Kelly and Liz talk through the emotional grind of parenting close in age, then pivot to practical “life upgrades” and car obsession. Kelly shares her first-ever new-car order: a white Ford Expedition short wheelbase with a bench, explaining why she prefers it over longer versions for parking and daily use. They swap niche car-seat insights, discuss minivan and hybrid shopping advice (including military spouse buying tactics), and debate what “reliability” really means. Industry gossip includes Tesla’s unsold EV backlog, Buick returning to sedans, and the 2026 minivan rankings—plus a fun Eddie Bauer x Ford Bronco collab history.
It's been a long couple of weeks and we're so ready for a weekend. Lizz is still dealing with post-surgery Sloan and the stye in her eye. Kelly has finally ordered her new Expedition. She also started a new half-birthday tradition for the kids that really sounds like the cutest idea ever. Speaking of cute ideas, there may be a American Girl Doll trip in her future.
Lizz found a new Base Model Luxury during the week of illness she is really enjoying. You know those serving platters you registered for but never use? Why not use them for a band-aid and medicine station! Kelly uses one for her bathroom products and it's been lovely.
A trio of Advice Questions this week helps moms in different seasons of their car buying journey. There's one looking for a "sexy" mom car, another looking for a hybrid and the third is asking if she can trade-in after a minor accident. Elsewhere in Industry News, Kelly has the story on Tesla's unsold EVs, new GM sedans and the best minivans of 2026.
"[134.6s] You know, the weather's nice.
[136.6s] Car bomb is going good.
[137.8s] Like I'm acknowledging that space."
“Car bomb” here isn’t about a car. It’s a nickname for a drink, and the speaker is saying their day/life is going well.
“Car bomb” is a slang term for a mixed drink (typically a beer-and-cider combination) rather than anything related to cars. In this context, it’s being used as a casual phrase meaning things are going well.
"Like all white, maybe we could get a fleet discount from them. That's not a bad idea."
A fleet discount is pricing offered when a dealership or manufacturer expects multiple vehicles to be purchased by the same buyer or organization. The idea is that buying several cars at once can reduce per-vehicle costs and paperwork.
"...and I think the girls will have like a Hyundai Tucson."
The Hyundai Tucson is a small SUV. It’s often chosen by families because it’s roomy and easy to drive.
The Hyundai Tucson is a compact crossover SUV that’s popular for being comfortable and family-friendly. Here, it’s mentioned as the likely vehicle for the girls, contrasting with the boys’ pickup choice.
"Anyway, I ordered it. I did the bench and I did a short wheelbase, which are two"
A “bench” is a single wide seat that can fit more than one person. It’s often picked for families because it can be more practical than separate seats.
A “bench” seat refers to a wide, single seat for multiple passengers (often two or three) instead of separate bucket seats. It’s commonly chosen for families because it can increase seating flexibility and sometimes improves access to the rear.
"I've got a car seat.
I'll throw a car seat in there."
A car seat is a special seat for kids that helps keep them safe in a crash. It’s strapped into the car so the child can’t move around.
A car seat is a child-safety seat installed in a vehicle to protect children during crashes. It’s typically secured using the vehicle’s seat belt or the LATCH/ISOFIX system, depending on the seat and vehicle.
"And people don't always realize that the second and third rows are
not mirror images of each other."
In many bigger vehicles, there are multiple rows of seats behind the front seats. The back rows can be shaped differently, which changes how many people fit comfortably.
The second and third rows refer to the rear seating areas in multi-row vehicles like minivans and some SUVs. Their layouts can differ significantly, affecting how many people can sit side-by-side and how easy it is to access the seats.
"[469.2s] I know how much trunk space I use in a day, in a day.
[472.2s] And it's not.
[474.1s] It's also one of those things where it's like, if you have an"
Trunk space is how much room your car has in the back to store things. More trunk space usually means it’s easier to carry daily stuff without cramming.
Trunk space refers to the usable cargo volume in the rear storage area of a vehicle. It matters because it affects how much everyday items (groceries, sports gear, kids’ stuff) you can carry without constantly rearranging or leaving things behind.
"[485.2s] It's not that.
[486.3s] It's not even, it's also, it's not no trunk.
[488.3s] Like it's not like I'm doing a Sequoia."
A Toyota Sequoia is a big SUV. People bring up its cargo space to compare how much stuff you can realistically store.
The Toyota Sequoia is a full-size SUV known for having a large, practical cargo area. In this conversation, it’s used as a reference point for “big trunk space” versus a smaller vehicle.
"[491.7s] You can put an H-dryer back there.
[492.0s] It's probably, I wouldn't put the cubic feet, but like it's
[494.0s] very similar to an Atlas, a Traverse, et cetera."
The Chevrolet Traverse is a family SUV with room for people and stuff. They’re comparing its cargo space to what they’re talking about.
The Chevrolet Traverse is a three-row midsize SUV that’s often chosen for family hauling. Here it’s mentioned as a benchmark for how much cargo space other family SUVs provide.
"like don't forget the auto show June 13th, St. Louis. Yeah. Can't wait. Get your tickets. No, seriously, can't wait. After we had the New York, New York auto show..."
An auto show is an event where automakers display current models, concept cars, and sometimes new launches to the public and media. The segment compares attendance and lineup between major cities’ shows, using Honda’s presence as a talking point.
"Not an odyssey or a pilot to be found. You know what's Chicago? Yeah. You know which two cars will be at the car and auto show? The pilot and the odyssey."
The Honda Pilot is a family SUV with room for more passengers. It’s the kind of vehicle people pick when they need extra seats for road trips and daily life.
The Honda Pilot is a three-row midsize SUV aimed at families who need more seating and cargo space than a typical two-row SUV. The hosts use it as an example of which Honda models were (or weren’t) present at the New York auto show and which will be at the Chicago event.
"I think Sienna is darling. But like the first thing I thought was Toyota Sienna. Is that a bad thing?"
A Toyota Sienna is a minivan made by Toyota. It’s the kind of car people often think of when they hear the word “Sienna.”
The Toyota Sienna is a minivan known for family-friendly practicality and comfort. In this segment, the name “Sienna” immediately triggers the association with the Toyota minivan.
"All the little drive is a must. Hybrid is fine, but nothing solely electric. How many kids four?"
They’re okay with a hybrid, which uses both gas and electricity, but they don’t want a car that’s only electric. That usually means they prefer not to rely entirely on charging at home or on the road.
This is a powertrain preference: they’re open to a hybrid (gas + electric assistance) but not a fully battery-electric vehicle (BEV). The distinction affects charging needs, range planning, and how the car behaves in stop-and-go driving.
"[1828.1s] Buick, let's talk.
[1830.3s] I'm trying to get an Enclave to the auto show.
[1834.4s] I don't have a Buick Enclave at the auto show."
The Buick Enclave is a family SUV with three rows of seats. The hosts are talking about whether they can get one to an auto show to show it off.
The Buick Enclave is a three-row midsize SUV from Buick, aimed at families who want comfort and space. In this segment, it’s mentioned in the context of getting one to an auto show, which highlights how specific models are showcased for buyers and media.
"Any advice in the situation, sales tax or traps not to fall for."
Sales tax is the extra percentage you pay to the government when you buy the car. It changes depending on where you live, so it can make the final price higher than the sticker price.
Sales tax is a percentage added to the purchase price when you buy a car. It can vary a lot by location, so it directly affects your total out-the-door cost.
"There's no sales tactic. They can say, okay, well, what information would you need to buy today?"
A sales tactic is just a strategy someone uses to get you to buy. Car dealerships sometimes use them to steer you toward a decision faster.
