Car Pro Radio Show May 16 26 Hour 2
About this episode
A packed Car Pro Radio Show episode moves from upcoming review previews—like “my review of the Chevy Suburban” and “the Lexus IS 350F Sport”—into real-world ownership talk. Listeners share experiences with oil consumption on a 2020 F-150 5.0 V8, including “a quart of oil every 2,000 miles,” and discuss how to think about oil levels and warranty choices. The show also covers accident repair and diminished value claims, plus advice for selling cars with odometer issues and choosing between compact hybrids like the Corolla Cross and RAV4.
Car Pro Radio Show May 16 26 Hour 2
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Chevrolet Suburban
"subscribe to the free weekly newsletter. [104.1s] It will come back in your inbox from yesterday, and you'll get the song, and my advice articles [111.3s] this week, my review of the Chevy Suburban that I really liked, and the Lexus IS 350F [120.2s] Sport that I also enjoyed, two very different vehicles, but both really, really nice in"
The Chevrolet Suburban is a big family SUV. It’s designed to fit a lot of people and luggage, and it’s built for everyday driving and road trips.
The Chevrolet Suburban is a full-size SUV known for its long-wheelbase practicality and ability to carry lots of people and cargo. It’s a common choice for families and fleet-style use because it’s built to be comfortable and durable over long distances.
Lexus IS 350F Sport
"my advice articles [111.3s] this week, my review of the Chevy Suburban that I really liked, and the Lexus IS 350F [120.2s] Sport that I also enjoyed, two very different vehicles, but both really, really nice in"
The Lexus IS 350 F Sport is a performance-oriented trim of the Lexus IS compact luxury sedan, centered on a 3.5-liter V6 and sport-tuned styling/handling cues. The “F Sport” package typically adds firmer suspension tuning and more aggressive interior/exterior details compared with standard trims.
2026 Lincoln Navigator
"I had the 2026 Lincoln Navigator, the L version, which is the long wheelbase, and it's the black label, so it's the top of the line, is a big SUV, but boy, is it some kind of nice."
The Lincoln Navigator is a big, luxury SUV. The “L” version is longer than the standard one, and “Black Label” is the top, most upscale trim level.
The Lincoln Navigator is a full-size luxury SUV from Lincoln, known for its large size, comfort-focused interior, and upscale “flagship” positioning. In this segment, the host specifies the 2026 Navigator L (long wheelbase) and the Black Label trim, which are higher-end versions aimed at maximum luxury.
Toyota Chr
"... the opposite end of the spectrum, I had the 2026 Toyota CHR, which is a small SUV, and it is all electric. So..."
The Toyota C-HR is a small SUV, meaning it’s a bit taller and roomier than a sedan but still easy to park. In this context, the 2026 C-HR is described as all-electric, so it runs on a battery instead of gasoline. That’s why it comes up in conversations about choosing an electric vehicle.
The Toyota C-HR is a small SUV designed for everyday driving with a compact footprint. In the podcast context, it’s mentioned as a 2026 model that’s “all electric,” highlighting the shift toward battery-electric versions. It’s discussed because buyers often compare size, practicality, and powertrain type when choosing a small SUV.
Coyote 5.0 V8
"However, I'll get to my point here, I bought a new 2020, F-150, and I got that Coyote 5.0 V8."
“Coyote” is Ford’s name for a specific V8 engine. “5.0” means it’s a 5.0-liter V8, so it’s a gasoline engine with eight cylinders.
“Coyote” is Ford’s nickname for its modern V8 engine family, and “5.0 V8” refers to the 5.0-liter displacement. In plain terms, it’s a gasoline V8 that’s known for strong real-world drivability and a traditional V8 character.
Ford F150
"However, I'll get to my point here, I bought a new 2020, F-150, and I got that Coyote 5.0 V8."
The Ford F-150 is a common full-size pickup truck. This one is a 2020 model with a 5.0-liter V8 engine, which is the “classic” engine choice many people like for the sound and feel.
