I’ve cut back on all spending, business and personal. So far it’s cost the local economy probably $30-$60k just from the spending my business was planning to do—I have building materials sitting in my workshop but can’t afford to pay local laborers to finish the build. Locally the economy has lost around $10-$50M of original funding and so about $70M to $400M of economic activity since January due to the cuts. Several of my colleagues/competitors in town froze all hiring and so something like 10-20 house sales were never realized, vehicle sales were never followed through on, etc., etc., etc. The ongoing hits are hurting the community quite a bit. And that’s not even counting the massive loss in tourism we’ve experienced. Nor the increased costs for so many things. It’s hitting this 70k population pretty badly.

 

[bakdraft8231]

Well also I have bought cars/trucks that have items that I don't want as well, thats why I loved building a Porsche cayenne, custom as custom could bees sometimes its what you dont want to pay for as well as what you can't do without...

 

[cyure]

I don't.
I couldn’t justify holding onto a $70k reservation.

I’ve cut back on all spending, business and personal. So far it’s cost the local economy probably $30-$60k just from the spending my business was planning to do—I have building materials sitting in my workshop but can’t afford to pay local laborers to finish the build. Locally the economy has lost around $10-$50M of original funding and so about $70M to $400M of economic activity since January due to the cuts. Several of my colleagues/competitors in town froze all hiring and so something like 10-20 house sales were never realized, vehicle sales were never followed through on, etc., etc., etc. The ongoing hits are hurting the community quite a bit. And that’s not even counting the massive loss in tourism we’ve experienced. Nor the increased costs for so many things. It’s hitting this 70k population pretty badly.

I am so sorry to hear that. This is a very difficult time for so many. I just keep holding onto hope that things turn around. Sooner rather than later.

 

[Mousehunter]

This is right on the edge of my must haves - for me, Scout must stay out of politics. The wind on this forum is generally out of the left, and it will be hard for them not to sway with it. But 1/2 the US does not agree with that, and I live in a rather conservative area. I really don't want to handle the grief of owning a vehicle that makes me a complete social pariah. Have had enough grief of owning a VW - not to mention the simple fact that is nearly impossible to repair locally (closest repair shop is about 60 miles away, and most are 80-100 miles). Local shops simply say - we don't work on those vehicles. Perfect example - somehow, I got a light knocked out (looked like someone took a hammer to it - perfect round 1.25" hole in it). My local body shop had to drive it over 200 miles (100 miles each way) to get the codes cleared on the new light - but at least he got the job done. I have had other problems for 2 yrs and am still waiting for 2 days for my wife to give up to take it to a dealer and pick it up again.

 

[nolen]

I don't.
I couldn’t justify holding onto a $70k reservation.

I’ve cut back on all spending, business and personal. So far it’s cost the local economy probably $30-$60k just from the spending my business was planning to do—I have building materials sitting in my workshop but can’t afford to pay local laborers to finish the build. Locally the economy has lost around $10-$50M of original funding and so about $70M to $400M of economic activity since January due to the cuts. Several of my colleagues/competitors in town froze all hiring and so something like 10-20 house sales were never realized, vehicle sales were never followed through on, etc., etc., etc. The ongoing hits are hurting the community quite a bit. And that’s not even counting the massive loss in tourism we’ve experienced. Nor the increased costs for so many things. It’s hitting this 70k population pretty badly.

I understand completely. Out of the contractors, I've got one friend who's been let go because of the contract issues and another who is only on part time hours because the other contract she would be working on is still in limbo. Then the DRPs and the reorg... it's just a lot of loss. I haven't canceled my reservation yet but I'm not as hopeful as I was.

 

[J Alynn]

I don't.
I couldn’t justify holding onto a $70k reservation.

I’ve cut back on all spending, business and personal. So far it’s cost the local economy probably $30-$60k just from the spending my business was planning to do—I have building materials sitting in my workshop but can’t afford to pay local laborers to finish the build. Locally the economy has lost around $10-$50M of original funding and so about $70M to $400M of economic activity since January due to the cuts. Several of my colleagues/competitors in town froze all hiring and so something like 10-20 house sales were never realized, vehicle sales were never followed through on, etc., etc., etc. The ongoing hits are hurting the community quite a bit. And that’s not even counting the massive loss in tourism we’ve experienced. Nor the increased costs for so many things. It’s hitting this 70k population pretty badly.

