Auto Buyers Guide Podcast

Episodes

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  Polestar Pulls Out, Durango Booms, Our EV Might Catch Fire, & Luxury Underdog Fight 28.07.2026 1h 37m

  This week the guys dig into why used EV prices are climbing back up now that federal tax credits are gone, why the Dodge Durango just posted its best sales in two decades, and whether crash test scores actually move the needle for shoppers. They also break down Polestar's decision to walk away from the US market instead of appealing its sales ban, GM's plan to bring the XT5 and XT6 back to Cadillac from China, and the wave of battery recalls hitting the Volvo EX30 and VW ID.4. From there it's a deep dive into car features that quietly became essential (smartphone projection, ventilated seats) versus the ones that aged like milk (giant glass roofs, CD-based nav), plus why car theft rates keep falling despite hacker-level Bluetooth exploits. They close out with a full breakdown of the "almost-luxury" brand wars — Genesis, Lincoln, Infiniti, and Acura — and where each one is headed next.   0:00 Intro – what's on deck1:18 EV resale values rebound as tax credits vanish5:43 Dodge Durango's record-breaking sales year13:27 Do crash test scores actually matter?19:09 Polestar quits the US market29:27 GM revives the XT5 and XT6 for Cadillac34:09 Battery recall fears: Volvo EX30 and VW ID.440:44 Honda's new US factory and EV strategy47:19 Why car thefts are plunging49:51 Car features: essential now vs. aged like milk1:14:15 Quirky luxury market: Genesis, Lincoln, Infiniti, Acura1:29:27 Listener mail and sign-off    
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  Seltos First Drive, Niro vs Seltos Hybrid & Is Honda-Nissan Too Integrated to Be Good? 21.07.2026 57m

  Travis returns from a sweaty Kia Seltos first drive — bigger, bolder, and available with a 1.6-liter turbo that makes it genuinely fun through the hills — but the story isn't the car itself, it's the incoming hybrid everyone's actually waiting for. The guys dig into Kia's curious trim-level decision (1.6T only at the very top of the X-Line), what the Seltos hybrid might actually deliver in fuel economy versus a Corolla Cross, and the bigger strategic question it raises: if the Seltos gets a great hybrid system, what exactly is the Kia Niro for anymore? The comparison to the Trax/Trailblazer split is floated — different shapes, different buyers — but the Niro's remarkable fuel economy might be the only thing that saves it. From there the conversation covers the serial vs. parallel hybrid debate (Honda's system as the test case, Nissan's incoming serial system as the punchline), what the Honda Prelude should've been if they'd just added a PHEV battery and a bigger electric motor, whether the Honda Element is really coming back or just generating SEMA concept buzz, and how integrated Honda and Nissan should actually get before the partnership stops making sense for customers. The episode closes with the Mitsubishi Eclipse Sportback EV arriving on a Leaf platform (more differentiated than the Rogue Hybrid, at least), a breakdown of the Toyota-Subaru partnership and who's really steering it, a listener's fully electrified Volvo household singing the praises of the XC90 Recharge PHEV system, a viewer's first-ever new car purchase (a Mini Countryman S All4), and the story of a colleague who found themselves surrounded by police at a grocery store because a FLOCK camera flagged their press car as stolen.
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  Tesla's A "Legacy" Car Maker Now, Who'll Be Hands Free Next, Polestar & TRX vs Raptor 10.07.2026 58m

  A listener wants a fun weekend car with supervised self-driving that is not a Tesla, which sends us down a rabbit hole on when Ford, GM and Rivian might actually ship level three autonomy, and whether Tesla has quietly turned into a legacy car company. We dig into Tesla's R&D spending per vehicle versus GM, why the charging and range crown has slipped to Hyundai, Kia and Lucid, and what we would actually do to fix Tesla's product lineup and priorities. From there we cover GM's Ultium charging push, the strange story behind Volvo getting a connected-car waiver while Polestar did not, and whether EV road trips make sense with young kids in the car. We also talk through GM's heavy but practical EV trucks, why a hybrid or gas Silverado EV would be a game changer, and settle the debate between the Ram 1500 TRX, Rumble Bee and Ford Raptor R.   0:00 Intro: winging it this week0:22 Listener question: a fun, self-driving car that isn't a Tesla4:16 Has Tesla become a legacy car company?11:07 Tesla's R&D spending compared to GM20:56 How we'd fix Tesla29:31 GM's Ultium push for faster charging32:15 Volvo's connected-car waiver and Polestar's problem37:27 Road tripping in EVs with young kids43:08 GM's EV trucks, the mid-gate, and wanting a hybrid Silverado EV47:48 Ram TRX vs Ford Raptor R showdown
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  What's Wrong With Toyota's Lineup? Slate Truck Review & The Real Reason Hybrids Save Fuel 30.06.2026 1h 7m

