Bring Back Stereo Dolphins!
About this episode
The hosts dive into a casual chat covering a variety of automotive topics, from RV fairs and off-road vehicles like the Ranger Raptor and Storyteller overland rigs, to practical discussions about fuel tank capacities and modifications. They also explain the importance of the MAP sensor in vehicle performance and fuel efficiency, sharing maintenance tips for dusty or off-road conditions. The conversation touches on the dilemma of keeping older cars versus leasing new ones, highlighting the costs and benefits of each. Along the way, they share personal stories and industry insights, making for an engaging and informative listen.
Bring back stereo dolphins! We think there's a market for simplified vehicles that will outlast you with proper maintenance, and we think diesel, non-hybrid, trucks with no built-in infotainment, and manual options would be just the thing. Doug DeMuro disagrees, but do you? It turns out about 1/2 a million Washington drivers have expired tabs. In a surprise to no one living in the area of constantly increasing taxes and costs, more drivers than ever are skipping tab renewals. We often forget the tabs on our motorcycles and trailers, but what about you? Did you hear this episode then suddenly realize your tabs are still from 2021? Living in that RTA zone and it just doesn't make sense to renew them for you? Tesla pulls the plug on the Model S and Model X; is it a sign of decreasing demand for EVs?
Questions for the audience this week!
- Is simplicity something you want and would actually pay for? Is there an actual market for vehicles like the 70 series or is it just a nice idea?
- What vehicles is close to perfect, except for 1 or 2 glaringly obvious flaws like the Prelude?
- What other manufacturers are obviously missing the mark on their models besides the Honda Prelude?
- Did you "forget" to renew your tabs? Is it just too expensive now?
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Mercedes Sprinter
""you know, it's one of the Mercedes Sprinter vans off road. But yeah," , "
The Mercedes Sprinter is a big van that people use for work or to turn into camper vans. It can also be made to drive off-road, which means it can go on rough paths.
The Mercedes Sprinter is a versatile full-size van often used for commercial purposes, camper conversions, and off-road capable vans. It is known for its spacious interior and strong diesel engine options.
Jeep Grand Cherokee
"...d up caught what he got a Monteiro Monteiro and a grand Cherokee like that were in the fleet for SARS and search a..."
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a type of big car that can drive well on rough roads and is also comfortable inside. People like to use it for tough jobs like police work because it can handle hard conditions.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a midsize SUV known for its off-road capability and luxury features. It has been widely used in various fleets, including law enforcement and special operations, due to its ruggedness and versatility. Its mention in the context of SARS and search operations highlights its reliability in demanding environments.
Ford Bronco
"... a Ford one day like we talked about. Once you go Bronco Raptor, there's you just can't be off road off ro..."
The Ford Bronco is a tough car made to drive on rough, bumpy roads like dirt or rocks. The special Bronco Raptor is even better at going off-road and looks cool too.
The Ford Bronco is a rugged SUV designed for off-road performance, recently revived with modern technology and styling. The Bronco Raptor variant is particularly notable for its enhanced off-road capabilities and sporty design. It's often discussed for its blend of classic appeal and modern off-road prowess.
Ford Ranger
"...hought about just selling a kidney when I got the Ranger Raptor, but it just didn't. If I didn't need to t..."
The Ford Ranger is a smaller truck that can carry stuff and drive well on different roads. The Ranger Raptor is a fancier, stronger version made for rough places but costs more money.
The Ford Ranger is a midsize pickup truck known for its balance of utility, performance, and affordability. The Ranger Raptor is a high-performance off-road version that commands a premium price. Its mention often relates to its capability and value proposition in the pickup segment.
off-road vehicles
"tank on a Ranger Raptor, which a lot of people do obviously are on their off road vehicles"
Off-road vehicles are cars or trucks made to drive on bumpy, rough ground instead of smooth roads.
