Holy Moly! Advancing technology is going to swallow us whole....maybe it's time to go another way
About this episode
Fuel economy standards are in the spotlight as the White House proposes relaxing them to help lower vehicle prices. The discussion dives into the overwhelming amount of technology in modern cars, questioning whether it's necessary. Nostalgic anecdotes about past vehicles, such as the Chevy Nova and Geo brands, highlight the evolution of automotive naming and design. The episode also touches on the impact of processing fees at dealerships and the importance of being savvy when buying a car, all while sharing personal stories from the host's experiences in the industry.
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Apple CarPlay
"Could you do without like Apple CarPlay? I love Apple CarPlay. It's wonderful."
Apple CarPlay lets you use your iPhone in your car. You can see your apps on the car's screen and use them for navigation, music, and more, making it easier to stay connected while driving.
Apple CarPlay is a system that allows you to connect your iPhone to your car's infotainment system, enabling you to access apps, navigation, and music through the car's display. It enhances the driving experience by providing a user-friendly interface for smartphone features.
fuel economy standards
"So if they relax the fuel economy standards, then the manufacturers can reduce costs. They can make vehicles less expensive because they keep having to use technology to make the engines more fuel efficient."
Fuel economy standards are rules that tell car makers how much fuel their cars can use. They help make cars more efficient and better for the environment.
Fuel economy standards are regulations set by governments to limit the amount of fuel consumed by vehicles, promoting efficiency and reducing emissions. These standards encourage manufacturers to innovate and develop technologies that improve fuel efficiency.
direct fuel injection
"Things like variable valve timing. And direct fuel injection and all these different technologies that have been designed to basically get more horsepower out of smaller displacement engines."
Direct fuel injection means that fuel goes straight into the engine's combustion chamber instead of mixing with air first. This helps the engine run more efficiently and powerfully.
Direct fuel injection is a technology where fuel is injected directly into the combustion chamber of an engine, rather than mixing it with air beforehand. This allows for more precise fuel delivery, improving efficiency and power output.
variable valve timing
"Things like variable valve timing. And direct fuel injection and all these different technologies that have been designed to basically get more horsepower out of smaller displacement engines."
Variable valve timing is a system in engines that changes when the valves open and close. This helps the engine run better and use less fuel.
Variable valve timing is a technology that allows the timing of the opening and closing of engine valves to be adjusted based on engine speed and load. This improves engine performance, fuel efficiency, and reduces emissions.
horsepower
"...technologies that have been designed to basically get more horsepower out of smaller displacement engines. I mean, one of our best selling, well, I take that back."
Horsepower is a way to measure how powerful an engine is. More horsepower usually means the car can go faster and accelerate better.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement for power, commonly used to describe the power output of engines. Higher horsepower generally indicates better performance and acceleration capabilities.
Geo Metro
"I think it was made by DeWoo, but it was a, it was called a Geometro. Do you remember Geo?"
The Geo Metro was a small car made by General Motors. It was designed to be affordable and get good gas mileage, making it popular among budget-conscious drivers.
The Geo Metro was a subcompact car produced by General Motors under the Geo brand, which aimed to compete with import vehicles. It was known for its fuel efficiency and compact size.
Geo Storm
"another made by Isuzu. That was called the Geo Storm."
The Geo Storm was a small, sporty car made by General Motors. It was meant to be fun to drive and attract younger buyers.
The Geo Storm was a sporty compact car produced by General Motors under the Geo brand. It was designed to appeal to younger drivers looking for a fun and affordable vehicle.
Toyota Corolla
"...alled the Geoprism, and it was basically a Toyota Corolla. It was built at a plant out in California."
The Toyota Corolla is a small, affordable car that is very dependable and saves a lot of gas. Many people like it because it's easy to drive and lasts a long time.
The Toyota Corolla is a compact car known for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and affordability. It has been one of the best-selling cars globally for decades, making it a significant model in the automotive industry.
Geo Prizm
"And then they had a third vehicle called the Geoprism, and it was basically a Toyota Corolla."
The Geo Prizm was a small car made by General Motors that was very similar to the Toyota Corolla. It was popular for being dependable and economical.
The Geo Prizm was a compact car produced by General Motors, essentially a rebadged version of the Toyota Corolla. It was known for its reliability and fuel efficiency.
