Why Doug DeMuro Thinks the Slate Truck Will Fail

[lgerger]

I want a Slate pickup because its a two door, if it was a four door I would have zero interest in it.

Genuinely asking for my own edification; what is it about two doors that is appealing to you?

 

[HiSlate]

Genuinely asking for my own edification; what is it about two doors that is appealing to you?

Its not a four door.

 

[SichuanHot]

Genuinely asking for my own edification; what is it about two doors that is appealing to you?

I like the 2 doors because it's 2 fewer windows to worry about and less weight. I already have a 4 door SUV for carrying more people.

 

[RevCaptJack]

The four door thing Doug is struck on assumes that the Slate is being targeted to families or to people as a "lifestyle" vehicle (eg. Jeep, Bronco, 4Runner, etc.). I can with almost complete certainty say that this is an incorrect assumption. The Slate is a commuter for 1-2 people. Its a light duty hauler for small businesses. Its a low cost way to get 1-2 mountain bikes to the trail. Its a first car for a kid about to head off to college. It is not a family car that needs to transport 3+ people. The target buyer doesn't need the extra two doors. Some really good examples of cars with two doors that have succeeded: Mazda Miata, Porsche 911, BMW coupes, Mercedes coupes and SLs. What do they all have in common? The target buyer only has 1-2 people in the car at one time. On top of that, if the Slate buyer's needs change, he/she can buy the SUV kit and move more people. You can't do that with a Miata.

I don’t see this being an only car except for rare situations. But it will be idea for us. Retired. Kids gone. We have a Lexus for road trips, a big old pickup for towing boats and currently a 2 seat Smart Fortwo which has been fun and great for around town. But it’s about 18 years old and ready to be replaced. The Slate will be perfect for us for around town errands and trips to the beach.

 

[Blackspots76]

Another reason demand will be high is because many people "need" a truck, it's not an option. I live in a rural area and we have to haul our trash to a trash collection facility. I'll be damned if I do that with my luxury SUV. I use my truck less than 4k miles per year so this truck will easily last me and my needs for 20+ years.

I was watching another YouTube video on EV batteries and they were reviewing a Ford Lightning. Battery life was still like new after 3 years but what really caught my attention was that he paid $80k for it new and 3 years later it's only worth $42k. Forget battery life, I can afford to lose $20k in 20+ years but $37k in just 3 years? Forget that.

So another reason people are going to buy the Slate is because they simply need a truck, not a Cybertruck fashion statement.

Why do people buy cars (EV or ICE) and are surprised that they lose half their value the instant you drive them off the lot? CARS ARE NOT AN APPRECIATING ASSET!!!

Did everyone forget how the value of cars worked before COVID hit?

 

[crownmountain]

I want a small EV pickup truck. Oh wait there are none until late 2026. To get the truck I will sell my MINI Cooper S EV. I love my MINI Cooper S EV (really a nice car) has trained me well. Owned it since Aug 2021. 100 miles of range..no issue.. Charging speed at DC fast charger does not matter I can count on one hand how often I have done that. And when I did fast charge the car it was fast enough. It is a 2 door and again I can count on one hand the number of folks that have sat in the back. I have a Mach-E for back seat use. Now with SLATE I will be able to go to the garden store and fill it with mulch and flowers and not worry about dirt. On the MINI which has a nice head unit (map stereo etc) I use CarPlay with music and mapping and….so don’t need another unused device.

If 2 door trucks don’t sell than why does Ford make a 2 door Ranger and a 2 door F150. The SLATE will be a fleet vehicle for sure.

What could worry SLATE investors is that Ford and GM could move quickly (relative term) modifying existing product and meet them head on. Until then and likely after I am keeping my reservation. These VLOG guys missed the market huge!

 

[zipn]

Slate may pull off sales with a better than average warranty too

 

[DRugerH]

The lack of tech, the lack of crap in the car, the lack of junk on the dash, the 2-door....

All reasons I am even considering this truck. Never wanted an EV, don't like new cars (I buy pre-2016 cars only), but this think has me excited.

Dan

 

[slateya]

The lack of tech, the lack of crap in the car, the lack of junk on the dash, the 2-door....

All reasons I am even considering this truck. Never wanted an EV, don't like new cars (I buy pre-2016 cars only), but this think has me excited.

Dan

Same. I was looking for a pre 2017 Audi to replace my 2003. The two doors two seats is not ideal and I was not looking at all the teched out EVs. Well hear I am. DIY SUV kit and willing to go for it for simplicity in design, repair, and maintenance.

 

[Luxrage]

Genuinely asking for my own edification; what is it about two doors that is appealing to you?

I'm in the same boat so I'll give you my answer. I grew up on coupes and small two-door pickups and have always favored the look of things like Broncos, Blazers, etc over their four door equivilants. I think two just looks better purely from an aesthetic standpoint, getting in and out of rear seats never bothered me or anyone I was with. Any added inconvenience is just the cost of lookin' good!

My daily driver is a Honda Element and part of why I wanted one so bad was it looks like a two-door (And the wacky colors).