0:00 / 0:00
OTOSOT 72

OTOSOT 72

Smith and Sniff Oct 10, 2025 29 min
0:00
0:00

About this episode

Listeners are treated to a mix of car advice and entertaining anecdotes as the hosts discuss a listener's unique Jaguar X-Type offer and delve into storage solutions for a pristine MX-5. They tackle questions about the best cars for driving instructors, future classic car investments, and share personal auction experiences. The episode features lively debates on car covers, the appeal of various Ford models, and the charm of lesser-known vehicles. With a blend of humor and expertise, the hosts provide valuable insights for car enthusiasts.

Technical Too Afraid to Ask
Jaguar Xtype
DieselFordMondeo (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Jaguar Xtype

"Neil says, I've got a Jag X-type spout, which is chassis number 502, an X Coventry factory press car, and the oldest one left in the whole wide world, except for chassis number one, which is in the Gayden Museum next to an Allegro."

The Jaguar X-Type is a smaller luxury car made by Jaguar. It was sold from 2001 to 2009 and is known for being comfortable and having all-wheel drive, which helps with traction in bad weather.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Allegro
Azylber (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Car

Allegro

"...next to an Allegro."

The Austin Allegro is a small car that was made in the UK from the 1970s to early 1980s. It was popular for families and is known for its unique look.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Concept

barn find

"It's a true early barn find car just without the barn part. It's on an original Redgeplate 2001 genuine Y-Redge."

A 'barn find' is when someone finds an old car that has been hidden away for many years. These cars can be special because they might be rare and can sometimes be restored to look new again.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Term

four-wheel drive

"...but it's a spout and it's a four-wheel drive. So it's definitely a two, five, or a three-liter..."

Four-wheel drive means that all four wheels of a car can get power from the engine at the same time. This helps the car grip the road better, especially in bad weather or rough terrain.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Term

liter

"...it's definitely a two, five, or a three-liter, because, actually, that's all there were at launch..."

A liter is a way to measure how big an engine is. Bigger engines usually have more power, so when someone talks about a two-liter or three-liter engine, they're talking about how much space is inside the engine.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Mazda MX-5
Niels de Wit from Lunteren, The Netherlands (CC BY 2.0)
Car

Mazda MX-5

"In May, I bought a 2004 MX-5, four and a half grand, which is strong money for a Mark II..."

The Mazda MX-5 is a small sports car that is fun to drive. The 2004 version is part of the second generation of this model.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Term

car covers

"...so I'm wondering about covers. I've heard differing opinions about their use, risk of paint damage and trapping in moisture, which is obviously the opposite of what you want..."

A car cover is like a blanket for your car that keeps it safe from things like dirt and rain. But if it's not the right kind, it can actually harm the car's paint or trap water underneath it.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Company

Bilt-Hamber

"they're not paying me to say this, but I use built-hamber..."

Bilt-Hamber makes products that help protect cars from rust and corrosion. They're known for being easy to use and effective.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Audi S6
Dinkun Chen (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Audi S6

"... use built-hamber, B-I-L-T, hamber, potions from S6, anti-crosion potions are really good and easy to..."

The Audi S6 is a fancy version of the Audi A6 that is built for speed and performance. It has a powerful engine and special features that make it fun to drive while still being comfortable inside. If you want a car that feels luxurious but can also go fast, the S6 is a great option.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Porsche Boxster
Alexander Migl (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Porsche Boxster

"...a bit like my Boxster. I have a cover which just goes around the roof area, which is where water would normally leak in..."

The Porsche Boxster is a type of sports car that has a soft top that can be opened. It's known for being fun to drive and has a good balance of speed and comfort.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Volkswagen Up Gti
Rutger van der Maar (CC BY 2.0)
Car

Volkswagen Up Gti

"...st's instructor vehicle? Currently, I'm set on an up GTI VW with some cheeky steel wheels, so it's not to..."

The Volkswagen up! GTI is a small car that's designed to be fun to drive while still being easy to park in the city. It has a sporty feel and is great for zipping around town. If you're looking for a compact car that adds a bit of excitement to your daily drive, the up! GTI is a good choice.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Term

diamond cut alloys

"those lovely diamond cut loys that come with the car from the factory."

