Tesla VINs and Orders Disappearing: What’s Going On?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

When the end of the quarter nears, sometimes things get interesting at Tesla. This quarter’s end brings some unexplained VIN numbers disappearing and more. What’s going on this time at Tesla?

The VIN for the Tesla Model Y was set for weeks, then it was gone

Tesla factory Fremont, CA | Getty

First the VIN numbers. Those waiting for their ordered Teslas to arrive have noticed the VIN numbers assigned to them have disappeared. Looking online for the status of their cars due soon, now the VIN associated with their account is blank. It was there for weeks, now it’s not there. 

And though the deliveries were scheduled for weeks, now buyers are seeing delivery dates pushed out to September in many cases. Ouch! So that assigned Tesla for weeks and months, where did it go? 

Some patient buyers are speculating that their formerly assigned car is finding a home closer to Fremont, California. That’s where the Tesla factory is, in case you didn’t know. Speculation is that as we end the quarter Tesla is cranking out cars to meet certain quotas. The thought is that it needs to get deliveries to buyers as quickly as possible.

Some VINs are reassigned to others toward the end of the quarter

A car trailer carrying Tesla Inc. vehicles drives out of the company’s assembly plant in Fremont, California | David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Both Twitter and also the Tesla Motor Club forum first noticed and began speculating. Tesla is mum. According to Teslarati, forum member @Digitalboi was making room in his garage for the June 30 delivery of his Model Y. Last week he checked his account and found there was no longer a VIN. While doing a search he found that the VIN was now with another buyer. 

Digitalboi lives in Florida, so the trip from Fremont to Florida would be just under 3,000 miles. Speaking with Teslarati, he was not happy. “They’re only doing this to a thousand people, maybe, but it’s still annoying,” he said. “They’re sacrificing customer happiness and satisfaction to pump delivery figures for Q2, and that’s disappointing.”

Another forum member had a similar discovery. But digging into the matter he found his Model Y was damaged in transit. “September is just a placeholder until another car is found or made,” he said. 

Disappearing Tesla VINs have been occurring for a while.

Tesla cars lined at the factory for deliveries
Tesla Inc. vehicles are parked at the company’s assembly plant in Fremont, California | David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images

This story really isn’t new. Combing the forums similar stories pop up here and there. Obviously, Tesla wants to make better numbers for the press and perception by Wall Street. Record deliveries make big news beyond the trade publications and enthusiast sites. 

Last quarter Tesla made big news with its delivery and production figures. Its best quarter to date, it saw the production of 180,338. Deliveries were even better with 184,800 Teslas finding homes. We wonder if founder Elon Musk wants to see 200,001 this quarter?

RELATED: Tesla Didn’t Need the Model S to Be Successful in Q1 2020

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2021 Toyota Highlander vs. Honda Pilot: Their Differences Are Starker Than Ever

by Gabrielle DeSantis

In the past, the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot provided exceptional innovation, performance, and value. They were also seemingly made from the same mold. Both midsize SUVs consistently earned excellent reviews from industry experts and were Consumer Reports Top Picks.

But in 2021, the Highlander and Pilot are quite distinct. How are they different from each other now? And do they still provide great features, performance, and prices?

The Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot were practically carbon copies

In the past, these two all-around great midsize SUVs were “almost carbon copies,” Consumer Reports notes. They were pretty evenly matched in key areas, such as price, performance, and features. And now? Well, they’re quite a bit different. 

Over the past few years, the two SUVs have been growing apart. The CR team details the differences using test results and owner satisfaction and reliability feedback. 

Age is a contributing factor here. The Toyota Highlander was all-new in 2020 with a new V6 and four-cylinder hybrid models with front and all-wheel drive. The Pilot debuted in 2016, and though Honda has refreshed it here and there, it’s not much different from its original version.

How do the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot differ today?

The 2021 Honda Pilot at a glance

With bigger dimensions than the Highlander, except for the wheelbase, the 2021 Honda Pilot is an excellent minivan alternative. It offers a composed ride and absorbs road blows gracefully. The cabin is nice and quiet, too.

However, there’s only one powertrain option — a 3.5-liter V6 engine mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. But it’s a good option that’s smooth-shifting, powerful, and quick off the starting line. Still, it feels bulky, and its steering isn’t the most responsive. 

In addition, the cabin provides plenty of room, and three adults can comfortably sit in the second row. The third row is great for kids, but it’s a little cramped for adults. Still, the Pilot offers more passenger space than the Highlander.

And all 2021 Honda Pilot trims come with automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. You can’t get blind-spot alerts on the base trim, but it’s standard on all others. 

Consumer Reports member feedback reveals inconsistent reliability in the Pilot‘s latest generation. The Pilot’s average predicted reliability rating is below that of the Highlander and owner satisfaction isn’t quite on par with what Toyota claims.

