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Observation on negative skew of posts here

18571 Views 93 Replies 47 Participants Last post by  JRRF
Hey all, just wanted to point something out I've seen here on the forum that may help underscore the impression many of us have that the frequency of negative posts on issues and experiences here on the forum may not be indicative of the actual frequency of problems people are having with the Polestar 2. I have noticed that we have quite a few threads that are initiated with a problem someone is having, usually with a handful of responses either commiserating or offering advice on fixes/mitigations. Maybe a page or two with a few exceptions, and usually consisting of posts from the OP and the 30 or 40 longer term active participants here, plus a few more mixed in.

Then there are a handful of posts that are on topics about anticipating receiving a new car. What boat is it on? What is the website saying? What should I do to prep for the car? And so on. These posts tend to have many different users posting, and run to 10's and even 100's of pages of posts. There are also a few posts plus the "color" threads that were started by the admins that folks who have just received their new car often post photos and participate a bit.

This brings us to my observation: many folks are on here in anticipation of their car, soaking up information while anxiously awaiting their new ride. Once they have the car, and have basked in the glory of sharing their new pride and joy here, their participation fades away as the need for the forum disappears - they don't have any issues and now can enjoy their car and go on about their lives. The minority of folks with problems will land here by doing a search, or they'll remember how helpful the forum was and come back for advice.

Note that this isn't new to product forums in general, and many of us who have participated in online communities centered on a product recognize the behavior and understand the bias. I just wanted to reinforce for anyone new to the forum (and product fora in general) that this is a common attribute and to not be unduly concerned with the negative skew. The car has been good for most of us, and folks without issues tend to not post here. There are always exceptions (like me!) but don't be overly concerned with what you see here.

BTW, I will say that this particular forum is better than most: the amount of good information, advice, and general helpfulness is quite good. And the folks here are for the most part friendly and polite.
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Hi Mick.
My car is now just over 2 years old with over 32k miles on the clock. I’ve had plenty of issues but this is still 100% the best car I‘ve owned. Been driving my dad’s car for a week (as my boot won’t open). His car cost the same as mine new, which I find unbelievable as it’s a piece of crap in comparison. To be fair, after a week driving my P2, my dad agrees that it’s a far superior drive.
I had a brand new V60 XC as a loaner for a week. I really enjoyed getting my P2 back! What a difference :love:
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I wouldn't be so pessimistic about the time line given the number of manufacturers engaged so long as we leave full self driving out of the equation.
I have a totally different view on this, having worked at a number of software companies over the years, maybe relevant as cars become more software driven.

Whatever tech exists today using software...it could be made reliable, rock solid with few bugs. That takes time and resources. It also takes time and resources to implement new features that customers want, or they will buy the other mfrs car. Every software company has to balance those things with the finite resources they have. I have worked for software companies on either end of that spectrum ;-)

IMO the balance has shifted a little over time for consumers, people are more used to quirks and glitches, they are willing to accept more of those from an electronic product now than they used to. I think my Grandma would have lost her mind if her home telephone dropped a call lol. Blame Windows, blame phones, who knows. People want the latest cool features and stuff though! Other than safety systems (liability cost is high) everything else, mfrs certainly don't want to piss you off with software issues too much...but also without features you may not buy the car in the first place...

I don't see that dynamic changing in general. The cars may be new, but it's just software used in new ways, developed in much the same way with the same processes. It's not going to change, there are no "new bugs" with EVs that need to be worked out. It's the same old process of adding more stuff, more features, more code. As long as consumers tolerate a little bit of glitches to get their latest tech, that's the way it will be.
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IMO the balance has shifted a little over time for consumers, people are more used to quirks and glitches, they are willing to accept more of those from an electronic product now than they used to. I think my Grandma would have lost her mind if her home telephone dropped a call lol. Blame Windows, blame phones, who knows. People want the latest cool features and stuff though! Other than safety systems (liability cost is high) everything else, mfrs certainly don't want to piss you off with software issues too much...but also without features you may not buy the car in the first place...
I think your humble opinion is well founded.
Hey all, just wanted to point something out I've seen here on the forum that may help underscore the impression many of us have that the frequency of negative posts on issues and experiences here on the forum may not be indicative of the actual frequency of problems people are having with the Polestar 2. I have noticed that we have quite a few threads that are initiated with a problem someone is having, usually with a handful of responses either commiserating or offering advice on fixes/mitigations. Maybe a page or two with a few exceptions, and usually consisting of posts from the OP and the 30 or 40 longer term active participants here, plus a few more mixed in.

Then there are a handful of posts that are on topics about anticipating receiving a new car. What boat is it on? What is the website saying? What should I do to prep for the car? And so on. These posts tend to have many different users posting, and run to 10's and even 100's of pages of posts. There are also a few posts plus the "color" threads that were started by the admins that folks who have just received their new car often post photos and participate a bit.

