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S2 Ep34: We Just Bought The BIGGEST Financial Mistake In History!

S2 Ep34: We Just Bought The BIGGEST Financial Mistake In History!

The AutoAlex Podcast Apr 29, 2026 69 min
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About this episode

The hosts bounce between Shedfest prep, car-show chatter, and a painfully expensive project car that was cheap to buy but awful in condition. They tease a huge, big-engine mystery purchase, compare it with fuel-sipping oddballs, and then spiral into damage, maintenance, and reliability woes. Alongside that, they discuss new wheels, a sold 205 GTI, a rust-free tow rig, listener buying dilemmas, and a few weight-guessing games that end with some surprisingly heavy and light cars.

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Technical Too Afraid to Ask
Brand

Porsche

"We have got James enjoying all the recent Porsche content, and we've got a lot more coming. Trucker Dan planning his next Nurburgring trip,"

They’re talking about Porsche content. Porsche is a well-known sports-car brand that makes cars many enthusiasts follow closely.

Topic

Nürburgring trip

"Trucker Dan planning his next Nurburgring trip, and that's something we're going to be doing soon as well. Yes. June are we going to Nurburgring?"

They’re talking about going to Nürburgring in Germany. It’s a legendary race track, and car fans often plan trips there to experience the vibe and drive/visit.

Term

track

"To be fair, by the time I get my Tuareg up there, I'll probably need a new track."

“Track” here means something that wears out as the vehicle is driven. They’re saying it’ll probably be worn down and need replacing.

Topic

Isle of Man TT

"She does like Kitty's BBC stuff, and she's just great. She does like Isle of Man TT as well."

The Isle of Man TT is a well-known motorcycle race. They’re mentioning it to show the host is into serious racing.

Company

Motor Analytics

"And then on the main stage, we have got Nick Sims from Motor Analytics, who's going to be hosting that."

Motor Analytics is the name of the group behind the person hosting the main stage. They’re likely involved in car-related analysis or content.

Car

Allegro

"We're going to be on stage. We're going to be giving away the Allegro to one unlucky suspect."

The Allegro is an older British car model. They’re saying they’ll give one away as a prize at the event.

Topic

Haynes Museum

"I actually met him at a drive-thru event at the Haynes Museum like two years ago."

The Haynes Museum is a place for car enthusiasts. They’re saying they met the person at an event there.

Part

camshaft

"And then we've got a camshaft, which is the center bit that holds it up. And then at the bottom, we've got a gear set from a gearbox."

Think of the camshaft as the engine’s timing controller. It tells the valves when to open and close so the engine can take in air and fuel and let exhaust out.

Part

gear set

"And then at the bottom, we've got a gear set from a gearbox. Yeah. And these parts all come from either cars from this unit or the TDC unit next door."

A gear set is a set of gears that helps the car use the engine’s power effectively. It changes how fast the wheels turn compared to the engine.

Part

RS4 brake discs

"And there are lots of RS4 brake discs in there as well. Yeah, and there's a bit of RS4 coil over there as well. Yeah, yellow bits."

Brake discs are the metal rotors that your brake pads squeeze to slow the car down. Saying “RS4” suggests these are from a higher-performance Audi, not basic brakes.

Part

RS4 coil over

"Yeah, and there's a bit of RS4 coil over there as well. Yeah, yellow bits. So, yeah, five people are going to walk away from Shedfest with these fantastic awards."

Coilovers are suspension parts that control how the car rides and handles bumps. They usually let you adjust the car’s height and stiffness.

Car

M4

"Oh, Taylor and I last week, we're a bit naughty, weren't we? What, on the M4? No, no, no, no. It was the M25 anyway."

The BMW M4 is a sporty BMW built for strong acceleration and handling. Here it’s mentioned just as a car they were talking about, not as a technical deep dive.

Car

Lupo 3L

"So, this is in an upcoming episode. Obviously, the TDC boys, they bought themselves a Lupo 3L, which is like one of the most fuel efficient cars you can ever buy, which is great because we're in a financial crisis at the moment."

The Volkswagen Lupo 3L is a tiny car designed to use very little fuel. The “3L” name is basically about extreme fuel economy.

Topic

fuel efficient cars vs big engine cars

"So, then we thought, what about like really big engine cars? Yeah, surely they're really cheap. So, we've done the opposite at TDC. Yeah, the idea is that cars that aren't fuel efficient have now become really cheap because people can't afford to run them as much."

They’re basically talking about how expensive fuel changes people’s choices—so efficient cars stay attractive, and big-engine cars can get cheaper because they cost more to run.

Term

oil pressure lamp

"[588.4s] Oh, so big. Really big. And what about the problem list? [592.7s] Enormous. Bigger than the engine. Okay, okay. What about the oil pressure lamp? Is that good? [597.5s] So, it works. It works. Works really well. We do know that it works, because on the M4,"

That “oil pressure” light is the car’s warning that the engine oil isn’t circulating properly. If it comes on, you should treat it as urgent and get it checked before driving too far.

Term

oil pressure issue

"and find out why it's illuminated. See if there is actually an oil pressure issue."

Oil pressure is how well the engine’s oil is getting pumped around. If the warning light is on, it can mean the engine isn’t getting enough lubrication, which can cause serious damage if ignored.

Term

supercharged

"So, he's got a Project 8, doesn't he? 600 horsepower, supercharged, blah, blah, blah."

“Supercharged” means the engine has a device that forces extra air into it. More air usually lets the engine make more power.

Concept

fastest saloon on the Nurburgring

"Fastest saloon on the Nurburgring? Yes. I don't know if it still holds. I don't think it is now, but it works."

They’re talking about how fast a sedan-style car can go around the Nürburgring. It’s basically bragging rights based on lap times on a very tough race track.

