Car Pro Radio Show April 4 26 Hour 3
About this episode
Jerry Reynolds and co-host Todd Chambliss kick off with Easter greetings, a prayer for troops, and quick hits on new reviews including the 2026 Toyota Corolla Hatchback FX and a 2025 Range Rover Sport plug-in hybrid. The show veers into listener Q&A: comparing Honda Accord vs Acura/Lexus equivalents, debating service costs after warranty, and a technical discussion on why some cars’ tail lights may not illuminate at night when DRLs are set incorrectly. Other segments cover resale-value trends (EVs worst, Porsche 718 best), major auction highlights, and a deep dive on Ford Explorer water-pump concerns and long-term ownership decisions.
Car Pro Radio Show April 4 26 Hour 3
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Toyota Corolla
"We put up a new review on the 2026 Toyota Corolla Hatchback FX. That's a lot going on there."
They’re talking about a specific new Toyota: the 2026 Corolla Hatchback in the FX trim. It’s a small, practical car, but in a hatchback style.
This segment highlights a specific trim and body style: the 2026 Toyota Corolla Hatchback FX. It’s a compact hatchback variant of the Corolla line, and the host is referencing a fresh review of that exact model.
$28,000
"Good looking little Toyota Corolla coming in at $28,000 on the winter sticker that Amy Plymouth spent a week with."
The host quotes a specific price point for the 2026 Toyota Corolla Hatchback FX. Price mentions like this are typically tied to the car’s listed MSRP or a review-referenced transaction baseline, which helps listeners gauge affordability.
white wheels
"With the nice white wheels. White wheels. Boy, that'll get your attention."
They’re pointing out that the car has white wheels. That’s mostly about looks, but it can also be tied to a specific option package.
The segment calls out “white wheels” as a visual detail on the reviewed Corolla. Wheel color and style can affect curb appeal and sometimes indicate a particular appearance package or trim option.
Land Rover Range Rover
"...ing I hadn't seen in a while. And I had the 2025 Range Rover Sport plug-in hybrid. What a nice, nice SUV."
The Range Rover is a large luxury SUV made by Land Rover. It’s designed to feel comfortable and high-end, but it can also handle rough roads. The podcast brings it up because it’s a well-known premium SUV model.
The Land Rover Range Rover is a full-size luxury SUV known for its upscale interior, comfort-focused ride, and off-road capability. It often comes up in discussions because it represents the brand’s flagship approach to combining refinement with rugged ability. In the podcast, it’s mentioned alongside a newer Range Rover Sport plug-in hybrid as an example of a standout SUV.
2025 Range Rover Sport plug-in hybrid
"And I had the 2025 Range Rover Sport plug-in hybrid. What a nice, nice SUV."
That’s a plug-in hybrid version of the Range Rover Sport. It can run on electricity for a while, but it also has a gas engine when you need more range or power.
This is the 2025 Land Rover Range Rover Sport in plug-in hybrid (PHEV) form. A PHEV uses both an electric motor and a gasoline engine, typically with a battery you can recharge from an outlet.
Genesis GV80
"the weird thing was back in 2021, I was reviewing the Genesis GV80 for the very first time."
The Genesis GV80 is a luxury SUV. It’s in the same general category as other upscale SUVs like the Range Rover Sport.
The Genesis GV80 is a midsize luxury SUV from Genesis, Hyundai’s premium brand. It’s often compared with vehicles like the Range Rover Sport because they target similar buyers looking for comfort, tech, and performance.
Toyota Camry
"... say a Corde, and its accurate counterpart, or a Camry, and it's, I think maybe an ES250. What do you g..."
The Toyota Camry is a regular, everyday car in the midsize sedan category. People often choose it because it’s practical and easy to live with. The podcast mentions it as a common option when comparing popular sedans.
The Toyota Camry is a mainstream midsize sedan built for everyday reliability and comfort. It’s frequently discussed because it’s a high-volume model and often compared when people talk about dependable family cars. In the podcast, it’s referenced as a possible “accurate counterpart” to another name, with a mention of an ES250 trim.
standard equipment
"Yeah, you get a higher level of standard equipment when you go with the Acura or the Lexus..."
Standard equipment is the stuff that comes with the car without extra cost. The point here is that the luxury versions include more features by default.
Standard equipment refers to features included on the base trim without paying extra. The speaker contrasts standard equipment levels between mainstream models and the Acura/Lexus options, implying you get more “for your money” in the luxury brands.
real leather versus synthetic leather
"But for instance, in the Acura or the ES, you're going to get real leather versus synthetic leather."
Real leather is actual leather material, while synthetic leather is a man-made substitute. The speaker is saying the nicer cars may use higher-end materials like real leather.
Real leather is an animal-hide material, while synthetic leather is man-made (often polyurethane-based) to mimic leather’s look and feel. The speaker uses this as an example of how luxury trims can upgrade materials even when the cars are mechanically similar.
real wood
"You're going to get real wood. You're going to get more ambient lighting."