A “sales tactic” is a strategy a salesperson or dealership uses to influence your decision. In car buying, it often shows up as pressure, incentives, or scripted questions designed to move you toward a purchase.
"because most dealerships have one. Let's tack on the military discount while you're at it."
A dealership is the retail seller that typically handles pricing, financing, trade-ins, and promotions for a specific brand or brands. Understanding how dealerships structure offers helps you negotiate more effectively and avoid surprises.
"like as long as airbags didn't deploy or the vehicle didn't get towed or like there wasn't structural damage, like you're fine."
Airbags only deploy in certain levels of impact. If they didn’t go off, it often means the crash wasn’t as severe, which can help the car keep more of its value.
Airbag deployment is a key indicator of crash severity. If airbags did not deploy, it often suggests lower impact forces and typically less likelihood of major structural damage—factors that can help preserve resale/trade-in value.
"like there wasn't structural damage, like you're fine. Like it's a fender bender."
Structural damage is when the car’s main frame or strong parts get bent or damaged. That’s more serious than cosmetic damage and can affect how the car drives and what it’s worth.
Structural damage means damage to the vehicle’s frame or load-bearing body components. Repairs involving the structure can be more complex and can affect safety, alignment, and long-term value even if the car looks fine.
"Like it's a fender bender. Yeah. And like if you got it repaired, like I literally don't think it will affect your trading value at all."
A fender bender is a minor crash, usually just affecting the outer body parts. It’s generally less serious than a crash that damages the frame or safety systems.
A “fender bender” is a colloquial term for a minor collision, usually involving cosmetic body panels rather than major mechanical or structural components. In trade-in discussions, it’s often used to distinguish low-severity accidents from more expensive, value-impacting repairs.
"Yeah. I would say, yeah, I mean, that's a lot of mileage. If you don't need that big of a car, I think there's an argument to be made for going."
Mileage is how many miles are on the car. More miles usually means the car is worth less and may need more maintenance sooner.
Mileage is a major factor in a vehicle’s resale/trade-in value and in how much wear-and-tear it likely has. In cost discussions, it also ties into maintenance needs and how quickly a vehicle’s value drops.
This phrase means people and car companies might be starting to like regular cars (sedans) again. It suggests new sedan models are coming, not just SUVs.
“Sedans are back” is a market claim that sedans may be regaining consumer interest and/or manufacturer commitment. It usually reflects shifting demand, refreshed model launches, and competitive pressure from SUVs and EVs.
"[2738.3s] The Sienna is best in class, fuel economy, extra great storage and available all-wheel drive.
[2744.1s] So they're giving the best minivan to the Sienna."
All-wheel drive means power goes to all four wheels. That can help the car grip better on wet or snowy roads.
All-wheel drive (AWD) is a drivetrain setup that sends power to all four wheels to improve traction. It’s especially useful in rain, snow, and slippery conditions, and it can be a deciding factor for families who drive year-round.
"[2738.3s] The Sienna is best in class, fuel economy, extra great storage and available all-wheel drive.
[2744.1s] So they're giving the best minivan to the Sienna."
Fuel economy means how far the car can go on a gallon (or tank) of gas. If a minivan gets better fuel economy, it usually costs less to drive.
Fuel economy refers to how efficiently a vehicle uses fuel, typically measured as miles per gallon (MPG) or liters per 100 km. In minivan shopping, fuel economy is a major factor because these vehicles are often used frequently and for longer trips.
"[2774.8s] Best one that doesn't have a hybrid option.
[2779.6s] They couldn't have come up, they couldn't have chat GPT'd like two other categories"
A “hybrid option” means the minivan can run using both gas and electricity. People in the conversation are trying to pick the best minivan that doesn’t offer that setup.
A “hybrid option” means the vehicle can be configured with a powertrain that combines a gasoline engine with an electric motor. In minivans, hybrid availability often affects pricing, fuel economy expectations, and how people evaluate “best” for daily family use.
"[2919.8s] Stow and go.
[2922.0s] All wheel drive.
[2925.9s] Yeah."
“Stow and Go” is a minivan feature that lets you fold the back seats down into the floor. That makes it easier to carry stuff without removing seats.
“Stow and Go” is a Chrysler/Fiat minivan feature that allows the rear seats to fold into the floor, creating a flat cargo area. It’s a practical convenience feature that affects how easy it is to switch between passengers and hauling gear.
"[3133.9s] You know how like collabs are like all the rage right now?
[3136.7s] Like skims is always like skims is collabing with like Fendi or like there's like people are doing these, right?
[3142.9s] Sure."
“Collabs” means collaborations between brands. It’s when two companies team up so they can combine their styles or audiences.
“Collabs” refers to brand collaborations—two companies partnering to create a product or campaign that borrows credibility and style from both sides. The speaker uses fashion and snack examples to explain the idea, then ties it back to the “Eddie Bauer X Ford Bronco” concept.
"Like Yeti Yeti and you've got like some like a Yeti cooler in the back integrated somehow."
Yeti is a popular outdoor brand, especially for coolers. The idea here is that a car could be themed around Yeti gear.
Yeti is a well-known outdoor brand best known for coolers and drinkware. The hosts are using it as an example of a lifestyle brand that could pair with a car brand for a themed edition (like coolers integrated into the vehicle).
Select text to request an explanation
Welcome to the Carpool podcast with Kelly.
I, funny enough, am going to Chicago at the end of this month.
Oh, you are, yeah.
For our Cap One event, and I will be putting it into my maps,
How Close the American Girl All Stories.
And Liz.
There's moments where I go,
what have I done?
I've screwed my life up because my kids are all so close in age.
But then I remember that there's five of us,
and we all turned out fine.
Your mom time off, starts now.
Welcome back to the Carpool podcast with Kelly.
And Liz.
And it's Friday.
It feels like it's been the longest,
like weeks of my entire life.
Friday means nothing.
A weekend, it means nothing to me.
Just another day to survive.
You know, so many people are messaging me like,
and I do appreciate the messages and they're like,
you can't cut your break.
Like kudos to you.
Like you're doing it all.
Like you've got this.
And I'm like, guys, the only way through is through.
Like I'm not doing anything.
I'm literally just waking up every day and like living life
to the best of my abilities.
Which has been like crazy.
It has been hard to watch.
Okay.
Thank you.
And I mean that with like,
I'm giving you so much sympathy, but like, yeah,
like it's just kind of a lot going on.
Yeah.
Well, you've been helpful.
So I do appreciate you've, you've taken my calls.
You've let me get my, my feelings out.
Well, I feel like I actually have given you some pretty
profound advice lately.
And again, profound advice.
First of all, thank you.
Like I really do part myself.
I think I give good advice.
And that's not even to say I have it all figured out.
I just think I, not, not, not even to say I always follow
my own advice, but I have the good advice.
And you know, this is me like so on my high horse
because like I don't have hives and my kids will see me
through the night and no one's sick.
You know, I'm one stomach bug away from losing it at all.
Yeah, for sure.
So it's like, you know, just, I think it's,
I always tell my younger sisters always just to like
acknowledge the space that you're in.
Not you cause you're not in a good space.
Like I'm acknowledging the space that I'm in right now.
I'm acknowledging that my kids are healthy.
I'm feeling good.
You know, the weather's nice.
Car bomb is going good.
Like I'm acknowledging that space.
This space, I will be in a different space.
But I will have been happy.
I had acknowledged when I was in a good space.
Sure.
But I always tell Elizabeth cause Elizabeth's called me
a couple of times over the last, let's say year, 18 months.
And like, you know, just the call we've all made when you're
just like, I don't feel like myself like blah, blah, blah.
And I always tell that she's never as far gone as she
thinks she is.
Yeah.