Term

production

"It's the fastest combustion. Oh, okay. Production. Production. Yeah."

Here, “production” means the car is something regular buyers could actually purchase. They’re using that to say the lap-time claim is about a real customer car, not a custom-built race machine.

Topic

Bista Sunday scramble

"Anyway, I went to the Bista Sunday scramble and I only took a few pictures, [742.6s] but one of them that I took was this."

This is the name of a car meet the speaker went to. They’re talking about the cars they saw there and sharing photos.

Car

B7 RS4 Saloon

"but one of them that I took was this. Oh, that is a red B7 RS4 Saloon. [750.1s] And it was mint with a capital M. It looked nicer in person."

This is an Audi RS4 from the B7 generation, and it’s a sedan (“saloon”). People call it “mint” when it looks like it’s in great condition. It’s a popular enthusiast car because it’s meant to feel sporty, not just get you from A to B.

Car

Lotus Carlton

"and he sent me lots of pictures of a Lotus Carlton. [795.4s] I saw the nicest 996 Turbo... [814.7s] ...the Lotus Carlton. [822.5s] It was a mint Lotus Carlton."

The Lotus Carlton is a rare, performance-focused version of a regular family sedan. It’s special because it’s meant to be fast and exciting, not just comfortable. The speaker is saying they’d love to buy one, even if it’s not perfect.

Car

996 Turbo

"I saw the nicest 996 Turbo. That could be your suit. It could be, it's not, but it could be. [801.4s] It was so, so nice."

This is a Porsche 911 Turbo from the 996 generation. “Turbo” means the engine uses a turbocharger to make more power. The speaker is basically saying it was one of the nicest cars they saw.

Car

Dodge Charger

"And you met Johnny Smith as well, didn't you? [808.5s] Yeah. Do you know what? Johnny Smith... [811.8s] He's got a [814.7s] 68 Dodge Charger. It's really cool."

This is a 1968 Dodge Charger, which is a classic American muscle car. Muscle cars are known for big engines and a sporty, aggressive look. The speaker is impressed because it’s one of those iconic cars.

Term

high mileage

"Please, someone, if you've got a crashed one or a really high [827.1s] mileage one, please let me know. I'd love to own one of those."

“High mileage” means the car has been driven a lot. That can mean more parts have worn out over time, so it may need more repairs. The speaker is saying they’d still consider one even if it’s high-mileage.

Car

BMW M2

"[841.1s] they go up in value. I can only go by the one thing that you kept saying that you really wanted [844.8s] to own. So it must be a BMW M2 because you didn't shut up about that."

The BMW M2 is a sporty BMW made for driving fun. People like it because it’s not huge, but it still feels fast and exciting.

Car

Ferrari 360

"[868.9s] before they go up in value. Is it Italian? Yeah. Is it Fiat? No. Italian. Oh, not a 360. [875.8s] It is a Ferrari 360. Boring."

The Ferrari 360 is a real Ferrari supercar—mid-engine and built to be exciting to drive. The hosts are basically saying it can be less expensive than some other exotic cars.

Term

tow bar

"[884.5s] priced. And I think, could you imagine me with a Ferrari? No, I couldn't. I can't. No, just don't. [890.7s] I could imagine you with Ferrari with a tow bar. But like a car like that, I'd love to be able to"

A tow bar is the hitch you attach to a car so it can tow a trailer. They’re joking because towing isn’t something you’d normally do with a Ferrari.

Brand

Lamborghini

"[896.6s] say, you know, I bought a Ferrari or something like that because they are quite compared to all [901.5s] the other cars of that. I mean, the Lamborghini, it was parked next to it's parked next to a [905.2s] Gallardo."

Lamborghini is another famous Italian supercar brand. They mention it to compare how expensive different exotic cars are.

Car

Lamborghini Gallardo

"[901.5s] the other cars of that. I mean, the Lamborghini, it was parked next to it's parked next to a [905.2s] Gallardo. That's 100, 120 grand car."

The Lamborghini Gallardo is a Lamborghini supercar. They’re using it as an example of a car that costs a lot more than the Ferrari 360.

Term

engine is out

"[935.9s] All right. OK. Dips from P1 Autocase bought my 360. Has he got any further with it? [941.0s] The engine is out. He's had a look at the frame because they've got a frame jiggery [945.0s] poking machine and he said it's actually not as bad as he thought."

“Engine is out” means the engine has been taken out of the car. It usually happens when the car needs serious work, not just a quick fix.

Term

frame

"[941.0s] The engine is out. He's had a look at the frame because they've got a frame jiggery [945.0s] poking machine and he said it's actually not as bad as he thought. Like on the one side,"

Here, “frame” means the car’s main structure that everything bolts to. If it’s bent or damaged, the car may not line up right even after you fix the outside.

Term

scissor jack lift

"We've got so much more equipment. We were on a scissor jack lift at that point. And I feel like we didn't we didn't show out like we didn't do what we could have done now."

A scissor jack lift is a small device that raises a car using a folding “scissor” mechanism. It helps you get underneath for work, but it’s usually more limited than a proper car lift.

Car

BMW G31

"So Rory's been borrowing my G 31 530 D touring my daily driver. Why is that Rory? Because everything's broken. Everything's broken. Everything's broken."

That’s a BMW 5 Series wagon (Touring) from the G31 generation, and “530d” means it’s the diesel version. They’re talking about problems it’s having while it’s being used day-to-day.

Term

Carly

"And then I realized you had a Carly in the center console. So do I? Yeah, I plugged it in. And then I then scanned it."

Carly is a diagnostic gadget that plugs into the car and helps you read error codes. It can point you to what’s wrong so you don’t have to guess.

