Auto Buyers Guide Podcast (Auto Buyers Guide)

Welcome to the inaugural episode of the Auto Buyers Guide Podcast by Alex on Autos!

This episode is EV-intensive. Alex and Tim Masso cover the all-new Subaru Solterra and Toyota's EV plans, as well as the intriguing Cox Automotive EV survey. Also, what long game is Tesla playing as established brands develop their electric identities, and what EVs could be considered classics or collectibles right now?

Podcast theme music by: Brian Roskelly

This episode's music provided by: 

Copenhagen by Scandinavianz https://soundcloud.com/scandinavianz Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0 Free Download / Stream: https://bit.ly/3NfgtgD Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/s_OIflPLnuc

Travis and Alex spend way, way too much time talking about the best and worst gifts for car people, or, really anyone that owns a car. They also dive into the latest Honda and Acura SUVs, hate on the term "extended range EV" because they are just plug in hybrids, and then they talk about why PHEVs are fantastic. 

Subaru dropped a refreshed Solterra, a new EV, and a next-generation Outback at the NY Auto Show. Kia also introduced a K4 hatch, the US market EV4, and Hyundai followed up with the new Palisade that we all knew was coming because we saw it in Korea already. 

Cadillac wants to be the standard of the world again, diesel fuel wants to be your friend, Polestar wants to go Porsche-hunting, and much more!

Podcast theme by Brian Roskelly.

This episode's music provided by: 

Across Country by Hotham https://soundcloud.com/hothammusic Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0 Free Download / Stream: https://bit.ly/3SXj2GK Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/NrW2w6cjUAY

Alex and Travis take a deep, deep, deeeeep, almost 1.5 hour dive into the new RAM Ramcharger. RAM just gave us more details on how the PHEV system works, let's dive in. 

In this episode Alex and Travis dish about new car sales in 2024, which car companies are winning, which are losing, and why the consumer is a winner (sometimes) at the Chevy dealer because they are selling a ton of affordable new cars. If you're looking to make shopping easier, Hyundai is now selling cars on Amazon, assuming you're in the right part of the USA, and the process looks pretty solid. Lastly, Alex and Travis cover used EV tax credits, toxic masculine latte orders, and more!

In this episode, Alex tells Tim all about the recently-driven 2023 Lexus RX and how it continues to be the brand's bread and butter, but more like pumpernickel than sourdough this time. Then they pivot to the new California legislation on ICE vehicles and Stellantis.

Podcast theme by Brian Roskelly.

This episode's music provided by: 

Roots - Mehul Choudhary https://soundcloud.com/mehul-choudhary-353304313 Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0 Free Download / Stream: https://bit.ly/3Axwf0M Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/Rci5ZdmHPhM

In this episode Tim and Alex talk about Dodge's new small crossover, their first new model in more than a decade. But is it new? Haven't we seen this before? Perhaps in an Alfa suit? Also in this episode we discuss BMW's novel motor tech, the most embarrassing cars from the 1990s and 1980s, and the odd success of the ancient Dodge sedans, Toyota SUVs and more!

Podcast theme by Brian Roskelly.

This episode's music provided by: 

Something on My Mind by Broke in Summer  https://soundcloud.com/brokeinsummer Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0 Free Download / Stream: https://bit.ly/3QtAmkX Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/k9vAwwT5-ZQ

Travis and Alex discuss the turkeys, tofurkeys and turduckens. Then they really dive into the sauce: What will Trump do to the EV tax credit? What might happen if it changes or gets eliminated, and how the IRA has boosted domestic production of new cars. Also, cars are too expensive. No surprise there.

Alex and Tim talk about the new Acura Integra and then list the cars they think do the best at merging performance with efficiency. Plus, Brian joins the gang for a new game called Automotive Table Tennis.

