About this episode
John Solo dives into the recent changes in EV tax credits and the implications for the automotive market, emphasizing the need for electric vehicles to succeed on their own merits. He shares his personal car-buying journey, detailing his search for a replacement for his Ford Fiesta and the eventual purchase of a 2014 Mazda 6. The episode also touches on the evolution of the podcast, reflecting on past co-hosts and future directions, while exploring the nostalgia and creativity surrounding LEGO sets.
Talking about changes in the auto stable. Children's building bricks that hurt when stepped on. Podcasting.
tax credit
"Car news lately, this seemed off, $7,500 tax credit on EVs has gone away, and even the forward and general motors manipulation of the market..."
A tax credit helps lower the amount of money you owe in taxes. For electric cars, it means you can pay less tax if you buy one, making it cheaper for you.
A tax credit is an amount of money that taxpayers can subtract directly from the taxes they owe to the government. In the context of electric vehicles (EVs), tax credits are often used as incentives to encourage consumers to purchase EVs by reducing their overall tax burden.
EVs
"...$7,500 tax credit on EVs has gone away, and even the forward and general motors manipulation of the market..."
EVs are cars that run on electricity instead of gas. They are better for the environment and can save you money on fuel.
EVs, or electric vehicles, are cars that are powered entirely or partially by electricity instead of traditional gasoline or diesel. They are known for being more environmentally friendly and often have lower operating costs compared to conventional vehicles.
General Motors
"...and even the forward and general motors manipulation of the market where they basically had their finance arm..."
General Motors is a big company that makes cars. They own several brands like Chevrolet and Cadillac.
General Motors, often referred to as GM, is one of the largest automobile manufacturers in the world. They produce a wide range of vehicles under various brands, including Chevrolet, GMC, Cadillac, and Buick.
ICE cars
"I mean, ICE cars, internal combustion engine cars, do pollute, but they don't pollute nearly as bad as they used to."
ICE cars are vehicles that run on gasoline or diesel engines. They work by burning fuel to create energy, unlike electric cars that use batteries.
ICE stands for Internal Combustion Engine, which refers to vehicles powered by engines that burn fuel to create power. These cars are contrasted with electric vehicles (EVs), which use electric motors and batteries.
Ford Fiesta
"I've been looking for a replacement to my Ford Fiesta, and it was really tempting."
The Ford Fiesta is a small car that is easy to drive and saves on gas, making it a good choice for city driving.
The Ford Fiesta is a subcompact car known for its fuel efficiency and compact size, making it popular for city driving.
Cadillac Elr
"I really want a Cadillac ELR. I've wanted a Cadillac ELR for years."
The Cadillac ELR is a fancy car that can run on electricity and gas, making it more eco-friendly while still being a luxury vehicle.
The Cadillac ELR is a luxury plug-in hybrid electric vehicle that was based on the Chevrolet Volt, offering a combination of electric and gasoline power.
Chevrolet Volt
"...Rs, which is the, when new, the $80,000 Chevrolet Volt. And now it's really about the last time to buy ..."
The Chevrolet Volt is a car that can run on electricity and gasoline, which helps save on fuel costs. It's a good option for people who want to be more environmentally friendly while still having a reliable vehicle.
The Chevrolet Volt is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle that combines an electric motor with a gasoline engine, allowing for extended range and efficiency. It was designed to reduce emissions and fuel consumption, making it a popular choice among eco-conscious drivers.
Porsche Boxster
"the Boxster and Caymans, where six months ago, absolutely not. Heck, even two months ago..."
The Porsche Boxster is a two-seater sports car that is fun to drive and has a convertible top. It's known for its good balance and performance.
The Porsche Boxster is a mid-engine roadster known for its sporty handling and performance. It has been a popular model for Porsche since its introduction in the late 1990s.
Porsche Caymans
"the Boxster and Caymans, where six months ago, absolutely not. Heck, even two months ago..."
The Porsche Cayman is a sports car that looks like the Boxster but has a hard top instead of a convertible roof. It's designed for great handling and speed.