The Ford F-150 is a popular full-size pickup truck, and this caller specifically mentions a 2020 model. The key detail here is that it’s equipped with the Coyote 5.0 V8, which is Ford’s well-known V8 engine family used in many F-150 configurations.
EcoBoost
"I know they always say the EcoBoost is more towing capacity or whatever, but I still like"
EcoBoost is Ford’s name for turbocharged engines. Turbos can help engines make strong power, and people often compare them to bigger gas engines when talking about towing.
EcoBoost is Ford’s branding for turbocharged engines, often used to replace larger naturally aspirated engines. The caller contrasts EcoBoost with the V8 they chose, referencing the common dealership claim that EcoBoost versions can offer higher towing capacity.
oil consumption issue
"However, 2020, the 5.0 has an oil consumption issue, and oh my God, it's been a headache for me."
It means the engine is using oil faster than it should. If you have to add oil often, something inside may be letting oil get burned or leaked.
An oil consumption issue means the engine uses more engine oil than normal, so the level drops between oil changes. That can indicate worn internal components or other problems that allow oil to be burned.
burning oil
"So finally, I kept telling them, hey, the trucks burning oil, I'm adding a quart in between all changes... Sure enough, it's burning quite oil every 2,000 miles."
“Burning oil” means the engine is using oil instead of keeping it sealed in the crankcase. When that happens, you end up adding oil more often.
“Burning oil” means the engine is consuming oil as fuel or passing it into the combustion process. That’s why the oil level drops and the driver has to add oil between service intervals.
conversion kit
"And we have to put this conversion kit on it. You'll have to drive it another 2,000 miles."
A conversion kit is a set of parts meant to update the car to fix a known issue. Here, they were told to install it to try to stop the oil problem.
A conversion kit is an aftermarket or manufacturer-supplied set of parts used to change or update a system to address a specific problem. In this context, the speaker says they were told to install a conversion kit to deal with the engine’s oil consumption behavior.
engine oil dipstick
"So I done what they suggested, I paid for the modifications on the engine oil dipstick. Sure enough, it's burning quite oil every 2,000 miles."
The oil dipstick is how you check how much oil is in the engine. The speaker is saying they made changes involving that dipstick as part of dealing with the oil problem.
An engine oil dipstick is the tool used to check the engine’s oil level. The speaker says they paid for modifications related to the dipstick, implying the measurement/monitoring or oil-consumption diagnosis was part of the fix process.
Ford Mustang
"No, I know. And the Mustang, everything, you know. Oh yeah, absolutely."
The Ford Mustang is a car made for sporty driving. It’s known for having a strong engine and a fun, performance-focused design. People often talk about it because it’s a popular model with many versions.
The Ford Mustang is a well-known American sports coupe/pony car built for performance and driver engagement. It often comes up in conversations because it represents a long-running model line with a strong enthusiast following and a wide range of trims over the years. In a podcast, it’s a common reference point when discussing what people want from a car—style, power, and driving feel.
quart of oil every 1,000 miles
"I see most cars today. In fact, I've written on this. I've seen most cars today that are using a quart of oil every 1,000 miles. Sometimes, sometimes every 800 miles."
This is a way to measure how much oil a car burns or uses while driving. If it’s “a quart every 1,000 miles,” you may need to add oil fairly often even if the engine isn’t broken.
“Quart per 1,000 miles” is a common way mechanics describe engine oil consumption. It means the engine uses enough oil to require topping off about once per 1,000 miles (or sooner, like every 800 miles).
oil consumption can be a characteristic of the engine
"Our first thought is, if a vehicle is using oil, something's wrong. That's not necessarily true anymore. It may just be a characteristic of the engine."
Sometimes a car can use a little oil even when nothing is “broken.” The important part is understanding what’s normal for that engine and keeping the oil level topped up.