And at the end of the day, most of us, and I'm not saying
you can do this today, but I'm saying take comfort
in knowing that you are like a good night's sleep, a 75
degree day, a spray tan and iced coffee away from the girl
you want to be.
Mm-hmm.
Yeah.
She's not as, so like, and I'm not, again, I'm not saying
that's, I'm not saying you're going to get that done tomorrow,
but it's, you're not so far gone.
You're just on the other side.
Yeah.
Yeah.
And, and, and we will ebb and we will flow.
And right now we're flowing more than we're ebbing.
And that's fine.
Or maybe we're ebbing more than we're flowing.
I think you're ebbing more than you're flowing.
I'm ebbing.
I feel like I'm ebbing a lot right now.
And I feel like I'm flowing.
And you're totally flowing.
And I just like want to be a flowy girl, but I'm just like.
I'm like just in such a flow state right now.
It's like such an ebby girl right now.
But it's fine.
So my, anyway, my style is like still horrible.
It's so bad, but it's fine.
I'm not going to talk about it because I don't want to complain
about it because I already made three phone calls before we
took this podcast to complain about it.
So I don't have to do it anymore.
Was one of those phone calls to the eye doctor?
No.
One of them was to you.
One of them was to mom.
And one of them was to dad.
You know how desperate I am.
No.
Dad is randomly like so sympathetic sometimes.
Yeah.
No.
Yeah, for sure.
And he was sympathetic today.
Like I knew calling him either say, you know, just like rub
some dirt on it and get over it, but he wasn't a sympathetic
like move today.
So that's good.
If you catch dad in a sympathetic mood, sometimes I'll be
like, dad, like it's not that big of a deal.
Like I'm kind of over it.
Yeah.
Yeah.
It's fine.
Yeah.
For sure.
For sure.
Well, a huge news since we last spoke, I did something crazy,
which is I ordered an expedition.
Now FAQs.
Yes, I ordered it.
No, Ford did not give it to me.
Like wish they would.
Yeah.
Wish they would know I ordered it.
And I've never ordered a car before.
Yeah.
This is like your first new car purchase.
Yeah.
I know.
And I did some, I'm going to tell the car poolers what I did
because I feel like you girls just deserve to know after much
groveling and a little bit of peer pressure from my husband.
I will be honest about that.
I ended up going white, white stealth with the black painted
roof and he really likes white cars.
I like white cars too.
But like Tyler's vision for our family one day is that we all
drive white cars.
Like whenever, if we like buy the kids a car, like it will be
white.
That's so random, but fine.
It will look like a fleet.
I'm like, really?
I think that's a fleet.
They're all probably going to be Fords too.
Yeah.
Like all white, maybe we could get a fleet discount from them.
That's not a bad idea.
No, they probably won't be Fords.
I think the boys will probably, if I had to say today, I think
like the boys will like have a Ford Ranger and I think the girls
will have like a Hyundai Tucson.
Yeah.
It's kind of like my vibe.
That's like today's vibe.
Totally.
Anyway, I ordered it.
I did the bench and I did a short wheelbase, which are two
things you might not expect from a mother of four.
But those of you who know me know that I would never leave the
bench.
Yeah.
Sorry.
I love the bench and we take other people quite frequently,
like whether it be our au pair, a friend, another cousin.
Another kid.
Like Kelly's always like, let me just take your kid.
I've got a car seat.
I'll throw a car seat in there.
Yeah.
I like having that like one second row bench seat available.
So I can take anyone.
I can take an adult.
I can take a kid.
Like I am flexible.
I'm versatile.
And people don't always realize that the second and third rows are
not mirror images of each other.
Like you're not doing three across in a third row as easily.
If even at all, as you are in the second row.
So that's why I still wanted to do the bench and I decided to go
short wheelbase.
I think I spoke about it on the podcast, but mainly it was just
because like we're a two car family and I'm out of the double
stroller phase.
And I really feel like it's such a difference from the short to
the long wheelbase of the expedition and I want to zip around.
So that's why I'm also really excited that I got the white
stealth because like if you don't see the back seat, like you
won't know if it's like, if I've got a ton of kids in there.
Like it's, I could just be whipping it.
I'm excited to have that feeling.
After driving the extended wheelbase for so long, you really
are going to feel like you're whipping it.
I don't like the extended wheelbase.
Like I'm telling you guys, it between an expedition and
expedition max, they drive so differently.
Same thing in my opinion applies to a Tahoe Suburban, Yukon,
Yukon XL.
You think it's not that big of a deal.
It's so much harder to park.
I can park in my garage if I park sideways.
Because like I can't park the other way.
And it just is so floaty.
Like it just doesn't turn as well.
And it was totally fine for the season of my life that I was
in.
We were doing the double strollers and you know, all of that
stuff.
But I don't, people are always like, people keep DMing me
telling me I'm going to regret it.
Okay.
Well, if I do, I do, but I don't think I will.
I know how much trunk space I use in a day, in a day.
And it's not.
It's also one of those things where it's like, if you have an
empty drawer, you're going to fill it.
So it's like, if you have a lot of trunk space, like you're
going to leave stuff in your trunk.
Right.
And like, you'll leave a double store back there, even though
you're not even using it.
It's not that.
It's not even, it's also, it's not no trunk.
Like it's not like I'm doing a Sequoia.
Yeah.
No, it's still, it's still a good trunk space.
You can put an H-dryer back there.
It's probably, I wouldn't put the cubic feet, but like it's
very similar to an Atlas, a Traverse, et cetera.
So like, and there's plenty of moms of four who drive those
cars and are fine with the trunk space.
This is true.
So I'm really, really excited.
I'm really excited.
I just can't wait.
Like I can't believe I have a car.
And I'm going to, my goal is, I'm going to try to put less
miles on it because I drive a lot of miles and I'm going to
just try to be more mindful about driving my press cars
like when I can because I plan to keep this thing like a
while for me and then we'll probably, then the dealership
will probably sell it.
Yeah.
For sure.
But it is mine.
Yeah.
That's so exciting.
It said Kelly.
Like it's a big deal for me.
It's a very big deal for me.
So I'm like, that's kind of been that.
That's so exciting.
I mean, feels like it's really like a more monumental moment
like the car mom buys a car, but I guess it's fine.
Well, and I think it will be like, you know, you don't think
I'm going to milk this for all it's worth.
Like come with me to pick up my new car.
And selling cars, it's in my new car.
Like, you know, you don't post and I did, I think photo.
I'll be so pissed.
Oh my gosh.
My first big girl purchase.
I did a thing.
I did a thing.
So you can have doing things.
We have a teller's birthday.
Yes.
He's 36, which like, so that just mirrors like kind of like
a really like, like sexy age, like I'm 36.
Like I kind of into it.
It's like so grown up.
Like I can't live with it.
It is grown up.
It's, it is very mature.
Yeah.
Like a marriage with a 36 year old.
Like it's a man.
I know.
I'm like, he was like, I can't live with 36.
I'm like, okay, salt and pepper, like 36.
Like, okay, let's go.
Yeah.
Okay.
That's good.
That's a good perspective.
Um, and anyway, so we've been celebrating his birthday and
we've started a new tradition in our family.
Well, we're starting it next week and I got this idea for my
sister-in-law and I actually love it.
And because, you know, when you have a lot of kids are always
like, oh, I want to like make sure like they're getting some
one-on-one time with their parents.
I'll be honest with you.
Our kids never get one-on-one time with both of us.
Like, you know, one-on-one time with Tyler, sometimes me,
sometimes both of us never, literally never.
Yeah.
And my sister-in-law also has four kids and she's like, we're
starting a new birthday tradition where we're going to take
them out to dinner, but like birthdays are for families.