An overview of the 2021 Toyota Highlander

Owners love the 2021 Toyota Highlander for many reasons, CR reports. First, it offers more than one powertrain option. A 3.5-liter V6, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, provides enough power for quick errands and highway driving. And a hybrid model with a four-cylinder engine and an electric motor delivers stellar gas mileage.

Like the Pilot, the Highlander can take the hits from the road and keep the noise down. And you can’t get blind-spot monitoring with the base model. Still, the Highlander boasts excellent advanced safety features across the lineup. Driver assists include automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and lane-keep assist.

And unlike the Pilot, the Highlander comes with free scheduled maintenance for the first 25,000 miles or two years, whichever comes first.

Toyota has made big improvements to the Highlander’s transmission over the years, and it offers a smooth-shifting experience. But the hybrid models pack a continuously variable transmission that gets a little loud under duress. 

Inside, the cabin is nice enough, but hard plastics abound, and the interior doesn’t have the Pilot’s upscale vibe. You’d have to cough up more money for a higher trim for a nicer Highlander.

Also, the third row is even smaller than that of the Pilot. Again, kids are the only passengers who can sit comfortably back there. But the Toyota Highlander’s reliability rating is above average.

Only 1 can be the better midsize SUV

The 2021 Honda Pilot and the 2021 Toyota Highlander are pretty evenly matched in Consumer Reports testing and advanced safety features. Their towing and payload numbers are also neck-and-neck.

With good visibility and a roomier, more indulgent interior, the Honda Pilot is easier to enter and exit. It has more cargo space, too. But the gear selector is unintuitive, and the controls can be cumbersome for some drivers. And its average reliability rating will concern many prospective buyers.

Overall, the Toyota Highlander wins with better handling, controls, and fuel efficiency. It also boasts an impressive reliability rating. That could mean greater savings over the SUV’s life. And the free service period is a nice perk. 

RELATED: Avoid Chip Shortage Anxiety and Get a Used Toyota Highlander for Under $20,000

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D.I.D’s Special-Edition Motorcycle Chain Honors a MotoGP Legend

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Like many racing series, MotoGP often serves as a testing ground for things that eventually wind up in ordinary riders’ hands. Take, for instance, the winglets starting to appear on high-end motorcycle models from brands like Ducati. Or the airbag jackets that provide an extra layer of safety. Plus, special-edition bikes that visually ape or are based on their racing counterparts. And then there’s D.I.D’s latest motorcycle chain.

The D.I.D VR46 motorcycle chains bear the mark of Valentino Rossi

MotoGP racer Valentino Rossi speaks with his Petronas mechanic at the 2021 German Grand Prix | Steve Wobser/Getty Images

Every racing series has its icons, and motorcycle racing is no different. The Isle of Man TT has Mike ‘The Bike’ Hailwood, for example. And among MotoGP’s famed names, Italian racer Valentino Rossi is often considered one of the greatest, Cycle World says.

Nicknamed ‘The Doctor’ for his precise riding style, Valentino Rossi has been riding since he was three years old. And over the course of his career, he’s won nine Grand Prix Championship titles, seven in MotoGP, racing with Honda, Ducati, and Yamaha. He still races for Yamaha, though on the Petronas team, rather than the factory team. Nevertheless, his latest racing bike continues to use a D.I.D motorcycle chain.

So, in celebration of its connection with Valentino Rossi, D.I.D recently released a special-edition chain. Dubbed the VR46—Rossi’s initials plus his racing number, 46—the motorcycle chain is based on the brand’s VX series, RideApart explains. Or rather, models, because D.I.D. offers two versions of the VR46, a 520 and a 525, the same as the VX.

What makes these special-edition D.I.D motorcycle chains different from regular ones?

A silver-and-gold-colored D.I.D VR46 Valentino Rossi motorcycle chain with its box
D.I.D VR46 Valentino Rossi motorcycle chain | Louis

Visually, the VR46 motorcycle chain is different than the VX equivalent. The latter offers gold-colored outer plates but black rollers and inner plates. In comparison, the former has silver-colored outer plates and gold-colored rollers and inner plates. Plus, the special-edition motorcycle chains bear the ‘VR46’ logo and ‘46’ racing number on their outer links.

Performance-wise, though, the Valentino Rossi motorcycle chains are roughly the same as their regular counterparts. Both models have hollow rivet links to save weight and high tensile strength. They also have significantly higher wear indexes than ‘normal’ motorcycle chains. A typical chain has a wear index of 100, RideApart says, but the 520VR46 chain has a wear index of 3500. And the wider 525VR46 chain’s wear index is 4000.

However, both the VR46 and VX offer one notable difference over the average motorcycle chain. Although chain-driven motorcycles require more maintenance than belt- or shaft-driven ones, modern chains are less maintenance-intensive. That’s because the pins and bushings that connect the links are sealed, keeping the lubricating grease inside, Rider explains. This prevents degradation and keeps dirt, grime, and other contaminants out.