  This week we diagnose Toyota's identity crisis — after the CEO admitted the lineup is "out of control," we go model by model through what should stay, what should die (Crown, Land Cruiser, Supra, GR86, the plug-in hybrid), and where Toyota needs more options in the middle of its SUV range. Plus, first impressions from spending real time with the new Slate electric truck, including configurator surprises and who it might actually make sense for.   Toyota lineup, Toyota CEO comments, Land Cruiser, 4Runner, Crown Signia, Lexus, GR86, Supra, Prius, Corolla, Camry Hybrid, RAV4 Hybrid, Slate electric truck, Slate truck review, hybrid explainer, Atkinson cycle, regenerative braking, hybrid transmission, hybrid reliability, hybrid battery replacement cost, used car vs new car, car buying advice #Toyota #HybridCars #SlateTruck #CarNews #AutoBuyersGuide #CarBuyingAdvice #ElectricTruck #ToyotaHybrid #CarPodcast #4Runner #LandCruiser   0:00 Intro: the laryngitis edition0:20 Shameless plugs: the new novel and Kiva microlending7:23 Slate electric truck: first impressions17:34 Diagnosing what's wrong with Toyota's lineup29:12 What we'd cut from Toyota's lineup34:38 Listener Q&A: best hybrid SUV pick46:33 How hybrids actually save fuel (Atkinson cycle)55:19 Hybrid transmission changes explained59:34 Hybrid reliability and battery replacement costs1:04:22 Why your current car is the cheapest car you own
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  Spare Tires & the 2027 Silverado 18.06.2026 1h 3m

  Spare tire or no spare tire? After limping the last 50 miles of a 1,000-mile road trip home on a donut, the crew digs into whether the spare still matters in 2026 — the Consumer Reports data behind what new cars actually carry, why Honda and Subaru hybrids bury the spare-tire well under a battery and waste the space entirely, what a replacement donut really costs, and the safety reasons you should almost always mount the spare on the rear axle. Along the way: a listener voicemail making the case for aftermarket modern-spare kits, the truth about whether AAA brings you a tire (spoiler — they don't), the right and wrong way to use fix-a-flat, and how often you should really be checking your spare's pressure. Then it's on to the 2027 Chevy Silverado refresh — the surviving 2.7L turbo now bolted to the 10-speed, the new 5.7L and 6.6L V8s replacing the old 5.3 and 6.2, a detour through the wild history of the segment's diesels (Cadillac, Fiat, and Land Rover all make an appearance), the new triple-screen interior, and why a GM sport truck could give the Ram Rumble Bee a real run for its money.   0:00 Intro: spare tires and what's ahead0:22 Limping home on the donut after a 1,000-mile trip1:50 Glad I skipped the Blazer EV (no spare)3:00 Voicemail: John from Philly on modern-spare kits5:44 Spare tires, regions, and brand culture8:18 The AAA myth: do they bring you a tire?9:14 The data: Consumer Reports spare-tire stats14:27 Spare categories and donut limitations16:47 The five-tire rotation philosophy20:10 Honda & Subaru hybrids: batteries in dumb places24:43 What a replacement spare actually costs26:31 Is fix-a-flat an okay compromise?28:31 Checking spare pressure & air compressors31:20 Where do you even put the full-size spare?34:55 Front vs. rear: mounting the spare safely38:14 Upgrading: modern-spare universal kits41:55 The 2027 Chevy Silverado refresh44:01 Engines: 2.7L turbo, new V8s, and the 10-speed48:19 Diesel history: Cadillac, Fiat & Land Rover50:24 Power estimates for the 5.7L & 6.6L V8s53:33 New triple screens & smartphone integration55:12 Sport truck speculation vs. the Rumble Bee59:11 Torque-split 4WD and why it matters1:02:24 Wrap-up
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  Sedans Are Back, Dodge Is Confused & Should Acura Just Die? 04.06.2026 1h 24m

