C.R.E.A.M. #84 - Ranking The Best Ferraris, IYKYK Cars and a M5 Taxi

The Honda S2000 is a lightweight, driver-focused roadster known for its high-revving engine and balanced handling. It’s often discussed by enthusiasts because it’s engaging to drive and has a strong reputation. The podcast notes it has one MOT advisory and says they haven’t sold it yet, implying a personal ownership or listing update.

The Pontiac Solstice is a compact sports car produced by Pontiac, known for being an affordable, fun-to-drive option in its lineup. It’s often mentioned in discussions of entry-level sports cars. The podcast context suggests it’s part of a playful or timed challenge (“Solstice”), likely tied to a car-related bet or reference.

In the UK, the V5 is the vehicle registration document (often called the V5C) that identifies who is responsible for a car. It’s commonly used as proof of ownership/keeper details in everyday processes, but it’s not the same thing as a legal title deed. In this segment, the hosts explain how missing a V5 complicates ownership/administrative steps.

PCNs are Penalty Charge Notices in the UK—fines issued for certain traffic or parking violations. They’re typically sent to the registered keeper/vehicle record, which is why the V5/keeper details matter. The hosts mention PCNs as examples of correspondence that would be tied to the car’s paperwork.

When the hosts say the car “hasn't been taxed,” they’re referring to UK vehicle road tax (vehicle excise duty) being current or not. If a car isn’t taxed, it generally can’t be legally used on public roads. In this segment, the lack of tax and missing V5 are used to explain why the car has been off the road administratively.

The Audi RS6 is a high-performance version of Audi’s A6 wagon, known for combining a practical body with serious power. In this segment, the hosts mention it as the car behind them and talk about making “a lot of power,” implying it’s been tuned or developed for track-style testing.

Dunsfold is the airfield-turned-race-track used by Top Gear for filming and testing. It’s closely associated with the Top Gear Test Track, where cars are driven in a controlled environment for comparisons.

The Top Gear Test Track is the specific circuit used by the Top Gear TV show for repeatable car testing. Because it’s used for consistent runs, it’s a reference point for comparing different cars’ performance.

“Mercilago” is almost certainly a reference to the Lamborghini Murciélago, a V12 supercar known for its aggressive styling and big power. The hosts are saying they wanted it present at Dunsfold/Top Gear’s track to race against other faster cars.

The TVR Tuscan is a British sports car known for its lightweight, performance-first character. It’s often discussed among enthusiasts because TVR models tend to emphasize driving feel and style. The podcast mentions it alongside other “faster cars,” suggesting they’re listing cars they wanted to include.

The inlet manifold is the intake plumbing that distributes the air/fuel mixture (or air, depending on the engine design) to the engine’s cylinders. Saying it’s “off” suggests the engine is partially disassembled, likely for troubleshooting or repairs.

Fuel injectors are electronically controlled valves that spray fuel into the engine in precise amounts and timing. The comment that none are “plugged in” implies the engine can’t run correctly because the fuel delivery system isn’t connected.

In the UK, an MOT is an annual roadworthiness test, and “fails” means the car didn’t meet the legal safety/environment standards. When a listing references MOT failure timing, it can hint at when corrosion or structural issues were first detected.

An “integral body structure” means the car’s body and chassis are designed as one unit, so the body itself carries structural loads. Corrosion in that area is more serious than surface rust because it can affect how the car resists bending and crash forces.

“Structural rigidity” is how resistant the car’s structure is to flexing under load. Even if a car still drives, reduced rigidity can mean the chassis/body isn’t holding alignment correctly and may be less safe in a crash.

“Body mounts” are the connection points that secure the body to the underlying structure (or subframe). Corrosion at body mounts can allow movement, misalignment, and increased vibration, and it can be expensive to repair properly.

A “chassis” is the main structural foundation of a vehicle that supports the engine, suspension, and body. If the body isn’t connected to the chassis, it can indicate severe structural damage or a major repair/fitment issue that compromises safety and drivability.

“Imbalanced” rear brake pads means the left and right sides (or pad thickness/condition) aren’t matching. That can cause uneven braking force, pulling to one side, and faster wear on one side.

A “main beam telltale” is the dashboard indicator that alerts you when the high-beam headlights are on. If it’s not working, you can accidentally drive with high beams on or miss that they’re engaged.

Carvertical is a vehicle history-report service that compiles data to help uncover issues like hidden damage. The hosts use it as a pre-check tool before deciding whether to proceed with a car.

