Car Pro Radio Show March 28 26 Hour 2
About this episode
Truck-month incentives are winding down, and the hosts explain why end-of-quarter deals (plus automaker fiscal-year pushes from Japanese brands) are usually best before early April slows down sales. Listener calls cover buying and ownership: a new 2026 Hyundai Elantra owner is advised to stick with smart mode for fuel economy; others weigh whether to trade in based on warranty and mileage. The used-car market stays surprisingly strong, with some EV values rising at auction. There’s also debate over government EV spending and the future of 3-liter diesels, plus dealership success stories.
Car Pro Radio Show March 28 26 Hour 2
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Tires
"Tires matter. They're the only part of your vehicle that touches the road."
Tires are the part of the car that actually touches the road. If they’re worn or the wrong type, the car won’t grip or stop as well.
Tires are the only part of a vehicle that directly contacts the road, so they heavily influence grip, braking, and handling. Their condition and tread pattern affect how well the car can handle wet or dry pavement.
Tyraq
"Tread confidently with new tires from Tyraq. Whether you're looking for expert recommendations or know exactly what you want, Tyraq makes it easy."
Tyraq is a company that sells tires and tries to make it easier to pick the right ones. They also mention reviews and test results to help you decide.
Tyraq is presented as a tire retailer that offers tire recommendations, shipping, and installation options. The mention of tire test results and ratings suggests they curate product information to help buyers choose tires.
tread
"Tread confidently with new tires from Tyraq. Whether you're looking for expert recommendations"
Tread is the pattern on the outside of the tire. Good tread helps the tire grip and helps push water out so you don’t slip as easily.
Tread refers to the grooves and surface pattern on a tire. It helps channel water away and provides traction, which is why tread condition is closely tied to wet-weather performance.
Japanese automakers are ending their fiscal year, March 31st
"...the Japanese automakers are ending their fiscal year, March 31st as well. So they put the big push on."
Some Japanese brands have their financial year end on March 31st. When that deadline is coming, they often try harder to sell cars, which can mean better deals.
Many Japanese brands run their fiscal year on a March 31st end date, which can trigger sales pushes and stronger incentives near that deadline. That can make March especially attractive for buyers of Toyota, Honda, and Mazda.
Mazda
"...that's great news for Toyota, Honda and Mazda buyers and a few others. But those are the big ones."
Mazda is one of the brands that may offer stronger incentives near the end of its fiscal year. That’s why the host says March can be a good time to buy.
Mazda is mentioned as another Japanese automaker whose fiscal year ends March 31st. That can lead to end-of-year-style promotions and stronger incentives in late March.
Toyota
"...that's great news for Toyota, Honda and Mazda buyers and a few others. But those are the big ones."
Toyota is one of the brands the host expects to have stronger sales pushes around the fiscal year end. That can translate into better incentives for shoppers.
Toyota is mentioned as a major beneficiary of the Japanese fiscal-year end timing. Incentives can increase when brands try to close out their fiscal reporting period.
Honda
"...that's great news for Toyota, Honda and Mazda buyers and a few others. But those are the big ones."
Honda is included in the group of Japanese brands that push sales near their March 31st deadline. Buyers may see better deals around that time.
Honda is referenced alongside Toyota and Mazda as a brand that benefits from the March 31st fiscal-year end. That timing can influence how aggressively incentives are offered.
Hyundai Elantra
"Okay, so I just bought a 2026 Hyundai Elantra. Yeah. And I was just kind of wanting to see what you thought about that car."
The Hyundai Elantra is a compact car. This caller just bought a 2026, and they’re asking what it’s like compared with earlier Hyundai models.
The Hyundai Elantra is Hyundai’s compact car, and this segment is about a buyer’s experience with a 2026 model. The host notes the brand’s earlier history and implies the model line has improved over time.
Kia
"about 2013. That's when they really started putting some emphasis on, and the same is true with Kia, by the way. That's when they started really putting some emphasis on quality."
Kia is a major automaker that, in this discussion, is used as an example of improving quality and backing it with longer warranties. The segment ties Kia’s warranty strategy to confidence in product quality.
10-year 100,000 mile warranty
"they came out with the 10-year 100,000 mile warranty. And that's because they knew they were building great products. I've said a million times, the 10-year 100,000 mile warranty is a nice thing to have."
A warranty is the promise that the company will pay for certain repairs if something breaks. “10-year/100,000 miles” means it lasts a long time and a lot of driving, but coverage can change as the years go on.
This refers to a long-term warranty that covers repairs for a set time and mileage. In the segment, the host explains how it can effectively become a powertrain-focused warranty after the first few years.
drive modes
"because it has different drive modes. And I travel a lot. And I was told to drive in smart mode, because then it'll kind of kick it into sport mode when it needs to be."