The Porsche Cayman is a coupe version of the Boxster, offering similar performance but with a fixed roof. It is known for its agility and driving dynamics.
EV
"And those cars will be available EV only. Now, the rumor is, the gasoline motors will be in the GT cars..."
An EV, or electric vehicle, is a car that runs on electricity instead of gas. They are often quieter and better for the environment.
EV stands for electric vehicle, which is a car that is powered entirely by electricity instead of gasoline or diesel. EVs are known for being more environmentally friendly.
Mercedes-Maybach SL680
"I might have been Doug DeMiro today, and he was talking about the new Maybach SL680 autograph..."
The Mercedes-Maybach SL680 is a very fancy convertible car that is designed to be luxurious and comfortable. It has a lot of special features and a powerful engine.
The Mercedes-Maybach SL680 is a luxury convertible that combines high-end features with performance. It is designed for comfort and prestige, often featuring bespoke options.
twin-turbo V8
"But twin-turbo V8. Now, I thought I remember a year ago, Mercedes said, no more V8s..."
A twin-turbo V8 is a type of engine that has eight cylinders and uses two turbochargers to make it more powerful. It helps the car go faster and use fuel better.
A twin-turbo V8 engine uses two turbochargers to increase the engine's power output and efficiency. This setup allows for better performance and faster acceleration.
Ford Maverick
"Don is now at number 54, being 53, because the plates on the Maverick are 53 at 53..."
The Ford Maverick is a small truck that is budget-friendly and gets good gas mileage.
The Ford Maverick is a compact pickup truck that was reintroduced in 2021, known for its affordability and efficiency.
BMW 228i
"I came within the skin of your teeth of buying a BMW 228i..."
The BMW 228i is a small luxury car that is fun to drive and has a nice interior.
The BMW 228i is a compact luxury coupe that offers a sporty driving experience with a focus on performance and comfort.
M suspension
"The car had every single M option on it except the six-cylinder, still stayed with the four-cylinder M suspension..."
M suspension is a special type of suspension made by BMW that helps the car handle better when driving fast.
M suspension refers to the performance-oriented suspension systems developed by BMW's M division, designed to enhance handling and driving dynamics.
Toyota Camry
"...car. But it felt no more exciting than driving a Camry or my Fiesta. There was just no excitement drivi..."
The Toyota Camry is a popular car that many people use to get around. It's known for being dependable and easy to drive, making it a good choice for families or anyone who wants a reliable vehicle.
The Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan known for its reliability, comfort, and fuel efficiency. It has been a popular choice among families and commuters for decades, often praised for its smooth ride and spacious interior.
paddle shifters
"...driving it at night on those roads at slow speeds or slower speeds. I mean, in the sunlight, paddle shifters, bing, bing, bing, bing, right up and down, thing was great. But..."
Paddle shifters let you change gears in a car using levers behind the steering wheel instead of a gear stick. This can make driving feel more exciting and gives you more control over the car's speed.
Paddle shifters are a feature in many modern cars that allow the driver to manually change gears without using a traditional gear stick. They are typically located behind the steering wheel and provide a more engaging driving experience.
aftermarket warranty
"...and then when we threw in, as I said in the Fiesta episode, when I was talking about buying a car, the aftermarket warranty was very important to me."
An aftermarket warranty is like extra insurance for your car that helps pay for repairs after the original warranty runs out. It's useful if you want to avoid big repair bills later on.
An aftermarket warranty is a service contract that covers repairs and maintenance for a vehicle after the manufacturer's warranty expires. It can provide peace of mind for car owners, especially for used cars or those with high mileage.
BMW 228
"...I was looking at a 2015 228 and I was looking at a 2016 228 or 2014 228. And the one I was thinking about buying this M car, M-ish car, was the 14..."
The BMW 228 is a small luxury car that is fun to drive and looks stylish. It's part of a series of BMW cars that are known for being sporty and enjoyable on the road.