The speaker is arguing that oil use isn’t always a sign of an immediate failure. Some modern engine designs can have measurable oil consumption as part of how they’re built, so the key is whether it’s within expected behavior and not worsening.
check the oil
"the problem that I run into today is younger people don't even know how to check the oil. Well, true, yes. So it takes some education, and I've written an article on this, too, about teaching your kids and your grandkids some very basic things about cars and checking the oil is one of them."
Checking the oil means making sure there’s enough oil in the engine. If the oil level gets too low, the engine can wear out faster or even get damaged.
Checking the oil means verifying the engine oil level (typically with the dipstick or an oil-level sensor) so you don’t run low. Low oil can lead to increased wear or damage, so oil level checks are part of basic engine care.
four cylinders
"But you take some of these four cylinders that only hold four quarts of oil, and you go down a quart, you're down 25 percent, and that's big."
Four-cylinder engines usually hold less oil than bigger engines. So if you’re low by a little bit, it can be a big percentage of the oil the engine has available.
A four-cylinder engine typically has a smaller oil capacity than many larger engines. With less oil in the system, dropping the level by even a small amount can represent a large percentage of the total oil, which matters for lubrication.
engine oil consumption
"I would get the EcoBoost this time, Clarence, because of the fuel economy and the extra horsepower that you get, and I don't think you'll have that engine oil consumption problem."
Engine oil consumption means the engine is using oil faster than expected. If the oil level gets too low, the engine may not be lubricated well, which can lead to damage over time.
Engine oil consumption is how much engine oil the engine uses between oil changes. If an engine consumes oil quickly, the oil level can drop enough to reduce lubrication and increase wear risk.
Mazda Cx5
"I have a 24 Mazda CX-5 with my daughter's car, and she got into an accident, front end, driver's front end, auto body shop, fixed the vehicle, but when they handed it over to me, there was a noise."
The Mazda CX-5 is a Mazda SUV that’s made for everyday driving. Here, the host’s 2024 CX-5 was fixed after a front-end crash, but it still makes a noise, so they’re trying to figure out what mechanical part is causing it.
The Mazda CX-5 is a compact crossover SUV from Mazda, known for its practical size and everyday drivability. In this episode, the host is dealing with a front-end accident repair on a 2024 CX-5 and a lingering noise that suggests a deeper mechanical issue than the body work.
transfer case
"If the dealer comes back, says it's a transfer case, gearbox, or the transmission, I don't know what's going to happen."
A transfer case is a part that helps send power to the wheels on four-wheel-drive cars. If it’s damaged, the car can make strange noises or feel wrong when you drive.
A transfer case is the gearbox component that routes power from the transmission to the front and rear axles in four-wheel-drive vehicles. If a transfer case is damaged after an accident, it can cause unusual noises and driveline problems even if the body repair looks fine.
gearbox
"If the dealer comes back, says it's a transfer case, gearbox, or the transmission, I don't know what's going to happen."
A gearbox is the part that changes gears so the engine can drive the wheels efficiently. If it’s suspected after a crash, it means the problem might be inside the drivetrain, not just the body.
A gearbox is the transmission’s gear-changing unit that selects different gear ratios to match driving conditions. In accident-repair situations, a gearbox-related diagnosis usually points to internal driveline damage or misalignment that can produce bearing-like noises.
transmission
"If the dealer comes back, says it's a transfer case, gearbox, or the transmission, I don't know what's going to happen."
The transmission is what helps the car shift gears to move smoothly. If they think it’s the transmission, the noise could be coming from the drivetrain rather than the repaired body parts.
The transmission is the drivetrain component that manages gear ratios between the engine and the wheels. When a shop suspects the transmission after an accident, it often means the noise could be coming from internal gears/bearings or from driveline alignment issues.
total it
"If they can repair the car, or they're going to total it, nonetheless, what I'm curious"
When an insurance company “totals” a car, it means they decide it’s not worth fixing because the repairs cost too much. The host is wondering if the unresolved problem will push the claim into that category.