So we're taking them out to dinner on their half birthday
every year.
Okay.
Isn't that kind of cute?
That's cute.
So Hattie's half birthday is April 14th and she's like
starting it and we're like every half birthday, I told them
when all their half birthdays were, they're very excited.
They're very into the fact they have another birthday.
And I'm like, you don't get a present, but you get to go on
a special dinner with mom and dad.
If you want to invite a sibling, that's fine.
If you want to just be you, that's fine.
And they get a pick where they go, I assume, probably.
Uh, you kind of.
Yeah.
Yeah.
Yeah.
No, it's the same.
It's all of our favorite restaurant.
Okay.
Yeah.
You guys have a lot of options.
Yeah.
And she's very excited.
Okay.
George.
Oh, okay.
So George is coming.
Yeah.
So George is coming.
It's like so fun for me, like taking a six and seven to
dinner.
Like, okay.
Or a five and a six.
It's like a date night for you and Tyler.
Like, can we put them up?
Can we put them at their own table?
No, I'm just kidding.
I told her she did not have to invite her brother if you want
to, you can, but they're cute and they wanted to invite
each other.
So I actually love that.
I definitely want to adopt that one.
No, I think it's like, it's kind of like a low lift.
I mean, you know, you have to get a babysitter for the
younger kids.
Like there's that aspect to it.
Yeah.
But we're going like up the road and it's just like not for
very long.
No.
And it is important.
Like that's, that is a really long way for your kids.
I agree.
And I like that it's not on their birthday.
Um, I'm excited about it.
Yeah.
I'm like kind of sick to my stomach the way that like how
well behaved James was when he was like the only kid
because Sloan was in the hospital and like when Sloan
wasn't feeling terrible, how like connected to me she was
and like she was learning more words and everything because
I was just like so focused on her.
And I'm like, oh my gosh.
I feel so bad.
Like it is so hard.
Like I took liberty to the pediatrician the other day and
they were like, you know, can she name five body parts?
Yeah.
Like a little bit.
Like if you say head, she can do head.
Yeah.
But like, no, I haven't sat down and taught her the body parts.
I'm sorry.
We've been surviving.
I know.
I know.
I just have like, there's moments where I go, what have I
done?
I've screwed my life up because my kids are so all so close
age, but then I remember that there's five of us and we all
turned out fine.
Yeah.
And I have a little residual American girl doll trauma, but
it's fine.
You know, it makes me stronger.
What does it make you stronger?
Totally.
And look at, look at how much I'm handling right now.
Speaking of American girl dolls.
So eBay, the problem with eBay is people know what they have.
You know who when people, you know, people who don't know
what they have.
Facebook Marketplace.
Facebook Marketplace.
Yeah.
I am dangerously close to buying an American girl doll
that off Facebook Marketplace.
Does Hattie want one?
Yes.
Okay.
I'm just making sure you're not just like feeling something
inside of you right now.
And if you are, then I guess that's fine, but I do think it's
kind of weird.
No, she wants one.
I'm not, I'm probably not going to do it.
But I was talking, cause we don't have an American girl doll
store in St. Louis anymore.
Like ours closed so sad, like so sad.
So I was talking to mom and she's like, I think we should
take Hattie to an American girl doll store.
I'm like, that could be so fun.
But like, since we have to fly, she's like, well, you know,
we go to the one in Chicago cause like you think Chicago is
closest.
I'm like, well, forget it on a plane.
Let's go to New York and let's visit Sydney and Grayson.
Oh.
So I think in October, I might take Libby and Hattie and mom.
Shut up.
Yeah.
That's so fun.
Doesn't that sound fun?
Yeah.
That sounds like a great time.
I would love to go to an American girl doll store.
Right.
Now the one in Chicago is the biggest according to American
girl doll.
Okay.
Then you should probably go to the one in Chicago.
But I know, but then we can see Sydney and Grayson.
I guess.
I, funny enough, am going to Chicago at the end of this month.
Oh, you are.
For our cap one event.
And I will be putting it into my maps how close the American
girl doll store is.
And I will be popping in if it's not too far away.
And I may be coming home within America because literally we
ended this recording and then apparently if you're on American
Girl Dolls email list, you know this, they're re-releasing for
the 40th anniversary, all the historical dolls.
So like it's kind of giving time and place.
Yeah.
You know, not to keep beating it at horse with the American
girl doll thing, but after I talked to mom, after we brought
up with mom, she reminded me that you lost yours on that trip
to Chicago in a cab.
I left mine in a cab and I was devastated.
But luckily then we, and then she took me and I got a brand
new one.
Oh, forgot.
Oh, so now we had the money again.
Interesting.
I'm telling you, like, I know she said that.
I don't think that's why.
I don't know.
Okay.
You can pre-order the dolls today.
Let's look into this.
Okay.
So how much could you pre-order an 18 inch Samantha with the
book?
Is 18 inches the original or is this a smaller version?
Okay.
18 is original.
How much with the book?
$220.
$175.
Oh, it's a bargain.
No, that's like so expensive for a doll.
That is so expensive.
Okay.
I'm kind of understanding mom.
A doll?
Yeah.
No, I'm back on.
It's really expensive.
Yeah.
And then they have these modern era ones that are only 14
inches and they like, they like did the Barbie effect on
them kind of and they took their like out.
So it's like a modern era Felicity and like they took
Felicity's dress and made it a peplum top and then gave
the girl like flared jeans.
Oh.
I can't imagine that one over well.
Oh my gosh.
Like Josefina, like Addy, Molly, Samantha, like obsessed.
It does say eight plus.
They're more mature at all.
They're not like a baby doll.
I know.
And I just know I'm probably like a little too early on this
because like I've seen Hattie's dolls.
Yeah.
She likes, she's rough.
Yeah.
Yeah.
All right.
Anyway.
Anyway, here and over there, here and over there.
Okay.
Okay.
Today's episode is brought to you by Rocket Money.
I feel like we talk a lot when we talk about Rocket Money
about canceling like streaming service subscriptions.
And I really feel like I've gotten that under control
thanks to Rocket Money.
But the new thing that I'm trying to tackle are all of
those baby products that I signed up for like year long
subscriptions for that I'm maybe no longer using.
So Nanit, for example, but I don't need it in James room
anymore.
So I don't need to be paying for it.
What I like about Rocket Money is they tell me when my
next payment is coming up so I can take a look at everything
and say, Oh no, I need to cancel that.
I don't want to be charged for another year.
I can see on the dashboard a very clear view of where all my
spending is going across all of my bank accounts, which I also
appreciate because I have different banks.
So it's just easy to see where everything is in one very
intuitive dashboard.
And if one of your goals for this year has been tracking
your spending and setting a budget, Rocket Money can help
you.
You can get personalized insights in regular reports and
receive real-time alerts for large transactions, upcoming
bills, refunds, low balances.
Users who create a financial goal with Rocket Money save
over $70 on average within the first just 30 days.
Rocket Money is a personal finance app that finds and
cancels unwanted subscriptions, monitors your spending and
helps you lower your bills so that you can grow your savings.
Let Rocket Money help you reach your financial goals faster.
Join Rocket Money.
Join at rocketmoney.com slash carpool.
That's rocketmoney.com slash carpool.
Rocketmoney.com slash carpool.
So what else is new?
So on today's episode, sorry, let's get to that.
Sorry, on today's episode, I do have a super niche
based on a luxury.
I also have three advice questions because it just feels
like a long time since we've given any tangible takeaways.
We have, do you have industry news?
I do.
I have lots of industry news.
Are you sure you want to do three advice questions?
Because I have like three, I have four stories.