Term

rear brake pads

"I plugged it in. And then I then scanned it. I found out he had needed rear brake pads and well, or just a sensor."

Brake pads are the parts that squeeze against the brake discs to slow the car down. If the rear pads are worn, you’ll get warnings and you’ll need to replace them soon.

Term

sensor

"I found out he had needed rear brake pads and well, or just a sensor. So I ordered both of them."

A sensor is a small electronic part that tells the car something needs attention. Here, it’s likely tied to the brake system—either it’s warning that the pads are worn or that the sensor is acting up.

Term

key battery

"So I ordered both of them. And I was like, oh, look, it's also coming up. Key battery. So I ordered a key battery."

The key fob has a battery inside it. When it’s low, the car warns you and the keyless features can start acting unreliable.

Term

service due

"And then the service due, even though you've had a service on it. So I then reset that. No services due again."

“Service due” is the car’s reminder that it thinks routine maintenance is coming up. If you really did the service, you usually reset the reminder so it doesn’t keep nagging you.

Term

number plate

"...what was the other thing that kept your number plate, your number plates, half off, which then causes the front parking sensor to go off..."

Your number plate is the license plate on the car. If it’s loose, it can move around and cause problems—like confusing the car’s sensors.

Car

BMW 335D touring

"...the other day I turned up in my 335D touring and I was reversing and I put it in reverse and it was just going beep because my number plate's hanging off..."

This is a BMW 3 Series diesel wagon (“touring”). They’re talking about it while reversing, when the parking sensors started beeping because the license plate was loose.

Topic

Shedfest

"And look how far we've come now. Three days we have got Shedfest, the biggest show of our lives. We're expecting 12,000 of you at Bolesworth Castle on Saturday."

They’re talking about their big event called Shedfest. It’s not related to car tech.

Topic

Bolesworth Castle

"We're expecting 12,000 of you at Bolesworth Castle on Saturday. Are you bricking it or are you doing all right?"

They’re telling you where their big event is happening. It’s part of the sponsor break, not about cars.

Term

Luton van

"There were like four of us about 20 minutes to unbox a Luton van. Yeah. Yeah. There are so many clothes that we've got now."

A Luton van is a delivery van with extra headroom for cargo. They’re describing a delivery they received for their event.

Car

Range Rover L322 4.2 supercharged

"Anyway, you've been driving my car. Yeah. Blah, blah, blah. I've been driving my Range Rover L322 4.2 supercharged. It's fantastic. Leaky. Yeah. Very, very leaky. It's a Land Rover product."

This is a Land Rover Range Rover from the L322 generation, with a 4.2-liter engine that’s “supercharged.” A supercharger helps the engine make more power by pushing extra air in.

Term

power steering fluid

"But it's really bad. I had to top up the power steering fluid again. Oh, really? And then on my driveway this morning, I was like, that's a big leak."

Power steering fluid is the liquid that helps your steering feel light. If it leaks, you might notice it running low and steering can get harder.

Car

BMW M5

"I've bought some new wheels for my M5. Oh, the wheels. Do you know, I must admit, when you first bought them..."

The “M5” is a fast, performance-focused BMW. Taylor is saying he bought new wheels for his BMW M5 and is excited about how it looks.

Term

stance boy

"I was like, I think they're a little bit too stance boy for that car."

“Stance boy” is slang for a car that’s modified mainly to look super low and showy. They’re joking about whether the wheel choice makes the car look too “style-first.”

Car

BMW E88S

"...s. I've always wanted a set. They're a set of BBS E88s and I bought them while we were in Cornwall away..."

The BMW 1 Series is a smaller BMW designed for everyday driving. In the podcast, they’re talking about a specific 1 Series version (E88) and mentioning BBS wheels. It’s basically a conversation about parts and upgrades for that car.

Brand

BBS E88s

"They're a set of BBS E88s and I bought them while we were in Cornwall away."

BBS makes aftermarket wheels. Taylor is excited because he finally found a specific BBS wheel design he’s always wanted.

Term

Michelin rubber

"They look in Goodnick as well. They've got nice Michelin rubber on them now."

They’re talking about the tires—specifically Michelin tires. Tires affect how the car grips the road and how it feels to drive.

Term

Pilot Sport 4Ss

"Yeah. Pilot Sport 4Ss. I put a new set on."

Pilot Sport 4S is a specific Michelin tire model. It’s made for sporty driving and good grip, but it can be pricey.

Term

burnout

"You're going to do a little burnout or maybe some donuts. I won't do a burnout."

A burnout is when you spin the tires to make them smoke and heat up. Taylor says he won’t do that because it would chew up his tires.

Term

donuts

"You're going to do a little burnout or maybe some donuts. I won't do a burnout. I'll do some skids."

Donuts are when you drive in circles with the tires spinning, usually for fun. Taylor is hinting he might do that, but it can wear tires quickly.

Term

skids

"I won't do a burnout. I'll do some skids. Do some donuts for the people."

A skid is when the tires lose grip and the car slides. Taylor is saying he’ll do sliding maneuvers instead of a burnout.

Company

GoFundMe

"We're going to set up a GoFundMe for you. For my tyres."

GoFundMe is a website where people ask for donations for a cause. They’re joking about starting one to help pay for Taylor’s tires.

Term

tyres

"And you're worried about tyres at Shedfest? Yeah. And you would drive it on the Nurburgring? Yeah, but that's a little while away. So I'll get a bit of use out of them. It's only because they're brand new."

Tyres are the tires on the car. New tires often feel a bit different at first, so people “wear them in” to get better, more consistent grip.

Term

release agents

"Yeah, but maybe they've got like the release agents on them. You need to just, you know, burn a little bit. Oh, wear them in a bit. Yeah, wear them in."

