Ed Sullivan joins me this week to talk about his move from Tesla to the Cadillac Lyriq. A long-time Tesla owner, Ed shares what prompted the switch, including service challenges and what ultimately drew him to the Lyriq’s luxury and tech. We also cover the other EVs he considered—like the Rivian, Lucid Air, and BMW iX, and how the EV market is shifting as more players enter the space. Thanks for listening!

Jim Collison and Ed Sullivan discuss Ed’s transition from a Tesla Model 3 to a Cadillac Lyriq. Ed cites high maintenance costs and long service waits as reasons for the switch. He details the Lyriq’s features, including a 33-inch LED screen, 315-mile range, and a 17-speaker AKG audio system. Ed appreciates the Lyriq’s luxury, comfort, and unique styling but misses Tesla’s software and features like phone-as-a-key and automatic turn signal off. He also notes the Lyriq’s superior fit and finish and quieter interior. Jim and Ed discuss the pros and cons of both vehicles, emphasizing personal preferences and the evolving landscape of EV technology. Jim Collison and Speaker 2 discuss their experiences with different cars, highlighting the thrill of fast acceleration and the convenience of modern features like key fobs and start-stop buttons. Jim recalls the transition from a Honda Civic Hybrid to a more powerful car, noting the improved driving experience. They also touch on the non-political nature of technology. Jim promotes his show, mentioning upcoming guests and the availability of the averageguy.tv/discord group for updates. He also promotes Maple Grove Partners for hosting services and looks forward to future shows, including a barbecue and grill show in mid-May.

Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg641

Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for show #641 of Home Gadget Geeks, brought to you by the Average Guy Network.

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Links

Cars under consideration:

Rivain R1T – $80,000

https://www.caranddriver.com/photos/g63841863/2025-rivian-r1t-california-dune-gallery

Lucid Air Touring – $80,000

https://www.caranddriver.com/photos/g46175948/2024-lucid-air-pure-rwd-test-gallery

Genesis GV70 – $70,000

https://www.caranddriver.com/photos/g43364282/2023-genesis-electrified-gv70-drive-gallery

