Exploring how dealership experiences can significantly impact car purchasing decisions, this episode features engaging discussions with listeners sharing their electric vehicle (EV) journeys. Simon recounts his frustrating test drive experiences, particularly with BYD, which ultimately influenced his decision to purchase an MG5. Derek shares his excitement about his new Geely EX5 and the cost savings of driving electric compared to his Land Cruiser. The hosts emphasize the importance of dealership interactions in shaping buyer choices, highlighting both positive and negative experiences.
Caller Simon shares his new car shopping experience and how one dealership's experience was the reason he didn't buy their car. Should you be able to test drive a car on any roads you choose?
Derrick has a new Geely EX5 - why did he pick that and what's it like?
And Querida loves red cars and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 (N) is perfect for her!
Be part of the show, simply text 0477 657 657
"And of course Uniden smart dash cams. If you've got a new car or an old car, why haven't you got a dash cam?"
A dash cam is a small camera that you put on your car's dashboard. It records everything that happens while you drive, which can be helpful if there's an accident.
A dash cam is a camera mounted on a vehicle's dashboard that records video while driving. It can provide evidence in case of accidents or incidents on the road.
"And of course Uniden smart dash cams. If you've got a new car or an old car, why haven't you got a dash cam?"
Uniden is a brand that makes devices like dash cams, which help you record what's happening around your car. They are known for making reliable products.
Uniden is a company that specializes in communication and surveillance products, including dash cams. Their products are known for their quality and innovative features.
"I've got a dash cam, a Uniden dash cam in my 2012 Mazda 2 because why not? Why not know what's happening around it, give me the peace of mind."
The Mazda 2 is a small car that's easy to drive and park, perfect for city living. It's known for being fuel-efficient, which means it uses less gas.
The Mazda 2 is a subcompact car known for its efficiency and maneuverability, making it a popular choice for urban driving. It features a compact design and is often praised for its handling and fuel economy.
"So there was a couple of BYDs. Hyundai, Insta, Renault, Magani, Tech, SCOTA, Elrock."
BYD is a car company from China that makes electric cars and batteries. They are becoming popular around the world for their electric vehicles.
BYD is a Chinese automotive manufacturer known for producing electric vehicles and batteries. The company has rapidly expanded its presence in the global EV market.
The BYD Dolphin is a small electric car made for driving in cities. It's designed to be easy to use and good for the environment.
The BYD Dolphin is a compact electric vehicle designed for urban commuting. It features modern technology and a focus on efficiency, making it suitable for city driving.
Car
BYD Addo
"...I drove a dolphin and the Addos. So I had sort of about three visits to the place..."
The BYD Addo is a larger electric car from BYD that offers more space and comfort, making it suitable for families.
The BYD Addo is another electric vehicle from BYD, known for its spacious interior and advanced technology features. It aims to provide a comfortable ride for families and individuals alike.
"...the S5's rear-wheel drive. So I haven't had a rear-wheel drive car since then."
The Audi S5 is a sporty car that looks great and drives well. It has a strong engine and is fun to drive, especially if it's rear-wheel drive, which can make it more exciting to handle.
The Audi S5 is a luxury sports coupe known for its performance and stylish design. It features a powerful engine and is available with all-wheel drive, but this speaker mentions a rear-wheel drive variant, which can enhance driving dynamics.
"...the S5's rear-wheel drive. So I haven't had a rear-wheel drive car since then."
Rear-wheel drive means that the back wheels of the car get the power from the engine. This can make the car feel more balanced and fun to drive, especially when turning or speeding up.
Rear-wheel drive (RWD) is a vehicle configuration where the engine's power is sent to the rear wheels. This setup often provides better handling and balance, especially during acceleration and cornering.
"The other car is also a Skoda Karoq and an L-Rock is replacing that. The Skoda L-Rock was just fantastic."
The Skoda Karoq is a small SUV that is designed for families and those who need extra space. It has a comfortable interior and comes with modern technology to make driving easier.
The Skoda Karoq is a compact SUV that offers a blend of practicality and modern design, making it a popular choice in its segment. It is known for its spacious interior and advanced technology features.