Okay.
Well, we'll just see where we go.
We'll just see how fast they go.
That's fine.
Yeah.
Because they kind of like want to get to them all though.
I just put out like kind of an incredible reel.
There's days I just can't believe the value we bring.
And I put out a really interesting reel about high versus low profile car seats.
And this is like something that no one in the car seats base is talking about.
Like someone's like, I'm the only one ringing alarm bells on this.
And of course, I think mom knows car seats for telling me to ring alarm.
It's like, it's just like bringing it to my attention as well.
But I just can't express to you like how much I have learned even over the past six months
by installing, I've installed a lot.
I've really been focusing on my third row and my booster seat fits lately.
And I have just learned so much.
Like it is so complicated is the only way I can think to describe it.
So I go check out my recent reel because I talked about a really interesting topic.
And I'm just so passionate about when possible.
Like, can we change the car seats to make the car work?
Yeah.
And I know like people don't want to go out and spend that money on a car seat,
but like it's so people are literally buying a new car when all they need to do is switch their car seat.
Yeah.
And I just want to make sure that no one none of us do that.
If you want a new car, go off.
If you don't want a new car and you think you need to get a new car because of leg room or three across
or like whatever, like let's talk.
It's just such a bummer that it's like such a confusing thing.
Like even for like you said, you're still learning stuff and you've been really,
you've been installing multiple car seats a day for the past several years.
And when I was like flipping James Ford or when I put James Ford facing in Maddie's truck,
I'm like reading through the manual.
I'm like, wait, this car seat doesn't work.
I thought this car seat was going to be great.
It doesn't work in this truck.
And it's like you don't realize that.
No, you don't.
And like, you know, I get a little, I don't know who I'm more mad at.
I think I'm more mad at on the specific topic.
I think I'm more mad at the car seat brands because I think they could make their car seats.
Like I just don't understand how some car seats can work with non-enrollable head of
strains and some can't.
And like if you know most cars, like a lot of cars, especially in the third row,
have non-enrollable head of strains, like can you just make a car seat to work?
Because like some do.
So like, why can't they just all like, I don't really get that.
But you know, I look at like that.
So that car seat that I shared was up a baby robe and it's their new convertible car seat
and people love up a baby.
Like the, I love the Vista.
Yeah.
And I just count thinking that people are buying that car seat, like thinking it's,
because it's more expensive, thinking it's safer or thinking it's this or thinking it's
that, or they just like up a baby and like they had the up a baby mess up so then they
went up for the robe.
Yeah.
And then they like put, try to, and then it works when it's rear facing and then you
try to put your kid forward facing and then they have no leg room.
Yeah.
And it's just like so crazy.
And I'm not saying like, you know, a baby should like advertise that, but
That's just why, that's just why you have to like, that's why we just have to prioritize
that type of content because no one else is going to other than other CPSTs on Instagram,
of course.
You know, look at their reviews.
I just think a lot of the other CPSTs, though, I think they do a really good job of sharing
about the car seat itself, but they're not always showing the real world applications
of it.
I just need more CPSTs to put more car seats in cars.
Yeah.
Totally.
And then all of us to do it.
Like it's, it is what I would refer to as a group project.
I totally agree.
Because I have a group project in the works.
I know we've been teasing for a while, but like the group project, you guys are all about
to sign your name on it.
Yeah.
No, it's gonna be great.
It's coming.
And speaking of that, like don't forget the auto show June 13th, St. Louis.
Yeah.
Can't wait.
Get your tickets.
No, seriously, can't wait.
After we had the New York, New York auto show, so just lathered up by it, you know?
And you know what?
It's just so crazy.
You know what wasn't at the New York auto show?
What?
Honda.
Oh.
Not an odyssey or a pilot to be found.
You know what's Chicago?
Yeah.
You know which two cars will be at the car and auto show?
The pilot and the odyssey.
So it's giving better show.
Like, sorry.
Yeah.
It's giving bigger, isn't always better for families.
Yeah.
Super jobs.
Okay, sorry.
Next to the episode.
Speaking of minivans though, my sister-in-law gave me a baby name and I'm like...
She told me about it because I saw her at the dentist today.
I know, I was like, I kind of love it, but it's Sienna.
And I'm like, Sienna St. John is really cute.
Elizabeth, that's a regular name.
I know, but like, and if I had any other job, but...
Elizabeth, I think you're being a little crazy because people tell me,
ask me all the time if I'm named after Kelly Blue Book and I'm living to tell the tale.
I think Sienna St. John is cute.
I think Sienna is darling.
But like the first thing I thought was Toyota Sienna.
Is that a bad thing?
When I drive a Kia Carnival, I don't know.
It's confusing.
I like Sienna.
I think you like the SS.
I do like the SS, yeah.
The girls at least.
Yeah.
No, no, no.
Anyway, I thought it was cute.
Probably not going to use it, but it did make me go, huh, that's cute.
Which not a lot of names do that for me.
Anyway, here's my base model luxury.
Super niche, but also feels like a time that all of us are going through.
So Sloan needs like band-aid changes and like medication like daily.
So what I decided to do was pull out the depth from the depths of my basement.
These beautiful serving platters that I registered for years ago.
And I made a really pretty band-aid station and medication station because I'm keeping them out.
I'm not putting them away because we're using them.
We're using it all the time, but also just like them sitting on my counter.
Like it's not reading clean to me.
So I just use my serving platters and put like band-aids and Vaseline and syringes and made a lovely.
And it works and it's our temporary station.
Elizabeth, I saw you posting about this and I implemented something similar with my skincare.
Oh, okay.
What did you do?
Platter.
I put all my skincare out on my counter.
Yeah, why not?
Get a platter.
And like it's just like lifted off the counter, but like it looks so intentional.
Yeah.
I also saw I saw on Instagram and someone said if you don't want your bathroom to like read
like beautifully done bathrooms, they don't have anything from the bathroom section at Target in them.
So they don't have like the matching canisters and soap things.
They have antique trays and dispensers and they're layering different things and they don't have bath mats.
They have rugs and I'm like, well, I have, you know, I have those things too, like so whatever.
But it is just like how if we can just like slightly if it's a base model luxury, if it's slightly upgrading areas in our life that we do every day,
maybe it is putting your skincare on a platter.
Yeah.
And when your kids are, when you're going through the sixth season or your kids are going through something and it's like a temporary thing,
make it look pretty, bring yourself some joy, you know.
So that's what I've been doing.
I like it, babes.
And then things are never misplaced either.
It's like, okay, this is where we go change our band-aids.
Okay.
Anyway, you want to go to our advice questions?
I would love to.
Okay.
This is kind of a fun one.
This comes from Jen.
Hi, I'm searching for a new vehicle.
Budget is somewhere near 70K.
Really care more about warranty reliability, et cetera.
All the little drive is a must.
Hybrid is fine, but nothing solely electric.
How many kids four?
No, she has two kids.
Oh my gosh.
I'm so sorry.
She's like, she's like, I'm overwhelmed because like I have so many options, but like I want a fun car.
She has a five-year-old and a three-year-old rear-facing.
Jennifer's GB70 feels like a good start.
No, I don't really love that one.
Okay.
It's too small.
I think that's too small.
I don't really love anything about that car for her.
Okay.
Okay.
I think like off the bat, I'm thinking XC90.
Yeah.
It's just like kind of all coming up Volvo for me lately.
I'm thinking Volvo XC90.
I'm thinking Lexus TX.
Lexus TX just doesn't really scream sexy mom car to me.
You don't think?
No, I don't.
I mean, I don't think it's the best looking Lexus, but I think it's the most functional Lexus.
Okay.
That's fine.
That's fine.