“Totaling” a car means the insurer decides the repair cost is too high compared with the vehicle’s value, so they declare it a total loss. In this case, the host is weighing whether the remaining driveline noise will lead to a repair that’s expensive enough to trigger that decision.
diminished value
"The other thing that you've got here is, you've got a very strong diminished value claim or she does because once that wreck happened and it wasn't her fault, then the other insurance company owes you the difference in what the vehicle was worth before the accident and what's worth after the accident."
Even if a car is fixed, it can still be worth less than before the crash. “Diminished value” is the money meant to cover that drop in resale value.
Diminished value is the loss in a vehicle’s market worth after an accident, even after repairs. Insurers may owe the difference between what the car was worth before the wreck and what it’s worth afterward, based on the vehicle’s condition and repair history.
auto checks
"So given the car facts and auto checks, they're going to have a record of a $12,000 repair."
Auto checks are reports that look up a car’s history, like accident records and title information. They can be used to support how much the car was worth before and after a crash.
Auto checks are vehicle history reports that compile records like accidents, title events, and sometimes reported damage or service history. These reports help establish the documented repair and accident background that can affect valuation and diminished value claims.
trade it in
"The value of her car just plummeted. And when she goes to trade it in, she's going to take a bath."
Trading in is when you sell your current car to a dealer as part of buying another vehicle, usually in exchange for credit toward the new purchase. After an accident, a car’s trade-in offer can drop because dealers and buyers factor in the accident history and reduced market value.
totaling it
"I would not bring up diminished value until you get the vehicle fixed properly because if you do, that's going to push them over the top as far as it's totaling it."
When an insurer “totals” a car, it means they decide it’s too expensive to repair compared to what the car is worth. Instead of fixing it, they treat it as a total loss.
“Totaling” a car means the insurer decides the repair cost is high enough that it’s not worth fixing, so they declare it a total loss. This decision is often based on repair estimates versus the car’s pre-accident value and salvage value.
powertrain warranty
"So you're talking about a powertrain warranty, which is the least expensive of them all."
A powertrain warranty is insurance for the big moving parts that make the car go. It usually covers the engine and the gearbox, and sometimes the transfer case in trucks.
A powertrain warranty covers the major drivetrain components—typically the engine, transmission, and (in many trucks) the transfer case. It’s usually narrower than bumper-to-bumper coverage, but it can protect you from expensive repairs.
extended warranty
"So for those reasons, I just get powertrain coverage and get covered the things that would cost a lot of money to fix and that'll get you out cheaper on the extended warranty."
An extended warranty is extra coverage you purchase after the original warranty ends. It can help pay for big repairs so you don’t have to pay everything yourself.
An extended warranty is coverage you buy beyond the factory warranty period, usually for a set time or mileage. The goal is to reduce the risk of paying out of pocket for major repairs later.
extended warranties
"One of the things I had in the article in the newsletter yesterday about extended warranties was some dealers will negotiate the price of the warranty with you, especially the dealers on my show."
This part is about extended warranties—how much they cost and how you might be able to negotiate the price. It’s basically advice on how to choose and shop for warranty coverage.
The hosts discuss how extended warranties are priced and what dealers may be willing to negotiate. This segment focuses on strategy—what coverage to buy and how to shop for it.
Lexus 2026 NX350 AWD
"I just bought a Lexus 2026 NX350 AWD. Yeah. Tell me that I made a good decision."
The Lexus NX350 is a small luxury SUV from Lexus. “AWD” means it can send power to all four wheels, which helps grip on slippery roads like wet pavement or light snow.
The Lexus NX350 is Lexus’s compact luxury SUV, and the “350” indicates the model’s engine/trim within the NX lineup. “AWD” means all-wheel drive, so power can be sent to all wheels for better traction in rain, snow, and uneven surfaces.
Cadillac XT4
"the only other one that I would have suggested that you look at would have been the Cadillac XT4. And the only reason I'm recommending it currently, it's going away. This is the last year for it, but they've got some big incentives on it right now."