"So, you already know that that's going to go and it's going to be another EV and you're going to stay on brand there with Skoda."
The Skoda Enyaq is an electric SUV from Skoda, which means it runs on electricity instead of gasoline. It has a lot of room inside and comes with the latest technology for a better driving experience.
The Skoda Enyaq is an all-electric SUV that represents Skoda's entry into the electric vehicle market, offering a spacious interior and a range of modern features. It is built on the Volkswagen Group's MEB platform, which is designed specifically for electric vehicles.
"...we've put in order for a Geely EX5 in Spire and just waiting for the leasing company..."
The Geely EX5 is a type of electric car made by the company Geely. It's built to be efficient for driving around cities and has a lot of modern features.
The Geely EX5 is an electric vehicle produced by the Chinese automaker Geely. It is designed to offer a practical and efficient solution for urban commuting, featuring modern technology and a spacious interior.
"Mate, I think the first EV I drove was the Hyundai Kona probably back in about 2018."
The Hyundai Kona is a small SUV that comes in both regular and electric versions. It's popular for its good looks and useful features.
The Hyundai Kona is a subcompact crossover SUV that is available in both gasoline and electric versions. It is known for its stylish design, practicality, and advanced technology features.
Car
X-Pung G6
"we test-drove that, the X-Pung G6, which the wife really likes. That was nice."
The X-Pung G6 is a new electric car from a Chinese company. It's designed with modern technology and comfort in mind, making it appealing to many drivers.
The X-Pung G6 is an electric vehicle from the Chinese brand X-Pung, known for its modern technology and comfort features. It represents the growing trend of electric vehicles in the automotive market.
"...I test-drove the Tesla Model Y with FSD Supervised. Oh, really? Okay."
The Tesla Model Y is a type of electric car that looks like an SUV. It's popular because it has a lot of space inside and uses electricity instead of gas, which is better for the environment.
The Tesla Model Y is an all-electric compact SUV that offers a spacious interior, advanced technology, and impressive performance. It is known for its long range and features like Autopilot and Full Self-Driving capabilities.
"...I test-drove the Tesla Model Y with FSD Supervised. Oh, really? Okay."
FSD Supervised is a feature in Tesla cars that helps the car drive itself, but the driver still needs to pay attention and be ready to take over if necessary.
FSD Supervised refers to Tesla's Full Self-Driving feature that allows the car to drive itself under certain conditions while requiring the driver to remain attentive and ready to take control if needed.
Geely is a car company from China that makes various types of vehicles, often at lower prices than many other brands.
Geely is a Chinese automotive manufacturer that produces a range of vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, and electric cars, and is known for offering affordable options in the market.
"Once the funds are up, probably a second hand MG4 will probably suit."
The MG4 is a type of electric car made by the MG brand. It's designed to be a more affordable option compared to other electric cars like Tesla.
The MG4 is an electric hatchback produced by MG, a brand known for its affordable vehicles. It offers a practical alternative for those looking for an electric vehicle without the premium price tag of brands like Tesla.
"It was the essence version, 64 kilowatt hour, 20,000 K's, two years old and $27,000."
A kilowatt hour is a way to measure how much energy a battery can store. It helps you understand how far an electric car can go on a single charge.
A kilowatt hour is a unit of energy that measures how much electricity is used over time. In electric vehicles, it indicates the capacity of the battery.
Car
Julie AX5
"...by going Julie? Probably like a bigger battery. So the day when we ordered the Julie AX5,..."
The Julie AX5 is an electric car that focuses on being eco-friendly and efficient. It's part of a growing trend of electric vehicles on the market.
The Julie AX5 is an electric vehicle known for its features and performance. It represents a shift towards more sustainable transportation options.
"Hyundai Ioniq 5 Epic N-Line. So the Epic N-Line, that's not the Ioniq 5 N, so it's not the super, like the super truck car, but it's the N-Line."
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 Epic N-Line is a sportier version of the Ioniq 5, an electric SUV. It has some extra features that make it feel more sporty compared to the regular model.
