2026 Kickoff Show, Perfect Condition Trades, New TRX, VW vs Scout, So Long Volvo V60 & more
About this episode
Kicking off 2026, the hosts dive into car culture predictions, trends, and personal anecdotes. They discuss the state of the automotive market, focusing on the misconceptions around vehicle conditions during trade-ins. The conversation touches on the new TRX, the decline of the Volvo V60, and the competition between VW and Scout. Listeners gain insights into the used car market, dealership dynamics, and the importance of vehicle maintenance. The episode blends humor with valuable advice, making it a lively start to the new season.
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Toyota Cars Toyota
"It was across all kinds of stuff. Kia, Hyundai, affordable cars, Toyota engines, trucks, old trucks, new trucks,"
The Toyota Camry is a popular car that is known for being dependable and good on gas. It's comfortable to drive and is a great choice for everyday use.
The Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan known for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and comfortable ride. It has been a best-seller for decades, often discussed for its practicality and value in the sedan market.
Kia
"...Kia, Hyundai, affordable cars, Toyota engines,..."
Kia is a car brand from South Korea that makes many different kinds of cars. They are popular because they offer good features for the price and have a long warranty.
Kia is a South Korean automotive brand that produces a variety of vehicles known for their value and warranty offerings. They have gained popularity for their stylish designs and affordable pricing.
reconditioning fees
"What are these reconditioning fees that people are always talking about? Are they real? Am I absorbing just boo-boo kind of charges?"
Reconditioning fees are extra charges that car dealerships might add when selling a used car. They cover the costs of fixing up the car and making it look nice before selling it.
Reconditioning fees are charges that dealerships apply to cover the costs of preparing a used vehicle for sale. This can include repairs, detailing, and inspections to ensure the car is in good condition for the next buyer.
Hyundai Palisade
"we'll just keep on the conversation, a new Palisade or something. And to him, it's in really good con..."
The Hyundai Palisade is a large family-friendly SUV that has lots of space for passengers and cargo. It's known for being safe and having cool technology features, which makes it a good choice for families.
The Hyundai Palisade is a mid-size SUV that has gained popularity for its spacious interior, advanced safety features, and overall value. It offers a comfortable ride and a range of tech options, making it a strong contender in the family SUV market.
engine
"...getting every recall or engine or transmission thing handled from Ferrari to Mercedes to whatever car..."
The engine is what makes the car go. It uses fuel to create power that moves the car.
The engine is a machine that converts fuel into mechanical energy to power a vehicle, and is a crucial component of any car.
recall
"...getting every recall or engine or transmission thing handled from Ferrari to Mercedes to whatever car..."
A recall happens when a car company asks car owners to bring their cars back for repairs because of a problem that could be dangerous or affect how the car works.
A recall is a request to return a product, such as a vehicle, to the manufacturer for repair due to safety or performance issues.
transmission
"...getting every recall or engine or transmission thing handled from Ferrari to Mercedes to whatever car..."
The transmission helps the car change speeds and makes it easier to drive, connecting the engine to the wheels.
The transmission is a system in a vehicle that transmits power from the engine to the wheels, allowing the car to move at different speeds.
Ferrari
"...getting every recall or engine or transmission thing handled from Ferrari to Mercedes to whatever car..."
Ferrari is a famous car brand from Italy that makes very fast and expensive sports cars.
Ferrari is an Italian luxury sports car manufacturer known for its high-performance vehicles and racing heritage.
Mercedes
"...getting every recall or engine or transmission thing handled from Ferrari to Mercedes to whatever car..."
Mercedes is a well-known car brand from Germany that makes luxury cars and is famous for their quality and technology.
Mercedes-Benz is a German automotive brand known for luxury vehicles, buses, and trucks, and is a division of Daimler AG.
used car
"...that almost every used car has. Door dings, they're going to have to get..."
A used car is one that someone else has owned before you. They usually cost less than new cars but might need some repairs or maintenance.
A used car is a vehicle that has had one or more previous owners and is being sold again, as opposed to a new car which has never been owned. Used cars often come with a lower price tag but may require more maintenance and repairs.
PDR
"...they're going to have to get PDR, paintless net repair. They're going to most likely have to have one,..."
PDR is a way to fix small dents on a car without having to repaint it. It's a quick and less expensive method to make your car look better again.
PDR stands for Paintless Dent Repair, a technique used to remove minor dents from the body of a vehicle without affecting the paint finish. This method is often used for door dings and small dents that can be accessed from behind the panel.
tires
"Think about how much tires cost these days. Oh, we know."