Drive modes are selectable settings (like Smart, Eco, Sport) that change how the car behaves. As described, they can affect transmission shift behavior, steering feel, and throttle response.
Eco mode
"yeah, I think smart mode. Do you have an eco mode in there with that also? I can't remember. I don't think so."
Eco mode is a setting that helps your car use less fuel. It usually makes acceleration gentler and changes how the car shifts.
Eco mode is a drive setting intended to improve efficiency by softening throttle response and adjusting transmission behavior. The host asks whether the vehicle has Eco mode, then confirms it doesn’t—only normal, smart, and sport.
2020 Jeep Cherokee
"And this is my vehicle with those. I have a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. So this is the first vehicle I had that had the different modes in it."
They’re talking about their 2020 Jeep Cherokee. It’s their first car with different driving modes, so they’re learning which one to use for everyday driving and fuel savings.
The speaker’s 2020 Jeep Cherokee is used as a real-world example of a vehicle with multiple drive modes. They mention it’s the first car they’ve owned with these modes, which helps frame the advice about when to use Smart versus Sport.
maximize your fuel economy
"if you don't have a really heavy foot, then I just leave it in smart mode. It's going to, that mode is there to maximize your fuel economy. And that's what it's for."
They’re saying the Smart mode is meant to help you save gas. If you drive calmly, that mode will keep the car in its most efficient behavior.
This describes the goal of using a drive mode (like Smart) to reduce fuel consumption. The host’s advice is that if you don’t drive aggressively, Smart mode will prioritize efficiency and help you get better real-world MPG.
Land Rover Range Rover
"...for people listening, yet some cars, it is. This Range Rover that I'm reviewing this week, the difference betw..."
The Range Rover is a large luxury SUV made by Land Rover. It’s designed to feel comfortable like a premium car, but it can also handle rough roads. The podcast is talking about it because the host is reviewing one.
The Land Rover Range Rover is a luxury full-size SUV known for comfort, off-road capability, and a high-end interior. It often comes up in reviews because it blends everyday driving with more rugged performance than many luxury SUVs. In the podcast, it’s being discussed as the specific vehicle the host is reviewing this week.
auctions
"You don't have time to go and look at all these different places and the auctions and everything."
Auto auctions are marketplaces where dealers and buyers purchase vehicles, often in bulk. Auction activity and pricing trends can strongly affect wholesale used-car values, which then flow into retail pricing.
seasonal
"We've seen some small dips down in used car prices. And I think they're more seasonal than anything."
Seasonal pricing refers to predictable changes in vehicle values that occur at certain times of year. The host says small dips in used-car prices are more seasonal than structural, meaning they may reverse as the year progresses.
trade-ins
"The dealers have got a ton of trade-ins from December. New car business where they've taken in a lot of trade-ins."
A trade-in is when you give your current car to the dealer and it counts toward your next purchase. More trade-ins can mean more used cars available, which can push prices down.
Trade-ins happen when a dealer takes your current vehicle as part of the deal for a new or different car. The host notes that dealers often receive many trade-ins after December, which can increase supply and pressure used-car prices.
Honda Hrv
"... what can I do for you? Thank you. I have a 2024 HRV and it's about 58,000 miles on it, which is kind ..."
The HR-V is a small SUV from Honda. It’s made to be easy to drive and park while still giving you extra space compared to a sedan. The podcast mentions a 2024 HR-V with around 58,000 miles as the vehicle being discussed.
The Honda HR-V is a compact crossover SUV focused on easy daily driving and practical space. It’s commonly discussed because it’s sized for people who want SUV utility without the bulk of a larger vehicle. In the podcast, a 2024 HR-V with about 58,000 miles is mentioned as part of the conversation.
58,000 miles
"Thank you. I have a 2024 HRV and it's about 58,000 miles on it, which is kind of high. And I'm considering getting your idea of doing a trade at this point so I can get what values there out of it."
Miles matter because they affect both the car’s resale value and whether warranty coverage is still active. Higher mileage can mean more wear, and it can also bring you closer to warranty mileage limits.
Mileage is a major factor in a vehicle’s value and in how likely certain wear items may be. It also affects warranty coverage if the warranty is mileage-limited, which is why the host asks about the extended warranty terms.
extended warranty
"Okay, did you get an extended warranty on the HRV? Yes, I did. Okay, how much time do you have left on that?"
An extended warranty is coverage beyond the factory warranty period, typically protecting certain repairs for a set time and/or mileage. It’s important to confirm both the duration and the mileage limit so you know whether you’ll still be covered when problems arise.
six years, 100,000 miles
"Well, I think it was for six years. Maybe it's 100,000 miles. Probably. It's probably six years, 100,000. If your mileage is going to suddenly slow down, then I think I would probably keep it."