The BMW 228 is a compact luxury coupe that offers a sporty driving experience, known for its performance and handling. It's part of the 2 Series lineup, which is designed to appeal to enthusiasts looking for a smaller, agile car.
extended warranty
"...they quoted me the extended warranty wrong. I was looking at a 2015 228..."
An extended warranty is like extra insurance for your car that helps pay for repairs after the regular warranty runs out. It can help you avoid big repair bills.
An extended warranty is a service contract that provides additional coverage for a vehicle beyond the manufacturer's warranty. It can cover repairs and maintenance for a specified period or mileage, offering peace of mind to car owners.
M brakes
"It did have M suspension, M brakes, M steering wheel, M arrow kit."
M brakes are special brakes found in BMW's M cars that help them stop more quickly and handle better during fast driving.
M brakes are high-performance braking systems used in BMW's M models, providing better stopping power and heat dissipation compared to standard brakes.
M engine tuning
"It did have M engine tuning, which supposedly bumped it up another 20 horsepower and changed the speed limiter."
M engine tuning is when BMW makes changes to the engine in their M cars to make them faster and more powerful.
M engine tuning refers to modifications made to the engine of BMW's M models to increase performance, such as adding horsepower and adjusting the speed limiter.
speed limiter
"It did have M engine tuning, which supposedly bumped it up another 20 horsepower and changed the speed limiter."
A speed limiter is a feature in cars that prevents them from going faster than a certain speed, which helps keep drivers safe.
A speed limiter is a device or software feature in vehicles that restricts the maximum speed the vehicle can reach, often for safety or regulatory reasons.
Ford Focus
"But in looking at that, I finally said, well, I'll go ahead and probably just buy the focus that you had that I had shipped into this dealership also."
The Ford Focus is a small car that many people use for everyday driving. Some versions are sporty and can even be used on racetracks.
The Ford Focus is a compact car known for its practicality and efficiency. It's popular among drivers looking for a reliable daily driver or a fun track car, depending on the variant.
Ford Taurus
"... identical to the infotainment system in my 2017 Taurus SHO. Well, guess what? It didn't work again. Lik..."
The Ford Taurus is a big car that many families used to drive because it's comfortable and has a lot of space inside. It's not made anymore, but it used to be a very common choice for people.
The Ford Taurus is a full-size sedan that was popular for its spacious interior and comfortable ride. Although it has been discontinued, it was a staple in the Ford lineup for many years, often used as a family car.
infotainment system
"...Infotainment system didn't work. I knew it wasn't me, me not knowing how to turn it on because the backup camera didn't work either..."
An infotainment system is the technology in cars that provides entertainment and information, like music and navigation. The speaker had trouble with this system in the car they were driving.
An infotainment system is a combination of entertainment and information delivery systems in a vehicle, typically including features like navigation, audio playback, and connectivity options. The speaker mentions issues with this system in the car they were testing.
backup camera
"...the backup camera didn't work either. So I drove the car and yeah, just that mundane thing felt like driving the BMW at night..."
A backup camera is a camera in cars that shows what is behind the vehicle when you are backing up. The speaker had problems with this camera in the car they were driving.
A backup camera is a safety feature in vehicles that provides a view of the area behind the car when reversing, helping to prevent accidents. The speaker mentions that the backup camera was not functioning in the car they were testing.
Mazda Miata
"...e basically asked me to buy the BMW. And he is a Miata, also like in GTI guy, he's had multiple of each ..."
Mazda is a car brand that makes vehicles known for being fun to drive. They have a reputation for creating sporty cars that many people enjoy, like the small and zippy Miata.
Mazda is a Japanese automaker known for producing sporty and fun-to-drive vehicles, with a focus on innovative design and engineering. Models like the Mazda MX-5 Miata are particularly celebrated for their engaging driving experience.
BMW
"But he said, look at a BMW, look at Focus, why not look at a Mazda 3?"
BMW is a car brand from Germany that makes fancy and fast cars. People like them for their good quality and fun to drive experience.
