Host: Ron – WA3VEE
Topic: "Cars – Why do you drive what you do?"
Focus: Participants shared stories behind their current vehicles, what features they appreciate, what they wish they had, and their plans for future transportation.

🚗 General Discussion Highlights

• Vehicle Choice Drivers: Reliability, cost, towing capacity, family needs, and even space for dogs were frequent themes.
• Electric & Hybrid Transition: Many participants are considering or already own EVs/hybrids, citing lower maintenance, smooth driving, and home charging. However, most still keep gas vehicles for towing, long trips, or backup.
• Long-Term Ownership: Several hams keep vehicles for 10+ years, doing much of the maintenance themselves.
• Unexpected Use Cases: One member chose a vehicle based on his dog’s needs. Another had to repair suspension bushings that couldn’t be replaced separately.
• Brand Loyalty: Toyota and Honda topped the list for reliability and long life. Subaru received praise for snow handling. American cars, particularly Ford and Chevy, were more polarizing.
• DIY & Maintenance: Swapping engines, repairing electric cells, and managing antique vehicle tags were proudly discussed.

🔧 Technical Mentions

• HF setups in work vans and mobile rigs were highlighted.
• Several EV users mentioned difficulty integrating ham radios into modern vehicles due to dealership pushback or RF noise.
• Maintenance wins included 500k-mile Priuses, rebuilt transmissions, and custom battery work on hybrids.

📝 Notable Quotes

• “I just need a vehicle. I don’t need the big companies to tell me what I want.” – Dylan (K3DZM)
• “My Toyota Sienna looks like a porcupine with all the antennas on it.” – Ron (WA3VEE)
• “I want to build my own EV someday... but I don’t trust myself just yet.” – Dylan
• “My CR-V was on its last legs—literally—when I traded it in.” – W3JAM

🚙 Participants & Highlights

• Adam (KB3ZUV): Drives a Mustang Mach-E, loves the Tesla charger compatibility, but wishes ham integration was easier.
• W3JAM: Uses a diesel F-250 for towing horse trailers, plus a CR-V and Lexus GX470.
• Dylan (K3DZM): Has a Ford Ranger and a hybrid Maverick work truck, wants to build or buy a barebones EV.
• Jim (KC3RFG): 2010 Ford E250 with dual-band and HF setups; CR-V family car.
• Jeff (N3RBG): First-time check-in; bought a Ram 1500 for the V8 before they disappear.
• Leon & Gene (AA3LH & KC3HQZ): Ford E350 van with a bed for road trips, looking toward buying a bus.
• Mike (W1RC): Daily driver is a 2007 Prius; also owns a beloved 2001 Miata.
• Charlie (N3CRE): Chevy Bolt and Toyota Venza; happy with home charging setup.
• John (WA3KFT): Still driving a 2008 CR-V with just 90k miles.
• Bill (KC3OOK): Tundra owner, researched for comfort and specs. Might downsize to a Tacoma.
• Chuck (NA3CW): 2016 Chevy Malibu, enjoys road trips and self-serviceable repairs.
• Harvey (WHCRW): Drives an EV and a 2007 Tacoma with 256k miles. Had to replace the frame once under recall.
• Scott (KC3YWN): From Centerport, drives an Audi A5 for long work trips, wants semi-autonomous features.
• KC3SQI: 2018 RAV4 and a 1993 F-150 used mainly for utility.
• Jim (AF3Z): Two RAV4s, uses one for compost hauling with a tarp.
• Mike (W3MFB): Subaru Impreza hatchback praised for snow handling and reliability.
• Scott (W3KZG): Owns multiple antiques and fix-and-flips, including a 2013 F-150 and several $1,500 or free vehicles.