Sorry to hear that

 

[SpaceEVDriver]

I understand completely. Out of the contractors, I've got one friend who's been let go because of the contract issues and another who is only on part time hours because the other contract she would be working on is still in limbo. Then the DRPs and the reorg... it's just a lot of loss. I haven't canceled my reservation yet but I'm not as hopeful as I was.

We have two perfectly fine EVs today, so the Scout would be an unnecessary expense in the sense that neither of our current EVs are likely to *require* replacement by 2028. If we are still employed in 2028, things might look different, but it just didn’t make sense to retain the reservation at this stage—I chose to step aside so someone else can advance in line while we re-evaluate our spending. I also wasn’t 100% on the Traveler—I really want a skinnier SUV if/when we replace the Mustang.

I still hang out here because I like the community and I really, really want Scout to succeed and I think a large part of that is breaking EV myths. I think they’re developing some fantastic vehicles (even if they don’t meet my future needs exactly), and it would be a huge shame if they don’t succeed simply because people are ill-informed or afraid of EVs. I don’t think my little bit will be the tipping point, but I feel it likely won’t hurt.

 

[cyure]

We have two perfectly fine EVs today, so the Scout would be an unnecessary expense in the sense that neither of our current EVs are likely to *require* replacement by 2028. If we are still employed in 2028, things might look different, but it just didn’t make sense to retain the reservation at this stage—I chose to step aside so someone else can advance in line while we re-evaluate our spending. I also wasn’t 100% on the Traveler—I really want a skinnier SUV if/when we replace the Mustang.

I still hang out here because I like the community and I really, really want Scout to succeed and I think a large part of that is breaking EV myths. I think they’re developing some fantastic vehicles (even if they don’t meet my future needs exactly), and it would be a huge shame if they don’t succeed simply because people are ill-informed or afraid of EVs. I don’t think my little bit will be the tipping point, but I feel it likely won’t hurt.

Appreciate you sticking arouhd. Your EV education and taking us along on your trips has been very informative.

 

[J Alynn]

We have two perfectly fine EVs today, so the Scout would be an unnecessary expense in the sense that neither of our current EVs are likely to *require* replacement by 2028. If we are still employed in 2028, things might look different, but it just didn’t make sense to retain the reservation at this stage—I chose to step aside so someone else can advance in line while we re-evaluate our spending. I also wasn’t 100% on the Traveler—I really want a skinnier SUV if/when we replace the Mustang.

I still hang out here because I like the community and I really, really want Scout to succeed and I think a large part of that is breaking EV myths. I think they’re developing some fantastic vehicles (even if they don’t meet my future needs exactly), and it would be a huge shame if they don’t succeed simply because people are ill-informed or afraid of EVs. I don’t think my little bit will be the tipping point, but I feel it likely won’t hurt.

I certainly appreciate all your posts and it has helped me be even more comfortable with a BEV

 

[rfk]

Off the bat deal breakers would be -

-Range below 300 miles.
-Price over 70k
-Inability to test drive one before I buy
-If i somehow have to go through a VW dealership and they mark it up
-Scott basically buys his way into an administration and arbitrarily fires a bunch of people while possibly high on ketamine (former fed who left before it but to him)

I’m thinking ev green traveler with solid roof (or glass with shade, I believe that will be an option). No rear tire so it will fit better in my garage. No off road package

My use case is much more Rivian, but I'd prefer Traveler as larger two-row w/ retro-modern styling and physical switchgear.

But I certainly don't need a body-on-frame offroader. So looking for a (non-poverty) spec w/ on-road bias, all-weather 3PMSF tires, maybe a stiffer (steel) suspension that restrains body roll.

 

[dreamweaver]

My use case is much more Rivian, but I'd prefer Traveler as larger two-row w/ retro-modern styling and physical switchgear.

But I certainly don't need a body-on-frame offroader. So looking for a (non-poverty) spec w/ on-road bias, 3PMSF tires, maybe a stiffer (steel) suspension that restrains body roll.

Sounds like an R2 may be in your future.

 

[SrfnFly227]

I have a Traveler Harvester reserved and it will be replacing a 2016 Grand Cherokee. Ultimately, both Scouts are larger than I'd like, but size isn't a deal breaker as I went in to my reservation knowing how big they are. I'd move on because of the following:

- Less than 6k towing and I'll change to BEV (my Wrangler on an aluminum trailer is over 5k)
- Less than advertised range
- Large changes from the concepts, specifically the interior
- Physical buttons are a must have
- The screen looking integrated the interior design (I hate an interior that looks like an iPad was slapped on the dash)
- The vehicle as shown being over $85k, prefer less but probably willing to come to that if needed

 

[MaddMatt]

Interesting thread, its a good view into how difficult it really is to bring any new product to market, only three pages deep and already there are a few instances of different "must haves" that would automatically cancel each other out.