Diamond cut alloys are special shiny wheels made from metal. They look great but can get scratched easily, so it's important to take care of them.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Term

emissions

"Yes. Which is for emissions reasons. Yeah, it's to do with the injection, isn't it usually?"

Emissions are the harmful gases that cars release into the air when they run. Car makers try to reduce these gases to help the environment, which can sometimes change how the car behaves.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Fiesta ST
Calreyn88 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Fiesta ST

"...I would give you a little bit of delight, but isn't so aggressively sporty, because a Fiesta ST I think is just a bit too spiky..."

The Ford Fiesta ST is a sportier version of the regular Fiesta car. It's designed to be more fun to drive, with a powerful engine and better handling.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Volkswagen GTI
Alexander-93 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Volkswagen GTI

"...can you still buy up GTIs new? You can't, can you?"

The Volkswagen GTI is a sportier version of the Golf car. It's designed to be fun to drive while still being practical for everyday use.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Kia Picanto
Vauxford (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Kia Picanto

"I really, really like the Kia Picanto. And you can get the Kia Picanto, the new design language is a little bit more angular..."

The Kia Picanto is a small car that's great for city driving. It has a new look that's more modern and sharp, making it stylish while still being easy to drive.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Ford Fiesta
Calreyn88 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Ford Fiesta

"...if you don't have an ST, just normal fiestas are really nice to drive..."

The Ford Fiesta is a small, budget-friendly car that's fun to drive. There are different versions, including a sportier one called the ST, which is more powerful and aggressive.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Concept

car auctions

"...I really enjoy car auctions, especially those for classic cars..."

Car auctions are places where people can buy and sell cars by bidding on them. The person who offers the most money gets to buy the car.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Company

eBay

"...I mean, eBay is classed as an auction, isn't it?..."

eBay is a website where people can sell and buy things, including cars. You can bid on items, and the highest bid wins the item.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Dodge Charger
Ermell (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Dodge Charger

"...I bought my Dodge Charger from off of eBay America. And it was the most expensive car I'd ever bought..."

The Dodge Charger is a large car that is famous for its powerful engines and sporty look. It's often seen as a classic American muscle car.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Holden Caprice
RegionVisitor90 (CC0)
Car

Holden Caprice

"...ek. And it didn't. One of those being a Chevrolet Caprice classic wagon that was two tone cream and peach...."
Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Chevrolet Caprice
Oleg Yunakov (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Chevrolet Caprice

"one of those being a Chevrolet Caprice classic wagon that was two tone cream and peach. And I bought it unseen for not a lot of money."

The Chevrolet Caprice Classic is a large car made by Chevrolet, popular for families and even police use. It has a roomy interior and is known for being comfortable.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Porsche 944
Lothar Spurzem (CC BY-SA 2.0 de)
Car

Porsche 944

"...this very honest, but cosmetically tired Porsche 944 was one of the lots. Oh, and I was there with Qu..."

The Porsche 944 is a sporty car made by Porsche that was popular in the 1980s and early 1990s. It has a unique design and is known for being fun to drive, with a good balance that makes it easy to handle. Many people like it because it's more affordable than other Porsche cars.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Ford Mondeo ST220
Dinkun Chen (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Ford Mondeo ST220

"I'm currently stuck on the idea of a Mondeo ST220 estate in performance blue..."

The Ford Mondeo ST220 is a sportier version of the regular Mondeo. It has a more powerful engine and better handling, making it a fun car to drive.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Ford Edge
Dinkun Chen (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Ford Edge

"...Do they look a bit more triangular with a curved edge? Yeah, I had to, if it is the one I'm thinking of..."

The Ford Edge is a medium-sized SUV that offers a lot of space and comfort for passengers. It's a good choice for families because it has plenty of room for everyone and comes with modern features to keep you safe and entertained while driving. If you need a reliable vehicle for daily use, the Edge is worth considering.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Term

future classic

"...the thing about future classics is we don't know the future, but what we do know is that anything that has a nostalgic draw..."

A future classic is a car that people think will become very popular and valuable in the future. This usually happens because the car has a special design or is loved by many fans.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Term

nostalgic draw

"...anything that has a nostalgic draw and the Z-Tech S was a cheaper car to insure and own than an ST..."

Nostalgic draw is when people feel a strong emotional connection to a car because of good memories or experiences they have with it. This makes them want to own or appreciate that car more.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Concept

80s and 90s cars

"In fact, I'm wondering if we're going to start seeing the 80 stuff, but maybe we have seen it sort of start to soften off a bit..."