Warranties often have two limits: how many years you have and how many miles you can drive. If you drive less than expected, you may stay covered longer.
Extended warranties commonly specify coverage by both time and mileage. The host is clarifying the likely warranty limits (about six years and 100,000 miles) to determine whether the owner will still be covered if they drive less than expected.
Toyota Tacoma
"...with just 70,000 miles. And I was looking at the Tacoma and of course the 150. I've been very happy with ..."
The Tacoma is a midsize pickup truck from Toyota. People like it because it’s built for regular driving and can also handle work or hauling. The podcast mentions it because the host was considering one with about 70,000 miles and was happy with it.
The Toyota Tacoma is a midsize pickup truck that’s popular for its durability and everyday usability. It’s frequently discussed by owners because it can be a practical choice even with moderate mileage. In the podcast, it’s mentioned alongside another truck as something the host looked at and felt good about.
daily driver
"Is this, is your truck just a daily driver? I mean, you're not towing or hauling anything heavy?"
A daily driver is the vehicle you use most often for everyday trips, where comfort, fuel economy, and ride quality matter more than maximum capability. The caller is clarifying whether they need a truck primarily for commuting or for towing/hauling.
4x4
"I've got that towing rear end. It's a 4x4 and basically, I really don't haul that much. But if I have to, I have, I have everything."
4x4 means power goes to all four wheels. It helps when roads are slippery or when you’re off-road, but if you don’t use it much, it may not be necessary.
4x4 means the truck has four-wheel drive, which can improve traction in snow, mud, or rough conditions. It’s relevant here because the caller has a 4x4 F-150 and is considering whether they really need that capability versus a different truck.
ride quality
"I've seen him hit a million miles, but the ride quality is not an F-150. And that's why I wanted to see if you had a strong reaction to the ride of the F-150."
Ride quality is how smooth the truck feels when the road isn’t perfect. Some trucks are set up to handle rough terrain, and that can make them feel bumpier on regular roads.
Ride quality refers to how comfortable a vehicle feels over bumps and uneven roads—how much it shakes, how well it absorbs impacts, and how stable it feels. Pickup trucks can be tuned differently depending on whether they’re optimized for on-road comfort or off-road use.
trash pile up inside your vehicle
"...making it illegal to let trash pile up inside your vehicle. Now you may say, well, it's inside your vehicle that your business..."
Leaving garbage in your car can attract pests like rats. Some cities try to prevent that because it can spread problems beyond just your car.
Keeping trash in a vehicle can create sanitation and pest issues, which is why some cities regulate it. The concern here is attracting rodents, which can become a broader public nuisance.
third row seat
"Do we need a third row seat this time? No. No. Okay. Good. That kind of opens up a lot of more possibilities."
Some SUVs have a back row of seats for extra passengers. If you don’t need that extra row, you usually get more space for luggage and more room for the people in front.
A third row seat changes how an SUV is packaged and how much space you have for passengers and cargo. If you don’t need it, you can often get more cargo room and more legroom in the first two rows.
Honda Passport
"I have loved the new Honda Passport. It is awesome."
The Honda Passport is a family-sized SUV. The speaker really likes it, likely because it fits the kind of space and usability they’re looking for.
The Honda Passport is a midsize SUV that’s often chosen for its practical interior space and family-friendly layout. The speaker calls it “awesome,” indicating it’s a strong contender in their comparison set.
Tesla
"I'm going to suggest a Tesla and their full self driving system. That would be a great idea. It would. Actually for him, it would be really good."
Tesla is a company that makes electric cars. They also sell software that can help the car drive more by itself, depending on the system and conditions.
Tesla is an electric-vehicle maker known for software-driven driver-assistance features. In this segment, Tesla is mentioned specifically in the context of “full self driving,” which is a software package that aims to let the car handle more of the driving task.
EPA
"Unfortunately, they played games that the EPA didn't like. And those are no longer available."
The EPA is the U.S. agency that sets rules for car pollution. If a car doesn’t meet those rules, it can be taken off sale or forced to be fixed.
The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) regulates emissions standards in the U.S. The segment connects EPA enforcement to diesel availability and to the need for emissions system redesigns.
trim packages
"Spent time on the test drive with several different trim packages of the Traverse before leaving for the day to talk about the options a week later."
A trim package is like a “version” of the same car with different features. Higher trims usually add more comfort and technology, while lower trims focus on value.
Trim packages are different equipment levels for the same model—often changing standard features, infotainment, wheels, and sometimes powertrain availability. Comparing trims helps buyers match their budget to the features they actually want.
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