  This week on Auto Buyer's Guide, the crew goes unscripted and ends up covering more ground than most planned episodes ever do. It starts with a Camry in the driveway and spirals into a genuinely compelling argument for why Toyota's all-hybrid midsize sedan is one of the shrewdest value plays on the market right now — outselling the entire Mercedes lineup in North America and costing buyers roughly $100 a month less than a RAV4 when you run the real numbers. From there the conversation widens into the broader sedan and hybrid sales resurgence, the questionable economics of the Prius versus Camry, why manufacturers keep killing promising vehicles too early, and a tour through what Honda used to get right with packaging that it no longer does. The back half of the episode gets into some of the thornier issues shaking up the industry: Dodge's $12,000 price hike on the Charger EV and the deeper identity crisis behind it, a candid review of the new Honda Prelude hybrid, the vanishing breed of affordable fun cars for everyday buyers, and a long-form discussion on what a Honda-Nissan merger might actually look like — including which brands (Acura, Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Infiniti) probably shouldn't survive it. Tesla's luxury market positioning, Hyundai and Kia's dramatic move upmarket, and a listener question on vehicle sizing graphics round out a wide-ranging, opinion-heavy hour that sounds nothing like it wasn't planned.   00:00:00 - Intro: No Plans, No Filter Edition00:00:33 - Camry Hybrid Deep Dive: Sales, MPG & the RAV4 Cost Math00:10:30 - Sedans & Hybrids Are Making a Comeback00:13:48 - When Manufacturers Kill Good Products Too Soon00:34:48 - Dodge Charger EV: $12K Price Hike & the CAFE Connection00:40:06 - What Dodge Should Have Done with the Charger00:48:41 - Honda Prelude Review: Fun, But Is It Enough?00:51:27 - Honda's Lost Packaging Magic & the Death of the Fit01:00:28 - Affordable Fun Cars Are Disappearing01:06:08 - Honda-Nissan Merger: Kill Acura? Brand Rationalization Debate
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  Jeep's Toyota Secret, MSRP Is a Lie & Why Your Car's Legroom Numbers Are Wrong 01.06.2026 1h 15m

  Alex and Jared open with a revelation that stops most car shoppers cold: the new Jeep Cherokee hybrid isn't running some Stellantis-developed powertrain — it's essentially Toyota technology, sourced through Blue Nexus, the joint venture Toyota quietly controls via its majority stakes in Aisin and Denso. From there the conversation expands into the Cherokee's real-world performance (38 mpg, a 7.5-second 0-60, and a Motor Trend early-prototype controversy), how it actually sizes up against the RAV4 despite looking smaller inside, and whether a Jeep Cherokee that's really an on-road mall crawler can still legitimately wear the Jeep badge. The guys also dig into the deeper history of how Jeep went from a tiny niche brand to over a million global sales, the brand's increasingly crowded lineup, and where a rumored two-door Wrangler-based pickup might fit into all of it. The second half of the episode tackles one of the trickiest questions in automotive journalism: how should reviewers talk about car prices when Jeep and GM routinely sell at 10–15% below MSRP while Toyota holds at or above sticker? Alex breaks down how MSRP-to-MSRP comparisons can mislead shoppers, how resale value data is distorted by markups and dealer add-ons (and why Wrangler's "strong resale" is partly a statistical illusion), and how Toyota's own trucks are now hitting 10% off MSRP as competition heats up. The episode closes with a frank look at the Lexus lineup — including the ES's evolution from budget Camry rebadge to Lexus flagship sedan — and a quick update on what Volvo's SPA3 platform and the EX60 might mean for the forthcoming Polestar 3 refresh.   0:00   Intro: The Cherokee, MSRPs & What's on the Docket0:43   Jeep's Toyota Secret: Blue Nexus, Aisin & How the Cherokee Hybrid Really Works4:20   Cherokee Real-World Results & the Motor Trend Prototype Controversy7:00   Cherokee vs RAV4: Size, Cargo & the "Don't Believe Your Lying Eyes" Problem10:00  How Legroom & Cargo Numbers Are (Mis)Measured — The C1100 Standard Explained19:00  Can a Jeep Cherokee Be a Real Jeep? + Jeep Brand History25:00  Jeep's Overcrowded Lineup, Global Growth & the Wrangler Pickup Rumor34:00  Are MSRPs Meaningless? Pricing, Discounts & Resale Value Reality44:00  Toyota Trucks at 10% Off & the Tundra Engine Recall52:00  What Average Car Shoppers Actually Want (vs What Enthusiasts Think They Want)1:03:23 Lexus Lineup: ES as Flagship, Lexus's Core Strategy & the IS We Miss1:11:00 Volvo EX60, SPA3 Platform & What It Means for Polestar 3
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  Rumble Bees Are Buzzing, Toyota's V6 Has More Issues, EX60, & Finally New Chryslers Are Coming 22.05.2026 1h 21m