Real wood trim means the car uses actual wood pieces inside. It’s one of the ways luxury cars try to feel more premium.
“Real wood” refers to actual wood trim used in the cabin, rather than plastic or wood-look finishes. It’s a common luxury differentiator and ties into the speaker’s broader point about paying for interior upgrades.
ambient lighting
"You're going to get more ambient lighting. They say that you're going to get a quieter ride."
Ambient lighting is the soft, decorative lighting inside the car. It’s usually added to make the cabin feel more upscale.
Ambient lighting is cabin lighting designed to create a mood or highlight interior surfaces, rather than purely illuminate controls. The speaker lists it as another example of extra standard luxury features.
same chassis
"And sometimes there are differences in size of the body, even on, even though the cars are on the same chassis."
The chassis is the main structure the car is built on. Even if two cars share the same basic structure, they can still have different interior space.
A “chassis” (or “same chassis”) refers to the core vehicle structure that supports the suspension, drivetrain mounting points, and overall layout. The speaker’s point is that even with shared foundations, dimensions like cabin space can differ between models.
Honda Accord
"Let me tell you. Nowadays, a Honda Accord top-of-the-line and a Camry top-of-the-line are e..."
The Honda Accord is a midsize sedan, meaning it’s a family-friendly car that’s not too big. It’s popular because it’s comfortable and practical for daily driving. The podcast mentions it because people often compare its top versions to other similar sedans.
The Honda Accord is a midsize sedan that’s known for a balance of comfort, usability, and long-running popularity. It comes up in comparisons because top trims are often cross-shopped with other mainstream sedans. The podcast specifically notes that a top-of-the-line Accord and a top-of-the-line Camry are in the same conversation.
depreciation rates
"It's interesting to note that on this particular survey, they did a five-year run of determining depreciation rates, [547.8s] and they found the average to be just about 40%,"
Depreciation rate is how quickly a car loses value as it gets older. If a car depreciates slowly, it usually costs less over time because you can sell it for more later.
Depreciation rate is how much a vehicle’s value drops over time, often measured over a set period like five years. It’s a key metric for total cost of ownership because it affects what you’ll get back when you sell or trade the car.
automatic headlights
"So automatic headlights. Nowadays, they have the headlights on as well as the dashboard lights. So I'm seeing a lot of people driving at night without their tail lights on, thinking that their headlights are eliminated."
Automatic headlights are lights that turn on by themselves when it gets dark. They use a sensor to decide when to switch the lights on so you don’t have to remember.
Automatic headlights use a light sensor to turn the exterior lights on and off based on ambient conditions (like dusk or darkness). Many systems also include logic for when to activate the dashboard and other lighting so the driver doesn’t have to manually switch them every time.
DRL
"...you can turn on auto or just DRL or whatever it may be."
DRL means Daytime Running Lights. They help other drivers see you during the day, but they’re not meant to replace headlights when it’s dark.
DRL stands for Daytime Running Lights. They’re designed to improve visibility in daylight, but they may not provide the same illumination as full headlights at night—so relying on DRL alone can be unsafe if headlights don’t turn on.
daytime running lights
"20 plus years, it's a law in Canada that every car must have daytime running lights. And they say, whoever they is, they say that it has cut accidents."
Daytime running lights are lights that turn on in the daytime so other drivers can see you better. The goal is fewer accidents because your car stands out more.
Daytime running lights (DRLs) are lights that automatically turn on during the day to make a vehicle more visible to other drivers. Many countries require them by law, and the idea is to reduce daytime crashes by improving conspicuity.
stop-start system
"That one issue is that stop-start system. And I just hate it. And I've tried to train myself to get in the car and turn it off."
Stop-start is a feature that turns the engine off when you’re stopped and turns it back on when you go again. Some people hate how it feels or how often it activates.
A stop-start system automatically shuts the engine off when the vehicle is stopped (like at a red light) and restarts it when you release the brake or press the accelerator. The goal is to reduce fuel consumption and emissions, but some drivers dislike the added interruption and restart feel.
auctioned vehicle
"And the highest bid or the biggest auctioned vehicle was a 66 Shelby 427 Cobra Roadster, [1085.8s] $1.8 million."
An auctioned vehicle is a car being sold by bidding. The final price depends on what people are willing to pay at that moment.
An “auctioned vehicle” is a car sold through a bidding process rather than a fixed-price sale. Collector-car auctions often attract buyers looking for specific models, and prices can reflect market demand in real time.
water pump
"Yeah. And I know there's an issue with the water pump. And it's a big job to get to."
A water pump moves coolant around the engine so it doesn’t overheat. If it starts leaking or fails, the car can run hot and you may need a costly repair.