Podcast theme by: Brian Roskelly

This episode's music provided by:

Music | Focus by Declan DP License: https://license.declandp.info Free Download / Stream: https://bit.ly/3moyCwk Promoted by Audio Library: https://youtu.be/Y6rA8PJjXaw

When I said our Model 3 SR+ had a real world range of 192 miles +/- about 10 miles, y'all lost your minds, but it wasn't a scandal then and it isn't now. Instead it's just a textbook example of why the "EPA range" is not a "real world" number. Newsflash: the EPA testing designed in 1978 isn't a great real world example for ANY new car, truck or SUV in America today. Join me as I pick apart the scandal and talk about how fuel economy works. What it's good for and why you should ignore that range number if you're not willing to look deep enough to know what it is really telling you.

Tim and Alex are back to discuss the tough battle ahead for the all-new 2024 Toyota Tacoma, plus the validity of the EV price wars and the rising costs of new vehicles in the U.S.

Podcast theme by Brian Roskelly.

Was the 2022 North American International Auto Show in Detroit the show it used to be? The 2024 Ford Mustang wasn't really even revealed at NAIAS, but it is considered a NAIAS debut. What does Alex think of that car, and much more.

Podcast theme by Brian Roskelly.

This episode's music provided by: 

xii by Limujii https://soundcloud.com/limujii Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0 Free Download / Stream: https://bit.ly/3RVvJAK Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/TCAMgPWJVHA

Over the decades Volkswagen has consistently struggled to gain American market share. In this episode, Tim and Alex struggle to understand VW's sales problems in the USA and discuss VW's planned electrification of their lineup and what that means for the future.

Podcast theme music by: Brian Roskelly

This episode's music provided by: 

Flashes by mezhdunami. https://soundcloud.com/mezhdunami Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0 Free Download / Stream: https://bit.ly/3tVJtCn Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/HrXJBK_N2JA

Alex and Brian talk about cars they have driven recently and then dive into the best crossovers you can buy for under $45k. The ultimate opponent? The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid – a car you simply can't avoid checking out if you really need three usable rows of seats and decent fuel economy.

Podcast theme by Brian Roskelly.

This episode's music provided by: 

Odyssey - jiglr https://soundcloud.com/jiglrmusic Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0 Free Download / Stream: https://bit.ly/3Sed82O Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/2NabU-kGMeQ

Scout Reboot, Toyota's PHEV Party, EV Winter Range & We Bought A Thing!

Today Alex and Tim go all-in on inflation, dealership models, markups, and all of that jazz. Why is it so much harder to buy a new car in 2022 than ever before?

Podcast theme by Brian Roskelly.

This episode's music provided by: 

Music | Nowhere by Declan DP License: https://license.declandp.info Free Download / Stream: https://bit.ly/3TcJN9L Promoted by Audio Library: https://youtu.be/IdCpcAw_w0U

For the final episode of the year, Tim and Alex discuss the current state of Carvana, which seems to be floating on troubled waters due to major (avoidable) mistakes. Also, with all this talk about electric cars, should plug-in hybrids still remain part of the conversation? Short answer – yes. Long answer – listen on!

Podcast theme by Brian Roskelly.

This episode's music provided by: 

Asia by Urpleactus https://youtube.com/user/UrpleActus Creative Commons Attribution license Free Download / Stream: http://bit.ly/3VF12ls Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/uZygVlmSlsQ

It's the end of the year, so I wanted to thank you all for tuning in to the Auto Buyers Guide Podcast in 2022. Tim, Brian and I have enjoyed putting this together for you and look forward to "Season 2", if you will, beginning sometime mid-January.

Hope you all have a happy holiday, whatever it is you may celebrate, and a very happy new year. See you in 2023!

Alex and Tim discuss the idea of cutting the roof off of vehicles you wouldn't normally do that to, then they compare two of the most anticipated upcoming three row vehicles. Also, will the electric car save the sedan? What signs can we look to today?

Podcast theme by Brian Roskelly.

GM is finally rolling out more Ultium models! Alex got to check out the new Cadillac Escalade IQ, the biggest and most insane EV SUV ever imagined, at least until we get the EV Wagoneer that Jeep has been touting with an even bigger battery. Tim and Also also discuss the death of the $20,000 car and why NACS has caused more questions than answers as N. America tries to narrow down to a single charging standard. 

The ABG Pod is back and we're trying something a big different. This time we're incorporating viewer and listener feedback, so be sure to drop us your questions and thoughts!