  The auto world is heating up as Ram throws down the gauntlet with not one but three versions of the all-new Rumble Bee sport truck — and the hosts dig deep into what makes it tick: wider tracks, spool rear differentials, SRT-sourced all-wheel drive, and engine choices ranging from the 5.7 Hemi all the way to the Hellcat. But the conversation doesn't stop there. From Volvo's screaming-fast EX60 EV charging speeds and Toyota's alarming twin-turbo V6 recall, to GM quietly dominating the budget car market with Korean-built compacts, this episode covers the full spectrum of what's moving in the industry right now.   Stellantis steals the spotlight in a major investor-day reveal: 60 new vehicles globally, with 11 headed to North America — including a revived Chrysler Airflow, a Dodge GLH to replace the Hornet, a new Durango with SRT versions, a Wrangler Scrambler pickup, and the Ram Rampage compact truck. The team also takes a hard look at the new Jeep Cherokee Hybrid, which secretly runs a Toyota-Denso transaxle under its hood, and debates the future of mild hybrids, inline-six performance, and whether Chrysler's rumored French-platform products can actually win over American buyers. It's a packed, opinion-heavy episode for anyone who loves trucks, EVs, and the business of cars.   #RamRumbleBee #SportTruck #Stellantis #JeepCherokee #CherokeeHybrid #VolvoEX60 #ElectricVehicle #EVCharging #ToyotaRecall #TwinTurboV6 #DodgeGLH #ChryslerAirflow #WranglerScrambler #RamRampage #GMTrax #AutoNews #CarPodcast #TruckNews #AutoBuyersGuide #NewCars2025 #HybridCars #eTorque #SRT #Hellcat #carreview   00:00:00 - Intro: The Return of the Sport Truck 00:01:28 - Ram Rumble Bee Deep Dive: Specs, Suspension & Engines 0 0:06:40 - Rumble Bee vs Durango SRT & Future Wish List 00:12:21 - Stellantis & JLR US Manufacturing + Volvo Factory Talk 00:17:18 - Volvo EX60 EV: Charging Speeds, Range & Options 00:36:43 - GM's Affordable Car Dominance: Trax, Trailblazer & Envista 00:44:27 - Toyota 3.4L Twin-Turbo V6 Recall: 270,000 Trucks at Risk 00:47:58 - Jeep Cherokee Hybrid: Toyota Transaxle & Real-World Impressions 00:52:21 - Stellantis Investor Day: 60 New Vehicles & North America's 11 01:11:31 - Ram eTorque, Hybrid Futures & Chrysler's French Platform Dilemma
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  Honda's Product Delays, The RAV4 Is The only PHEV That Makes Sense & Alex Is Still Car Shopping 11.05.2026 1h 16m