Okay.
Okay.
Okay.
Okay.
Okay.
That's why I think the Genesis are sexy.
You need the GB80 though.
I think that's probably the GB80.
I think that is screaming luxury.
I like GB80.
Okay.
I'm more okay with GB80.
I like Volvo and I like QX60, Infinity QX60.
Oh yeah.
Okay.
That's sexy.
Yeah.
That's a really nice.
That's a pretty car.
Okay.
That's my list.
Oh, just throw it out there.
Buick Enclave.
It's a sexy car.
If the Buick Enclave has no fans.
It's a sexy car.
I wish Buick would reach out to be honest with you.
Like I-
Buick, let's talk.
I know.
I'm trying to get an Enclave to the auto show.
It's like not as easy as you think.
I don't have a Buick Enclave at the auto show.
I'm going to be pissed.
I mean the way we hype it up.
Right.
Right.
Okay.
Here's another question.
I think that was a good answer.
Here's another question.
Hi girls.
Love the podcast and all the common content.
We've been in the car market for a while.
I have a very reliable 2013 Highlander but miles are getting very high.
Due to my daily 30 mile round trip commute, I'd prefer a hybrid Sienna or a hybrid
Grand Highlander.
Our family is complete with two kids, five-year-old highback booster, three-year-old forward facing.
Same setup.
I'm not Toyota loyal so if you can convince me for a better hybrid midsize option, I'm
open.
The last curveball is we're planning to buy this spring slash early summer but my husband
was deployed on short notice.
As a military spouse, I do a lot on my own but buying a car has not been one of those
things.
Any advice in the situation, sales tax or traps not to fall for.
I'm prepared financially with power of attorney, etc.
Since we both like to use our credit and title in both name, really appreciate any advice
you can provide.
So it's kind of like two questions.
Like do you think that the have ... Okay, you got it.
You know, the pro ... I know you say you're not Toyota loyal but I think you would really
like both of those cars and I don't feel necessarily a need to pull you away from them.
There's not a ton of ... I still don't think there's a ton of amazing hybrid options.
That are as proven.
You know, Toyota has had a hybrid for forever.
The Prius came out in the 90s.
They know hybrids.
Only having two kids, you know, you're not going to have some of the issues that I think
larger families would run into with both of those cars.
I would probably go Grand Highlander personally.
See, and I'm like, I would go minivan because I just like the minivan life.
I think you just need to test drive both because they're both going to work for your kids.
I think it's worth test driving both but if you're in a regular Highlander, the Grand
Highlander, I think is going to feel so much bigger to you.
I could see the Sienna feeling too big.
Okay.
And then in terms of things to be aware of, such a good question.
And first of all, you totally have this.
You've got this.
You've got this.
When I like to also reach out, send us an email and then I'll just send you the car
buying course.
I was going to say we have her email so I'll just have Matinee send her a car buying course.
Yeah, forward that to Matinee and have her send her the car buying course.
And we'll just do that.
But ultimately, it's the advice I always give.
I think you should schedule appointments at a time.
I think you should go on Delirator, choose a salesperson.
You like schedule appointments.
I think you should be really clear about your expectations with your salesperson.
I want you to say, I'm between these two cars.
I think.
I don't know yet.
I'm not buying today.
Personally, I kind of love your husband not being there because you could...
I wouldn't...
If you're worried about it, I would use your husband as a scapegoat and don't tell them
he's deployed.
I'm like, oh, sorry, he's not here.
I need to talk to him.
I love pulling the...
I need to run the numbers by my husband first, even though I have full power over.
That comes in for as much as I like to empower women.
You can't...
I also love to blame my husband.
What are they going to say?
There's no sales tactic.
They can say, okay, well, what information would you need to buy today?
It's like, okay, I need the information from my husband and you can't get that because
I'm sorry, he's deployed right now and he's unreachable.
So until I can reach him, I can't give you an answer.
Do you hate the military?
And also, let's tack on a military discount while you're at it because most dealerships
have one.
Let's tack on the military discount while you're at it.
Yeah.
So I would fully use that to your advantage.
Totally.
I think that's actually an amazing tactic.
I love it.
I've definitely used that one a time or two.
I've heard you use that one a time or two.
No, literally one time Matty was unreachable and like people had the audacity to like,
oh my God, I don't even want to get into it, but...
I remember the story.
You can, you can, you know, stretch the truth a little bit, but...
Totally.
He is gone and that's, and that's hard.
So, but yes, you have got it.
Okay.
Sorry.
E-mailing Matty.
Let me, I can't forget to do that.
Okay.
Last question.
That's kind of what I do.
I was pretty sold on trading in my expedition for a Toyota Highlander hybrid that I would buy in cash,
but then I got rear-ended.
Now that my expedition has an accident on the car fax, it will obviously be worth less in the trade-in.
For clarification, we did get it repaired.
So does it make it more sense to keep the expedition and just drive it into the wheels fall off
or trade in it for the Highlander, which would save us about $4,000 a year in gas plus insurance?
We'd keep the Highlander for at least three years.
Oh, I think you're fine to trade in the expedition.
Okay.
I don't think that, I mean, if it was a minor accident that you got repaired,
like as long as airbags didn't deploy or the vehicle didn't get towed
or like there wasn't structural damage, like you're fine.
Like it's a fender bender.
Yeah.
And like if you got it repaired, like I literally don't think it will affect your trading value at all.
And like $4,000 a year is the $4,000 a year that you're saving.
Like she's ran the numbers.
Right.
So like let's say it's not going to affect your trading value by $12,000.
So you already made it up in three years.
Yeah.
I would say, yeah, I mean, that's a lot of mileage.
If you don't need that big of a car, I think there's an argument to be made for going.
And is the expedition paid off?
I don't think she said if it's paid off.
Okay.
But she said in gas and insurance that they'll save $4,000 a year.
Yeah.
I mean, you ran the numbers.
I'm really proud of you.
And then she also said shooting my shot.
She's creating an Instagram account where she's documenting her journey for her pay cut and career move.
And so she's sharing ways to simplify her life and live with less.
And her Instagram is purpose overpay, which is a really cute name.
Oh, purpose overpay is darling.
Yeah.
Purpose overpay.
I can't believe that what like literally no like underscores or anything.
I can't believe that wasn't taken.
Yeah.
That's really cute.
Okay.
Those are our advice questions.
Those are really good advice questions.
I have bought things from newly that still had their tag on them for like an insane discount.
The great thing about newly is it helps you have fun and get creative and explore your style without making any commitments.
Free your closet to impulse purchases and skip the nothing to wear spiral by renting instead.
There are no late fees or damage fees or fees to pause or cancel.
So no big deal.
If you lose a button, spill something or just need to take a break.
It also has tons of maternity options.
Newly can help you get from the just popped to postpartum in style.
Newly is a great value at $98 a month for any six styles.
But right now you can get $28 off your first month when you sign up with code carpool.
Just go to N U U L Y dot com and enter code carpool at sign up and get $20 to $8 off your first month.
That's N U U L Y dot com.
Newly with to use and insert code carpool for $28 off your first month.
Newly subscription clothing rental.
Change your clothes.
Today's episode is brought to you by Skylight.
If your brain feels like it's holding 47 tabs open at all times, kid schedules, appointments,
what's for dinner on Tuesday, same.
And that's exactly why I started using Skylight Calendar.
It's basically your family's entire schedule all in one place on a really sleek digital display that actually lives in your home.
It syncs with your Google Calendar, Apple Calendar, Outlook, all of it.
So everything shows up clearly colored coded for each family member.
I am a physical calendar kind of person.
I don't always like looking on my phone.
I feel like, but I save all my appointments on my phone.