Brian joins Alex for the first episode of the year to discuss new car shopper demographics, all of the car debuts at CES 2023, as well as a crop of new Buick models potentially heading our way soon.

Podcast theme by Brian Roskelly.

This episode's music provided by: 

Music | Imagine by Declan DP License: https://license.declandp.info Free Download / Stream: http://bit.ly/3AYUUMS Promoted by Audio Library: https://youtu.be/UD_JCsdKH2s

In this episode we talk the refreshed 2023 Chevy Silverado, Jeep's newly expanded Grand Cherokee lineup now that it spans to 3-rows and plug-in hybrids, and the best-selling 3-row SUVs and crossovers in America.

Podcast theme music by: Brian Roskelly

This episode's music provided by: 

Up Above by Pyrosion https://soundcloud.com/pyrosion Creative Commons — Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported — CC BY-SA 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/ Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/mikXltmStnc

Alex and Tim talk about hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, and whether they make sense for mass-market vehicles today. Having owned a Hyundai Nexo, Alex has a few things to say...

Podcast theme music by: Brian Roskelly

This episode's music provided by: 

George Street Shuffle by Kevin MacLeod http://incompetech.com Creative Commons — Attribution 4.0 International — CC BY 4.0 Free Download / Stream: https://bit.ly/george-street-shuffle Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/f2XLCNaxnzE

In today's episode, Alex and Tim talk about new products from Toyota and the current demand for gasoline in the U.S. Plus, they try a new game called Road Rage and discuss their picks for the most underrated new cars on the market.

Podcast theme by Brian Roskelly.

This episode's music provided by:

Sorry for the hiatus, but we're back for Episode 2 of the 2023 season! Kicking things off, Tim and Alex take a look at the all-new Toyota Grand Highlander, a bigger, boxier and more powerful three-row crossover that Toyota desperately needed. Other topics include the parallels between ChatGPT AI and 'self-driving' cars, the DOA Chevy EV1, truck sales in America, and ZEV credits.

Podcast theme by Brian Roskelly.

This episode's music provided by:  Stealth Mode by tubebackr & Rexlambo https://soundcloud.com/tubebackr https://soundcloud.com/rexlambo Creative Commons — Attribution-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported — CC BY-ND 3.0 Free Download / Stream: https://bit.ly/3RzweBs Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/GbHrrDTpfcY

Alex has sold his Rivian R1T (that was fast) for a profit, and explains why it had to go. Also, what's with the Hyundai-Kia relationship, and are super cars worth gushing over at this point? What is their value to the rest of us?

Podcast theme by Brian Roskelly.

This episode's music provided by: 

Bookmarked (Instrumental) by RYYZN https://soundcloud.com/ryyzn Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0 Free Download / Stream: https://bit.ly/3QNUXQQ Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/khYWHsIyrQg

In this episode, Alex and Tim get into the current state of the various EV startups out there today. Lucid, Rivian, Lordstown, Karma, etc. Plus, how are these new CPO programs like 'Car Bravo' from GM going to work in this weird current car market?

Podcast theme music by: Brian Roskelly

This episode's music provided by:

Bloom by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031 Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0 Free Download / Stream: https://bit.ly/3wNR5r3 Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/B_fyjhY5PvU

Join Alex, Nick and Travis as we answer viewer and listener questions and try to unwind after a long week!

Brian joins Alex this week to talk about the sub-brand trend, where automakers create families out of popular model lines. Toyota tried and failed with the Prius, Land Rover tried and massively succeeded with the Range Rover. GM seems to be considering going all-in with Camaro, Corvette and Escalade sub-brands. Should that be considered overkill, or are brands like Jeep and Ford onto something with this?

Podcast theme by Brian Roskelly.

This episode's music provided by: 

Tell Me by LiQWYD https://soundcloud.com/liqwyd Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0 Free Download / Stream: http://bit.ly/3FdVTLA Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/telMC7ADrDA

Travis and Alex discuss the impending Honda-Nissan-Mitsubishi merger that should be completed next year, who's getting what in the marriage and what the conglomerate should kill off. We also talk about Travis road tripping our used C40 EV up to Washington state and more!