  The Auto Buyer's Guide podcast is back with a packed episode covering everything from major manufacturer shakeups to savvy used car shopping. This week, the hosts dig into Honda's shocking decision to delay four of its most critical vehicles — the Odyssey, Accord, HR-V, and MDX — past 2030, and what that says about the brand's strategic direction and engineering bandwidth. They also put the Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid GR Sport under the microscope, break down why the two-door vehicle is nearly extinct, and tackle the real-world challenges of fitting child safety seats in modern cars. The conversation then opens up to the big-picture debate everyone in the auto world is talking about: should Chinese EV brands be allowed to compete in the U.S. market, and what does history tell us about what happens when foreign automakers enter the scene? Rounding out the episode, the hosts get practical and walk listeners through what the used car market actually looks like under $10,000 — including some surprising finds and a few cars to avoid. Whether you're shopping for your next vehicle or just love a sharp take on the auto industry, this episode has something for you. 00:00:00 - Introduction & Episode Overview 00:00:32 - Volvo XC60 First Drive: Why We Weren't Invited (& What's Next for the Host's Family Car) 00:03:24 - Honda Delays Odyssey, Accord, HR-V & MDX Until After 2030 00:10:33 - Honda's China Sales Slump & What It Means for the Brand 00:16:17 - Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid GR Sport Review & PHEV Market Analysis 00:32:44 - Toyota vs. Honda: Who's Winning the EV Strategy Race? 00:35:27 - The Death of the Two-Door Vehicle: Who Killed the Coupe? 00:36:06 - Child Safety Seats, Rear-Facing Laws & the Cars That Can't Handle Them 00:53:52 - Should Chinese EV Brands Enter the U.S. Market? 01:09:18 - Used Cars Under $10,000: Best Buys & What to Avoid 01:16:19 - Outro & How to Contact the Show
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  Why Chinese Cars Are So Cheap, Rivian R2 v BMW iX3 v Volvo EX60, GMC Sierra EV 04.05.2026 1h 2m

  In this episode of the Auto Buyer's Guide, the team goes deep on today's most talked-about vehicles and market trends. First up, they put three compact EVs head-to-head — the Rivian R2, BMW iX3, and the new Volvo XC60 long-range — breaking down real-world range, charging strategy, software ecosystems, and which one actually wins for everyday drivers. They also take a close look at the Silverado EV before diving into the Infiniti QX65, Infiniti's would-be Lexus RX fighter, and debating whether its troubled VC turbo engine and missing hybrid option are too little, too late. Then, the conversation shifts to the booming Chinese auto market — from Geely's Guinness-certified hybrid engine to BYD's ultra-efficient systems — exploring why Chinese cars deliver jaw-dropping specs at a fraction of Western prices, and what that means for the global industry.
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  Pickup Trucks, EV Lease Headaches & the Montana Loophole 20.04.2026 1h 27m

  In this episode: 🚛 Pickup Trucks: How Did We Get Here? — Why trucks went from work vehicles to $80,000 lifestyle statements, how the F-150 grew by nearly 3 feet since 1964, and why CAFE regulations accidentally made trucks bigger. 🔋 EV Lease Buyout Strategy — AJ from San Diego is staring down a $5,000 gap between his lease payoff and market value. We break down his real options, what dealers can (and can't) do, and why the leasing company may send the car to auction anyway. 🚘 Should Mark Ditch His 2016 Tesla Model S? — With 82K miles, $5K already spent on repairs, and the free Supercharging perk on the line, is it time to move on? We crunch the numbers and recommend some underrated alternatives — including Cadillac's surprisingly strong EV lineup. 📋 The Montana LLC Loophole — Explained — How wealthy buyers have been using Montana shell companies to dodge state sales tax and registration fees, why California alone estimates $2 billion in lost revenue since 2022, and why states like Utah, Tennessee, and Texas are now cracking down. ⚡ Why Did Horsepower Plummet in the '70s and '80s? — The real story behind the muscle car era's sudden power collapse: SAE net vs. gross ratings, catalytic converters, early emissions regulations, and why a 426 Hemi went from 425hp to basically dead in a few short years.
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  What Dealers Really Cost You, The Used EV Flood Is Coming, High Power Hybrids & Minivan Death Traps 09.04.2026 1h 5m