“Release agents” are chemical coatings used during manufacturing or storage to prevent rubber from sticking to molds or packaging. On brand-new tires, they can temporarily affect grip until the surface is cleaned off through driving.

Car

205 GTI

"So yeah, I have sold my 205 GTI. It has been purchased by LLF. Yeah. And they are currently raffling it."

The Peugeot 205 GTI is a classic sporty small car. It’s well-liked by enthusiasts, and here they’re saying they sold theirs and it’s being raffled.

Company

LLF

"So yeah, I have sold my 205 GTI. It has been purchased by LLF. Yeah. And they are currently raffling it."

LLF is the group that bought the car and is running the raffle for it. They’re the ones you’d check to buy a ticket.

Term

machine polished

"Yeah. So you forget how nice that blue is on the, on the truck, especially when it's cleaned up a bit. It's, I'll be honest, I have machine polished it."

Machine polishing means using a machine to clean up the car’s paint. It helps remove small scratches and makes the paint look shiny again.

Term

270,000 miles

"For something that's done nearly 270,000 miles. That is crazy. It actually looks really well."

Mileage is basically how many miles the car has been driven. More miles usually means more parts have worn out over time, so maintenance matters.

Term

heat shields

"So it's had a few more bits done. because I was doing some more working out. I found a little bit more rust under some of the heat shields and stuff."

Heat shields are protective metal plates near the exhaust. They help keep heat from damaging other parts of the car.

Concept

rust free

"So that car I can now say is rust free, which is a bit mad really. Like considering how much rust we found on it."

“Rust free” means the car doesn’t have corrosion in the places that matter. Rust can quietly get worse, so a rust-free car is generally healthier and worth more.

Part

window regulator

"I've got a few more little bits to do on it. I've got a new window regulator to put on it and a few bits and bobs."

The window regulator is what makes the window go up and down. If it’s failing, the window may get stuck or move slowly, so replacing it fixes the problem.

Term

trailer attached

"And I'm actually driving this car up to Shedfest with the trailer attached. I'm having my six series on the back."

A trailer attached means the car is towing something behind it. Towing is harder on the car than normal driving, so you want everything in good shape before you go.

Term

hybrid turbos

"And for me, it's a bit, it's a bit of a medal. Like a question. This is obviously got hybrid turbos. Yes."

“Hybrid turbos” means the turbo system isn’t the simplest stock setup. It’s usually a mix of turbo parts to change how quickly it spools and how much boost it can make.

Term

tuned

"Is it going to get a little bit of a tune up at some point? It needs to because the last time I towed with it... I do need to get it tuned."

“Tuned” means adjusting the car’s computer settings. If the turbo setup has changed, the tune helps the car control boost correctly.

Term

overboosting code

"The last time I towed with it or Jamie towed with it, it did actually go into limo because it came up with an overboosting code because it's not mapped to how much boost it has now."

An “overboosting code” is an error message the car logs when it thinks the turbo is making too much boost. That can be caused by the tune not matching the turbo setup.

Term

limit mode

"If you absolutely boot it like up, up a hill full boost with a trailer attached, it will go into limit mode."

“Limit mode” is when the car deliberately reduces power to protect itself. It usually happens when the car senses something isn’t right under hard driving.

Car

mini R56

"“...the point of being at Landau was to race your mini R56 versus going to be the finale of the mini series... We did a compression test on the mini because it was misfiring at idle.”"

“R56” is the internal generation code for a Mini hatchback. They’re saying their Mini R56 is the car they raced and then later tested because it started misfiring.

Term

compression test

"“...there’s a little clip and it’s a clip of what Rory? We did a compression test on the mini because it was misfiring at idle. And one of the cylinders is lower than the other.”"

A compression test measures how much pressure each cylinder can build during cranking. If one cylinder reads much lower than the others, it often points to internal engine problems like worn piston rings, a leaking valve, or a head-gasket issue.

Term

misfiring at idle

"“We did a compression test on the mini because it was misfiring at idle. And one of the cylinders is lower than the other.”"

Misfiring at idle means the engine isn’t running smoothly when it’s idling. That can happen if spark or fuel delivery is off, or if there’s a mechanical problem inside the engine.

Term

cylinders

"“...one of the cylinders is lower than the other. Yeah. So I've got 200 in free and 101.”"

Cylinders are the engine’s “work chambers.” Each one should behave similarly; if one cylinder is weaker, it can cause the engine to run rough or misfire.

Term

freshly rebuilt engine

"[2200.0s] It's a freshly rebuilt engine as well. And we did run it in as well..."

They’re saying the engine was rebuilt recently, so it should be healthy. After a rebuild, you usually need careful break-in and correct maintenance so it lasts.

Concept

run it in

"...And we did run it in as well. Like you did a thousand miles on it without boosting it..."

They mean they followed a break-in process for the rebuilt engine. That’s a careful early period where you don’t push it too hard so parts wear in properly.

Term

oil change

"...And then we'd done an oil change on it and stuff like that. And then it had another oil change just before it went to Landau as well."

They changed the engine oil after the break-in. Fresh oil helps keep the engine clean, especially after rebuilding.

Term

boosting it

"...Like you did a thousand miles on it without boosting it. And then we'd done an oil change..."

They’re talking about using turbo/supercharger boost. During break-in, you often avoid boost so the new engine parts aren’t under heavy load right away.

Company

1320

"...it's been properly tuned by 1320 now. It's got a really, really good tune on it."

They say “1320” tuned it properly. That means a specialist adjusted the engine settings so it runs right with the car’s modifications.

Concept

warranty

"...they contacted us saying that because they knew who I was... that there was no warranty on it because they hate people from Birmingham... because the car was modified..."