Tires are the round rubber parts that help your car move on the road. They can be expensive, and the price can add up quickly depending on what kind you need.
Tires are the rubber components that provide traction between the vehicle and the road. They are crucial for safety, handling, and performance, and their costs can vary significantly based on type and brand.
trade-in
"...you go to the dealership and you go, well, they low-balled me on my trade-in. Well, they looked at your trade-in and it needs $3,200 worth of work..."
A trade-in is when you give your old car to a dealership to help pay for a new one. The dealership will look at your old car and decide how much it's worth.
A trade-in is a vehicle that a consumer offers to a dealership as part of the payment for a new or used car. The dealership assesses the value of the trade-in, which can affect the overall cost of the new vehicle.
dealership lot
"...to get this to be able to be on the dealership lot..."
A dealership lot is where you see cars for sale at a dealership. It's the parking area where they keep the cars that are ready to be sold.
A dealership lot is the area where a car dealership displays its vehicles for sale. Vehicles on the lot are typically ready for sale and have passed any necessary inspections or repairs.
blower
"I got to put this new blower on this car and I don't have time to go to the doctor, whatever."
A blower is a part that helps an engine get more air, which can make the car go faster. It pushes air into the engine to create more power.
A blower, often referred to as a supercharger, is a device that forces more air into the engine's combustion chamber, allowing for increased power and performance. It compresses the intake air, which can lead to a significant boost in horsepower.
rust belt
"I grew up in what you would call the rust belt, the salt belt."
The rust belt is an area in the U.S. known for factories and heavy industry. Cars in this region can rust quickly because of the salt used on roads in winter.
The rust belt refers to a region in the United States characterized by heavy industry and manufacturing, where vehicles are often exposed to road salt during winter, leading to increased rust and corrosion.
corrosive
"And then they want to sell it to you for a premium. I know what I have. And we act like salt is this corrosive thing."
Corrosive means something can eat away at materials, like metal. Salt on roads can damage cars by causing them to rust.
A corrosive substance is one that can cause damage to materials, including metals, through chemical reactions. Road salt is corrosive and can lead to rust on vehicles.
Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG
"...we did a case study on an S63 AMG Benz, as an example with a client we were trying to land..."
The Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG is a fancy and fast luxury car that offers a lot of comfort and high-tech features. It's designed for people who want both performance and luxury in their vehicle.
The Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG is a high-performance luxury sedan known for its powerful engine and advanced technology. It is part of the S-Class lineup, which is renowned for its comfort and cutting-edge features.
MSRP
"...I forget what the MSRP was. Maybe at that time it was 135 or 145,000..."
MSRP is the price that the car maker suggests you pay for a new car. It's like a starting price that you can negotiate with the dealership.
MSRP stands for Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price, which is the price that the manufacturer recommends for a vehicle. It serves as a starting point for negotiations between the buyer and the dealership.
depreciation
"...it's a big loss in a two year period, but it's a luxury sedan..."
Depreciation is how much a car loses value over time. Most cars, especially expensive ones, drop in price quickly after you buy them.
Depreciation is the reduction in the value of an asset over time, often due to wear and tear. In the automotive context, it refers to how much a car's value decreases after purchase, typically more pronounced in luxury vehicles.
rock chip
"Some but some we see she got a rock chip. We have it fixed."
A rock chip is a small damage on your car's windshield or paint caused by a rock hitting it. If you don't fix it, it might get worse over time.
A rock chip refers to a small chip or crack in the windshield or paint of a vehicle caused by a rock or debris striking it. These chips can lead to further damage if not repaired promptly.
PPF
"We PPF the front end of her cars. No questions asked."
PPF means Paint Protection Film, which is a clear layer put on a car to protect its paint from scratches and chips. It's especially used on the front part of the car.
PPF stands for Paint Protection Film, a clear, durable film applied to a vehicle's exterior to protect the paint from scratches, chips, and other damage. It is commonly used on high-impact areas like the front end of cars.
Rolls Royce
"...that the car company, Rolls Royce, Bentley, Ferrari, call us in and go,..."
Rolls Royce makes very expensive and luxurious cars that are often custom-made for wealthy customers.
Rolls Royce is a luxury automobile manufacturer known for its high-end vehicles that often feature bespoke craftsmanship and advanced engineering.
Bentley
"...that the car company, Rolls Royce, Bentley, Ferrari, call us in and go,..."
