#63 - How To Buy A Car In 2026, Cars Worth Too Much To Drive, The Craziest Negative Equity & More
About this episode
Navigating the car buying experience in 2026 is a hot topic, especially with the rising frustrations around dealership practices and negative equity issues. The hosts discuss the emotional turmoil many face when purchasing vehicles, emphasizing the importance of understanding budgets and making informed decisions. They also touch on the challenges of electric vehicles, the market's current state, and the need for consumers to take responsibility for their choices. Additionally, they share insights on the Mustang's uncertain future and the impact of rising prices on traditional car enthusiasts.
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Toyota Tacoma
"...nished last year 8% up, record-breaking year for Tacoma. So everybody's buying vehicles."
The Toyota Tacoma is a tough little truck that people love for its ability to drive on rough roads and carry heavy things. It's popular because it's reliable and holds its value well over time.
The Toyota Tacoma is a midsize pickup truck known for its durability, off-road capability, and strong resale value. It has become increasingly popular, with sales reaching record highs, reflecting a growing preference for versatile vehicles that can handle both daily driving and rugged terrain.
direct to consumer
"...the best idea to abolish the whole system. And I can tell you if you've seen probably the biggest direct to consumer brand in the car business, Tesla..."
Direct to consumer means that companies sell their products straight to people without using stores or dealerships. Tesla is a good example of this.
Direct to consumer (DTC) refers to a business model where companies sell their products directly to customers, bypassing traditional retail channels. This model is common in the automotive industry, particularly with brands like Tesla.
Tesla
"...the biggest direct to consumer brand in the car business, Tesla, we're pretty unique here in Vegas. What I get to witness, first of all, we got two massive Tesla distribution centers..."
Tesla is a car company that makes electric cars and sells them directly to customers instead of through traditional dealerships.
Tesla is an American electric vehicle and clean energy company known for its innovative approach to automotive design and direct-to-consumer sales.
Rivian
"And before anybody says it, well, my friend has a Rivian and my friend has a Lucid and might I've had lemon laws with all of them."
Rivian is a company that makes electric trucks and SUVs. They are known for their focus on outdoor and adventure features.
Rivian is an American electric vehicle manufacturer known for its all-electric R1T pickup truck and R1S SUV, focusing on adventure-oriented features.
Lucid
"And before anybody says it, well, my friend has a Rivian and my friend has a Lucid and might I've had lemon laws with all of them."
Lucid is a company that makes high-end electric cars, especially known for their luxury sedan called the Lucid Air.
Lucid Motors is an American automotive company that specializes in electric vehicles, particularly known for its luxury sedan, the Lucid Air, which boasts impressive range and performance.
lemon laws
"might I've had lemon laws with all of them. And shown Rob the paperwork on that. Literally all of them."
Lemon laws are laws that help people who buy cars that have serious problems that can't be fixed. If a car is a 'lemon,' the buyer can often get a refund or a replacement.
Lemon laws are regulations that provide a remedy for purchasers of cars that fail to meet quality and performance standards. If a vehicle has significant defects that cannot be repaired after a reasonable number of attempts, it may be considered a 'lemon.'
MSRP
"...we give them the options at $40,000 because that's the logical thing to do. They then go, why don't like those options? They walk themselves back onto the car lot, say, how much does this cost? You go, well, that's $60,000."
MSRP is the price that the car maker suggests the dealer should sell the car for. It's a starting point for how much you might pay for a new car.
MSRP stands for Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price, which is the price that the manufacturer recommends a dealer sell a vehicle for. It's often used as a baseline for negotiations when buying a car.
Civic Type R
"I want this M3 or I want this type R."
The Honda Civic Type R is a sporty version of the Honda Civic that is built for performance. It has a powerful engine and is designed for driving enthusiasts.
The Honda Civic Type R is a high-performance variant of the Honda Civic, known for its aggressive styling and track-ready performance. It features a turbocharged engine and advanced handling capabilities.
BMW M3
"I want this M3 or I want this type R."
The BMW M3 is a fast and sporty car that is part of the BMW 3 Series. It's designed for people who love driving and want a car that performs well.
The BMW M3 is a high-performance version of the BMW 3 Series, known for its sporty handling and powerful engines. It's a popular choice among car enthusiasts for its blend of luxury and performance.
manual transmission
"...we showed you all these sports cars, manual transmission under $40,000. He goes, well, not in my area."