So Skylight combines the physical calendar that I can see.
It lives on my counter.
You can put it on your wall, but it's synced up to my phone.
So it has all of those appointments, all of those schedules, all of those meetings that I have in my phone.
You can also add chores, grocery lists, reminders.
So there's no more.
I didn't know I had to do that.
Everything is right there.
You can update everything on the go with the app.
It just keeps, and it just keeps your household running smoother without having to mentally track everything.
And if you don't love it, they have 120 day return policy.
No questions asked.
Right now, Skylight is offering our listeners $30 off their 15 inch calendars by going to myskylight.com slash carpool.
Go to myskylight.com slash carpool for $30 off your 15 inch calendar.
That's M-Y-S-K-Y-L-I-G-H-T.com slash carpool.
Yeah, I have a lot on my mind in terms of the car buying.
I'm probably going to save some of it for another day because I feel like we're really car heavy.
But let's keep being car heavy and go on to industry news where we spill the hot tea going on in the auto industry.
But let's make it gossipy.
Okay, first, remember Tesla?
What's Tesla doing?
Tesla's $50,000 car problem.
Unsold EVs are piling up.
This is a story from AutoBlog.
Tesla faces 50,000 unsold EVs as demand cools, tax incentive disappear and competitions rise,
raising concerns about both the company and the EV market.
So people don't talk about this enough.
Like when the tax credit went away for buying an EV, like it really has hurt the EV market.
Because like there's no incentive anymore.
It's not a financial incentive.
And you know, Tesla was so ahead of everybody for so long.
But like now, okay, you have to buy an EV.
Why would you buy Tesla?
And I say this, I mean, whatever, if you want to like make it political, that's fine.
You can do that.
But like they haven't been bothered to update their car since it came out in 2014.
Like I'm sorry.
Like just because it reminds me of one of my favorite quotes.
And I told this, I told this quote to Sam today.
You're not the best if you're the only.
So for very long, you were the only, which made you the best.
Now you're not the only.
So step it up and become the best or take the consequences.
Yeah, there are a lot of good EVs out there now.
Like, so I think about it.
Like if I had to go, had to go buy an EV would not buy a Tesla.
And for just the fact is I don't think they're that good looking.
And I think they haven't been bothered to update it.
No.
And they're one of those cars that could be updated and like carry such a like a dramatic upgrade.
Like they're like, look at the Cybertruck.
It's so random.
Like only Tesla's name plate could pull off the Cybertruck and they're just like not innovating
at all.
And they could literally be setting the stage for innovation in the car market.
I agree.
I would love to see a more palatable SUV asked Cybertruck.
I could be into it.
I could genuinely be excited about it.
I think the Tesla just like kind of has, I mean their hands and like a lot of pots.
Like I think like they're doing things like robots in space, et cetera, et cetera.
So maybe automotive just kind of fall into the wayside.
But I don't feel bad for all the less of a reason to like want to buy a car from them
then like they clearly like aren't prioritizing it.
Okay.
And this is from automotive news because like I spoke last episode about how GM just like
refuses to get into like the off-roading SUV space.
And based on the story, it seems like they're doing anything but that because GM is playing
some new cars, they're prepping a new Buick sedan alongside a Cadillac CT5 and a Chevy
Camaro.
So, sedans are back.
Well, that was a little blip in time.
The US market is going to have a Buick sedan built on the same platform as the next generation
CT5 and the Chevy Camaro.
The car would be the first in North America for Buick once known as once known for luxurious
sedans and coupe since it discontinued the Regal in 2020.
Buick's North America lineup now consists of an Enclave, an Encore, an Envision, and
an Invista.
The Buick sedan is expected to be built saw it.
Okay, I already said this all.
So, okay, Buick.
Okay, Buick.
We love you, Buick.
We're happy for you.
Yeah.
I think what's it called, did they say what it was called?
Oh, did they say it was called?
Because now I feel like they have to do an E.
No, they did not say what it's called.
Let me see, just like do the quick Google.
Buick sedan name, is the question mark?
So, oh, this is such a good name.
What?
Okay, this is, this car is only in China, but Buick is currently using the name Elektra
for electric sedans and SUVs in China.
I can't believe they have that.
Maybe they only have it in China.
They have to only have it in China.
Elektra.
No, I know, like the rights to it.
Elektra is such a good name.
That's such a good name.
Okay, I'm kind of obsessed.
Beautiful Elektra.
Next story is from Edmonds.
They put out the best minivans of 2026.
Okay.
Who do you think they gave the best minivan to?
Kia Carnival.
No.
Oh.
To your daughter.
The Sienna is best in class, fuel economy, extra great storage and available all-wheel drive.
So they're giving the best minivan to the Sienna.
Nearly the best minivan, that's the word number two, goes to?
Kia Carnival.
Kia Carnival.
Best minivan that isn't a hybrid.
This is giving high school superlatives.
Like, come on, pick one.
You know what I mean?
Best one that isn't a hybrid?
Odyssey.
Then they said best minivan made by Chrysler.
That's so embarrassing.
They're like best, nearly best.
Best one that doesn't have a hybrid option.
They couldn't have come up, they couldn't have chat GPT'd like two other categories
that either one of those could have sell in.
Or even like Best Minivan with Sto and Go, like that's fine.
They go, our pick, Chrysler Pacifico.
That has to be a joke.
Well, they don't say like what they don't love about it.
That's so embarrassing.
It's just the second row seats are nowhere as comfortable as those in other vans.
And the fact that no other minivan has adopted something like them in roughly two
decades of their existence has something about how much they're valued by customers.
That sentence makes no sense.
Maybe this was written by a bot because it's not that title in itself, the best
minivan made by Chrysler.
They don't know why they don't like it.
You know what that's giving?
That's giving me in like fourth grade at a swim meet when I only reason I ever got a
blue ribbon, like a first place ribbon was because I was the only one in my heat.
Totally.
And then it's like I have all these ribbons because you get ribbons and I have like one
blue one and it's like I have no joy over this one.
But I have so many rainbow ones because the rainbow ones are the participation.
Chrysler got a rainbow ribbon there.
I think people are being a little mean to the Pacifica and I think I've been mean to
the Pacifica in the past.
Yeah, you have been.
I have been.
And the weird thing, okay, people change.
Yeah, for sure.
But people do.
See, shade.
You can't help.
No, but here's what I'll say about the Pacifica.
Like, you know, I don't like it because of the third row head restraints, but now there
are a lot of car seats that work with the third row head restraints.
So like, is that really that big of an issue anymore?
Because let me tell you something.
I had that Grand Highlander two weeks ago and I found several booster seats that did
not work in the third row.
So just because the headrests are okay, the seat belts aren't.
Yeah.
So it gets just one thing or the other.
So I'm trying to like take that out of a reason I don't like it because if I take that away
because I can tell you the seats that work and like, it'll be fine.
What's not to like.
Yeah.
You're like, like, so I looked at because I just did an underrated cars.
Okay.
Outperformed the odyssey in the IHS testing.
Lower MSRP.
I mean, CNNs are going to bankroll you like, and of course, I mean, they didn't take that
into account at all when they gave this article.
Stow and go.
All wheel drive.
Yeah.
We should like it more.
Okay.
Well, I think the biggest thing is the reliability.
You know, let me just look that up for you really fast.
Well, I just like have you here.
I just like the word reliability, I think needs to be redefined by the auto industry.
Totally.
Because you literally anyone, anyone I talked to, they're like, well, I got this car, but
you know, the right reliability.
I'm like, yeah, like what specifically about the reliability?
I mean,
Okay.
Christ, the reliability, this is just from, this is what a 25 Crescer Pacifica reliability
says.