They’re talking about whether the engine seller will cover repairs under warranty. The seller says they won’t because the car is modified.

Term

stock turbo

"...it's got a very good tune on it and a stock turbo. But they don't know that."

They’re saying the turbo is basically the factory one. That usually means the boost levels aren’t as extreme as with a bigger aftermarket turbo.

Term

misfire

"my Jaguar's lost a cylinder somehow. What's happened to it? It just fell out. [2334.0s] So that's misfire. I'll put it back in."

A misfire means one cylinder in the engine isn’t firing correctly. The car may feel shaky or weak, and it can lead to bigger problems if you keep driving it.

Car

BMW E46

"I've got my BMW E46 and I've got the Range Rover, my 600 pound Range Rover. And both of them also... [2360.9s] ...And then also then my E46, we tried to do some brakes and it looks like the brakes have had some, some modifications that needs changing, which now means that it needs to be made safe."

The BMW E46 is a specific generation of the BMW 3 Series. Here, they’re dealing with brake issues—especially because the brakes have been changed before and now need to be corrected for safety.

Term

gearbox

"annoyingly, it looks like one of the seals is leaking, which involves just taking the gearbox back out again. So that was a massive job. [2360.9s] we found out on Friday."

The gearbox is the part that sends power from the engine to the wheels. If they have to take it out to fix a leak, it usually means the repair is complicated and time-consuming.

Term

brakes

"And then also then my E46, we tried to do some brakes and it looks like the brakes have had some, some modifications that needs changing, which now means that it needs to be made safe."

Brakes are what help the car slow down and stop. They’re saying the brakes have been altered before and now need work so the car is safe to drive.

Car

Mini Cooper S

"[2482.2s] do I just do I just admit defeat and just I've had offers for the three and a half that I said, [2488.4s] and just go or do I I mean, a man on Instagram has offered me an engine for free. [2493.9s] What what engine? It's just a Cooper S, but he knows nothing about it."

A “Mini Cooper S” is a sportier version of the Mini. Here they’re talking about possibly using an engine from one Mini Cooper S to fix or improve another Mini.

Concept

engine swap

"[2488.4s] and just go or do I I mean, a man on Instagram has offered me an engine for free. [2493.9s] What what engine? It's just a Cooper S... [2526.5s] Yeah. And then make a good engine. Yeah. Well, we still don't know what's wrong with the new engine yet."

An engine swap means putting a different engine into the car (sometimes using parts from more than one engine). They’re discussing different swap options to fix what’s wrong with their current engine situation.

Term

N14

"[2493.9s] What what engine? It's just a Cooper S, but he knows nothing about it. Is it an N14? No, don't [2499.5s] do it. Or do we do another thing where we buy an N18 one, which is an N18 car, an N18 car,"

N14 is an engine “type” used in certain Minis. They’re trying to figure out which exact engine it is so they don’t accidentally swap in the wrong one.

Term

N18

"[2508.5s] and just take all the bits off and put it on an N18 car. Because the bits on that car are worth [2514.4s] quite a lot of money. Yeah. So like if we got one from Copa or something, that would be fun. [2519.6s] Do we take the original engine and combine the top of that one and the bottom of that one?"

N18 is another specific engine “type” used in some Minis. They’re considering using that engine instead because it may be a better match for their project.

Concept

mixing the top and bottom of two engines

"[2519.6s] Do we take the original engine and combine the top of that one and the bottom of that one? [2526.5s] Yeah. And then make a good engine. Yeah. Well, we still don't know what's wrong with the new engine yet."

They’re talking about taking parts from two different engines—using the upper part from one and the lower part from another—to build a working engine. It can work, but you have to make sure the parts are compatible and that you’re fixing the real problem.

Term

new engine

"“because when I put the new engine in it started leaking, you did that big screen.”"

They’re saying they put in a new engine, but then the car started leaking afterward. That suggests the repair didn’t fully solve the problem.

Term

b-force

"“do I just do the really sensible thing and buy an F 56 with a b-force?”"

They mention “b-force” as part of the MINI they’re thinking about buying. It sounds like a specific version or option, but this clip doesn’t explain what it is.

Part

alignment

"Yeah. There was a comment where basically Taylor was doing an alignment on my car and in the video, he says, isn't it ironic that I'm the only one that can make your car straight?"

Wheel alignment is when a shop adjusts the angles of your wheels so the car drives straight. If it’s off, the car can pull and tires can wear out faster.

Car

Mustang

"Well, that and the fact that my Mustang turned up. Oh, yeah. But then in my despair, I was sitting there going,"

The Ford Mustang is a popular American performance car. They’re basically saying that if you put money into one, it may still be worth a lot when you sell it.

Term

tune it

"If you happen to then buy one and then think about modifying it, don't. If you then want to tune it, don't. And then if you want to then take it on track, don't."

To “tune it” usually means changing the car’s settings so it performs differently. They’re saying that doing that to this Mini can turn into an expensive mistake.

Term

part exchange

"What if someone has an F56 now and they would part exchange your, whatever, R56? No one would do that. You wouldn't know someone might."

“Part exchange” means you trade your current car in when buying a different one. The dealer gives you a price for your old car and you pay the remaining amount.

Term

engine's broken

"That's not happening because the engine's broken on it. You put there's a free engine on the table here. Oh, okay."

They mean the engine has a serious problem. That usually makes the car worth a lot less, and it can turn the repair into a big (and expensive) project.

Term

free engine

"You put there's a free engine on the table here. Oh, okay. So you'll give them a free engine."

A “free engine” here implies the seller/party offers an additional engine as part of the deal, potentially reducing the cost of repairing the broken one. It’s essentially a parts-value offset rather than fixing the car immediately.