Off-road vehicles are designed or modified to drive on rough terrain, such as dirt, mud, rocks, or sand, often featuring specialized tires, suspension, and protective components.
fuel tank capacity
"because the tank on my truck sucks. It's like 18 gallons or something. Same with the Bronco."
Fuel tank capacity means how much gas a car or truck can carry before needing to fill up again.
Fuel tank capacity refers to the amount of fuel a vehicle's tank can hold, which affects driving range between refueling stops.
rear suspension
"it blocks so many little things that it gets really close to the rear suspension to the point where I feel like if you ever had to service the rear suspension, you might have an issue with that tank."
The rear suspension is the part under the back of a car or truck that helps it ride smoothly over bumps and keeps the wheels steady.
The rear suspension is the system of springs, shock absorbers, and linkages at the back of a vehicle that supports the weight and absorbs bumps for a smoother ride.
Ford F150
"Like the F-150 Raptor has a 34 gallon tank, 3435 somewhere in there, and that's fantastic."
The Ford F-150 Raptor is a special kind of pickup truck that can go off-road very well and has a bigger gas tank than normal trucks, so it can drive longer without stopping.
The Ford F-150 Raptor is a high-performance off-road variant of the popular F-150 pickup truck, known for its powerful engine, off-road capabilities, and larger fuel tank compared to standard trucks.
911 Porsche Gt3
"... in there. I mean, if you can fit 25 gallons in a Porsche GT3 RS, you can fit 25 gallons under an off-road vehi..."
The Porsche 911 is a famous fast car that looks unique and is made to drive very well, especially on race tracks. People admire it because it is both stylish and powerful.
The Porsche 911 is a legendary sports car known for its distinctive design, rear-engine layout, and exceptional driving dynamics. Variants like the GT3 RS emphasize track performance and precision. It's often referenced as a benchmark for sports cars.
Nissan Gtr
"...rcharged F 155 liter, you know, the basic Mexican GTR. And I said, Excuse me. And just so we're clear, ..."
The Nissan GT-R is a very fast and smart car that can drive well in many conditions. It has a strong engine and is popular because it is quick and fun to drive.
The Nissan GT-R is a high-performance sports car known for its advanced technology, all-wheel drive, and powerful turbocharged engine. It has a strong reputation for speed and handling at a relatively affordable price point. It's often discussed as a modern Japanese performance icon.
expired tabs
"an interesting article actually was sent to me by my wife. Uh, the fact that 600,000 people in Washington state have expired tabs right now that they know of."
Expired tabs mean your car's registration is out of date. You need to renew it to avoid getting in trouble with the police.
Expired tabs refer to vehicle registration stickers or documents that are no longer valid because the renewal date has passed. Driving with expired tabs can lead to fines or penalties.
RTA tax
"living in the Seattle area, uh, there's the RTA tax, which can really take, uh, tabs and things like that. Uh, and so much so that we only shopped out of the RTA zone when buying the house."
RTA tax is an extra charge you pay when you register your car or buy a house in some areas. The money helps pay for roads and buses.
RTA tax refers to a regional transportation authority tax imposed in certain areas, such as Seattle, which adds extra fees to vehicle registration or purchases to fund transportation projects.
Mercedes-Benz
"...the bike collection, the Mercedes, yeah. Yeah, I'll be interested in following that"
Mercedes-Benz is a famous car company from Germany that makes fancy and reliable cars. Many people recognize it for its luxury and comfort.
Mercedes-Benz is a German luxury automotive brand known for its high-quality cars, SUVs, and performance vehicles. It has a long history of innovation and prestige in the automotive industry.
Tesla Model X
"Did you hear Tesla killed the Model S and the Model X this year?"
The Tesla Model X is a big electric SUV with special doors that open up like wings. It's roomy and fast, and Tesla makes it as one of their popular cars.
The Tesla Model X is an all-electric luxury SUV known for its distinctive falcon-wing doors, spacious interior, and strong electric performance. It is one of Tesla's key models in the electric SUV market.