A manual transmission is a car system where you have to change gears yourself using a stick and a pedal. It gives you more control over how the car drives compared to cars that change gears automatically.
A manual transmission is a type of transmission that requires the driver to manually shift gears using a clutch pedal and gear stick. This allows for greater control over the vehicle's power and performance compared to automatic transmissions.
out-the-door price
"But the whole part of this is, and then you say, what's the out the door price? I don't give me the out the door price."
The out-the-door price is how much you will actually pay for a car after adding everything together, like taxes and fees. It's the total amount you need to hand over to buy the car.
The out-the-door price is the total cost of purchasing a vehicle, including the price of the car, taxes, registration fees, and any additional dealer fees. It represents the final amount a buyer will pay to drive the car off the lot.
trim models
"Know the car you're going to buy and what trim models are in there. Go in there and say you want to walk out the door with this price."
Trim models are different versions of a car that have various features and options. For example, one trim might have a sunroof while another doesn't, or one might have a more powerful engine.
Trim models refer to the different versions of a car model that come with varying features, options, and specifications. Each trim level can offer different performance, comfort, and technology features, allowing buyers to choose a version that best fits their needs and budget.
financing
"...They just, they don't have to deal with financing. I've, I've done nothing but cash deals on my own cars."
Financing means getting a loan to buy a car, so you can pay for it over time instead of all at once. It's a common way for people to afford more expensive cars.
Financing refers to the process of borrowing money to purchase a vehicle, typically through a loan or lease. This allows buyers to pay for a car over time rather than all at once.
cash deal
"...I've always had a fund of buying and selling cars personally that that money's always just reinvested quote unquote, reinvested back into cars that I want. So when you do a cash deal, the worst thing you can do when you're paying cash is walking to dealership and go, I'm going to be paying cash."
A cash deal means you pay for the car all at once, instead of borrowing money to pay for it. It can make buying easier, but it might not give you the best chance to negotiate a lower price.
A cash deal refers to a transaction where the buyer pays the full purchase price of the vehicle upfront without financing. This can simplify the buying process but may limit negotiation leverage.
Toyota Land Cruiser
"...dealer that had tons of Land Cruiser LX experience. If I don't search eBay, again, I miss out on the deal."
The Toyota Land Cruiser is a tough SUV that's great for off-roading. The LX is a version that usually has more luxury features than the standard model.
The Toyota Land Cruiser is a series of four-wheel drive vehicles known for their durability and off-road capability. The LX variant typically refers to a specific trim level that may include additional luxury features.
Bring a Trailer
"Um, that, that, you know, again, I've told you guys, these auction sites aren't your friend, make sure you do your due diligence, just like you do it a dealer because they are a dealer, essentially."
Bring a Trailer is a website where people can buy and sell cars through online auctions. It's known for having interesting and classic cars available for bidding.
Bring a Trailer is an online auction platform that specializes in classic and enthusiast vehicles. It allows users to buy and sell cars through a bidding process, often featuring unique and rare models.
22 year old vehicle
"I was buying a 22 year old vehicle at the time."
A 22-year-old vehicle is a car that was made 22 years ago. These cars can be special because they might be considered classic, but they may also need more care and attention than newer cars.
A 22-year-old vehicle refers to a car that was manufactured 22 years prior to the current year. Such vehicles may be considered classic or vintage, and they often come with unique maintenance and ownership considerations.
Jeep Gladiator
"...he best things about them anyway. I didn't watch Gladiator 2 for that reason. I didn't either."
The Jeep Gladiator is like a Jeep but with a truck bed, so you can carry stuff while still having fun off-road. It's great for people who love adventure and need a vehicle that can do both jobs.
The Jeep Gladiator is a unique vehicle that combines the off-road prowess of a Jeep with the utility of a pickup truck. Its design and capabilities make it a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts and those looking for a versatile vehicle that can handle a variety of terrains.
engine
"But the insurance and if the engine blows up, it's going to cost me 70 grand"
The engine is what makes the car go. It turns fuel into power so the car can move. If the engine breaks, it can be very expensive to fix.
The engine is the component of a vehicle that converts fuel into mechanical energy to power the car. It's a critical part of any vehicle, and its failure can lead to significant repair costs.
one of one
"Like, I think he even showed an orange spec, like a one of one kind of spec. One of one, by the way, that nobody wanted."