The water pump circulates coolant through the engine to keep temperatures under control. If it fails, the engine can overheat, and on some vehicles it’s labor-intensive to access.
oil and filter
"Well, it really depends on prior maintenance. How diligent have you been about changing the fluids, especially the oil and filter? Absolutely on time."
Changing the oil and the filter regularly keeps the engine clean and properly lubricated. Skipping oil changes can make engine wear happen sooner.
Regular oil changes and replacing the oil filter help remove contaminants and keep the engine lubricated. Maintenance history strongly affects how long components last before problems show up.
air conditioning compressors
"When you cross that 100,000 mile mark, you're going to have things go wrong. And it's going to be air conditioning compressors, a power window motor."
The A/C compressor is what makes your car’s air conditioner actually work. If it breaks, the A/C may stop blowing cold air.
The A/C compressor is the heart of the air-conditioning system—it pressurizes refrigerant so the system can cool the cabin. When it fails, you may notice warm air, unusual noises, or A/C that won’t engage.
power window motor
"And it's going to be air conditioning compressors, a power window motor. Power steering pump."
The power window motor runs the window. If it fails, the window may get stuck, move slowly, or make grinding sounds.
Power window motors drive the window up and down, usually through a regulator mechanism. Common symptoms of failure include slow operation, grinding noises, or a window that won’t move.
power steering pump
"Power window motor. Power steering pump. You know, water pump is, is certainly something that's going to go on a car at some point."
The power steering pump helps you steer with less effort. If it’s going bad, steering can feel heavy and you might hear whining.
The power steering pump provides hydraulic pressure (on many older designs) to make steering easier. When it starts failing, you can get whining noises, stiff steering, or fluid leaks.
sounds that are unusual
"Got a good head. Notice, notice sounds that are unusual. Your best defense is actually your nose."
New or unusual noises can be a sign something is starting to go wrong. If you hear something different, it’s smart to get it checked.
Unusual sounds—like rattles, grinding, or new whining—often indicate a developing mechanical issue. The speaker frames this as a key diagnostic clue to catch problems early.
Autostop Eliminator
"We had a caller that couldn't hold. Autostop Eliminator was the website I gave our caller from Illinois earlier."
This is a gadget that stops your car from automatically turning the engine off when you come to a stop. Some people prefer it because it can feel smoother or reduce wear for certain driving situations.
An “Autostop Eliminator” is an aftermarket device that disables or modifies a vehicle’s automatic engine stop/start feature. Many modern cars shut the engine off at idle to save fuel, and these products are used to prevent that behavior.
electric car
"If you wonder whether an electric car is right for you, talk to the car pro about it."
The host is framing a discussion about whether an electric car fits a person’s lifestyle and driving needs. Key considerations typically include charging access, daily mileage, total cost of ownership, and how the car’s range matches real-world use.
barter
"And he was looking, he needed a pickup truck. So he wanted to go and write and sing commercials so that he could maybe exchange that like a barter thing for a pickup truck."
Barter means trading something you can do (like writing and singing ads) for something you want (like a truck) instead of using money. In this story, the musician offered his work to help get the truck.
The guest describes a barter-style exchange where the musician would write and sing commercials in return for a pickup truck. It’s a real-world example of how people sometimes trade services instead of paying cash for a vehicle.
lease coming due
"But now I'm at the point where the lease is coming due and I think I want something a little bit nicer, not tremendously nicer."
When a lease is “coming due,” it means the lease is about to end. You usually have to return the car or make a decision about what to do next.
“Lease coming due” means the lease term is ending soon, so the driver has to decide whether to return the car, buy it (if allowed), or start a new lease. This is a common moment to reassess needs like size, comfort, and total cost.
small SUV
"But I have a very narrow driveway. So it's got to be a small SUV."
A small SUV is a compact vehicle that’s bigger than a sedan but easier to park than a large SUV. They’re saying they need something small because their driveway is narrow.
A “small SUV” is a compact crossover/utility vehicle that balances higher seating and cargo space with easier maneuverability than larger SUVs. The speaker ties this to a narrow driveway, where shorter length and tighter turning help with daily use.
BMW X1
"And there's really only three players, at least in my mind, in that segment. You got the BMW X1, you got the Audi Q3 and the Mercedes GLB, B like boy."
The BMW X1 is BMW’s smaller luxury SUV. The host lists it as one of the key alternatives if you’re shopping in the small luxury SUV category.
The BMW X1 is BMW’s entry-level compact luxury crossover. It’s mentioned as one of the main competitors in the subcompact luxury segment, alongside the Audi Q3 and Mercedes-Benz GLB.
Audi
"...I'd go with the Audi Q3. It's a wonderful, small SUV and I do have a great Audi dealer there in Houston..."
Audi is a luxury car brand. Here it matters because the speaker thinks Audi’s small SUV (the Q3) is the best choice in that size category.
Audi is the German luxury brand the speaker is recommending through the Q3. In this context, it represents the alternative to Lexus for a small luxury SUV buyer.
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.
Help improve this episode
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.