New United Motor Manufacturing Incorporated (NUMI)
"And it was a joint venture between Toyota and General Motors called the New United Motor Manufacturing Incorporated, NUMI is what they called it. And while Toyota continued to just sell the heck out of Corollas, the Geoprism was not a fast mover."
NUMI was a factory where Toyota and General Motors worked together to build cars. They made popular models like the Corolla and Geo Prizm there.
New United Motor Manufacturing Incorporated, commonly referred to as NUMI, was a joint venture between Toyota and General Motors. It operated a manufacturing plant in California where various models, including the Toyota Corolla and the Geo Prizm, were produced.
Chevrolet Nova
"...rolla came out, they called it, that's right, the Nova. And so that didn't work."
The Chevrolet Nova is a small car that was made a long time ago and was known for being cheap and easy to drive. It was a good option for people who needed a reliable vehicle without spending too much money.
The Chevrolet Nova was a compact car produced by Chevrolet from the early 1960s to the early 1980s. It is often remembered for its simple design and affordability, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious buyers.
Kia
"I don't really, Hyundai and Kia, they, they change vehicles and models and designs like I change my bridges, but they're Korean automakers."
Kia is another car company from South Korea that makes a variety of vehicles, known for their stylish designs and reasonable prices.
Kia is a South Korean automotive manufacturer that produces a wide range of vehicles, including compact cars, SUVs, and hybrids. The brand is recognized for its modern designs and competitive pricing.
Hyundai
"I don't really, Hyundai and Kia, they, they change vehicles and models and designs like I change my bridges, but they're Korean automakers."
Hyundai is a car company from South Korea that makes many different types of cars, often known for being affordable and having good warranties.
Hyundai is a South Korean automotive manufacturer that produces a variety of vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, and electric cars. The brand is known for its value and warranty offerings.
Honda Pilot
"They never decided to call the Honda Accord something else or the Honda Civic or the Honda Pilot."
The Honda Pilot is a bigger SUV that can fit more people, making it great for families who need extra room.
The Honda Pilot is a midsize SUV that offers three rows of seating, making it ideal for larger families or those needing extra cargo space.
Honda Civic
"They never decided to call the Honda Accord something else or the Honda Civic or the Honda Pilot."
The Honda Civic is a smaller car that is very popular for being fun to drive and economical on gas.
The Honda Civic is a compact car that has been a staple in Honda's lineup, known for its sporty design and efficient performance.
Honda Accord
"...or example. They never decided to call the Honda Accord something else or the Honda Civic or the Honda Pi..."
Toyota Camry
"I think it's a beautiful car and I would buy it all day long over a Toyota Camry, but that's just me."
The Toyota Camry is a popular family car that many people trust because it is reliable and gets good gas mileage. It's been a favorite choice for many years.
The Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan that has been one of the best-selling cars in the United States for decades. It is known for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and comfortable ride.
Chevrolet Malibu
"I remember when the Malibu, it was gone for a long time and it was a really cool car back in the 70s and then they ruined it in 1973 and then completely eliminated it."
The Chevrolet Malibu is a car that has been around since the 1960s. It is known for being comfortable and practical, but it hasn't always been as popular as other cars.
The Chevrolet Malibu is a midsize car that has undergone several redesigns since its introduction in 1964. It has a reputation for being a comfortable and practical vehicle, though its popularity has fluctuated over the years.
Chevrolet Monte Carlo
"As far as Chevrolet is concerned, Camaro, Impala, let's see what else, Monte Carlo, let's see what else, the Blazer and the Trail Blazer."
The Chevrolet Monte Carlo is a stylish coupe that was made for many years. It was especially popular in the 70s and 80s for its unique look and comfortable ride.
The Chevrolet Monte Carlo is a personal luxury coupe that was produced from 1970 to 2007. It is known for its distinctive styling and was popular in the 1970s and 1980s.
Chevrolet Camaro
"...and came back. As far as Chevrolet is concerned, Camaro, Impala, let's see what else, Monte Carlo, let's ..."
Chevrolet Impala
"... back. As far as Chevrolet is concerned, Camaro, Impala, let's see what else, Monte Carlo, let's see what..."
Chevrolet Blazer
"... what else, Monte Carlo, let's see what else, the Blazer and the Trail Blazer. Of course, you know, Ford ..."