'One of one' means there is only one car made with that exact combination of features or colors. It's special because no other car is exactly like it.
A 'one of one' spec refers to a unique configuration of a vehicle that has no identical counterparts. This can include specific color combinations, features, or options that were not replicated in any other units of that model.
rare spec
"So now it sells for 1.2 because it's considered a rare spec. It's ugly as sin."
A 'rare spec' means that the car has special features or colors that are not found in most other cars of the same model. This can make it more valuable to collectors.
A 'rare spec' refers to a vehicle configuration that is uncommon or unique, often leading to increased desirability and value among collectors. This can include specific colors, features, or limited production runs.
delivery miles
"...because they were basically delivery miles or under 600 miles on all of them. Things nobody would have wanted back then."
Delivery miles are the miles a car has driven before it was sold to a customer. If a car has very few delivery miles, it means it's almost like new and hasn't been driven much.
'Delivery miles' refers to the distance a vehicle has traveled from the manufacturer to the dealership and then to the first owner. Cars with very low delivery miles are often considered more desirable because they are essentially new and have not been heavily used.
supercar
"...the exotic supercar YouTube world, right?"
A supercar is a very fast and expensive car that is designed for high performance. These cars are often rare and have special features that make them stand out.
A supercar is a high-performance sports car that offers extreme speed, advanced technology, and luxury features. These vehicles are typically produced in limited quantities and are known for their exceptional design and engineering.
Ford F-150
"...somebody buys an F 150. They don't think they have to adjust their fricking headlights..."
The Ford F-150 is a big truck that many people use for work and everyday driving. It's known for being strong and able to carry heavy loads.
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup truck known for its durability and versatility. It's popular among both consumers and businesses for its towing capacity and off-road capabilities.
Jeep Grand Wagoneer
"...I have a Jeep Grand Wagoneer that was 101. The lady wanted to change it in for a time for maybe some catalogue..."
The Jeep Grand Wagoneer is a big, fancy SUV that can handle rough terrain while offering a comfortable ride. It's great for families and people who like to go on adventures.
The Jeep Grand Wagoneer is a full-size luxury SUV that combines off-road capability with premium features and technology. It is known for its spacious interior and advanced safety features, making it a popular choice among families and adventure seekers.
Jeep Grand
"Like, what do we do? Because I have a Jeep Grand Wagoneer that was 101. The lady wanted to change..."
GMC Yukon
"...or a Yukon, and she still owed 99 on it after having it..."
The GMC Yukon is a large SUV that can carry many passengers and their gear. It's comfortable and has a lot of features that make driving easier and safer.
The GMC Yukon is a full-size SUV that offers a blend of luxury, space, and performance. It is often used for family transport and is known for its towing capacity and advanced technology features.
crossover
"A crossover, really? A crossover, right?"
A crossover is a vehicle that mixes the characteristics of a car and an SUV. It usually has a higher seating position and more space, making it popular among families.
A crossover is a type of vehicle that combines features of cars and SUVs, typically built on a car platform. They offer higher seating positions and more cargo space than traditional cars, appealing to consumers looking for versatility and comfort.
Subaru Outback
"Cause Subaru has killed it by having the Outback, which was essentially a wagon. It was just a little taller, but not always."
The Subaru Outback is a type of vehicle that combines features of a car and an SUV. It's good for families and outdoor activities because it has more space and can handle rough roads better than regular cars.
The Subaru Outback is a crossover SUV that originated as a wagon variant of the Subaru Legacy. It is known for its all-wheel drive capability and versatility, making it popular for outdoor and family use.
Chrysler Pacifica
"...ke they are now. Um, by the way, did you see the Pacifica Grizzly? No, keep talking."
The Chrysler Pacifica is a big family van that has lots of room for kids and their stuff. It's designed to be comfortable and easy to use for families on the go.
The Chrysler Pacifica is a versatile minivan that offers spacious seating, advanced technology, and family-friendly features. It has gained attention for its innovative design and practicality, making it a popular choice for families needing ample space and comfort.
Toyota Sienna
"...this feels like a missed opportunity. This is just a Sienna. Like people already liked regular Sienna."
The Toyota Sienna is a family minivan that offers a lot of space and comfort. It's especially good for families because it has features that make it easy to use and drive.
The Toyota Sienna is a minivan known for its spacious interior and family-friendly features. It is unique in its class for being available exclusively with all-wheel drive, making it a versatile option for families in various climates.
