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OTOSOT 73

OTOSOT 73

Smith and Sniff Oct 17, 2025 31 min
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About this episode

Listeners' questions take center stage as Richard and Johnny tackle a variety of quirky automotive topics. From hand signals for misaligned cars to which modern vehicles might become future classics, the duo shares their insights and humorous anecdotes. They also discuss the practicality of the Tesla Model Y and the challenges of insuring multiple cars. With engaging stories and a light-hearted tone, this episode offers a delightful mix of automotive wisdom and banter.

Technical Too Afraid to Ask
Tesla Model
Alexander Migl (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Tesla Model

"...can we get a long-term review on your Tesla Model Y, Richard, if you were to trade it in now? What would you get instead?"

The Tesla Model Y is an electric SUV that can carry a lot of people and cargo. It's known for being high-tech and having a long battery life, making it popular among drivers who want an eco-friendly vehicle.

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Saxo
filip bossuyt from Kortrijk, Belgium (CC BY 2.0)
Car

Saxo

"I quite like following an old Saxo because I think they have a natural crab stance because of their suspension."

The Citroën Saxo is a small car that was made in the late 1990s and early 2000s. It's known for being light and fun to drive, which is why some people like it.

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Term

suspension

"I quite like following an old Saxo because I think they have a natural crab stance because of their suspension."

Suspension is the part of a car that helps it ride smoothly over bumps. It keeps the wheels in contact with the ground, making the ride more comfortable.

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Eagle Quest
Charlie from United Kingdom (CC BY 2.0)
Car

Eagle Quest

"We actually had the alignment done on the Eagle Quest not that long ago."

The Eagle Quest is a small family vehicle made by the Eagle brand, which was part of Chrysler. It's designed to be practical for carrying people and things.

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Ecto-1
mark6mauno (CC BY 2.0)
Car

Ecto-1

"So, do you remember, I think it was Ghostbusters 2 when they'd upgraded the Ecto-1 to have more equipment on it and they had a big scrolling screen on the side of the roof rack, which said we're back."

Ecto-1 is the car used by the Ghostbusters in the movies. It's a modified Cadillac that has special gear on it to catch ghosts.

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Honda E
IFCAR (Public domain)
Car

Honda E

"What am I going to say? Honda E. Well, that was one of them actually."

The Honda E is a small electric car that looks a bit like classic cars but has modern technology. It's great for city driving and is eco-friendly because it runs on electricity.

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Brand

Honda

"and Honda obsession at its best, albeit with flaws."

Honda is a car company that makes many types of vehicles, including cars and motorcycles. They are known for making reliable and well-built cars.

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Alfa Romeo Giulia
Alexander Migl (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Alfa Romeo Giulia

"The other car is a Alfa Giulia Quadrifoglio. Ah, yes. Because I can't stop admiring them when I see them."

The Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio is a fast and stylish version of the Giulia car. It's known for having a strong engine and great driving experience, making it popular among car enthusiasts.

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BMW M3
Matti Blume (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

BMW M3

"...with a sticker in the back or maybe a scrolling LED screen saying BMW M3 drivers, here's what you could have bought. I mean, I would say yes"

The BMW M3 is a special version of the BMW 3 Series that is made for people who love fast cars. It has a stronger engine and better handling, making it more fun to drive than regular models.

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Alpine A110
Matti Blume (CC BY-SA)
Car

Alpine A110

"...and I'd also, obviously I'd like chuck in the Alpine A110 but I sort of feel that's the kind of car that..."

The Alpine A110 is a small, sporty car that is fun to drive and known for being light and quick. It's popular among people who love cars and driving.

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Daihatsu Applause
TuRbO_J from Adelaide, Australia (CC BY 2.0)
Car

Daihatsu Applause

"...The delight of Festival of the Unexceptional is seeing something like a Daihatsu Applause"

The Daihatsu Applause is a small car made by the Japanese company Daihatsu. It was popular in the 1990s and is known for being budget-friendly and practical.

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Mini
多多123 (CC BY 4.0)
Car

Mini

"The way that, you know, old Minis were sort of all over the place and they stopped making them and then suddenly it's like, they've become a car show thing only. It's weird, isn't it?"

The Mini is a small, classic car that was very popular in the past. It is known for its unique shape and fun driving style, and today, many old Minis are seen at car shows.

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Volkswagen Up Gti
Rutger van der Maar (CC BY 2.0)
Car

Volkswagen Up Gti

"...but I think that, oh, up GTI, the car that you and I both regret not buying you. That's a good one."

The Volkswagen GTI is a sporty version of the regular Golf car. It's known for being fun to drive and has a powerful engine, making it a favorite among car lovers.

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Renault Fluence
Dinkun Chen (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Renault Fluence

"Yeah, you could get a Renault Fluence,"

The Renault Fluence is a type of car made by Renault. It's a compact sedan that is meant to be practical and comfortable for daily driving.

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Tesla
Ralf Roletschek (GFDL 1.2)
Car

Tesla

"...But I have been reminded the other thing about the Tesla and not to sound like a bloody ad,..."

Tesla is a company that makes electric cars. They are known for being high-tech and having features like self-driving capabilities.

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Term

supercharging network

"...that supercharging network is just second to none."

The supercharging network is a system of charging stations where Tesla cars can quickly recharge their batteries, making it easier to travel long distances.