Term

categorized came up

"Even my R53, a categorized came up. One came up the other day for like three, seven, 50, I think it was."

“Categorized” sounds like the car has a special status from insurance/records (like being written off). That can make it harder to buy/sell and may mean the car has a history you should investigate.

Brand

car vertical

"Okay. Okay. We need to move it on and let's quickly move it on to one of the sponsors of the Auto Alex podcast. That is our very good friends car vertical."

“car vertical” is a company that helps you check a car’s history. The hosts are using it to see if a car had accident damage that wasn’t disclosed.

Concept

structural damages

"However, it showed structural damages. I approached the dealership and was told it was not brought to our attention when we bought the car."

Structural damage is when the car’s main frame/body structure is hurt. That’s more serious than scratches or dents, and it can make the car less safe or harder to keep straight.

Company

motor industry ombudsman of South Africa

"Needless to say, the matter is currently with the MIOS, the motor industry ombudsman of South Africa for adjudication, as I was severely misrepresented."

This is an official organization in South Africa that helps settle complaints about car-related disputes. The speaker is saying they’re taking their complaint to that body to be judged.

Term

clocked

"You'll find out if it's been crashed, stolen, repaired, clocked, all of those types of things as well."

“Clocked” means someone likely changed the odometer to show lower mileage than the car actually has. That can hide wear and tear, so it’s a big warning sign.

Topic

buying a car van or motorbike

"Leave no car unchecked if you want to buy a car van or motorbike."

They’re saying the same “check the history first” idea applies to vans and motorcycles too. Don’t buy without doing a proper background check.

Car

2015 320D

"My dad has very generously offered me his 2015 320D for free [3136.5s] as a big help to lower my bills due to the house."

This is a BMW 3 Series car with a diesel engine. “320d” basically tells you the model and that it runs on diesel, not gasoline.

Term

MOT exempt

"Any suggestions around £6,000 budget [3165.2s] and has to be taxed, MOT exempt or close to being [3168.3s] and nothing that's going to be consistently broken like Rory's."

In the UK, most cars have to pass an MOT test to prove they’re road-safe. “MOT exempt” means the car doesn’t need that test, usually because it’s old enough.

Term

taxed

"Any suggestions around £6,000 budget [3165.2s] and has to be taxed, MOT exempt or close to being [3168.3s] and nothing that's going to be consistently broken like Rory's."

“Taxed” means the car has the required UK road tax so it’s legal to drive. If it’s not taxed, you generally can’t use it on public roads.

Concept

classic car

"So you say get rid of the GTI and then get a classic [3187.6s] and then spend money on debts and house stuff. ... Are they 40 years old? [3217.9s] No, not yet."

A “classic car” is an older car people collect or value because it’s special, not just because it’s useful. Here, they’re debating whether the BMW they mentioned is old enough to count as one yet.

Car

Bmw 4

"How much can you get a E34 BMW 4 now? [3211.3s] They're quite cheap. [3212.1s] Yeah, less than six grand."

“E34” is a BMW model generation code. It’s commonly used for the BMW 5 Series from that era, and they’re discussing whether those cars are becoming “classic” yet based on age and price.

Concept

angular car auctions

"we were looking at angular car auctions. Angular? Angular. Angular. Anguababa. Anguababa. Anguababa. Okay. Go to Anguababa car. And I wouldn't, I couldn't believe some of the prices"

They’re talking about a car auction website. The point is that the prices they saw there surprised them, showing how expensive some classic cars can get.

Car

Porsche 944

"[3264.4s] Porsche 944s. [3266.2s] I don't like that. [3266.9s] There were a few 944s. [3270.4s] You can get one for six grand these days. [3272.4s] That is a daily drivable classic car."

A Porsche 944 is an older Porsche sports car from the 1980s. People like it because it can be cheaper than many other classic Porsches, and some owners use them as everyday cars.

Term

Four cylinder

"[3276.5s] I don't like them. [3277.3s] What do you mean you don't like them? [3278.0s] 2.5. [3278.9s] They've got a funny bum on them. [3279.8s] Four cylinder. [3280.2s] They look, oh my god."

A “four cylinder” engine has four cylinders that burn fuel to make power. It’s a common engine layout, and it helps explain why this Porsche feels a bit different than bigger multi-cylinder sports cars.

Term

fold the seats down

"Also, you can fold the seats down. And, Harry, I imagine you're a bit younger. You and your girlfriend fold the seats down."

Folding the seats down lets you make more room in the back of the car for luggage or other stuff. It’s a simple way to turn the car from “just seats” into “more storage.”

Term

valet it

"if he does sell the Golf, we'll need to valet it. Why?"

“Valet it” means someone else parks the car for you. In this context, they’re saying they’d need help moving it around, likely because of where it’s going or how it needs to be presented.

Term

UV lamp

"[3320.5s] I'd be all up on the roof, wouldn't I? [3321.5s] Yeah, it'd be all over the gaff. [3322.7s] I wouldn't want to go in there with a UV lamp. [3324.4s] Yeah."

A UV lamp shines ultraviolet light. People sometimes use it to spot things you can’t easily see normally, and the joke here is that you shouldn’t shine it on whatever they’re talking about.

Car

Volkswagen Golf

"[3333.8s] I reckon if you've got a Golf, sell it, [3337.0s] buy something like an old Golf, [3338.4s] like a Mark 1 or a Mark 2 Golf. [3340.1s] They're really good cars. [3341.0s] And they're really easy to work on, [3342.9s] and they're cheap to fix."

The Volkswagen Golf is a common, everyday compact car. The hosts are saying older Golfs are usually easy to fix and cheap to maintain, even if they’re not very fast.