Bentley is known for making luxury cars that are powerful and very comfortable, often used by rich people.
Bentley is a British luxury car manufacturer that produces high-performance vehicles with a focus on comfort and craftsmanship.
Honda Civic
"...they just don't take care of their stuff. So we see this from Honda Civic all the way up to Ferraris..."
The Honda Civic is a small car that many people drive because it's dependable and saves on gas. It's a common choice for new drivers and those looking for an affordable vehicle.
The Honda Civic is a compact car known for its reliability and fuel efficiency. It's popular among a wide range of drivers, from first-time car owners to enthusiasts who modify them for performance.
Toyota Tacoma
"...we had a guy stopped by last year who had a three-year-old Tacoma. The whole truck had to be repainted..."
The Toyota Tacoma is a sturdy pickup truck that many people use for work or outdoor activities. It's known for being tough and reliable.
The Toyota Tacoma is a popular midsize pickup truck known for its durability and off-road capability. It's often favored for both work and recreational use.
Porsche
"...that's happening. You see that with Porsches or certain Lamborghinis or certain Ferrari sure,"
Porsche is a car brand from Germany that makes fast and luxury cars. They are well-known for their sports cars, especially the 911 model.
Porsche is a German automotive manufacturer known for its high-performance sports cars, SUVs, and sedans. The brand has a strong motorsport heritage and is particularly famous for models like the 911.
Lamborghini
"...You see that with Porsches or certain Lamborghinis or certain Ferrari sure,"
Lamborghini is a luxury car brand from Italy that makes very fast and expensive sports cars. They are famous for their flashy designs and powerful engines.
Lamborghini is an Italian manufacturer of high-performance sports cars and SUVs, renowned for their aggressive styling and powerful engines. Models like the Aventador and Huracán are iconic in the supercar world.
Bugatti Chiron
"...there was a guy that picked up a Rex Chiron and I don't know who it is,..."
The Bugatti Chiron is a very expensive and powerful car that can go really fast. It's designed for people who want the best in speed and luxury.
The Bugatti Chiron is a luxury hypercar known for its incredible performance and engineering. It features a quad-turbocharged W16 engine, making it one of the fastest production cars in the world.
Mazda Cx5
"or even the example I've given with the CX-5, you know, I hit it up."
The Mazda CX-5 is a smaller SUV that is fun to drive and has a nice interior. It's a good option if you want a vehicle that looks good and is easy to handle.
The Mazda CX-5 is a compact crossover SUV that stands out for its sporty handling and upscale interior. It combines practicality with a fun driving experience, making it a favorite among those who want both style and functionality.
Dodge Ram
"...these brands? We're just going to keep leaning on Ram and Dodge. All of Stellantis?"
The Dodge Ram is a big pickup truck that is great for carrying heavy loads and towing trailers. It's also comfortable to drive, making it a popular choice for both work and everyday use.
The Dodge Ram, now known as the Ram Truck, is a full-size pickup known for its strong performance, towing capacity, and comfortable interior. It has a significant presence in the truck market and is often discussed for its capabilities in both work and leisure.
Jeep Cherokee
"... of say about Jeep, you know, you got to make the Cherokee great again. Yeah, buddy."
The Jeep Cherokee is a smaller SUV that can handle rough roads and off-road adventures. It's popular because it looks tough and can take you places other cars can't go.
The Jeep Cherokee is a compact SUV known for its off-road capabilities and rugged design. It has a loyal following due to its versatility and the brand's reputation for adventure, making it a popular topic among SUV enthusiasts.
Toyota Grand Highlander
"react like the other segment. So a grand Highlander might keep its price elevated, but you can get a ..."
The Toyota Grand Highlander is a bigger SUV that can fit more people and their stuff. It's known for being reliable and safe, which is great for families.
The Toyota Grand Highlander is a larger version of the popular Highlander SUV, designed to accommodate more passengers and cargo. It features Toyota's reputation for reliability and safety, making it a strong choice for families needing extra space.
Acura MDX
"... its price elevated, but you can get a deal on an MDX, right? It's essentially the same marketplace, sa..."
The Acura MDX is a fancy SUV that has a lot of room and nice features. It's a good choice if you want something comfortable and stylish for your family.
The Acura MDX is a luxury midsize SUV that offers a blend of performance, comfort, and advanced technology features. It is well-regarded for its spacious interior and smooth ride, making it a popular choice for families looking for a premium vehicle.
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