[genyosai]

I always wonder about these surveys, but only because I can never relate.

For example:

I've owned Teslas (10) and Alfas (9), both since 2018. I've logged many, many more miles on the Alfas than on any Tesla with exception of the one Tesla we have left that's actually holding up extremely well... I think because it's a newer, SIMPLER Tesla (2023 SR3).

But, I've had WAY more problems with Teslas than any Alfa... as in NO problems with Alfa except 2 Giulia QVs needing fuel pumps (both 2017s) and my 2022 Giulia QV needing a super simple purge valve. Mind you the fuel pumps nor the purge valve ever left me stranded. I can't say the same for our P85D (stranded 3 times), S90D (stranded twice), 2020 M3P (stranded twice), 2021 SR+ (stranded once).

My Tesla problems are a long laundry list, so long that I can't remember them all... from mechanical failures, software failures, and simpler build quality failures such as I once had a passenger that couldn't get out because the rear left door on my LRRWD 3 wouldn't open from the inside thanks to the door-switch connector just "coming loose" behind the door panel (that's dangerous).

And I can say the same for VW as compared to other brands on this list that I've owned.

Example: My 2010 Jetta TDI has over 200,000 miles on it and has never needed anything but an alternator... and THAT's because service screwed up, so the replacement cost was on them. The damned thing is still on the original brake pads and rotors, though it's FINALLY time for a set of pads (the rotors look fine lol).

And that's not the only VAG product I've owned that has been maintenance/worry/trouble free.

Maybe I'm (people like us on the forums) just more attentive to my cars than the majority of people who just drive and drive and drive... never paying attention to anything until something breaks.

 

[genyosai]

It's all just headlines and saber rattling. It's a show. He's gone bankrupt on almost every business.

Hyundai just announced a $20mm investment in the US...that was already announced in 2019. Foxconn said they would spend $10 Billion in 2017 and hire 15,000...that never happened. The admin likes to bully companies into making grandiose announcements out of fear...then they don't actually do it.

It could take years for new factories, and supply chains. By then who knows what DC looks like. I heard on Autoline that there are a handful of builders who do massive factory projects...they are already booked up for a few years with existing projects.

Exactly! I'm just hoping the expectation of new-car tariffs TEMPORARILY gives us a spike in pre-owned demand/values. Because like you said... nothing every REALLY happens other than grandiose announcements and pledges that never actually happen.

I swear it's all just short/long stock position gains being made by politicians and their inner-circles manipulating the market with these announcements.

 

[genyosai]

I agree that service jobs are a good bit of the pie but as AI comes into play more of the tech jobs will be gone .

Initially, AI will displace (is displacing) anyone that works with data or human-to-human customers services (clerks/data-entry, call centers, coders, data-analysts, etc.)

AI will help techs diagnose issues, but it's still a ways off before AI/robots displaces the guy doing the physical repairs.

AI/robots can easily assemble a thing using the "blueprint" and static programming. It's WAY harder for AI/robots to diagnose, and THEN start pulling things apart, let alone replace/rebuild failed components and then re-assemble.

We're coming full circle (as usual).

We moved away from teaching trade-skills in favor of stuff like "keyboarding" in preparation for where we are now (tech jobs). Now tech will displace themselves, making the trades more and more desirable.

There's a massive shortage of trade-skills/workers right now. It's going to be wise for upcoming generations to learn plumbing, carpentry, HVAC, electrical engineering, automotive repair, etc. Going to be a long time before a robot comes to your house to to perform a remodeling job or make repairs lol!

They'll be the new millionaires as AI displaces everyone else.