First impressions of the Cadillac Lyriq, the Rivian R1T has arrived, what cars do you wish would be sold in the U.S., and more on today's episode of Auto Buyers Guide Podcast.

Podcast theme by Brian Roskelly.

This episode's music provided by: 

Spacing Out Last Night by JoeniNpcGamer https://soundcloud.com/jng-music-official Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0 Free Download / Stream: https://bit.ly/3HEVIZg Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/owdveKKK9nw

Watch out, this time we let you all have it! Yep, this is our unvarnished opinions of every car company that sells cars in America. 

This week Brian and Alex join on assignment in Encinitas, California to discuss a bunch of new cars as well as the *internet war* that wasn't really an internet war between Alex and another EV-focused outlet....

Podcast theme by Brian Roskelly.

This episode's music provided by:

A Cocktail In Portofino by GroovyD https://soundcloud.com/musicforall-61338549 Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0 Free Download / Stream: https://bit.ly/40YzvPd Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/p3ob0YWBcdA

Alex updates us on the status of his Rivian R1T and Ford F-150 Lightning orders, then goes through all of the most mediocre cars available today. More games are played.

Podcast theme by Brian Roskelly.

This episode's music provided by: 

All Wavy by tubebackr https://soundcloud.com/tubebackr Creative Commons — Attribution-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported — CC BY-ND 3.0 Free Download / Stream: https://bit.ly/3u39uiR Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/NtF0l4beA_s

Travis and Alex attempt to get to the bottom of the mania around "software defined cars". Now, bear in mind that like *all* cars, SDCs are actually defined by their hardware which is why they can be updated. On the other hand, is this making companies lazy? Our experience with the new EX30 leads Alex to say yes. We also go over viewer questions and comments, the best cars under $40K, the best SUVs for young families and more.

Are crossover coupes like the Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe the new four-door sedan? Has Akio Toyoda successfully turned Toyota into a performance-inclined car company? Are convertibles ever going to be popular again, aside from the Jeep Wrangler? Let's discuss.

Podcast theme by Brian Roskelly.

This episode's music provided by: 

Outside by Cykarl https://soundcloud.com/cykarl Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0 Free Download / Stream: https://bit.ly/3pX2q56 Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/fI9t0O88Da8

Nearly half of this episode is spent talking about Jaguar – its history and relationship with Ford and Land Rover, and its future. The rest is a discussion on cars Tim and Alex would like to preserve from the 2000's.

Podcast theme by Brian Roskelly.

This episode's music provided by: 

Morning by KV https://youtube.com/c/KVmusicprod Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0 Free Download / Stream: https://bit.ly/3AhUYrB Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/quMcM3hSXOM

Halo cars don't have to be angelic and they come in many forms. But... Do those forms make sense? From Viper to Challenger Hellcat, Tim and Alex say "hell yeah" but don't agree on what a halo car really is. 

Alex and Tim talk about some new models coming our way in the next year as well as the refreshed domestic heavy duty trucks. All three have received updates for 2023/2024, with some updates going further than others.

Podcast theme by Brian Roskelly.

This episode's music provided by: 

Drive by mezhdunami. https://soundcloud.com/mezhdunami Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0 Free Download / Stream: https://bit.ly/3LqywQx Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/KQhGdXDdjuM

Toyota has had some stumbles lately. From recalling every Lexus LX, and non-hybrid Tundra for engine replacements, to the stop-sale and recall on every Grand Highlander and Lexus TX for airbags that aren't working right they have a great deal on their plate. However, like a juggling act at a carnival, Toyota seems to have all those plates up in the air and spinning for now. Interest in their products is still high and Toyota is tripling down on hybrid tech with their Mazda and Subaru partnerships. 

Travis and Alex dissect the 10 best selling cars, trucks, and SUVs in America and what we would buy if the best-seller didn't exist or was unavailable near you. 

You can't talk about EVs without talking about charging, but are we thinking about it all wrong? Should we be charging at night? At home? At work? During the day? Fast, slow, medium-speed? What should we really be doing?