  This week on Auto Buyer's Guide, we're digging into why nobody's making high horsepower hybrids anymore (blame Toyota's pragmatism and the ghost of the Lexus LS 600h), answering viewer questions on 12-volt battery woes and whether you actually need to flush your brakes, and debating why ventilated leather seats are really just a solution to a problem leather created in the first place. We've also got a look at the incoming tidal wave of 800,000-plus used EVs about to flood the market from lease returns, the dismal IIHS rear-seat safety scores that somehow managed to make every minivan in America look bad, GM's surprise resurrection of the Camaro and a Buick sedan on a platform that was already too small the first time around, Geely's absurd 1,100-kilowatt charging demo that puts everything stateside to shame, the $4,000-5,000 dealer markup you're paying whether you realize it or not, and a Chinese plug-in hybrid three-row with 858 horsepower that costs less than a loaded Camry — which really makes you wonder what exactly we're doing over here.
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  Best Budget Manuals, EV Subscription Costs & Reliability Myths Explained 02.04.2026 1h 6m

  This week, we’re recording from the back seat of Volvo’s smallest EV while diving into your latest car-buying questions. We break down the reality of buying a budget manual car in today’s market, unpack the growing frustration around subscription-based features in EVs like the Silverado, and take a hard look at whether reliability ratings (especially from sources like Consumer Reports) actually tell the full story. Along the way, we discuss the future of manuals, hybrids vs. turbos, and what’s really going on behind the scenes with automakers navigating EV strategy.
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  What's Wrong With Honda? 19.03.2026 1h 27m

  In today's episode, Alex, Travis and Mack Hogan from InsideEVs attempt to diagnose what exactly is wrong with Honda lately. From canceled EVs to joint ventures without a future, sagging Acura sales, and some products going stale, Honda is betting a great deal on their new large car platform, which is still a decent time away.   
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  Underwater Car Loans Are An Increasing Problem, Digital Air Vents Suck & Is The ZDX A Good Idea 13.03.2026 1h 14m

  After we recorded this video, Acura announced that their new EV that was supposed to start production in just a few months, has been cancelled, so if you want an EV with an Acura logo on it... The ZDX is your only way to go. In this video Alex and Travis also talk digital air vents, all digital controls, GM's upcoming SuperCruise update, and we compare the EV "wagons" from Chevy and Subaru.
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  Hybrid Comebacks and EV Crossroads: The Future of SUVs and Trucks 05.03.2026 1h 2m

  Return of the Jeep Cherokee as a hybrid, including its new drivetrain, design changes, and positioning in the SUV market. Comparisons between SUVs and crossovers, discussing features, pricing, and off-road capabilities across brands like Jeep, Toyota, and Subaru. Listener Q&A on car buying and upgrades, including tire choices, luxury SUVs, and family vehicle recommendations.  Electric vehicle trends and policy impacts, such as tax credits, EV adoption, and plug-in hybrid incentives.  Industry commentary on specific models, including the Tesla Cybertruck, upcoming hybrids, and future vehicle powertrains. 
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  Jeep's Cherokee Is Reborn As A Hybrid, Subaru's EV Offensive, Caddy's EV Overload 24.02.2026 59m

  Today in our first on-the-road podcast we drive around in a Jeep Cherokee hybrid and talk about Jeep's newest hybrid, Subaru's EV lineup expanding to include a 3-row and the reality that Cadillac now has more EVs than gas models in their lineup. Also, is Lexus the new Acura?
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  Can PHEVs Survive Without The Tax Credit? Do Families Buy "Family Cars" Anymore? 16.02.2026 1h 1m

  Alex and Travis dive into the rapidly shifting automotive landscape, starting with the growing affordability crisis as average new vehicle prices surpass $50,000 and manufacturers like Toyota signal multiple price increases per year. We cover the all-electric 2027 Highlander, and how it stacks up against competitors like the Hyundai Ioniq 9 and Kia EV9. The discussion explores development timelines, EV charging speeds, third-row practicality, and whether Toyota can price the Highlander aggressively enough to disrupt the three-row electric SUV market. The episode also features an in-depth comparison between the Hyundai Palisade and Toyota Grand Highlander, breaking down real-world interior measurements, child seat usability, and design trade-offs that sparked online controversy. Beyond SUVs, the hosts debate whether plug-in hybrids still make financial sense without federal tax credits, examine EV road-trip practicality for families, respond to listener questions about Volkswagen’s hybrid future, and touch on reliability concerns with the Chevy Blazer EV—along with a humorous fast-food detour to close things out.
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  ABG Pod Live Show - Alex Does Q&A! 09.02.2026 53m