Chevrolet Trail Blazer
"As far as Chevrolet is concerned, Camaro, Impala, let's see what else, Monte Carlo, let's see what else, the Blazer and the Trail Blazer."
The Chevrolet Trail Blazer is an SUV that was first made in the early 2000s and is known for having a lot of space inside. It was brought back recently after being discontinued for a while.
The Chevrolet Trail Blazer is a mid-size SUV that was originally produced from 2001 to 2008 and then reintroduced in 2020. It is known for its spacious interior and capability.
Ford Mustang
"They never eliminated the Mustang. You know, it's, it's been here since 1964 and a half, but they had a quite the streak of comebacks."
The Ford Mustang is a famous car that has been around since 1964. It's known for being fast and stylish, and many people love it for its sporty look.
The Ford Mustang is an iconic American muscle car that has been in production since 1964. It is known for its performance, styling, and cultural significance in the automotive world.
Ford Maverick
"...t, which is based on the Ford Escape and the Ford Maverick. They're all on the same chassis."
Ford Escape
"One of them's called a Bronco Sport, which is based on the Ford Escape and the Ford Maverick. They're all on the same chassis."
The Ford Bronco Sport is a smaller version of the Bronco. It's easier to drive in the city but still good for some off-road adventures.
The Ford Bronco Sport is a smaller, more compact version of the Bronco, designed for urban driving while still offering some off-road capabilities. It shares a platform with the Ford Escape.
Ford Bronco Sport
"...has two different models. One of them's called a Bronco Sport, which is based on the Ford Escape and the Ford M..."
Ford Ranger
"And then the Bronco itself is built on a Ford Ranger chassis."
The Ford Ranger is a smaller pickup truck that is great for both work and play. It is known for being tough and reliable, making it a popular choice for many drivers.
The Ford Ranger is a midsize pickup truck known for its versatility and capability. It shares its chassis with the Bronco, allowing for similar performance characteristics.
Jeep Wrangler
"So, and it's just got one basic competitor and that's the Jeep Wrangler. And as popular as the Wrangler is, those two are going to be going head to head for a long time."
The Jeep Wrangler is a popular car made for off-road driving. It's known for being tough and can go on rough trails and paths.
The Jeep Wrangler is a well-known off-road vehicle celebrated for its ruggedness and versatility. It competes directly with vehicles like the Ford Bronco.
Ford Explorer
"I'll tell you another Ford that's been around for a long time, the Ford Explorer. You may not remember this, but the Ford Explorer was the first of the small SUVs to come out."
The Ford Explorer is a popular SUV that has been around for a long time. It was one of the first small SUVs to be sold, which helped make SUVs more common.
The Ford Explorer is a mid-size SUV that has been in production since 1990. It was one of the first SUVs to gain popularity in the United States, setting the standard for many others that followed.
Chevrolet Caprice
"We were a Chevy dealer. Let's just say a Chevrolet Caprice. If it was really fancy, it had a vinyl top."
The Chevrolet Caprice is a big, comfortable car that was popular in the past. It has a lot of space inside, making it great for families or long trips.
The Chevrolet Caprice was a full-size car produced by Chevrolet, particularly popular in the 1970s and 1980s. It is often associated with classic American car culture and is known for its spacious interior and comfortable ride.
Holden Caprice
"... were a Chevy dealer. Let's just say a Chevrolet Caprice. If it was really fancy, it had a vinyl top."
Chevrolet Corvette
"...markup in the typical Chevrolet car. If it was a Corvette, it was 23 to 25%. See, now it's between 5 and 6..."
The Chevrolet Corvette is a fast and stylish sports car that many people admire. It's known for being powerful and fun to drive, making it a popular choice among car enthusiasts.
The Chevrolet Corvette is an iconic American sports car known for its performance, sleek design, and relatively affordable price compared to other high-performance vehicles. It has a rich history and is often discussed for its engineering advancements and cultural significance.
market value adjustment
"If it says something like market value adjustment, I might just leave because what they're going to do is use that as additional markup..."
Market value adjustment is when a car dealer raises the price of a vehicle because they think it will sell for more due to demand. It can make the car more expensive than what it should be, so it's good to watch out for it.
Market value adjustment refers to an additional markup that dealers apply to the price of a vehicle based on perceived demand or market conditions. This can inflate the price beyond the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP), making it important for buyers to be aware of such tactics.
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