Term

168 brake

"I think they came out the factory with a 168 brake. They couldn't pull the skin off a rice plate. They're rear-wheel drive, man."

“168 brake” is basically a horsepower number from the factory. It’s the engine’s power rating, and the host is saying it’s not very strong.

Term

rear-wheel drive

"They couldn't pull the skin off a rice plate. They're rear-wheel drive, man. Do you know what, with a 944 as well,"

Rear-wheel drive means the power goes to the back wheels. Many sports cars use this because it can feel more fun and responsive when you drive.

Term

supercharger kits

"Like, can't you get like supercharger kits? You can, yeah, yeah. For them as well to make them a bit,"

A supercharger kit adds a device that pushes extra air into the engine. That can make the car faster, but it often needs other upgrades too so everything works safely.

Car

R56 Mini

"I've got great taste in cars. Just look at my R56 Mini. Rory, it's time to pipe down now."

“R56” is a Mini generation code. It’s basically a specific era of the Mini Cooper, and it’s popular because it drives in a fun, sporty way and has lots of parts available.

Car

Jaguar Xj

"[3452.2s] But what is it for people? [3453.3s] Like, that is a Jaguar XJ of like 2010 to 2019 variant. [3459.8s] Well, the one what you've got."

The Jaguar XJ is a big luxury sedan. Here, they’re talking about a version from around 2010–2019 and how its weight isn’t as high as you might expect.

Term

Aluminium body

"[3461.9s] Aluminium body. [3463.0s] Yeah, aluminium body. [3463.4s] Super light."

An aluminium body means the car’s main body panels/structure are made from aluminium instead of steel. Aluminium is lighter, so the car can weigh less, but repairs can sometimes be more expensive.

Term

lost a cylinder

"[3463.4s] Super light. [3464.1s] I think quite a light engine as well, I believe. [3466.0s] Yeah. [3466.5s] Yours is even lighter because it's lost a cylinder."

“Lost a cylinder” means the engine has fewer cylinders than usual. That usually reduces how much power the engine can make, and it can also affect weight and how the car feels.

Car

Tesla Model

"Question one of five. We have got a 2022 Tesla Model S Long Range. The second car is a 2008 Ford Tran..."

The Tesla Model Y is an electric SUV, meaning it runs on electricity instead of petrol. It’s built for normal daily driving and uses a charging system to “refuel.” The podcast brings it up as one of the cars being discussed.

Car

Tesla Model S

"Right, which car is the heaviest? Question one of five. We have got a 2022 Tesla Model S Long Range... Yeah, well, those are actually really heavy for that time."

The Tesla Model S Long Range is an electric car. They’re talking about how heavy it is compared to other vans and SUVs, and that weight can change how the car drives.

Car

Ford Transit

"The second car is a 2008 Ford Transit. Okay. So we'll go for the smallest Ford Transit, so a short wheelbase on the top..."

The Ford Transit is a work van. They’re using a 2008 version to compare weight against other vehicles.

Term

short wheelbase

"So we'll go for the smallest Ford Transit, so a short wheelbase on the top, or a BMW X5 4.8 IS from 2004."

Wheelbase is the distance between the front and back wheels. A “short wheelbase” version is the shorter layout, which can make the vehicle smaller and sometimes lighter than the longer version.

Term

kilos

"I think the X5 is about 1,800-1,900 kilos off the top of my head. ... Starting from 2,400 kilos for a Ford Transit. ... It's 2.4 tons."

They’re using kilograms to talk about how heavy the vehicles are. Heavier cars generally need more energy to move and more effort to stop.

Term

laden

"No, they're 2.2 laden. I think they're about two tons. Oh, yeah, no, about two..."

“Laden” means the vehicle is weighed while carrying something. An empty van weighs less than the same van when it’s loaded.

Car

BMW X5

"[3575.7s] Is 2.2 tons for an X5. [3578.1s] Is it?"

The BMW X5 is a luxury SUV from BMW. They’re talking about how heavy it is, and that kind of weight can affect how the vehicle drives and uses energy.

Car

2024 BMW i7 X-Drive 60

"Right, next set of three cars. We have got a 2024 BMW i7 X-Drive 60. I hate those. They're large, aren't they?"

This is a big BMW electric luxury car. “X-Drive” means it drives all four wheels for better traction, especially in bad weather. “60” is BMW’s way of labeling the specific version.

Car

Hummer H2

"The next vehicle is a 2008 Hummer H2. Large. Very large. And then we have got a 2023 Mercedes-Benz G500."

The Hummer H2 is a very large SUV. It’s famous for being heavy and “tank-like,” which is why people talk about how much it weighs.

Car

2023 Mercedes-Benz G500

"And then we have got a 2023 Mercedes-Benz G500. So, not the big, big one. It's a G500. Which of those three vehicles do you think is the heaviest?"

This is a Mercedes-Benz G-Class SUV, and “G500” is the specific version. It’s a big, luxury off-road-style vehicle, so it often comes up in discussions about which SUV is heaviest.

Car

Mercedes-Benz G500

"...large. And then we have got a 2023 Mercedes-Benz G500. So, not the big, big one."

The Mercedes-Benz G-Class is a luxury SUV that’s built to handle rough roads. It has a very recognizable boxy shape. The podcast mentions a 2023 G500 while comparing it to other heavy vehicles.

Car

G-Class Gwagon

"Then we have got the BMW i7, which is 2.6 tonnes. And then the Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon is 2.5 tonnes. So, did you know they're having to actually change a ruling,"

The G-Class is Mercedes-Benz’s rugged luxury SUV. In the podcast, they talk about how heavy it is and that rules may need to be updated because of that. It’s part of a comparison between heavy vehicles.