The Cadillac XT4 is Cadillac’s smaller luxury SUV. The host is saying it’s a good deal right now because it’s being phased out, so discounts/incentives may be stronger than usual.
The Cadillac XT4 is Cadillac’s compact luxury SUV, positioned against other small premium crossovers. In this segment, it’s mentioned as a short-term shopping option because the speaker says it’s “going away” and that incentives are available.
Audi Q3
"I don't, I don't like the Mercedes GLA or GOB, either one, particularly well, the Q3 from Audi's okay, but there's nothing better, especially if you're going to get hybrid than the NX."
The Audi Q3 is a small luxury SUV from Audi. The speaker is saying it’s fine, but they still prefer the Lexus NX, particularly if you’re shopping for a hybrid.
The Audi Q3 is Audi’s smaller compact luxury SUV, aimed at shoppers who want premium styling and features in a smaller footprint. Here it’s described as “okay,” but the speaker claims the Lexus NX is better—especially for buyers who want a hybrid.
Mercedes GLA
"I don't, I don't like the Mercedes GLA or GOB, either one, particularly well, the Q3 from Audi's okay, but there's nothing better, especially if you're going to get hybrid than the NX."
The Mercedes-Benz GLA is a small luxury SUV. In this call, the speaker is basically saying they wouldn’t choose it compared with the Lexus NX.
The Mercedes-Benz GLA is a compact luxury crossover that competes with other small premium SUVs. The speaker is expressing a personal preference, saying they don’t like it “particularly well,” which frames it as a less compelling alternative to the Lexus NX.
Corolla Cross
"And Pat, for me, the Corolla Cross price wise is fantastic for what you get, especially [1940.7s] with the Toyota Hybrid under the hood."
The Toyota Corolla Cross is a small “crossover” that looks and feels a bit more SUV-like than a regular car. Here, the host is saying it’s a great deal for the money, especially with a hybrid option.
The Toyota Corolla Cross is a compact crossover that blends the Corolla nameplate with SUV-like styling and higher ride height. In this segment, it’s positioned as a value-focused option, especially because the speaker mentions a Toyota Hybrid setup under the hood.
Toyota Hybrid
"And Pat, for me, the Corolla Cross price wise is fantastic for what you get, especially [1940.7s] with the Toyota Hybrid under the hood."
A hybrid uses both a gas engine and an electric motor. The electric part helps the car use less fuel, especially in city driving.
A hybrid powertrain combines an internal-combustion engine with an electric motor and a battery to improve efficiency. In the Corolla Cross context, “Toyota Hybrid” is the brand’s hybrid system used to deliver better fuel economy than a non-hybrid setup.
RAV4
"RAV4 is going to be hard to beat if you really want an SUV. [1968.4s] But I will tell you that I think the Corolla Cross rides better."
The Toyota RAV4 is a popular small SUV. The host is saying it’s the better pick if you specifically want an SUV, and they point to how consistently it sells the most.
The Toyota RAV4 is a compact SUV that’s widely popular in the U.S. and is often used as a benchmark for the segment. The host argues it’s the better choice if you want a “real SUV,” and they cite its long run as the top-selling SUV in America.
suspension systems
"It's not quite as bumpy as the RAV4 and that's just the difference between the suspension systems. [1982.5s] So either one is going to make you a great vehicle."
A suspension system is the set of components that connects the wheels to the body and controls how the car absorbs bumps and maintains tire contact. Different suspension setups can make one vehicle feel smoother or bouncier than another, which is why the host links the RAV4 vs. Corolla Cross ride feel to their suspension differences.
lease
"They're just so good quality wise, especially if you're going to lease by any chance, by far [2018.8s] that's the best lease vehicle out there in the SUV."
A lease is like renting the car for a few years with monthly payments. You usually return it at the end unless you choose to buy it.
A lease is a financing arrangement where you pay for the car’s use over a set term rather than buying it outright. The host’s point is that, for SUV shoppers, leasing the RAV4 is especially attractive compared with other options.
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.