u/jazzdabb

I had the opportunity to drive a 2025 RAV4 rental for a business trip last week and mentally compared it to my 2021 Big Bend.

Advantages:

• More rear passenger room
• Slightly more cargo space
• Wireless CarPlay

Disadvantages:

• Horribly uncomfortable driver's seat (my left cheek STILL hurts)
• Disappointing gas mileage
• Confusing and overcomplicating infotainment (I had to fight with the Toyota app to get CarPlay to take control)
• Overwhelmingly bland handling an acceleration

Overall, the entire experience was just meh. It was a serviceable rental but nowhere near as enjoyable to drive as my Big Bend. The RAV4 lumbered around turns and struggled to get to speed. My Big Bend in comparison feels tight, light, quick and nimble.

I always enjoy renting something different so I can remind myself of why I bought my ride in the first place.

Last week I had new speakers installed in my Bronco Sport and I read that people were modifying the speaker and EQ settings via FORScan in order to get full range sound from all 4 door speakers and a flatter EQ. I followed all the instructions, made a backup and ONLY modified the rear door and EQ options under the ACM module. Everything seemed to work fine but after my second startup of the vehicle, it dropped into limp mode and disabled a number of systems (4WD, Pre-collision assist, Hill Start and AdvanceTrac). I didn't change any other modules but I did use easy mode for the changes. I have an appointment with the dealer. Will they be able to reset the modules to AS BUILT? I have a backup but as of right now the car is drivable and I'm afraid to tinker further.

As a long time ambient listener dating back to Brian Eno and Harold Budd's 80s efforts, I was very excited to discover Lone Mesa last year. Ambient Americana is still new to me but I am really enjoying the more engaging yet still not distracting aspect of the genre. Plus I am enjoying a departure from the typical bloops and bleeps or humming drone common to ambient. When I saw there was a new release up on Bandcamp, I didn't even hesitate.

I'm really excited for the physical release of Project Hail Mary in August. I slept on the audiobook because The Martian just didn't hit for me but I really enjoyed Gosling's performance and the film overall. While I have bought some older remastered and re-released movies recently (I have Them! 4K on pre-order) I can't remember the last NEW movie I bought. I just haven't felt compelled to own any film from the last 2 or 3 years. What should I consider picking up?