It seems like America is finally ready to see a hybrid revolution with more models offered than ever before, and more models going hybrid only. From an all-hybrid Mazda CX-90, to more hybrid Toyota and Hondas than you can shake a stick at, so GM's plans on resurrecting hybrid systems, hybrids seem to be reclaiming the headlines from EVs. Alex and Travis also talk about the road rules and rule breakers that bug them the most, jaywalking, and of course the recently refreshed Tucson hybrid and why you might want one. 

How will tariffs reshape the American car landscape? We don't exactly know, but it's going to be a rocky road. 

Join Travis and Alex as they dissect the RFID key card. Is Travis right that it's a sensible and slim way to lock and unlock your car if you're a 21st century person that doesn't carry a key? Or is Alex right that they should all be burnt at the stake as an example to RFID cards everywhere that change is unacceptable? (Also: proximity keys are better). They also discuss charging etiquette and why badge engineering is a tricky subject.

 It's 10 o'clock, do you know where your children are?

Alex and Tim get into a riveting discussion about EV battery swapping's past, present and future. Why couldn't Tesla make it work, how is Nio in China making it work now? Plus, an engaging debate over the qualifications of a traditional 'truck' and what are the best performance vehicles under $50k right now.

Podcast theme music by: Brian Roskelly

This episode's music provided by: 

Elvish Presto by Twin Musicom http://www.twinmusicom.org Creative Commons — Attribution 4.0 International — CC BY 4.0 Free Download / Stream: https://bit.ly/elvish-presto Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/bR1nvgY3u4Y

Alex and Tim discuss the new Ford F-150 Lightning and its realistic impact on the industry (plus its true cost to own). Then they talk to Kenny, a 2022 Tesla Model S Long Range owner, who had the chance to drive Alex's long-term Kia EV6. How does it compare?

Podcast theme music by: Brian Roskelly

This episode's music provided by:

Music | Take Me There by Declan DP License: https://license.declandp.info Free Download / Stream: https://bit.ly/394jD78 Promoted by Audio Library: https://youtu.be/-qUgEnTb3aw

Subaru is suddenly all-in on hybrids with a new Forester hybrid and a Crosstrek hybrid on sale in 2025, but they aren't stopping there. All rumors point to the upcoming redesign of the Outback also sporting a hybrid whenever it lands this year. Fuel economy improvements are more modest than in some hybrids, but Subaru retained the off-road capability the brand has become known for. 

VW's ID. Buzz might just be the ultimate electric family hauler, as long as you're OK with teh range which isn't huge.

With Lexus the news is big, as in LX-sized big. For 2025 the LX 700h launches, which is the hybrid version of the LX 600 we've seen for a while. The main feature here is that Lexus has built in a failsafe mechanism to bypass the hybrid motor should anything go wrong. 

Nissan and Honda's relationship is on the rocks. That lasted about as long as Elon's average relationship.  

Alex and Tim talk RAM REV, Subaru Crosstrek/Impreza, Mazda CX-90, and everything in-between on today's episode. We've driven some, we've crawled around inside others, but there's a lot to talk about with each of them, so let's get right to it.

Podcast theme by Brian Roskelly.

This episode is EV-heavy. What's up with that Toyota bZ4X recall? What is the new Kia Niro like? Also, what 1990's-era cars would Alex and Tim bring back to life today?

Podcast theme by Brian Roskelly.

This episode's music provided by: 

Crimson - Mehul Choudhary https://soundcloud.com/mehul-choudhary-353304313 Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0 Free Download / Stream: https://bit.ly/3e73wZI Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/DlNjIG5GKUo

In this episode, Travis and Alex discuss leasing versus buying, what hybrids are and what they are not, General Motors joining the Tesla supercharging network, and of course we answer a bunch of viewer questions. If you're curious about how leasing works what you need to know before you sign for a lease, and whether a lease is right for you or not hopefully we can answer that today. If after several decades, you are still curious about where you plug in a hybrid, if you're not, we talk about that too.

Brian swings by to talk about the all-new Honda Civic Type R with Alex and Tim, then the conversation pivots to what a dream garage might look like for both of them.

Podcast theme by Brian Roskelly.