The Range Rover is a luxury SUV from Land Rover, known for combining off-road ability with a high-end interior. It often comes up in conversations about premium 4x4s and the brand’s flagship status. In the podcast, it’s mentioned as something that hasn’t happened yet, likely in the context of a discussion or lineup.

The BMW M5 Competition is a high-performance version of the 5 Series, built around BMW’s twin-turbo V8 and tuned for quicker acceleration and sharper handling. “F90” is the generation code for the 2018–2023 M5, so “F90 M5 Competition” specifically points to that modern M5 era.

A “private number plate” is a personalized license plate where the characters are chosen to create a specific message or identity, rather than being assigned randomly. Enthusiasts often use them to reference a car’s model, owner’s name, or a joke.

“Registered as a learner’s car” means the vehicle is legally set up for use by learner drivers, typically involving specific licensing/insurance and restrictions. In the UK context, it’s often discussed because it can be unusual to see a high-performance car used this way.

The Audi RS 3 is a performance compact car from Audi’s RS line, known for its turbocharged five-cylinder engine and track-capable driving feel. “RS3 saloon” refers to a four-door body style (the RS 3 Sedan), which is less common than the hatchback in many markets.

“Taxi plates” refers to the official license/registration markings that identify a vehicle as authorized to operate as a taxi. The hosts use it to explain why chauffeur-company cars might include performance models, but still wouldn’t be “taxi-taxi” vehicles.

Private hire vehicles are cars that can be booked in advance through a private operator rather than hailed like traditional taxis. The distinction matters here because it affects what cars are allowed to operate and how they’re regulated.

“Taxi-taxi” is an informal way to distinguish a properly licensed, hailable taxi from a private hire car. The hosts use it to set expectations about whether the ride should be able to be hailed and what kind of vehicle you’d get.

The Toyota Prius is a hybrid car that became widely known for efficient everyday driving. It’s often discussed because it helped popularize hybrid technology for mainstream buyers. The podcast mention suggests they’re talking about the model arriving or being referenced by name.

The Mercedes-AMG ML63 is a high-performance version of the Mercedes-Benz ML-class SUV, known for its powerful V8 and big, heavy “tow car” practicality. In this segment, they’re using it as a tow/errands vehicle and explain a wheel-retention failure that left them stranded.

A wheel bolt (or wheel fastener) is what clamps the wheel to the hub so the wheel can’t move or come off. If there’s “not a single wheel bolt holding it in,” the wheel can detach immediately under driving loads.

Wheel spacers are parts that sit between the wheel and the hub to move the wheel outward. They can change how long the wheel bolts/studs need to be engaged, so incorrect spacer thickness or bolt length can contribute to wheel-attachment problems.

The wheel hub is the central mounting point on the axle where the wheel attaches. The studs/bolts pass through the wheel and clamp it to the hub, so the hub-to-wheel interface is critical for safe wheel retention.

Wheel studs are threaded posts that protrude from the hub; the wheel is secured by nuts (or by bolts depending on the setup). If the studs/fasteners don’t have enough thread engagement—something spacers can affect—the wheel can loosen or fail.

A bearing is a mechanical part that lets a wheel or shaft rotate with low friction. In a car, wheel bearings help the wheel spin smoothly; if one fails, you can get wobble, noise, or uneven movement that may lead to loss of control.

When a wheel sits “out of the arch,” it often indicates a suspension or steering problem, such as a failed hub/bearing, broken suspension component, or a wheel/axle issue. The key clue is that the wheel’s position relative to the fender changes, which can happen when structural parts fail.

A brake disc (rotor) is the metal disc the brake pads clamp onto to slow the car. If the wheel ends up sitting on the brake disc, it strongly suggests the wheel/hub assembly has failed catastrophically, because the rotor is normally inside the wheel.

An impact gun (impact wrench) is a power tool that uses repeated hammering force to quickly loosen or tighten stubborn bolts and wheel hardware. It’s commonly used in garages because it saves time versus a manual wrench, especially when fasteners are rusted or over-torqued.

A locking wheel nut is a wheel fastener that can only be removed with a specific key/socket, designed to deter wheel theft. If the key is lost, the wheel can’t be serviced normally, which can leave the car immobilized until the correct removal method is used.

The rear subframe is the structural frame that supports the rear suspension and other rear-mounted components. If it “falls out,” it usually points to serious mounting or hardware issues that can affect wheel alignment and safety. In this segment, it’s mentioned as a likely failure point that needs fixing.