  It’s a packed Friday live show covering one of the biggest shake-ups in the modern car market: dozens of vehicles disappearing for the 2026 model year. We kick things off with a rapid-fire rundown of discontinued sedans, coupes, EVs, and SUVs—and what those cancellations say about where the industry is heading. From there, we dive deep into EV demand, plug-in hybrid realities, tariffs, pricing pressure, and federal incentives, plus honest answers to audience questions on everything from Kia and Toyota strategy to Volvo wagons, Stellantis indecision, and the real cost of owning modern EVs. We also cover: Why affordable $25,000 EVs are still a long way off Whether plug-in hybrids actually get plugged in Tesla’s robotaxi ambitions and CarPlay rumors Used EV buying advice (Lightning vs Rivian, Audi vs Mercedes) The future of minivans, wagons, and midsize trucks As always, this one blends industry analysis with real-world ownership experience and zero PR spin.   00:00 – Welcome & live show setup00:02 – Massive list of vehicles canceled for 202604:45 – Audience Q&A begins04:55 – Why there’s no 2026 Kia EV6 yet05:36 – Kia & Hyundai’s electric future in the U.S.06:21 – EV demand slowdown, tax credits, and pricing math07:06 – Toyota warns of multiple price hikes due to tariffs07:27 – Volvo wagons: why they stopped working in the U.S.08:17 – Refresh vs redesign: when automakers stretch platforms09:51 – Are plug-in hybrids dying in America?11:09 – Europe vs U.S. plug-in hybrid reality check13:20 – GM, Mary Barra, and plug-in hybrid data15:09 – Aston Vantage vs Porsche 911 ownership advice16:29 – When (or if) $25,000 EVs will exist18:09 – Used Mercedes EQ vs Audi e-tron reliability18:58 – Why minivan seats don’t fold flat19:43 – 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander refresh & warranty thoughts20:54 – Blazer EV ownership update (pros, cons, issues)23:46 – Solar, batteries, and Chinese subsidy changes26:01 – Why EVs cost more in the U.S. than Europe28:26 – Automakers writing off billions in EV investments29:14 – Grand Highlander vs Honda Pilot buying advice31:39 – 2026 Jeep Cherokee vs Dodge Durango33:47 – Volvo EX60 vs Rivian R2 expectations36:10 – Polestar 3 vs Volvo EX lineup overlap37:37 – Stellantis product delays and strategy confusion40:31 – Rivian R1T vs Ford Lightning for camping42:04 – Tesla CarPlay rumors & software strategy43:06 – Honda Accord Hybrid MPG limits explained46:00 – Tesla, robotaxis, and the future of carmaking48:02 – Frunks, crash safety, and real-world risks50:34 – Will the Accord ever get AWD?51:52 – RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid: worth the premium?53:36 – Wrap-up and sign-off
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  GM's PHEV Insanity, Acura's In A Pickle, Volvo's 400 Mile EV, Tesla Cancels Autopilot 27.01.2026 1h 10m

  In this episode of the Auto Buyer’s Guide podcast the hosts catch up after travel and dig into major industry moves: Mercedes’ luxury and AMG sales surge despite an overall decline, Acura’s supplier crisis that pauses RDX production for up to two years, and why that threatens Acura’s sales trajectory.They discuss Honda’s new Prelude — its driving feel, hybrid drivetrain limitations, and missed opportunities like a plug‑in version or an Acura-branded variant — and ask whether low-volume sporty coupes can justify their premium pricing.The conversation covers General Motors’ public comments on plug‑in hybrids and the broader debate over whether owners actually plug them in, comparing U.S. data to European trends and noting how OEM strategy and messaging shape the market.Other highlights include Tesla moving advanced driver assists to subscription, the Polestar 4’s awkward market positioning, the Chevy Bolt’s limited return, and Volvo’s all-new EX60 with ultra-fast charging (claimed 10–80% in about 18 minutes) and up to a projected 400‑mile range on later trims.The hosts wrap up by weighing how these moves affect affordable cars and charging infrastructure in the U.S., and ask listeners for feedback and questions for future episodes.