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 Epic N-Line is a variant of the Ioniq 5, which is an all-electric crossover SUV known for its modern design and advanced technology features. The N-Line designation indicates a sportier trim with enhanced styling and performance features.
"I was driving a little Suzuki Gran Vitara, and we sold that."
The Suzuki Grand Vitara is a small SUV that is good for both city driving and off-road adventures. It's known for being tough and practical.
The Suzuki Grand Vitara is a compact SUV known for its off-road capabilities and practicality. It has been popular for its rugged design and versatility.
The Kia EV6 is a new electric car from Kia. It's designed to be stylish and efficient, making it a popular choice for those looking to go electric.
The Kia EV6 is an all-electric crossover SUV that offers impressive performance, range, and advanced technology features. It represents Kia's commitment to electric mobility.
"We've got a Toyota Land Cruiser. So this is fun."
The Toyota Land Cruiser is a big, tough SUV that can drive on rough roads and is also comfortable for everyday use. It's popular for its reliability and ability to handle different types of terrain.
The Toyota Land Cruiser is a large SUV known for its off-road capability and durability. It's often used for both luxury and rugged terrains, making it a versatile choice for many drivers.
"...worked out that with our IONIQ, it costs us about $4."
The Hyundai IONIQ is a small car that can run on electricity or a mix of gas and electricity. It's built to be good for the environment and save on fuel costs.
The Hyundai IONIQ is a compact car available in hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric versions. It is designed for efficiency and eco-friendliness, making it a popular choice among environmentally conscious drivers.
"So we've got the AGL plan that has the midnight to 6 a.m. for 8 cents a kilowatt hour."
The AGL plan is a special deal from an energy company that lets you pay less for electricity at certain times, like during the night. This can help save money when charging electric cars.
The AGL plan refers to a specific energy plan offered by AGL, an Australian energy company. The plan mentioned offers a lower electricity rate during off-peak hours, which can be beneficial for electric vehicle charging.
"...the Land Cruiser costs us $80 in diesel. Wow."
Diesel is a kind of fuel used in some cars and trucks. It's different from regular gasoline and is often used in larger vehicles because it can be more efficient.
Diesel is a type of fuel derived from crude oil, commonly used in heavy-duty vehicles and some passenger cars. It is known for its fuel efficiency and torque characteristics.
An EV, or electric vehicle, is a car that uses electricity to run instead of gas. They are often better for the environment and can save money on fuel.
EV stands for electric vehicle, which is a car that runs on electricity instead of gasoline or diesel. EVs are becoming more popular due to their environmental benefits and lower running costs.
"...It's a hybrid. So, yeah, it's got electric range locally, but it's got then petrol range as well."
A hybrid car uses both a regular gas engine and an electric motor. This helps save fuel and is better for the environment.
A hybrid vehicle combines a traditional internal combustion engine with an electric motor to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. They can run on either the engine, the electric motor, or both.
"You get a special red in Tesla. Volkswagen ID buzz. Yes."
The Volkswagen ID. Buzz is a new electric van that looks a lot like the old VW buses from the 1960s. It's designed to be eco-friendly and has a lot of space inside, making it great for families or road trips.
The Volkswagen ID. Buzz is an electric minivan that pays homage to the classic VW Microbus. It represents Volkswagen's commitment to electric mobility and modern design, making it a significant player in the growing electric vehicle market.
The BMW M3 is a sportier version of the regular BMW 3 Series, designed for better performance and handling. It's well-liked by people who enjoy driving fast and having fun on the road.
The BMW M3 is a high-performance version of the BMW 3 Series, known for its sporty handling and powerful engines. It is a popular choice among car enthusiasts for its blend of luxury and performance.
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This is Two Blokes talking electric cars with Steven Fenwick and Trevor Long thanks to NRMA Insurance and Uniden.
That's right, the great people at NRMA Insurance helping protect what matters most for 100 years for most Australians
and they're going to keep doing it for probably 100 more.
They're also Australia's largest, one of Australia's largest insurers of electric vehicles,
so they know their EV stuff and we've spoken to them over the years.
Well, yes, we've been doing this show years about things they're doing to make sure that their service departments maintenance
and all those kind of people, the insurance, the crash repairs, all those people are aware and understand the EV market.