Tesla Model S
"Did you hear Tesla killed the Model S and the Model X this year?"
The Tesla Model S is a fancy electric car that can go a long way on a single charge and is packed with cool tech. It's one of the main cars Tesla is known for.
The Tesla Model S is a luxury all-electric sedan known for its long range, high performance, and advanced technology features. It has been a flagship model for Tesla, contributing significantly to the brand's popularity.
EV sales
""They're down like almost 50%. EV sales in general.""
EV sales means how many electric cars are being sold. Electric cars run on batteries instead of gas.
EV sales refer to the market sales of electric vehicles, which are cars powered entirely or partially by electricity instead of traditional gasoline engines.
Tesla Cybertruck
"...e, obviously they're not going to be building the Cybertruck anymore. I don't know if they are or not, which i..."
The Tesla Cybertruck is a new kind of truck that runs only on electricity and looks very different from normal trucks. People talk about it because it might change how trucks work in the future.
The Tesla Cybertruck is an all-electric pickup truck with a futuristic design and impressive performance specs. Its production has faced delays and uncertainty, making it a frequent topic of discussion regarding the future of electric trucks. The Cybertruck represents Tesla's bold entry into the pickup market.
Ford F-150 Lightning
"... it with, with Ford cutting on getting rid of the lightning. It's not just Tesla."
The Ford F-150 Lightning is a big truck that runs on electricity instead of gas. It can do many of the same jobs as regular trucks but is cleaner and quieter.
The Ford F-150 Lightning is an all-electric version of Ford's best-selling F-150 pickup truck, combining traditional truck utility with electric powertrain benefits. It represents Ford's push into electric vehicles and is significant in the EV truck market. Discussions often focus on its performance and future availability.
Honda Prelude
"...Doug DeMarone did cars and bids discuss the Honda Prelude. Okay."
The Honda Prelude is a small, sporty car that was made to be fun to drive and last a long time. Many people like it because it looks nice and doesn't break easily.
The Honda Prelude is a sporty compact coupe that was produced from the late 1970s through the early 2000s. It is known for its engaging driving dynamics and reliability, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts. Its mention often relates to its classic status and tuning potential.
Dodge Charger
"... up with fuel in your generator, then goes to the charger and be well in your way. A lot faster."
The Dodge Charger is a big car that can go very fast and looks strong and sporty. People like it because it can be used every day but still feels exciting to drive.
The Dodge Charger is a full-size sedan known for its powerful engines and muscle car heritage. It combines performance with practicality, making it a popular choice for both enthusiasts and daily drivers. It is often referenced for its speed and aggressive styling.
Ford V8
"... bit, make a huge two-door scout that had a giant Ford V8 in the front of it, I would be fine with that."
A Ford V8 sedan is an older style car with a strong engine that makes it go fast and smooth. Many people like these cars because they look classic and have good power.
A Ford V8 sedan typically refers to classic Ford cars equipped with V8 engines, known for their power and smooth performance. These vehicles are often sought after by collectors and enthusiasts for their vintage appeal. The mention implies interest in powerful, classic American sedans.
Acura Integra
"...he price tag. Because it would be basically a new Integra Type R and it's, you know, in a heavier Prelude c..."
The Acura Integra is a small, sporty car that is fun to drive and doesn't usually have many problems. The Type R version is even faster and more exciting.
The Acura Integra is a compact sporty car known for its sharp handling and reliability, often celebrated in enthusiast circles. The Type R variant is especially prized for performance and driving enjoyment. Newer models continue this legacy with modern technology.
BMW M2
""Yeah, the M2 is the only appealing BMW to me. M2, like M3, M4, fine.""
The BMW M2 is a small, fast car made by BMW that is fun to drive and good for both daily use and racing on tracks.
The BMW M2 is a high-performance compact sports car from BMW's M division, known for its sporty handling and powerful engine. It is often praised for its balance of everyday usability and track-capable performance.