They give it a 26 out of 100.
Right.
What does that mean?
That sounds rough.
Guess who has the highest reliability out of the many bands?
The Honda Odyssey.
Kia Carnival.
Shout out Kia Carnival.
But what did I, it's still, it's kind of a vague term for me.
It's a very, it's a vague term for everybody.
And like this data is vague because this is just, okay.
So the Chrysler Pacifica overall has a 35 out of 100.
Okay.
But then I like to look at this thing from Consumer Reports called predicted owner satisfaction
because that means more.
Yeah.
It has a 62 out of 100.
Who has the highest owner satisfaction?
Let's look up that.
Okay.
The highest, the Consumer Reports asks people, would you buy this car again?
Chrysler Pacifica got a whopping 62%.
Toyota Santa got a 75.
Odyssey got a 69.
Carnival got an 80.
Okay.
Well, that's suddenly it's all coming up carnival.
Yeah.
Okay.
And like doesn't all, I always like think about like all, like I would love to drive two
minivans, one all wheel drive, one not in the snow to really see what that thing is because
the problem with minivans is like, have you seen their ground clearance?
Like you're not going anywhere in snow.
Yeah.
Yeah.
And like all of that doesn't help ice.
Yeah.
That's kind of the thing.
And I'm also just of the mindset because I will probably, unless I go to full size SUV,
I'll probably just like stick it with a minivan for a long time, especially once I have three.
If there's like so much snow on the ground, either my family is not leaving or we're taking
my husband's truck.
Yeah.
And I'll like, I don't need my minivan to perform in the snow, but you're right.
If there's a lot of snow, there's no ground clearance and no cars going to do well on ice.
Well, if there's not, yeah, if there's a lot of snow, like you need an SUV with like 12 inches,
12 to 15 inches of ground clearance, you don't need a Sienna with six.
Like that's crazy.
Yeah.
How much ground clearance does a minivan have?
You know, I'm just like learning all the things.
Okay.
Are you ready for, oh, I think I have one more story.
I don't think it was a good one.
So, let me find it.
Four to five inches.
Okay.
Oh, that's a mini Cooper.
Is it a minivan?
Okay.
It's just, you know, it's like not that easy to get to.
Let me move on.
Okay.
Let me tell you my last story that I just, the day.
I saved the Instagram because I was so passionate about talking about it.
Okay.
Have I ever spoken about the Eddie Bauer X Ford Bronco?
I don't think so.
Okay.
You know how like collabs are like all the rage right now?
Like skims is always like skims is collabing with like Fendi or like there's like people are doing these, right?
Sure.
Good brand to brand collabs.
Try to think of some other ones.
Taco Bell X Doritos.
Amazing.
Yeah.
Eddie Bauer X Ford Bronco.
What did, what was this?
Is this something they recently did?
It's considered one of the greatest brand collabs in history.
Starting with the Ford Bronco and expanding to several different models.
This partnership span nearly 30 years and sold well over a million units becoming one of the greatest achievements for both Ford and Eddie Bauer.
Okay.
If you look up the Ford Bronco Eddie Bauer, it is, I think to this day, one of the best, that's like one of the best looking cars I see.
Like that's a beautiful car.
I'm sorry.
Which one are you talking about?
I'll text it to you.
You can tell me this is a beautiful car.
I mean, it's got like a vintage vibe to it, but like it's a beautiful vintage.
Is it like blue?
No, I'm looking at a red one with tan.
Yeah.
Okay.
It's stunning.
Yeah.
I can't believe you're describing it as stunning.
I think it's beautiful.
I think it's cool.
Like I like the look of vintage cars.
We're totally looking at different cars.
Oh, okay.
Well, what do you think about mine?
I didn't type in Bronco.
Yeah, it's stunning.
I just think this is fun.
And I would like to see more car manufacturers do these collapse.
Like Eddie Bauer.
Like to me, like I've been thinking about like the additions.
Like I kind of spoke about, you know, I wasn't the biggest fan of like the 30th anniversary
expedition in a mass market way.
I think we should celebrate the 30th edition was that the expedition has been around for
30 years.
Like I'm the world's biggest expedition fan.
Like who likes the expedition more than me?
No one.
And I didn't want to buy that.
Yeah.
And I was in the market to buy a new expedition.
And it was blue.
The same time that came out.
And I was like, I want, it says 30th all over it.
Like I don't want that.
Yeah.
This isn't an American girl doll.
Like this is not a collectible.
This is a depreciating asset in a car.
Yeah.
Totally.
Like come out with a key chain.
Yeah.
But I think like Ford's always done these, not always, but like the King Ranch was a
collab.
Yeah.
Yeah.
I like a collab.
Who would be like another like good, can you think of like a good like clothing brand
or makeup brand clothing brands just feel good or like outdoor brand X cars?
Yeah.
Like Yeti Yeti and you've got like some like a Yeti cooler in the back integrated somehow.
And you know, Nissan Rogue did a Star Wars one.
Nissan Rogue had a Star Wars edition.
Do you remember that?
It was a special limited edition production compact SUV on the 2017 Rogue S.
It was released to remote Rogue one, a Star Wars story.
That feels a little niche.
Yeah.
But like Star Wars are like collectable vibes.
If I'm going to think about, no, I'm standing pretty firm with the Yeti.
I think like a Yeti X Ford would be a good collab.
Like a Yeti Bronco, like what?
Yeah.
Be sick.
Hyundai should do this with the boulder.
This could save the boulder.
Yeah.
Who's like a boulder?
Like what's a boulder?
Like like outdoor brands.
Let me just see if we can give anyone a free idea.
Like Patagonia.
Yeah.
I like that.
Or like what's like hydro.
No, what's like, what's the like super like, what's the cup that like the people like?
Like the.
No, what's the one that like the campers use and they put their stickers on it and it's
just like a plastic water bottle that's colored.
Well, anyway, we got to wrap this up because the Elizabeth's computer is not working.
So I'm just going to wrap this up really quick.
I'll give you a quick ditch the drive like so quick.
A couple of things I'm making this week.
One, my cabbage soup recipes on my highlights.
Let's make cabbage soup like so good.
So springy.
Like when it's like a cold spring because you like it's like a light.
It's like it's not a winter soup.
It's a spring soup.
So I'm so excited and my pigs can finally eat scraps and they're going to be so excited
about my scrap cabbage.
Like they are going to freak out.
Can't wait to give it to them.
Like I'm making a soup for my family and I'm just like going to scrap for the pigs.
And then I'm also been into making that like the pizza using ground chicken.
So you just like make the pizza cross out of ground chicken.
It's good for like my new diet that I've been on.
And then you put Caesar dressing as the base and top it with like with other Caesar salad
and chicken.
I don't really do more chicken because the base is chicken and a little Parmesan cheese.
Like it tastes like a chicken Caesar salad, but like it's such a different profile.
It's such a different way to eat that.
Sometimes that's all you need.
So guys, that's going to wrap up today's episode of the couple podcast and we will talk to
you on Wednesday.
Have a good weekend.
Thank you for listening to the carpool podcast with Kelly and Liz.
Make sure you're subscribed so you never miss an episode.
And if you enjoyed riding with us, tell everybody you know, there's room in the car for everyone.
Request an explanation for:
8 cars
Scroll for more
8 cars featured
Request an Explanation
Heard something you'd like explained? We'll add it to this episode.
Sign in to request explanations for terms you heard.
Want to learn more?
Browse our glossary for plain-English explanations of automotive terms, jargon, and concepts.
See something that's not quite right? Our annotations are AI-generated and can sometimes miss the mark.
Click the flag icon on any annotation to suggest a correction.