So they're doing all that.
And of course Uniden smart dash cams.
If you've got a new car or an old car, why haven't you got a dash cam?
I've got a dash cam, a Uniden dash cam in my 2012 Mazda 2 because why not?
Why not know what's happening around it, give me the peace of mind.
In front and back, get the look for the model with the R.
That's the rear camera too because you want to be covered all around and so that's the one to look for.
These are award-winning dash cams, not only for the quality, but also the design as well.
Stephen, happy new year.
Happy new year, it's 2026.
It doesn't feel like it, does it?
Wow.
2026.
I haven't really gotten used to riding 2026 yet.
No, not yet.
It wasn't CES amazing.
Oh wow, how busy.
And you know what?
It was bigger than any, I'll be, that was my 21st Consumer Electronic Show.
Okay, and it was bigger than I could have remembered.
I mean, shameless cross promotion, but we do have a lot of listeners who only listen to the Electric Vehicle Show and we appreciate that.
But we also do, and have been doing for 15 years, we're coming up to our 15th anniversary next month.
That's right.
Stephen's going to be a beautiful present.
15th anniversary of Two Blokes Talking Tech.
Yep.
If you're wondering why this show is called Two Blokes Talking Electric Cars, really, we just franchised the Two Blokes.
The Two Blokes, that's right.
Two Blokes Talking Tech has been around 15 years, and every single week we bring you the latest in tech news, reviews and information.
And hopefully you're going to learn about tech and what's happening in the world of tech from us each week.
And if you're subscribed to the Two Blokes Talking Tech feed, you get Two Blokes Talking Tech, you get the EFTM podcast, which is my talk back technology show.
You get the Tech Guide podcast, which is Talking Tech and interviews from Stephen.
You get Two Blokes Talking Tech, you get the Private Feed, which is us two talking rubbish.
You get the best movies you've never seen, which is Stephen introducing a brand new movie to me each and every week,
because I'm useless and haven't watched anything.
And then you get this Two Blokes Talking Electric Cars.
Best value podcast feed in the world.
We think so.
And if you don't agree, we'll give you your money back.
Guess what?
Here's a check for nothing.
But that's all in the Two Blokes Talking Tech feed, and we'd love to have you join us there anytime.
But this is Two Blokes Talking Electric Cars, and we're going to get straight into the New Year with calls.
All right, Stephen, let's not muck around.
Let's go to our calls.
And the first caller of the year is Simon.
G'day, Simon.
Hello, Trevor and Stephen.
How are you? Happy New Year.
Thank you, mate.
Great to have you with us.
Mate, where are you at in the world of EVs?
Well, sort of, was just, you know, following what was going on for, you know, a couple of years.
And then mid-2025, a nine-year-old SCOTA, we thought our old time to upgrade that.
So, sort of interest became research.
And, yeah, so, yeah, mid-2025 started seriously researching.
How's that gone for you?
Has it been a fun process or is it a challenging one?
No, no, no, it was fun.
It was fun.
So, yeah, you know, we, oh, there was a spreadsheet involved, of course.
Oh, you got a spreadsheet?
Yeah.
Got a spreadsheet.
So, yeah, so it basically, what we wanted was a car that wasn't all high-tech, you know,
still had a few buttons.
So, you know, we'd still got it, we've still got a nice car.
So anyone in the house to jump from one into the other without it being such a leap.
Okay.
You know, a leap of tech.
And, you know, a budget of around, you know, it's a SCOTA we reckon was around, you know,
10 grand trading in.
So there's no, no novated license involved, you know, about a 10 grand trade.
And we recommend a budget of about 30k.
So, you know, 30k changeover, sorry.
Yeah.
So you're looking at a $40,000 car?
Yeah.
Roughly, yeah.
Yeah, exactly.
So what did you, just let's jump to the end part here.
Have you bought anything yet?
Yeah, we bought one in September.
Right, yeah.
What'd you get?
Yeah.
MGS-5.
Nice.
Okay, we drove that, yeah.
Yeah, nice.
Yeah.
How many cars you reckon you test-drive in that period?
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