The Oldsmobile Intrigue is a mid-size sedan from Oldsmobile, positioned as a more upscale option in its era. The podcast mention appears to be about looking up a specific car listing “out of intrigue,” suggesting they’re discussing a particular example or curiosity about it. It’s included as part of a broader set of cars they’ve been researching.

The Jaguar I-Pace is Jaguar’s all-electric SUV, known for bringing an EV powertrain into a more traditional luxury-SUV shape. In this segment, it matters because the hosts are discussing how older I-Paces are now showing up cheaply on used listings (around the £9,900 mark).

The Toyota Supra is a performance sports car known for its driver-focused design and strong acceleration. In the podcast, it’s described with a “400” and a “90 kilowatt battery,” which points to a specific electrified or converted context rather than the typical gasoline-only model. The mention also includes mileage, implying they’re discussing a particular example for sale or review.

This refers to an expected battery-life or degradation threshold for an electric vehicle. Around “100k miles,” the battery may still work, but its capacity and performance can gradually decline, which can affect range and perceived value. The hosts are using that idea to explain why a used EV might be cheaper.

In this context, “warranty” refers to the manufacturer’s coverage for EV battery health and/or battery-related failures. EV warranties often set expectations for how much the battery can degrade before coverage applies. The hosts use it to frame why the car might be priced aggressively despite being “premium.”

The Audi e-tron is an all-electric crossover SUV, and this 2021 example is being discussed in terms of battery longevity. The hosts mention a typical battery-life expectation (around 100k miles) and connect that to why the car might be priced lower. They also discuss how higher mileage can affect battery condition and overall value.

The Audi e-tron GT is an all-electric grand tourer from Audi, built around a high-performance EV platform rather than a traditional gasoline engine. In this segment, the hosts focus on how the e-tron GT’s used-car pricing and depreciation can be extreme once leases and warranties end.

Depreciation is how much a car’s value drops over time. For EVs like the Audi e-tron GT, depreciation can be especially steep when incentives, lease structures, and warranty timing stop propping up demand.

Company car tax is a tax benefit/charge system tied to cars provided by employers. In the UK context implied here, EVs were often treated more favorably, which encouraged people to lease them for a short period.

Leasing is a financing structure where you pay to use a car for a set term (here, about three years) rather than buying it outright. When many drivers lease EVs at the same time due to incentives, it can flood the used market later and worsen depreciation.

The Tesla Model Y is an all-electric compact crossover designed for high-volume, everyday use. It’s often discussed because Tesla’s production and pricing strategy can make it very common on the road. The podcast compares it to the Model 3 and mentions early 2021, suggesting they’re talking about market timing and availability.

The Tesla Model 3 is an electric compact sedan that became extremely common in the early 2020s. In this segment, the hosts compare its widespread presence and pricing, including references to a “facelift” version and how cheap used examples can get.

The Audi Q3 e-tron is Audi’s electric version of the Q3 compact SUV line. The hosts mention it in the context of “barn find” electric cars, highlighting how older or neglected EVs can become cheap and hard to get running again.

The Porsche Taycan is Porsche’s all-electric sports sedan, known for its fast acceleration and performance-focused electric drivetrain. In this segment, the hosts talk about buying them cheaply and even “crashing them into each other,” which points to how electric-car values and availability can change over time.

A “barn find” is a vehicle that’s been stored away for a long time—often neglected—before being discovered and sold. In the segment, it’s used to set up the idea of finding an EV cheaply and then dealing with the challenge of getting it to power up.

The Audi Q3 is a compact luxury crossover/SUV from Audi. The podcast specifically mentions an “Audi Q3 e-tron,” which indicates an electric or electrified variant in their context. It’s also tied to a sponsorship mention, suggesting they’re discussing a particular event, build, or appearance.

NOCO is a brand best known for battery chargers and jump-starting products. The hosts mention it right after talking about trying to get an EV to power up, which suggests using a charger/jump device to revive a car with a depleted battery.

The Polestar 2 is Polestar’s electric liftback, positioned as a more premium-looking EV alternative. Here, the hosts discuss its approximate pricing and compare it to other electric cars they’re seeing listed cheaply.

The Volkswagen ID.3 is an all-electric compact hatchback built on VW’s ID electric platform. The hosts mention “loads of VW ID3s” with mileage and price examples, using it to illustrate how many EVs are showing up on the used market.

“Electric car” refers to a vehicle powered primarily by an electric motor using a battery, rather than a combustion engine. In this discussion, the key point is how electric-car demand and resale/trade-in pricing can affect what dealers are willing to pay.