BMW M3
""M2, like M3, M4, fine. But like everything else that BMW is doing...""
The BMW M3 is a fast and sporty car made by BMW that is popular among car fans for its great driving feel.
The BMW M3 is a high-performance version of the 3 Series, known for its sporty handling, powerful engines, and status as a benchmark sports sedan or coupe.
BMW M4
""M2, like M3, M4, fine. But like everything else that BMW is doing...""
The BMW M4 is a fast two-door car made by BMW that is fun to drive and has powerful engines.
The BMW M4 is the high-performance coupe and convertible version of the 4 Series, offering sporty performance and handling similar to the M3.
overland vehicles
""If people weren't buying their vans and turning them into overland vehicles, I don't know how Mercedes would be doing.""
Overland vehicles are cars or vans changed to go on long trips over rough roads and places where normal cars can't go.
Overland vehicles are modified or specially equipped vehicles designed for long-distance off-road travel, often self-sufficient and capable of handling rough terrain.
Audi
""I'm happy with Audi, obviously, I think.""
Audi is a company from Germany that makes nice and fast cars with cool technology.
Audi is a German luxury car manufacturer known for its stylish design, advanced technology, and performance-oriented vehicles across various segments.
BMW E30
"... think about a sexy car, and I'm taking BMW, that E30 M3 is one of the most beautiful cars on the road."
The BMW 3 Series is a nice, small luxury car that is fun to drive and feels fancy inside. The older E30 M3 model is very special because it was made to be extra fast and is now a classic.
The BMW 3 Series is a compact executive car celebrated for its sporty handling and luxury features. The E30 M3, a high-performance variant from the 1980s and early 1990s, is especially revered as a classic and collectible car. It's often discussed for its driving dynamics and iconic status.
BMW M6
"...a car. And it was like an 80 to six, it wasn't an M6, but it had like the old school click buttons"
The BMW M6 is a fancy and fast car that looks nice and is fun to drive. Older versions had special buttons and a classic design that some people really like.
The BMW M6 is a high-performance version of the 6 Series coupe or convertible, blending luxury with powerful engines and sporty handling. Older models, such as those from the 1980s, featured distinctive controls and classic styling. It's often discussed for its combination of comfort and performance.
Chevrolet Corvette
"Now obviously Chevy's with the Corvette and we might get a Viper again. I might get a manual Corvette. If that rumor is true, that's going to be pretty amazing. Chevy's really killing it as far as the Corvettes."
The Chevrolet Corvette is a fast and fun car made in America. People like it because it looks cool and drives really well, often being cheaper than other sports cars.
The Chevrolet Corvette is an iconic American sports car known for its performance and distinctive design. It has been produced in various generations since the 1950s and is often praised for delivering supercar-level performance at a relatively affordable price.
manual transmission
"I might get a manual Corvette. If that rumor is true, that's going to be pretty amazing."
A manual transmission means the driver changes gears themselves using a stick and pedal. Some people like it because it makes driving more fun and gives more control.
A manual transmission is a type of gearbox where the driver manually shifts gears using a clutch and gear stick. It offers more driver engagement and control compared to automatic transmissions.
Ford Mustang
"You can still get a manual Mustang with a ton of horsepower. They listened. Yeah, you can."
The Ford Mustang is a popular sports car that many people like because it has a strong engine and looks cool. You can even get it with a stick shift, which means you change gears yourself.
The Ford Mustang is an iconic American muscle car known for its powerful engines and sporty design. It is available with various engine options and transmissions, including a manual gearbox favored by driving enthusiasts.
Dodge Ram SRT-10
""and then Dodge came out with the SRT-10 that had the Viper engine. And it was just a short-bed truck that was meant to go fast.""
The Dodge SRT-10 is a fast pickup truck that uses the same big engine as the Dodge Viper sports car. It was made to be a quick and powerful truck.