But, @SpaceEVDriver - so sorry to hear that, I've been seeing similar trends in my industry as well, we all hope things at least stabilize in the near future, but even that looks unlikely - I hope you're able to find your way through with as little trauma as possible, AND I hope you stay on this forum - I'm only here periodically but I always look for your posts, as I always learn something.

Back on topic - glass roof with a retractable shade or Cabana top - I would prefer the Cabana, I'm on the side of the spectrum that opens the sunroof as soon as I get in the car, so like somebody else said, without it I feel like I'm in a cave. I'm worried about the snowload on the Cabana roof over time though, as the Scout is probably too big to fit in my garage.

Heated seats and steering wheel - it would be too hard to go back in time, I like my comfort. Ventilated seats would be nice, but I've never had them, so for now I don't know what I'm missing.

Any HUD must have an off switch - I've only driven a vehicle with HUD once, and it only took about 30 seconds to distract me and make me feel car sick (but I can't read in a moving car without feeling sick anyway, so that's just a me problem), but I will not be ordering that, and if it shows up I will find a way to turn it off.

Locking center and rear diffs, for my use the front locker can be optional. I'm all about AWD on the highway, so it won't bother me if that's an option, but at some point I need to be able to get into a true 4WD mode. I know that feels like a given, but a lot can happen with any product between prototype and hitting the market; its all too easy to imagine a scenario where a new VP at VW gets a dotted line P&L responsibility for Scout, and starts thinking they can add 2 basis points by slapping the Tiguan drivetrain into this thing. On some level I've been working in product development my entire career (30+ years now), and I've seen this sort of thing happen constantly.

If Scout hits those buttons, and keeps them looking like the prototypes, I'm still in. I do get worried about comments like "vow to be $20k less than our competitors". I appreciate a good and fair deal, and won't buy if the cost balloons too much, but somebody can always be cheaper, thats no way to compete. Quality and integrity at a fair price gets my business...

 

[Chavannigans]

This is right on the edge of my must haves - for me, Scout must stay out of politics. The wind on this forum is generally out of the left, and it will be hard for them not to sway with it. But 1/2 the US does not agree with that, and I live in a rather conservative area. I really don't want to handle the grief of owning a vehicle that makes me a complete social pariah. Have had enough grief of owning a VW - not to mention the simple fact that is nearly impossible to repair locally (closest repair shop is about 60 miles away, and most are 80-100 miles). Local shops simply say - we don't work on those vehicles. Perfect example - somehow, I got a light knocked out (looked like someone took a hammer to it - perfect round 1.25" hole in it). My local body shop had to drive it over 200 miles (100 miles each way) to get the codes cleared on the new light - but at least he got the job done. I have had other problems for 2 yrs and am still waiting for 2 days for my wife to give up to take it to a dealer and pick it up again.

Thats really weird.

I live in rural East Texas and the only reason shops refused to work on VWs here is because they are a PITA and require special tools to do any work on them. But its never been because of politics.

If people there are that ignorant, it doesnt matter what brand EV you buy.

 

[J Alynn]

Interesting thread, its a good view into how difficult it really is to bring any new product to market, only three pages deep and already there are a few instances of different "must haves" that would automatically cancel each other out.

But, @SpaceEVDriver - so sorry to hear that, I've been seeing similar trends in my industry as well, we all hope things at least stabilize in the near future, but even that looks unlikely - I hope you're able to find your way through with as little trauma as possible, AND I hope you stay on this forum - I'm only here periodically but I always look for your posts, as I always learn something.

Back on topic - glass roof with a retractable shade or Cabana top - I would prefer the Cabana, I'm on the side of the spectrum that opens the sunroof as soon as I get in the car, so like somebody else said, without it I feel like I'm in a cave. I'm worried about the snowload on the Cabana roof over time though, as the Scout is probably too big to fit in my garage.

Heated seats and steering wheel - it would be too hard to go back in time, I like my comfort. Ventilated seats would be nice, but I've never had them, so for now I don't know what I'm missing.

Any HUD must have an off switch - I've only driven a vehicle with HUD once, and it only took about 30 seconds to distract me and make me feel car sick (but I can't read in a moving car without feeling sick anyway, so that's just a me problem), but I will not be ordering that, and if it shows up I will find a way to turn it off.