The Mercedes EQC is an all-electric crossover from Mercedes-Benz, built around a battery-electric powertrain rather than a gasoline engine. In this segment, it’s used as an example of how electric-car trade-in values can be weak, with the host quoting a specific “16,000 pounds” figure to illustrate the money-losing reality.

A suspension arm (often called a control arm) is a structural link that locates the wheel and helps manage steering and ride. When it fails, it can cause clunks, uneven tire wear, or alignment issues, so it’s a more meaningful repair than routine wear items.

A battery pack is the large high-voltage battery assembly in an electric vehicle that stores energy for the electric drive system. The speaker’s point is that battery degradation and eventual failure are foreseeable risks, which affects how warranty-style coverage is priced.

The Nissan Leaf is a mainstream battery-electric hatchback, and it’s often used as a real-world example of EV range loss over time. In this segment, the hosts cite a Leaf that was rated for about 100 miles but reportedly only achieved around 50 miles after years of use.

The Tesla Model S is an all-electric luxury sedan where the battery pack is the main energy source for propulsion. In this segment, they’re discussing high-mileage taxi use and how battery health and warranty coverage affect long-term ownership costs and worry level.

“Battery work” refers to repairs or service related to the high-voltage battery system in an electric car. It can include diagnostics, module replacement, or other battery-related fixes that affect range and long-term battery health.

“Battery capacity” is how much energy the battery can store compared to when it was new. When they say “80% capacity,” they mean the battery has degraded to about 80% of its original usable energy, which directly impacts real-world range.

Most modern electric cars still use a separate 12-volt battery to power low-voltage systems like computers, lights, and control modules. Even if the high-voltage traction battery is healthy, a dead 12-volt battery can prevent the car from booting or starting normally.

The Ferrari LaFerrari is a limited-production hybrid supercar from Ferrari, famous for combining a high-revving V12 with an electric motor. It’s one of the “big six” Ferraris the hosts are listing, which signals it’s a top-tier, enthusiast-icon car rather than a mainstream model.

A V12 is an engine with 12 cylinders arranged in a “V” shape. In the Ferrari F50 context, it’s the naturally aspirated V12 that provides the car’s character without turbocharging.

“Turbos” refers to turbochargers, which force more air into an engine to make more power. The hosts are pointing out that the Ferrari F50 uses no turbochargers, meaning it relies on its naturally aspirated V12 instead.

The Ferrari 288 GTO is a 1980s turbocharged Ferrari known for its race-bred attitude and distinctive wedge-era styling. It’s famous because it was built around high-performance turbo V8 technology and was one of the key “homologation” Ferraris that helped define the brand’s turbo era.

The Ferrari Enzo LaFerrari is a halo supercar from Ferrari built around a mid-engine layout and a focus on high-performance engineering. It’s named after Enzo Ferrari and is known for being one of the brand’s most collectible, track-capable modern-era Ferraris.

“Holy Trinity” is an enthusiast shorthand for a small set of iconic supercars that define a generation’s dream cars. In this conversation, the speaker uses it as a personal “top three” grouping (they mention Enzo and Zonda, and also bring up LaFerrari).

The Pagani Zonda is a hand-built, mid-engine supercar known for its distinctive styling and for being one of Pagani’s most influential early models. In enthusiast conversations, it’s often grouped with other “holy grail” supercars because it represents a peak of boutique Italian exotic engineering.

The SLR McLaren is a high-end supercar produced by Mercedes-AMG in collaboration with McLaren. It’s significant because it’s a rare, performance-focused flagship that blends supercar styling with serious engineering. The podcast mentions having SLR, “Claren,” and LP640s, indicating they’re listing notable supercars they had in their lineup or discussion.

“LP640s” refers to the Lamborghini Gallardo LP640, a high-performance variant of the Gallardo lineup. It’s known for its naturally aspirated V10 character and for being one of the most talked-about “everyday supercar” Lamborghinis of the early 2000s.

The Bugatti Veyron is a hypercar known for extreme performance and being one of the most headline-grabbing cars of the early 2000s era. It’s often discussed when people talk about the rise of modern super-hypercar benchmarks. The podcast references it in the same timeframe as other major manufacturers’ releases.

“Hybrid trinity” is a fan shorthand for the three landmark hybrid supercars that arrived around the same period: Ferrari LaFerrari, McLaren P1 Hybrid, and Porsche 918 Spyder. The idea is that these cars marked the end of the “pure” naturally aspirated era and kicked off modern hybrid performance.