The Dodge SRT-10 is a high-performance version of the Dodge Ram pickup truck, equipped with the powerful Viper V10 engine. It was designed as a short-bed truck focused on speed and performance.
Dodge Viper
"... then Dodge came out with the SRT-10 that had the Viper engine. And it was just a short-bed truck that wa..."
The Dodge Viper is a very fast and strong sports car made in America. It is known for being exciting to drive but doesn't have a lot of fancy features inside.
The Dodge Viper is an American sports car famous for its powerful V10 engine and raw driving experience. It is an iconic muscle car that emphasizes performance over luxury or comfort. Its mention often relates to its unique place in automotive history.
Viper engine
""Dodge came out with the SRT-10 that had the Viper engine. And it was just a short-bed truck that was meant to go fast.""
The Viper engine is a big and powerful engine from a sports car called the Dodge Viper. It makes the truck very fast.
The Viper engine refers to the V10 engine originally developed for the Dodge Viper sports car, known for its high displacement and power output. It was used in the Dodge SRT-10 truck to provide exceptional performance.
short-bed truck
""And it was just a short-bed truck that was meant to go fast. Yeah.""
A short-bed truck has a smaller back area to carry things, which can make the truck easier to drive and look sportier.
A short-bed truck has a shorter cargo bed compared to standard or long-bed trucks, which often improves handling and reduces overall length, making it sportier and easier to maneuver.
Toyota Land Cruiser
"You've got the new Land Cruiser here, which is a throwback."
The Toyota Land Cruiser is a big SUV that can drive well off-road and lasts a long time. The newest version looks a bit like the old ones but has new features.
The Toyota Land Cruiser is a legendary full-size SUV known for its off-road capability and durability. The latest generation combines modern technology with a design that pays homage to its heritage, often referred to as a throwback.
Lexus GX 550
"You've got the GX550. Like, yeah, but that's got power everything hybrid."
The Lexus GX 550 is a fancy SUV that can go off-road and has a strong engine and lots of nice features inside.
The Lexus GX 550 is a luxury midsize SUV with a powerful V8 engine and advanced features. It is known for combining off-road capability with premium comfort and technology.
diesel
""SUV, diesel, no hybrid, would people,""
Diesel is a kind of fuel used in some cars. Cars that use diesel usually go farther on a tank and have strong power, but they can make more smoke.
Diesel refers to a type of internal combustion engine that uses diesel fuel. Diesel engines are known for their fuel efficiency and torque but can produce more particulate emissions compared to gasoline engines.
hybrid
""SUV, diesel, no hybrid, would people,""
A hybrid car uses both gas and electricity to move. This helps it save fuel and pollute less.
A hybrid vehicle uses two or more types of power, typically combining an internal combustion engine with an electric motor to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.
plastic oil drain plugs
""That's why you get things like plastic oil drain plugs and plastic, you know,""
Some cars use plastic plugs to drain old oil. They are cheaper but can break or get damaged easier than metal ones.
Plastic oil drain plugs are used in some cars instead of metal ones to reduce cost and weight, but they can be more prone to damage or stripping during oil changes.
Land Rover Range Rover
"You get a car like that, any Range Rover that's, you know,"
The Range Rover is a fancy big car that can drive on rough roads and also feels very comfortable and nice inside. People like it because it looks good and can go many places.
The Land Rover Range Rover is a luxury SUV known for combining off-road capability with high-end comfort and technology. It has a prestigious reputation but is also known for higher maintenance costs. It's often mentioned in discussions about premium SUVs.
V8
""...it's still a single low cam and just a basic V8. And it works really well...""
A V8 is a type of engine with eight cylinders shaped like a V. This kind of engine usually makes a lot of power and is found in many big or fast cars.
A V8 is an engine configuration with eight cylinders arranged in two banks of four forming a 'V' shape. V8 engines are known for their power and torque characteristics, commonly used in performance and larger vehicles.
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