Compared to earlier non-sealed chains, sealed chains last longer and require less lubrication. And usually, sealed motorcycle chains use rubber O-rings to maintain the seals. The D.I.D. VR46 and VX chains, though, don’t use O-rings. Instead, their rubber seals have an X-shaped cross-section; they’re not O-rings, but X-rings.

X-rings seal more effectively than O-rings. Hence why D.I.D.’s X-ring motorcycle chains have significantly longer chain lives than its O-ring ones. Plus, X-rings don’t deform as much under stress as O-rings have a smaller sealing surface area, Cycle World explains. That’s important for racing because it cuts down on power-sapping chain drag. And it’s why Valentino Rossi, as well as many motocrossers and other bike racers, often use X-ring chains. Also, since X-ring chains are meant for racing, they’re often stronger than O-ring ones.

How much do the VR46 chains cost?

A close-up of one of the links on the D.I.D VR46 Valentino Rossi motorcycle chain showing the racer's 'VR46' logo
D.I.D VR46 Valentino Rossi motorcycle chain link detail | Louis

As of this writing, D.I.D hasn’t revealed official US pricing for the VR46 motorcycle chains. But they are available from EU retailer Louis, with prices varying based on link count.

The 520VR46 is designed for 125cc-750cc bikes, with prices ranging from $130-$150. As for the 525VR46, it’s intended for 400cc-900cc motorcycles; it costs $155-$175. In comparison, the equivalent VX chains cost $122.80 and $164.62, respectively.

Given that all motorcycle chains have a finite lifespan, getting one of these special-edition models isn’t necessarily worth it. But they’re not significantly more expensive than the ‘regular’ versions. So, if you’re a Valentino Rossi fan, or simply like the color scheme, they might be worth considering.

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RELATED: The 2020 Triumph Daytona 765 Moto2 Isn’t Racing Cosplay

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The Mazda CX-5’s Depreciation Isn’t the Best or the Worst

by Gabrielle DeSantis

As soon as you drive a new car off the lot, it begins to lose value. Even if you keep your vehicle in exemplary condition and maintain it in top shape, the more you drive it, the greater its value depreciates. The rate of depreciation varies depending upon factors, including the make and model. And as for the Mazda CX-5, its depreciation isn’t the best. But it also isn’t the worst.

The Mazda CX-5’s depreciation and resale value

One of the biggest reasons to pay attention to your car’s depreciation is because it affects the vehicle’s resale value, whether you’re looking to sell it or trade it in when you’re ready for a new car. CarEdge describes the CX-5 as “mediocre” at holding its value and “middle of the pack” compared to other Mazda models. The site says the CX-5 depreciates about 45 percent after five years.

J.D. Power gives an idea of the 2020 CX-5’s resale value compared to other compact SUVs from that model year. On its 100-point scale, the publication gives the CX-5 an 85, right in the middle of the rated vehicles, which range from 80 to 90. The CX-5’s resale value is ranked seventh out of the 15 compact SUVs.

Factors that influence a car’s depreciation

Companies use many factors when determining a car’s depreciation. Among them are the trim level and model year. You might expect a higher trim level to depreciate less, but the opposite is usually true. The more premium the trim, the less demand there may be for it in the market. And less demand means lower value.

The model year also comes into play. All cars have an expected lifespan, so the later the model year, the less it will have depreciated because it has more of its expected life remaining than an older version of the same model. Also, as technology improves, more recent model years are usually less expensive and easier to maintain, allowing them to run better for longer.

Recent Mazda CX-5 models’ depreciation numbers

Here’s a look at the depreciation values for Mazda CX-5 models from the past few years, according to Edmunds. The numbers will give you an idea of what to expect if you own or plan to purchase one of these models.

2019 Touring AWD

For the 2019 CX-5 Touring AWD model, Edmunds breaks down the depreciation of each of the first five years of ownership. The depreciation begins at $4,258 in Year 1 and subsequently slows from there. In Year 2, it’s almost half that, at $2,481. And by Year 5, the annual depreciation drops to $1,736. By the end of five years, the 2019 CX-5 Touring AWD will have depreciated by an estimated $12,592.

2020 Touring AWD

Edmunds also uses the Touring AWD trim when discussing the depreciation of the 2020 Mazda CX-5. It shows a different trend than the 2019 model. It also has its highest depreciation in Year 1 — at $4,663 — and subsequently gets less in Years 2 and 3. But the rate of depreciation rises between Years 3 and 4, from $1,892 to $2,220. Its estimated depreciation after five years is $12,875, almost $300 more than the Touring AWD model.

2021 Grand Touring AWD

Edmunds went with the Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring AWD for its 2021 example. This is a more premium trim level than the Touring, and its depreciation is the highest of the three examples. In Year 1, its depreciation is $6,136 and then drops considerably, to $2,251, in Year 2. As with the 2020 Touring edition, the depreciation rate rises toward the end of the five-year period, with an estimated depreciation of $15,387 in the first five years of ownership.

RELATED: 2021 Mazda CX-5 Touring: Should You Add the Preferred SV Package?

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