This brings us to my observation: many folks are on here in anticipation of their car, soaking up information while anxiously awaiting their new ride. Once they have the car, and have basked in the glory of sharing their new pride and joy here, their participation fades away as the need for the forum disappears - they don't have any issues and now can enjoy their car and go on about their lives. The minority of folks with problems will land here by doing a search, or they'll remember how helpful the forum was and come back for advice.

Note that this isn't new to product forums in general, and many of us who have participated in online communities centered on a product recognize the behavior and understand the bias. I just wanted to reinforce for anyone new to the forum (and product fora in general) that this is a common attribute and to not be unduly concerned with the negative skew. The car has been good for most of us, and folks without issues tend to not post here. There are always exceptions (like me!) but don't be overly concerned with what you see here.

BTW, I will say that this particular forum is better than most: the amount of good information, advice, and general helpfulness is quite good. And the folks here are for the most part friendly and polite.
Thanks Mick. Probably a realistic perspective. Your well thought out comments are particularly timely for me: at 'peak concern' level after reading & being a few weeks from delivery. Cheers
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Well I have been quiet for a while
My car isn’t perfect but no less than any other car I have had.

I have some niggles
Still on 2.2v2 for some reason and no further ota. I will see is 2.5 works then take it in
I have a few minor rattles but nothing too bad
Vison out rear is terrible, but that is the car (this is the issue that will mean that we don’t get another polestar)
The profiles no longer change when different drivers get in. This may just need reset but is annoying.
Occasionally the head hangs and either air con or nav goes so needs reset. This always worries my wife.
When the car has been asleep it takes ages to wake up. This wouldn’t be an issue as such, if I didn’t need to wait for it so I can change the profile.

out with that the car is fine. I would avoid the dual engine as I never use the power. But it has been a good car.
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Vison out rear is terrible, but that is the car (this is the issue that will mean that we don’t get another polestar)
Really? The one thing you could know before buying, and likely the one thing you use least. Mirror (rear and side) provide great view, and then there is also the camera system. I'm really curious as to what the use case is to have improved view out of the rear window? So much so that you wouldn't get another one, lol best never get a sports car or a van... :LOL:
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Really? The one thing you could know before buying, and likely the one thing you use least. Mirror (rear and side) provide great view, and then there is also the camera system. I'm really curious as to what the use case is to have improved view out of the rear window? So much so that you wouldn't get another one, lol best never get a sports car or a van... :LOL:
The camera are ok but don’t really make up for a very limited view out the rear. It is all personal preference of course and for a number of years I drove a van. I would just chose to have a better view.

I still feel this is a great car, but we have to be realistic about its foibles. Yes I could chose a car with less of a view when reversing. But at night reversing in this car is almost a job for Luke skywalker (“use the force“)

I don’t regret yhe car and still enjoy it every drive issues and all.
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But at night reversing in this car is almost a job for Luke skywalker (“use the force“)
The only problem with reversing at night in this car is that the backup lights are woefully inadequate. Otherwise, a lot of cars today no longer have the view out the rear that older cars did. It has to do with style and safety. I have rarely looked through a back window since 2017 when rear cameras became standard equipment.
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This brings us to my observation: many folks are on here in anticipation of their car, soaking up information while anxiously awaiting their new ride. Once they have the car, and have basked in the glory of sharing their new pride and joy here, their participation fades away as the need for the forum disappears - they don't have any issues and now can enjoy their car and go on about their lives.
Describes me accurately :LOL:
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Hey all, just wanted to point something out I've seen here on the forum that may help underscore the impression many of us have that the frequency of negative posts on issues and experiences here on the forum may not be indicative of the actual frequency of problems people are having with the Polestar 2. I have noticed that we have quite a few threads that are initiated with a problem someone is having, usually with a handful of responses either commiserating or offering advice on fixes/mitigations. Maybe a page or two with a few exceptions, and usually consisting of posts from the OP and the 30 or 40 longer term active participants here, plus a few more mixed in.

Then there are a handful of posts that are on topics about anticipating receiving a new car. What boat is it on? What is the website saying? What should I do to prep for the car? And so on. These posts tend to have many different users posting, and run to 10's and even 100's of pages of posts. There are also a few posts plus the "color" threads that were started by the admins that folks who have just received their new car often post photos and participate a bit.

This brings us to my observation: many folks are on here in anticipation of their car, soaking up information while anxiously awaiting their new ride. Once they have the car, and have basked in the glory of sharing their new pride and joy here, their participation fades away as the need for the forum disappears - they don't have any issues and now can enjoy their car and go on about their lives. The minority of folks with problems will land here by doing a search, or they'll remember how helpful the forum was and come back for advice.

Note that this isn't new to product forums in general, and many of us who have participated in online communities centered on a product recognize the behavior and understand the bias. I just wanted to reinforce for anyone new to the forum (and product fora in general) that this is a common attribute and to not be unduly concerned with the negative skew. The car has been good for most of us, and folks without issues tend to not post here. There are always exceptions (like me!) but don't be overly concerned with what you see here.