The “hybrid bits” refers to the electric components added to performance cars—typically an electric motor/generator and battery—working alongside the engine. In practice, this often enables smaller engines while still delivering top-end power, because the electric system can add torque and help efficiency.

“Twin turbo” means the engine uses two turbochargers to force more air into the cylinders. That typically boosts power and responsiveness, but it can also make the car feel more abrupt if you’re not used to turbo behavior.

In this context, “manual” means the car uses a traditional clutch-and-gearshift setup instead of an automatic transmission. That usually makes the driving experience feel more direct and “raw,” because you’re actively managing engine speed and traction with each shift.

A “special edition” is a limited or distinct version of a model, usually with styling changes and/or mechanical updates that differentiate it from the standard car. Here, the hosts frame the Ferrari F40 as the first “special edition” in that lineage, emphasizing it wasn’t created from scratch.

“F80” refers to the BMW M3 (F80 generation), which is the turbocharged, modern-era M3 that many enthusiasts treat as a benchmark for daily-drivable performance. Here it’s being placed at the bottom of the speaker’s ranking, showing the comparison is across very different “supercar vs. performance sedan” categories.

“Mustache delete” is an enthusiast modification where the small grille/trim element on the front of a car is removed or replaced for a cleaner look. In this context, the host is referencing a specific modified BMW M3 example (“the recent Mustache delete one”) as part of their ranking.

This is describing a mid-engine layout where the transmission (gearbox) sits near the rear of the engine bay rather than far forward. That packaging helps balance weight distribution and can make the drivetrain feel more “connected,” which is why the host calls it “very impressive.”

The Ferrari F40 is a mid-engine, twin-turbocharged supercar from the late 1980s that became an icon for being brutally fast and mechanically focused. It’s especially famous because it was the last Ferrari that Enzo Ferrari personally approved before his death.

The Ferrari F50 is a mid-1990s supercar known for its race-inspired design and an F1-derived V12 character. In this segment, the host highlights how the engine is integrated into the car’s structure (mounted behind the cabin), plus the distinctive cockpit and exterior details like the integrated wing and rear mesh that reveals the exhaust.

An “LED dash” means the instrument cluster uses light-emitting diodes for the display. That’s notable because it can improve visibility and gives the cockpit a more modern, race-inspired look compared with older analog or incandescent gauge setups.

An “integrated wing” means the rear spoiler/wing is built into the bodywork rather than being a separate add-on. On cars like the Ferrari F50, that kind of packaging is part of the aerodynamic and visual design—often aiming for downforce while keeping the overall shape cohesive.

The Ferrari Enzo (Enzo Ferrari) is a mid-engine supercar built to celebrate Ferrari’s founder and to showcase the brand’s modern performance direction. It’s especially notable for its Formula 1–inspired engineering approach and for being one of the most influential “modern Ferrari” icons.

The Porsche 911 is an iconic sports car known for its long-running design and rear-engine layout. It’s frequently used as a benchmark for performance and engineering in the sports-car world. In the podcast, it’s praised as outperforming a “360,” indicating they’re comparing driving impressions or value.

An auction estimate is the pre-sale price range an auction house expects the item (here, a car) to fetch. The hosts mention an estimate of 170 to 220,000 euros, which frames how the car’s hype and provenance (press car, Clarkson connection) might affect bidding.

The hosts discuss the difference between buying a car as an investment and actually driving it. The segment contrasts a “stuck away” supercar with one that’s been repaired and then used normally.

“Cat D” is a UK insurance classification for a vehicle that was damaged but considered not severe enough to be written off as “Cat A” or “Cat C.” It typically signals that the car has had structural or major damage history, which can affect resale value and buyer confidence.

“Lotus type 135” is a Lotus model name used in a teaser post, and the key clue is that the teaser shows the rear of a car with exhaust/tailpipes. That strongly suggests it’s not an electric-only concept, because visible exhaust outlets usually mean an internal-combustion powertrain.

Tailpipes are the exhaust outlets at the back of a car. When a teaser shows tailpipes, it usually indicates the vehicle uses an internal-combustion engine (or at least has an exhaust system), rather than being purely electric.

A “hybrid V8” is a V8 engine combined with an electric motor (and typically a battery) to assist propulsion. The point is to improve efficiency and/or add extra torque, while still keeping the character of a V8.

“Crushed carbon” refers to a carbon-fiber surface finish where the material is compressed or textured to create a distinctive, patterned look. It’s often used on supercars and concept-style cars to make the bodywork or trim look more aggressive and high-tech.