This episode's music provided by: 

Stress by KV https://youtube.com/c/KVmusicprod Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0 Free Download / Stream: https://bit.ly/3S0TuYV Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/J7yVcogLGyo

In this one-on-one with Alex, the beans are spilled on the upcoming AoA Giveaway this Friday, April 21st (instructions for how to sign up in the video). This is followed by a live Q&A session with Facebook and YouTube audiences.

In this episode Alex and Tim discuss the new Lexus TX three row SUV. Which trims are a good idea and where Lexus went wrong with their new family hauler. We also cover the new point of sale tax credits and what we know now.

Alex takes viewer questions while trapped inside a hotel room in Sonoma, California. Kicking things off: what did he end up buying to replace the EV6?

Podcast theme by Brian Roskelly.

This episode's music provided by:

Las Palmas by Scandinavianz https://soundcloud.com/scandinavianz Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0 Free Download / Stream: https://bit.ly/3ZNHGg2 Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/i-wLqwQEiK0

It looks like China is on the brink of banning one pedal driving in new vehicles from 2026. Why? Well, it's not in the name of efficiency. Apparently China's watchdog agency says one pedal driving is less safe than having a second pedal around. 

Alex and Tim go all in on EVs today, discussing Alex's new Ford F-150 Lightning, the new federal legislation that might get manufacturers back some EV credits, and the true state of EV marketshare now and in the next ten or so years.

Podcast theme by Brian Roskelly.

This episode's music provided by: 

Fuengirola by Scandinavianz https://soundcloud.com/scandinavianz Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0 Free Download / Stream: https://bit.ly/3B9bx9B Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/0VzE-5JInHo

Today Alex and Tim try to decide if a Cadillac Escalade is better than the new Hummer EV, then they have a few cars that they personally would resurrect if they had the all-powerful sorcerer's stone...

Podcast theme by Brian Roskelly.

This episode's music provided by: 

SweetHeart by ZAYFALL https://soundcloud.com/zayfallmusic Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0 Free Download / Stream: https://bit.ly/3a3rzXr Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/5_y5bjWuXvk

Yes, inflation and rising costs of goods and technology have affected the cost of new car ownership significantly over the year. There's still hope, though. Among other topics, Alex and Tim cover all of the new vehicles you can buy in America for under $30,000.

Podcast theme by Brian Roskelly.

This episode's music provided by: 

Alone by Urpleactus https://youtube.com/user/UrpleActus Creative Commons Attribution license Free Download / Stream: http://bit.ly/3i7WPbh Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/JNcG1uQp_rg

According to the latest Consumer Reports data, Rivian is a paradox, they are the least reliable new car brand in America but also the one the most people would buy again. This makes us wonder: is new car reliability, well, unreliable? The answer is yes, and we may never know how reliable a new car is ever again...

Toyota's popular SUV is finally all-new for 2025, but does that make it all-better? Or should shoppers look elsewhere? Also, what on earth happened with 4Runner pricing! OMG. Which new EVs still have the EV tax credit? Way fewer than before. Should owners be able to say no to software updates? Should they?

For 2024 Toyota is bringing back the Land Cruiser, but it's not the Land Cruiser 300 sold elsewhere, instead we get the smaller Land Cruiser 250. Also, Tesla shoppers are shocked their EVs can't hit the advertised range figures, despite a solid decade of reporting. 

The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 – who are the winners and losers? With all this EV talk, what about Tesla? How's it going over there, especially considering Elon Musk's recent acquisition of Twitter? Will that positively or negatively affect his automotive endeavors?

Podcast theme by Brian Roskelly.

This episode's music provided by: 

Silk by tubebackr https://soundcloud.com/tubebackr Creative Commons — Attribution-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported — CC BY-ND 3.0 Free Download / Stream: https://bit.ly/3TVxQ9c Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/rCusfj2PKXI

The first non-Tesla with a native J3400/NACS port is here and it's... a Hyundai? Yep, Hyundai, despite joining the NACS party later than Ford and GM is going to be the first to actually put them in customer's hands. By the end of this year Ioniq 5s built in the USA will have the new port followed shortly thereafter by the Kia EV6. In this episode we also cover the most affordable new cars in America and which one we think is the best.