BTW, I will say that this particular forum is better than most: the amount of good information, advice, and general helpfulness is quite good. And the folks here are for the most part friendly and polite.
That you very much for this post. I am someone you have described-awaiting delivery of a new Polestar 2.
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Vison out rear is terrible
I rented a Polestar 2 for a day, and this is one of the bigger issues I found also. For me, it's probably just what I am used to (I drive a 2009 Hyundai i30 with a lot of rear visibility), so a P2 would likely just need an adjustment period.

out with that the car is fine. I would avoid the dual engine as I never use the power. But it has been a good car.
Even disregading the need for power, the traction and handling of the AWD would still be handy though I'd imagine?
I rented a Polestar 2 for a day
I had a P2 loaner for a day, and found there to be a significant difference in the level of equipment from my launch edition and the rental fleet. But the view out the rear is the same :)
I’ve been quiet for a while but after the annoying delivery delay, until a week ago I’ve not had a SINGLE issue since January (and 11000 miles). Faulty boot motor rapidly rectified this week and that is all. Fab car. Makes me smile when I put my foot down. Love the pixel headlights.
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My 2 cents. Previous Volvo S60 owner. Loved that thing-drove it like the old lady at heart I really am. Decided to buy a Polestar ignorantly thinking it was virtually a better, electric version of my car (plus a little speed never hurt nobody!). Was NOT expecting the immediate onslaught of glitches, TCAM issues and putting it back into the shop almost averaging 3+ days a month. I thought, okay around $80k car, this thing should be driving ME around! I came looking for troubleshooting help guns ablazing, highly emotional, and wondering what kind of a financial mistake I’d made. I just wanted a commuter car that commutes! It took me a while and a few reads of “OG” Polestar/EV owner posts to realize that some people don’t understand (raises hand) that being an EV owner in general can sometimes be a different ball game. In fact, I never KNEW Teslas were so problematic until I went down my “oh shit what have I done” rabbit hole. One thing I will say is that I’m grateful to the patient, involved moderators of this forum as I’ve learned a great deal about how to curb my expectations and understand my vehicle. I’ve changed from a -ve poster to a student/voyeur. All in all, I feel that this forum has empowered me, which ironically makes me post less (+ and -). Thanks for everything! Hopefully I’ll be able to help someone one day! Also a positive: the upgraded “need for speed” —Love. That. Launch.
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@AYA thanks for the comment. Yes there is definitely a learning curve, and I've had to actually unlearn quite a bit in my shift from ICE to EV. I also remind myself that I'm on the front end of mass adoption of relatively new technology. Fortunately I've done this several times in my life so it helped me set my expectations realistically. I love innovation and technology, but there are many annoyances and aggravations in the adoption process.

I think that this community is all in all a great place to learn, to help others, and to occasionally vent. I am happy to be here and participating - glad you're here too!
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With my first Polestar on the way (woo hoo), my current 5 year old VW has been flawless. But my Honda Accord before that one day decided to develop a fault that caused the auto to refuse to go above second gear. The fault was intermittent. A replacement transmission did. It fix the problem. Honda's suggestion was an ECM replacement for thousands more. So after 8 years I had a car that was broken. Traded it in for a different car.

So just remember that all cars can have problems. And we are in the early stages of EVs.
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I can sum up ownership of this car in two paragraphs....
After 5mths... I've had no issues what so ever with my car... Two firmware updates without any problems... No rattles... squeeks.. etc...Paint finish..Panel gaps... Interior trim.. Perfect.. everything that I use on the vehicle has worked as it should.
The Polestar 2... so far.. has been far better than almost every other car I've owned in nearly all respects... For me the only thing not up to scratch was the UK CS DEPT... Wether that's improved... i can't say... As the car is so reliable... I've not needed their "services" since it was delivered.
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I can sum up ownership of this car in two paragraphs....
After 5mths... I've had no issues what so ever with my car... Two firmware updates without any problems... No rattles... squeeks.. etc...Paint finish..Panel gaps... Interior trim.. Perfect.. everything that I use on the vehicle has worked as it should.
The Polestar 2... so far.. has been far better than almost every other car I've owned in nearly all respects... For me the only thing not up to scratch was the UK CS DEPT... Wether that's improved... i can't say... As the car is so reliable... I've not needed their "services" since it was delivered.
That's what I would have written after 5 months of ownership. Now (2 years, 50,000 km) not so much ...
With my first Polestar on the way (woo hoo), my current 5 year old VW has been flawless. But my Honda Accord before that one day decided to develop a fault that caused the auto to refuse to go above second gear. The fault was intermittent. A replacement transmission did. It fix the problem. Honda's suggestion was an ECM replacement for thousands more. So after 8 years I had a car that was broken. Traded it in for a different car.

So just remember that all cars can have problems. And we are in the early stages of EVs.
Yes. But the average ICE has around 2000 moving parts compared to 20 in the average EV. So you have a 100x less chance of something going wrong.
I'm still trying to figure out why my P2 now with over 50,000 km on it experiences 3-4 out of 100 issues mentioned on this forum. My car, the 7477 one to be built must have been on a Sunny, Warm, Wednesday after the boss purchased everyone lunch. And handed out bonus cheques.
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