Cars made in the 1980s and 1990s are often seen as classic cars. They have special designs and features that many people love today.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Peugeot 309 GTI6
Calreyn88 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Peugeot 309 GTI6

"But will an ST220, I don't know. But yeah, forward and forward. I suppose a Peugeot 309 GTI6, they're already sought after..."

The Peugeot 309 GTI6 is a sporty car from the late 80s and early 90s. It's known for being fun to drive and is popular among car enthusiasts today.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Peugeot 106
Calreyn88 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Peugeot 106

"...and 106 rallies for that matter, but they've not gone completely stupid."

The Peugeot 106 Rallye is a small, sporty car that is very light and fun to drive. It's popular with car fans because of how it handles on the road.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Opel Astra
Alexander Migl (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Opel Astra

"...ut rust. A massive fan of them. I really like the Astra GTC, the kind of like 2012 era GTC Astra, the th..."

The Opel Astra is a small car that many people in Europe like because it's practical and comfortable. It has a good reputation for being reliable and is available in different styles, including a sportier version called the Astra GTC. If you want a dependable car that’s easy to drive, the Astra is a solid option.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Alfa Romeo 147 GTA
Spanish Coches (CC BY 2.0)
Car

Alfa Romeo 147 GTA

"the chap who I store my cars with, Ignition Cars and Coffee Lewis, he bought an Alfa 147 GTA."

The Alfa Romeo 147 GTA is a sporty version of the Alfa 147 car. It's known for being fun to drive and has a unique Italian style that many people love.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Term

hot hatches

"day and it reminded me of how absurd and brilliant hot hatches were because there's this quite small car with bulbous arches..."

Hot hatches are sporty small cars that are fun to drive. They have powerful engines and are designed to be both practical and exciting.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Renault Sport Clio
Ezarate (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Renault Sport Clio

"And it sounds amazing. Yes. That era when hot hatches felt like the engine was trying to burst out of the car a little bit. Yeah. Because the Renault Sport Clio's had a slight sense of that."

The Renault Sport Clio is a faster, sportier version of the regular Clio car. It's designed to be fun to drive and has a more powerful engine.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Renault Sport
MrWalkr (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Renault Sport

"...t out of the car a little bit. Yeah. Because the Renault Sport Clio's had a slight sense of that. And I suppose ..."
Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Peugeot 205 Gtis
Calreyn88 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Peugeot 205 Gtis

"And I suppose the 205 GTi's did to some degree, particularly 1.9."

The Peugeot 205 GTi is a small, sporty car that's fun to drive. It's known for being light and quick, making it a favorite among car enthusiasts.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Alfa Romeo GTA
MrWalkr (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Alfa Romeo GTA

"But they, yeah, I mean, I never particularly liked those GTA Alphas though. They didn't feel quite sorted enough."

The Alfa Romeo GTA is a sporty version of Alfa Romeo cars that is designed for better performance. It’s known for being lightweight and fun to drive.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Alfa Romeo 156
Corvettec6r (Public domain)
Car

Alfa Romeo 156

"I don't know. Alfa 156 gets my vote if I was going to Alfa."

The Alfa Romeo 156 is a stylish car made by the Italian company Alfa Romeo. It was popular for its sporty look and fun driving experience.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Bmw 3
Dinkun Chen (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Bmw 3

"...ut yeah, I was, I suddenly thought of those older BMW 3 Series, the IS ones that were, you know, people ..."

The BMW 3 Series is a smaller luxury car that many people love for its fun driving experience and comfortable interior. It's been around for a long time, and older versions are especially liked by car fans because they look good and drive well. If you're looking for a stylish car that feels nice to drive, the 3 Series is a great choice.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
BMW M3
Matti Blume (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

BMW M3

"...Italian market, yeah, sort of substitute for the M3. But I realized they've already taken off, you kn..."

The BMW M3 is a super sporty version of the BMW 3 Series, made for people who want a fast and exciting driving experience. It has a powerful engine and is built to handle really well on the road. If you love cars that go fast and feel great to drive, the M3 is a popular choice.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
23 cars featured

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.

Explore Terms

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.

Report incorrect info
Suggest better explanations
Flag missing cars