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i believe you lived there in southern california (LA). weather is absolutely nothing like san francisco. the frequently cool overcast and foggy weather isn't great but it obviously doesn't get bitterly cold or overly hot, so it's way better than many places.

ok, lol.

i've driven the whole pacific coast highway and did not think it was that beautiful. many rave about the 'lone cyprus' (monterrey?) that just looked like a dead tree to me, lol. big sur has the big hills which adds to it, but the ocean and beaches weren't that special to me. it's not even close to somewhere like hawaii. now that blew me away.

i liked santa barbara beach and how the hills sweep up from there.

you couldn't pay me enough to live within 100 miles of LA.

yes, moving from chicago to california was certainly a giant weathwr upgrade move, haha. i made my way south (england, toronto, dallas, (detour back north to) philadelphia suburbs, atlanta, florida. zero interest in living in a cold weather place. and yes, we've discussed many times how people 'hate' florida's humid and hot summers... i'm 90mi. n or orlando so it's a bit cooler, but the heat/humidity doesn't bother me.

 

There's not much that compares with Hawaii. The California Coast is beautiful, but it's no Hawaii

 

I’ve also driven the Pacific Coast Hwy and I would say it’s a pretty beautiful place

 

The California coastal region is spectacular, and the coast roads are only part of it (and almost everyone who says they’ve driven them really only mean LA to SF in a rental). Theres a lot to the north that many don’t see, and the coastal area also includes some of the most spectacular forests, national parks and more. If you ever have the opportunity to visit California’s redwood and sequoia groves where trees can be well over 300 ft tall and well over 2000 years old, I can’t recommend it enough. And these aren’t even the oldest trees as we also have Methuselah, a tree that’s knocking in the door of 5,000 years old.

 

Did you know you can save pictures and repost them rather than taking a photo of another screen?

 

Yes lol. Sometimes it's easier that way.

 

My younger brother does that as well 🤣

 

Whoever says Route 1/PCH isn't stunning needs their head checked.

Our next vacation/family reunion is in Nappa Valley (a couple of them own vineyards/wine companies) and after it's over we are going to rent a nice vehicle and drive route 1 down to Los Angeles from SF just to see our old stomping ground, because it's been 10 years (that blows my MIND). We can't wait for the drive along the PCH.

 

I've driven it from Santa Monica all the way to near the Oregon boarder, and it's stunning. And as @swajames mentioned, we have some of the most beautiful mountain ranges. And I'm sure you've driven this, but if you are in SoCal, drive the Angeles Crest Highway if you haven't, it's breathtaking

 

Not sure that we've done that....

But FWIW it took less than 5 minutes from our old apartment to drive up to Mulholland Drive so we never lacked access to the views.

And yes, we have thought about starting at the Northern California border as well and going all the way down.

 

Modded Lucid Air.

 

Not really sure where to post this but chose here..

I am interested in the S so I test drove a 2024 Model S long range on Saturday. Compared to my MYP, I thought:

• Road noise, overall ride quality better in the S. Nowhere near Lexus LS level noise isolation, but a substantial improvement over the Y for sure.
• Loved the seats, thought they were very comfortable
• Love ventilated and cooled seats for the hot FL days
• Much more room in the back seat for rear passengers (my kids 95% of the time)
• Car felt wider overall than the Y - just felt overall more spacious
• I don't like the use of the screen to change gears. Yes, I'd get used to it. I'd still prefer to have the stalk.
• I don't like the turn signal situation on the steering wheel. Yes, I'd get used to it... I'd still prefer to have the stalk..!
• My MYP is quick, but this car felt even quicker. I can't imagine a Plaid...but I'd like to drive one for sure.

Overall I do think this would likely be what I would get. I'd like to at least drive some other EV sedans to compare. I'm interested in driving the i5, i7, and the EQS sedan. Some of the EQS sedans near me that are just under 2 years old are listed for $43-$46k. That is a crazy deal on what looks to be a very luxurious car.

 

Did you test drive the S with the 21" wheels? Also I wouldn't compare sound isolation of any Tesla to a luxury vehicle, especially an older Lexus. The Model S is Sports-Luxury, but more sports than luxury. If you go with the 19" Tempest Wheels, you'll get a quieter, smoother ride, but than you would be compromising performance and looks.

I would take a look at the Demos, they are still new and heavily discounted. You wouldn't know the difference between ordering one and buying a Demo except price

 

Read up on the 21" Arachnid wheels and the camber issue that eats tires. I specifically looked for a car with the 19s to avoid it. Not much upside to the 21" except looks, and I don't really care that much for how they look. The 19s ride better, are quieter, and I've even seen tests where the 19s perform slightly better in straight line acceleration. I didn't really care for the looks of the 19s at first, but I've warmed up to them. No way I would touch a car with the 21s. The pics of uneven wear that I've seen is downright dangerous.