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Term

public charging network

"There is no public charging network that is as good and as fuss-free in my experience..."

A public charging network is a group of places where you can charge your electric car when you're away from home. It's like gas stations but for electric vehicles.

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Tesla Model S
Granada (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Tesla Model S

"...I'm doing an update on my Model S soon, my 5-gram Model S, because people love a bit of bangernomics, Richard."

The Tesla Model S is a high-end electric car that can drive long distances on a single charge. It's known for being fast and having lots of cool technology inside.

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Company

TVR

"who used to be the PR man at TVR, and one day this eccentric customer, I think, wanted one of TVR's V8s fitted to a power boat."

TVR is a car company from the UK that makes fast sports cars. They are known for their powerful engines and distinctive looks.

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Part

V8

"I think, wanted one of TVR's V8s fitted to a power boat. Oh, gosh."

A V8 is an engine with eight cylinders that helps cars go faster and run more smoothly. It's a popular choice for powerful vehicles.

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Term

semi-automatic sequential shifters

"He says, hi, you sweet sweet semi-automatic sequential shifters. So not a rude intro."

Semi-automatic sequential shifters let you change gears in a car without using a clutch pedal. You just push a lever or button to go to the next gear, making it faster and easier, especially in racing.

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Kia EV9
Matti Blume (CC BY-SA)
Car

Kia EV9

"I was ideally looking at a Kia EV9 in the supermarket the other day and couldn't help noticing the alloys..."

The Kia EV9 is a new electric SUV from Kia. It's designed to be spacious and has a lot of modern features, making it a good option for families or anyone looking for an electric vehicle.

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Lancia Thema
Riley from Christchurch, New Zealand (CC BY 2.0)
Car

Lancia Thema

"...Do you remember the Lancia Thema? Yes. In just about... I think it's... When they facelifted it, they gave it a set of alloys."

The Lancia Thema is a car that was made by the Italian company Lancia. It was popular in the 1980s and 1990s and was known for being comfortable and stylish.

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Term

deep-dish wheels

"...how to do cool, deep-dish wheels. So they've just got to let's just do some flat stuff."

Deep-dish wheels are wheels that have a deep, curved edge that makes them look like a bowl. They are popular for giving cars a sporty and stylish appearance.

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Term

Alpine wheels

"...those famous three-slot Alpine wheels. Oh, they're great."

Alpine wheels are a type of wheel that has a unique design with three slots. They are often used on sporty cars and are known for looking good and being lightweight.

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Chevrolet Monte Carlo
Greg Gjerdingen (CC BY 2.0)
Car

Chevrolet Monte Carlo

"and interesting on snow rallies like the Monte Carlo, snow and ice would get packed into the slots"

The Chevrolet Monte Carlo is a stylish car that was made from 1970 to 2007, and it's known for being fun to drive. It was popular in racing, especially in snowy events like the Monte Carlo Rally, which is why people talk about how it handles in those conditions.

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Maserati Quattroporte
Vauxford (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Maserati Quattroporte

"...that has a Quattroporte."

The Quattroporte is a fancy car made by Maserati that combines luxury and speed, making it a great choice for those who want a stylish ride.

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Mercedes-Benz G63
Sarah Larson from Ann Arbor, MI, USA (CC BY 2.0)
Car

Mercedes-Benz G63

"...one of those purple trouser pricks in a G63 or a Range Rover. Don't shoot the messenger, please."

The Mercedes-Benz G63 is a fancy SUV that looks tough and is very powerful. It's known for being luxurious inside and can handle rough terrains well.

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Land Rover Range Rover
Alexander-93 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Land Rover Range Rover

"...in a G63 or a Range Rover. Don't shoot the messenger, please."

The Range Rover is a luxury SUV that is great for both off-roading and driving in the city. It has a lot of comfort and high-end features inside.

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Porsche Cayenne
Alexander-93 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Porsche Cayenne

"... experienced, is certain early models of Porsche Cayenne, the V8 ones."

The Porsche Cayenne is a fancy SUV that drives like a sports car. It was first made in 2002 and helped Porsche sell more cars by attracting buyers who wanted something bigger but still sporty. Some of the older models with V8 engines are talked about because they have special features.

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Pontiac Gto
W. Bulach (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Pontiac Gto

"...I wonder what it is, thinking it's going to be a Pontiac GTO judge. But it was actually a UPS fan."

The Pontiac GTO is a powerful car that was first made in 1964 and is famous for being one of the first muscle cars. It has a strong engine and a cool design, making it a favorite among car lovers. People often talk about it because it represents a fun time in American car history.

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Porsche Boxster
Alexander Migl (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Porsche Boxster

"... Rob says, I currently have a not so bargain 986 Boxster long story, but I spent the same I paid for it"

The Porsche Boxster is a small, sporty car that you can drive with the top down. It was first made in 1996 and is loved for how fun it is to drive. The older 986 model is often talked about because it's a good deal for a Porsche.

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Peugeot E-208
Vauxford (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Peugeot E-208

"...on repairs in the first 18 months of ownership. And an E-208 for commuting to work while the Boxster is inevitably off the road being fixed."

The Peugeot E-208 is a small electric car that's great for driving around the city without polluting. It's easy to park and has all the latest tech features.

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