BMW iX – $87,000

https://www.caranddriver.com/photos/g40052072/2023-bmw-ix-m60-drive-gallery

Acura ZDX – $70,000

https://www.caranddriver.com/photos/g44830563/2024-acura-zdx-gallery

Lyriq – $70, 000

https://www.cadillac.com/electric/lyriq/build-and-price/exterior

Chapters

[0:07] Introduction to Home Gadget Geeks

[5:37] Ed’s New Car Decision

[9:07] Battery Life Insights

[10:46] Used Car Market Trends

[12:10] Service Experience Comparisons

[18:49] Exploring Replacement Options

[21:27] Rivian R1T Review

[22:57] Lucid Air Impressions

[29:38] Genesis Overview

[36:17] Acura ZDX Considerations

[42:07] Tesla vs. Traditional Automakers

[42:55] Cadillac Lyric Unveiled

[45:05] Interior Features and Aesthetics

[48:43] Technology Integration in Vehicles

[51:35] Comparing Apps and Usability

[58:52] Luxury Aspects of the Cadillac

[1:05:19] Full Self-Driving vs. Super Cruise

[1:11:14] Accessories and Future Discussions

Extended Outline

• Tesla and Home Gadget Geeks Show Introduction[0:00]
  • Jim Collison introduces the Home Gadget Geeks show, mentioning the date and location of the recording.
  • Jim thanks the Patreon subscribers and Amazon affiliate link clickers for their support.
  • Jim and Ed discuss their previous interactions and the significance of a past guest who was a Tesla enthusiast.
  • Jim makes a retraction about a previous show where he wished for a power outage to test his backup generator.
• Ed’s Decision to Leave Tesla[5:04]
  • Ed shares his decision to leave Tesla, citing high maintenance costs and long service appointment wait times.
  • Ed details specific issues with his Tesla, including replacing the steering rack, ECU, and charge port.
  • Ed discusses the inconvenience of Tesla service centers and the long commute for appointments.
  • Jim and Ed talk about the possibility of DIY Tesla repairs and the simplicity of Tesla’s design.
• Exploring Alternative EV Options[19:18]
  • Ed considers various EV options, starting with the Rivian R1T, but dismisses it due to initial issues and inconvenient service locations.
  • Ed looks at the Lucid Air, appreciating its range and design but ultimately ruled out due to service hassles.
  • Ed examines the Genesis GV60, noting its lower range and higher price compared to other Kia models.
  • Ed discusses the BMW iX, highlighting its high price and the unattractive front grill design.
• Finalizing the New Car Choice[35:39]
  • Ed evaluates the Acura ZDX, built on the GM platform, but is concerned about its one-time partnership with GM.
  • Ed decides on the Cadillac Lyriq, appreciating its unique styling, comfortable ride, and luxury features.
  • Ed details the Cadillac’s 33-inch LED wraparound screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and other features.
  • Ed compares the Cadillac’s fit and finish with Tesla’s, noting the Cadillac’s superior sound insulation and ride quality.
• Comparing Tesla and Cadillac Features[47:13]
  • Ed lists the features he misses from Tesla, including the Tesla app, phone as a key, and automatic turn signal off.
  • Ed notes that the Cadillac charges slower than Tesla but has a similar 0-60 mph time.
  • Ed appreciates the Cadillac’s auto windshield wipers and blind spot monitoring, which Tesla lacks.
  • Ed discusses the Cadillac’s superior storage and audio system compared to Tesla.
• Final Thoughts and Future Plans[1:01:51]
  • Ed reflects on the decision to switch from Tesla, emphasizing the need for a change and the unique styling of the Cadillac.
  • Jim and Ed discuss the future of full self-driving technology and its current limitations.
  • Ed mentions the upcoming V series of the Lyriq, which will likely offer better performance and handling.
  • Jim and Ed plan to discuss accessories and modifications Ed has made to his new Cadillac in a future show.
• Discussion on Car Preferences and Experiences[1:02:29]
  • Jim Collison recalls a memorable experience with Chef in the back seat, emphasizing the car’s speed and performance.
  • Speaker 2 shares their criteria for a new car, highlighting the importance of speed and the experience of flooring the Tesla with Jim in the car.
  • Jim Collison compares his transition from a Honda Civic Hybrid to a legacy car, noting the difference in power and the satisfaction of passing safely.
  • Speaker 2 mentions the convenience of Tesla’s start-stop button and the transition from key fobs to phone keys, noting the fun and practicality of these features.
• Driving Experiences and Car Features[1:21:17]
  • Jim Collison describes his enjoyment of merging onto an uphill interstate ramp and the opportunity to accelerate.
  • Speaker 2 reminds Jim of the Tesla’s quick acceleration, noting that even the regular model can outpace traffic.
  • Jim Collison expresses appreciation for the conversation and the avoidance of political topics, emphasizing the non-political nature of technology.
  • Jim Collison plans to schedule the next show and thanks the participants for their contributions and engagement.
• Closing Remarks and Future Plans[1:22:43]
  • Jim Collison thanks Ed for staying up late and mentions the importance of car-specific accessories.
  • Jim Collison thanks various participants for their comments and support, encouraging them to join the Discord group for updates.
  • Jim Collison promotes the averageguy.tv platform and Maple Grove Partners for secure and reliable hosting services.
  • Jim Collison looks forward to upcoming guests and shows, including a barbecue and grill show in mid-May, and mentions potential changes in show timing.
• Upcoming Guests and Show Details[1:24:27]
  • Jim Collison lists upcoming guests, including Marv B, Ed, Aaron Lawrence, and others, highlighting their contributions and topics.
  • Speaker 2 jokes about buying a Cadillac due to Aaron’s influence, emphasizing her impact on car purchases.
  • Jim Collison mentions the possibility of discussing robot lawnmowers in the future, indicating a potential shift in content.
  • Jim Collison concludes the show, thanking participants and encouraging them to join the next live session.

More from ChatGPT

In this episode of Home Gadget Geeks, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Ed Sullivan to discuss his recent transition from owning a Tesla to purchasing a Cadillac Lyric. The conversation took us through the many factors influencing his decision, including unique insights into the EV market and what he experienced as a long-time Tesla owner.

We kicked things off by reflecting on previous episodes related to EV technologies, where Ed unearthed a significant historical reference to our past guest, Paul Breran, an influential figure in the Tesla community. This segue led us into a discussion of the changes in Ed’s car ownership journey, which prompted him to explore alternatives to Tesla after experiencing a series of maintenance challenges with his Model 3.

Throughout the conversation, we delved into the practicalities of owning a Tesla, such as the warranty coverage, service center accessibility, and the model’s driving experience. Ed shared his frustration with the long wait times for service appointments and costly repairs that shifted his perspective on EV ownership. We also chatted about the challenges of finding a DIY solution for repairs in the EV landscape, as well as the overall quality of Tesla’s engineering and the evolving nature of their vehicles’ software.

As Ed began to explore options for a new vehicle, we discussed several contenders, including the Rivian R1T, which caught his eye but ultimately fell short due to inconvenient service logistics. Next on Ed’s list was the Lucid Air, praised for its impressive range and sleek design, but also overshadowed by concerns about the company’s limited service network and his desire for reliable maintenance support. We also explored the Genesis GV60, discussing its beautiful design but sub-par range, which did not meet Ed’s threshold for everyday usability.

Ed then elaborated on his examination of the BMW iX and Acura ZDX, including their stylish interiors and unique technological offerings, while weighing their practicality against potential service challenges and charging capabilities. Ultimately, the Cadillac Lyric emerged as Ed’s choice, celebrated for its aesthetics, comfort, and luxury features like massage seats and an expansive sunroof. The technology integration in the Lyric, including the impressive audio system and user-friendly controls, also played a role in his final decision.

Throughout this conversation, we examined how the Cadillac Lyric handled against Tesla, noting differences in driving experiences, the quality of fit and finish, and software capabilities. We also touched on the evolution of EV technology, including the varying approaches that manufacturers are taking to redefine in-car experiences and services.

In conclusion, this episode provided invaluable insights into the current EV landscape, exploring the trade-offs between various manufacturers and the decision-making processes that accompany the transition to all-electric vehicles. Ed’s hands-on experience, combined with an assessment of market dynamics, offered listeners a comprehensive view of the unique considerations involved in choosing an electric vehicle in today’s rapidly evolving automotive world.

Some of the key products mentioned in the conversation include:

1. Tesla Model 3 (Ed’s previous car)
2. Rivian R1T electric truck
3. Lucid Air electric sedan
4. Genesis GV60 electric vehicle
5. BMW iX electric SUV
6. Acura ZDX electric SUV
7. Cadillac Lyriq (Ed’s new car)
8. Honda Civic Hybrid
9. Subaru Legacy
10. Hyundai/Kia electric vehicles

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