Locking center and rear diffs, for my use the front locker can be optional. I'm all about AWD on the highway, so it won't bother me if that's an option, but at some point I need to be able to get into a true 4WD mode. I know that feels like a given, but a lot can happen with any product between prototype and hitting the market; its all too easy to imagine a scenario where a new VP at VW gets a dotted line P&L responsibility for Scout, and starts thinking they can add 2 basis points by slapping the Tiguan drivetrain into this thing. On some level I've been working in product development my entire career (30+ years now), and I've seen this sort of thing happen constantly.

If Scout hits those buttons, and keeps them looking like the prototypes, I'm still in. I do get worried about comments like "vow to be $20k less than our competitors". I appreciate a good and fair deal, and won't buy if the cost balloons too much, but somebody can always be cheaper, thats no way to compete. Quality and integrity at a fair price gets my business...

You’ve got a great take on things and very similar to mine. I think I’ve justified the cabana risk knowing we have a second ICE SUV and both my wife and I have the option of working from home when it snows so we could get by with one vehicle since snow load is a concern of mine. That said PA doesn’t have all that much snow anymore so we’d probably be fine. Price wise I’m still scratching my head. I took a drive yesterday to look again at the Lexus GX 550. To get a nicely loaded version is mid $70’s so I don’t know how the Scout could be much more than $80k (in my head at least). Lexus is selling with a luxury premium and with that and an extra $5K for battery premium I would think $70-$80K will be there more loaded options. Very curious where prices will land

 

[cyure]

You’ve got a great take on things and very similar to mine. I think I’ve justified the cabana risk knowing we have a second ICE SUV and both my wife and I have the option of working from home when it snows so we could get by with one vehicle since snow load is a concern of mine. That said PA doesn’t have all that much snow anymore so we’d probably be fine. Price wise I’m still scratching my head. I took a drive yesterday to look again at the Lexus GX 550. To get a nicely loaded version is mid $70’s so I don’t know how the Scout could be much more than $80k (in my head at least). Lexus is selling with a luxury premium and with that and an extra $5K for battery premium I would think $70-$80K will be there more loaded options. Very curious where prices will land

How does the Lexus compare size wise to the Traveler and what did you think?

 

[Chuckles]

Interesting thread, its a good view into how difficult it really is to bring any new product to market, only three pages deep and already there are a few instances of different "must haves" that would automatically cancel each other out.

But, @SpaceEVDriver - so sorry to hear that, I've been seeing similar trends in my industry as well, we all hope things at least stabilize in the near future, but even that looks unlikely - I hope you're able to find your way through with as little trauma as possible, AND I hope you stay on this forum - I'm only here periodically but I always look for your posts, as I always learn something.

Back on topic - glass roof with a retractable shade or Cabana top - I would prefer the Cabana, I'm on the side of the spectrum that opens the sunroof as soon as I get in the car, so like somebody else said, without it I feel like I'm in a cave. I'm worried about the snowload on the Cabana roof over time though, as the Scout is probably too big to fit in my garage.

Heated seats and steering wheel - it would be too hard to go back in time, I like my comfort. Ventilated seats would be nice, but I've never had them, so for now I don't know what I'm missing.

Any HUD must have an off switch - I've only driven a vehicle with HUD once, and it only took about 30 seconds to distract me and make me feel car sick (but I can't read in a moving car without feeling sick anyway, so that's just a me problem), but I will not be ordering that, and if it shows up I will find a way to turn it off.

Locking center and rear diffs, for my use the front locker can be optional. I'm all about AWD on the highway, so it won't bother me if that's an option, but at some point I need to be able to get into a true 4WD mode. I know that feels like a given, but a lot can happen with any product between prototype and hitting the market; its all too easy to imagine a scenario where a new VP at VW gets a dotted line P&L responsibility for Scout, and starts thinking they can add 2 basis points by slapping the Tiguan drivetrain into this thing. On some level I've been working in product development my entire career (30+ years now), and I've seen this sort of thing happen constantly.

If Scout hits those buttons, and keeps them looking like the prototypes, I'm still in. I do get worried about comments like "vow to be $20k less than our competitors". I appreciate a good and fair deal, and won't buy if the cost balloons too much, but somebody can always be cheaper, thats no way to compete. Quality and integrity at a fair price gets my business...

There won't be a locking center differential. The front and rear motors aren't connected. A rear locker is supposed to be standard, with the front locker optional.