BMW is a German automotive brand known for its luxury vehicles and sporty performance. The brand is recognized for its engineering excellence and driving dynamics.
Mazda Cx3
"...I looked up on the CarMaxis site, Mazda 3, Mazda CX3, which is the sport utility and went over and loo..."
The Mazda CX-3 is a small SUV that is fun to drive and has a nice design. It's a good option for people who want a vehicle that can handle city driving but still has some space for passengers and cargo.
The Mazda CX-3 is a subcompact crossover SUV that combines the practicality of an SUV with the sporty handling characteristic of Mazda vehicles. It offers a stylish design and a fun driving experience, making it a popular choice for urban drivers.
Mazda 3
"...looked at the Mazda 3 sedan and this is too big. I don't want a car..."
The Mazda 3 is a small car that many people like because it looks good and drives well. It's a good choice if you want something easy to handle and park.
The Mazda 3 is a compact car known for its sporty handling and stylish design. It offers a range of engines and features, making it popular among drivers looking for a fun yet practical vehicle.
Transit Connect
"...look at this Transit Connect at a different dealership..."
The Transit Connect is a small van that can carry a lot of stuff. It's often used by businesses but can also be a good choice for families who need extra space.
The Ford Transit Connect is a compact van designed for both commercial and personal use. It offers versatility with its spacious interior and cargo capacity, making it suitable for various needs.
Mazda 6
"...the first car to pop up was a 2014 Mazda 6 with 50,000 miles on it for dirt cheap."
The Mazda 6 is a car that's good for families or anyone who needs a reliable vehicle. The 2014 version has nice features and is fun to drive.
The Mazda 6 is a mid-size car known for its stylish design and engaging driving dynamics. The 2014 model features a range of efficient engines and a comfortable interior, making it a popular choice in its class.
Chrysler Fifth
"...he ended up getting her a Chrysler Fifth Avenue."
The Chrysler Fifth Avenue is a big, comfortable car that was popular for its luxury features. It was often seen as a status symbol back in the day.
The Chrysler Fifth Avenue is a full-size luxury sedan that was produced from the late 1970s to the early 1990s. It is known for its spacious interior and classic styling, appealing to buyers looking for comfort and prestige.
Chevrolet Corvette
"...erek and Will, you know, Derek with the National Corvette Museum at the time, and Will Posey of Big Oat Gar..."
The Chevrolet Corvette is a famous sports car that many people admire for its speed and style. It's known for being one of the more affordable options if you want a high-performance car.
The Chevrolet Corvette is an iconic American sports car, celebrated for its performance, sleek design, and affordability compared to other supercars. It has a long history and is often associated with American automotive culture.
Ford Mustang
"...d I had met Derek at the 40th anniversary of the Mustang, or 45th anniversary of the Mustang, one of those..."
The Ford Mustang is a well-known car that many people think of when they imagine a fast and powerful vehicle. It's been around for a long time and is loved for its sporty look and exciting driving experience.
The Ford Mustang is a classic American muscle car that has been in production since 1964. It symbolizes freedom and performance, making it a favorite among car enthusiasts and a cultural icon.
Hyundai Kona
"...600? Or you get the technique sets now that build Kona Sigs and Ferraris and when I stopped drinking in..."
The Hyundai Kona is a small SUV that's great for city driving. It has a modern look and is practical, giving you enough space for passengers and stuff you need to carry.
The Hyundai Kona is a subcompact SUV that offers a blend of style, practicality, and advanced technology. It's known for its compact size, making it easy to maneuver in urban settings while still providing ample cargo space.
Ford Gt
".... Don't pre-design stuff. And I've got a gorgeous Ford GT Lego, but the bonnet and the bonnet and the boot..."
The Ford GT is a super-fast sports car that looks really cool and is built for racing. It's a special car that many people dream of owning because of its speed and design.
The Ford GT is a high-performance supercar that pays homage to the legendary Ford GT40 race cars of the 1960s. It features advanced technology, a powerful engine, and a striking design, making it a standout in the automotive world.
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