Volkswagen Passat
"...there was nothing. I had a 16, 17 year old kid's Passat in my shop because his dad's a great customer of..."
The Volkswagen Passat is a roomy car that's good for families and everyday driving. It's comfortable and has a nice feel when you drive it.
The Volkswagen Passat is a midsize sedan known for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and solid build quality. It has been a popular choice for families and commuters alike, offering a balance of performance and practicality.
American Pacers
"..., I'm not going to watch like, you know, Nuggets Pacers. I'm going to go ahead and just, you know, I wil..."
The AMC Pacer is a quirky little car from the 70s that people remember for its unusual shape. It's not very common today, but some folks really like its retro style.
The AMC Pacer is a compact car produced in the 1970s, known for its distinctive design and spacious interior. It has become a cultural icon, often referenced in media for its unique look and is remembered fondly by car enthusiasts.
Ford Mustang
"...calling up Ford and the dark horse SC and all the nonsense of not doing anything with the Mustang. You and I've actually talked about how..."
The Ford Mustang is a popular sports car that has been around for many years. It's known for being fast and stylish, often associated with American car culture.
The Ford Mustang is a classic American muscle car known for its performance and style. It has a long history and has undergone numerous redesigns since its debut in 1964.
analog gauges
"But that was kind of the summary. And then also he pointed out that in 2026, Ford's bringing back more analog gauges moving away from the 12 inch digital cluster, which I think is cool because I do like regular analog."
Analog gauges are the round dials in cars that show things like how fast you're going or how much fuel you have. They use needles to point to numbers instead of digital screens.
Analog gauges are traditional dial-based instruments used in vehicles to display information such as speed, fuel level, and engine temperature. They provide a tactile and visual feedback that some drivers prefer over digital displays.
digital cluster
"...moving away from the 12 inch digital cluster, which I think is cool because I do like regular analog."
A digital cluster is the screen in a car that shows information like speed and fuel level using numbers and graphics instead of dials. It can often be changed to show different information.
A digital cluster refers to a vehicle's dashboard display that uses digital screens to show information such as speed, navigation, and vehicle status. These clusters can offer customizable displays and advanced features compared to traditional analog gauges.
Porsche Cayman
"...n boy. Although now he switched to a 20 year old Cayman S for his hot rod. Pretty cool."
The Porsche Cayman is a fancy sports car that drives really well and looks great. It's designed for people who love speed and want a fun car to drive on winding roads.
The Porsche Cayman is a mid-engine sports car known for its exceptional handling, performance, and sleek design. It offers a thrilling driving experience and is often praised for its balance and agility, making it a popular choice among car enthusiasts.
Chevrolet Camaro
"...tell your friends you bought a Camaro, there won't be none the wiser. There's no distinctiveness to the Mustang anymore."
The Chevrolet Camaro is a sporty car that is similar to the Ford Mustang. It's designed to be fast and has a cool look that many people like.
The Chevrolet Camaro is another iconic American muscle car that competes directly with the Ford Mustang. It is known for its powerful engines and aggressive styling.
Dodge Ram
"...wnfall. We're watching your electrical issues at Ram and Dodge as a whole. We know."
The Dodge Ram is a big truck that can carry heavy loads and is great for work or play. Just be careful with some older models, as they might have electrical problems.
The Dodge Ram, now known as the Ram Truck, is a full-size pickup known for its powerful engines, towing capacity, and comfortable interior. However, some models have faced electrical issues, which potential buyers should be aware of when considering a purchase.
British Racing Green
"...that racing green. You know, that racing green. It could look like a Lexus or something like that. Lexus green, like, yeah, that could be our British racing green directly."
British Racing Green is a specific shade of green that many British race cars are painted. It's a classic color that represents British racing heritage.
British Racing Green is a color traditionally associated with British motorsport. It is a deep green color that has become iconic in the automotive world, especially for racing cars from the UK.
Lexus
"...It could look like a Lexus or something like that. Lexus green, like, yeah, that could be our British racing green directly."
Lexus is a brand of luxury cars made by Toyota. They are known for being comfortable and reliable, often featuring high-end technology and design.
Lexus is the luxury vehicle division of the Japanese automaker Toyota. Known for its reliability, luxury features, and performance, Lexus vehicles often compete with other luxury brands like BMW and Mercedes-Benz.
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