Car

Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon

"Then the BMW i7, which is 2.6 tonnes. And then the Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon is 2.5 tonnes. So, did you know they're having to actually change a ruling, I believe, in the UK?"

They bring up the Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon as another heavy vehicle in their comparison. The discussion is about how much these large EVs weigh.

Term

3.5 tonnes

"Because some of these really large electric vehicles are now over 3.5 tonnes. Wow, yeah. So, they're having to change the fact"

They’re talking about a specific weight limit (3.5 tonnes) that affects how vehicles are regulated. If EVs get heavier than that, the rules may need to be updated.

Concept

electric vehicles

"Because some of these really large electric vehicles are now over 3.5 tonnes. Wow, yeah. So, they're having to change the fact"

They’re discussing EVs and the fact that batteries make some electric cars very heavy. Because of that, laws and rules sometimes have to be updated.

Car

Audi B7 RS4 Avant

"Okay, so, 1-0-2 Rory. The next set of three cars, Audi B7 RS4 Avant. Lovely car."

This is an Audi RS4 wagon from the B7 generation. “Avant” just means it’s the wagon body style, and it’s a performance-focused version of the RS4.

Car

Mercedes C63 AMG Estate

"Next car, Mercedes C63 AMG Estate. Lovely car. And then we have got a BMW M3 E90."

This is a Mercedes-AMG version of the C-Class, built as a wagon (“Estate”). It’s meant to be a fast, sporty family car.

Car

BMW M3

"Next car, Mercedes C63 AMG Estate. And then we have got a BMW M3 E90. They didn't do an estate in that generation, did they?"

This is a BMW M3 from the E90 generation. It’s a performance version of the 3 Series, and “E90” is just the internal BMW code for that generation.

Term

cast iron cylinder block

"Because I know that it's got a cast iron cylinder block because I've seen a coffee table made out of one. And I think the B7 RS4 has got an aluminium block."

The cylinder block is the big metal part inside the engine that holds the cylinders. “Cast iron” is a heavy, tough metal, and the hosts are comparing it to a different metal used in another engine.

Term

aluminium block

"And I think the B7 RS4 has got an aluminium block. Okay, but the Mercedes is two-wheel drive."

This is the main engine block made from aluminum instead of heavier iron. Aluminum is lighter, and that’s why people often talk about it when comparing engines.

Term

two-wheel drive

"Okay, but the Mercedes is two-wheel drive. Hmm. Which one? You've gone for Mercedes."

Two-wheel drive means the car only powers two wheels instead of all four. That can change how well it grips the road, especially in rain or snow.

Car

Mercedes C63

"[3784.4s] Mercedes C63 starts from 1,750 kilos. [3788.7s] Yeah. [3789.4s] The Audi RS4 also starts from 1,750 kilos."

The Mercedes C63 is a high-performance version of the Mercedes C-Class. In this discussion, they’re comparing how heavy it is to other cars.

Car

Lotus Elise S1

"We have got a Lotus Elise S1. 1996. So you're going very light... I can reveal the heaviest vehicle on the list is the Lotus Elise."

The Lotus Elise S1 is the first version of the Elise. It’s famous for being very light, which is one reason it drives so sharply.

Car

Caterham 7 620R

"Then we have got a Hummer. No, I'm joking. Caterham 7 620R. Okay. A really fast one."

The Caterham 7 is a very light, simple sports car that’s built to be fun and quick. The “620R” version is the more powerful, performance-oriented take on that formula.

Car

Mclaren 620R

"No, I'm joking. Caterham 7 620R. Okay."

The McLaren 620R is a high-performance sports car made by McLaren. In the podcast, it’s mentioned in a joking way while comparing names with another car. The discussion is more about the “620R” label than detailed specs.

Car

Austin Mini

"And then we've got a 1959 Austin Mini. So Lotus Elise S1, the first one... Which do you think is the heaviest?"

The Austin Mini is a famous small British car. Here they’re talking about how much it weighs compared with the other lightweight sports cars.

Concept

Winner Takes All

"But as we all know, it's Winner Takes All. [3895.8s] Dum, dum, dum. [3897.5s] Can we just leave you with that?"

“Winner Takes All” means the person who wins gets the whole prize, and the others don’t get anything. They’re using it to describe how their scoring is supposed to work.

Car

Lamborghini Urus

"We have got a Lamborghini Urus 2018. Oh, okay. A Toyota Land Cruiser Amazon 1998."

The Lamborghini Urus is Lamborghini’s big, luxury SUV. It’s a lot heavier than small cars, so it’s a common pick when people ask which vehicle weighs the most.

Term

300 beats

"Or, this is my favourite bit, 300 beats. 300 beats. Which one of these do you think is heaviest?"

“300 beats” doesn’t clearly map to a known car measurement in this clip. It sounds more like a game or challenge number than something like horsepower or weight.

Car

Honda Beat

"Which one of these do you think is heaviest? The Honda Beat. Yeah. So that was... You know, Edwin's Honda Beat. Tiny little wreck thing."

The Honda Beat is a very small Honda car. It’s light compared to most SUVs and normal-sized cars, which is why it’s picked as the “lightest” option.

Car

Land Cruiser

"Yeah, no, I'm going to go Land Cruiser. Okay, all right. Taylor. I've got to do a different answer because otherwise it's boring."

The Land Cruiser is a Toyota SUV that’s built to handle rough roads and last a long time. Here, they’re talking about how much it weighs as part of a trivia-style challenge.

Term

2.4 tonnes

"I can reveal the answer is it's the Land Cruiser. 2.4 tonnes for a Land Cruiser. The Urus weighs 2,200 kilos and 300 beats combined is 2,280 kilos."

A “tonne” is a unit for weight (metric tons). They’re just giving the Land Cruiser’s weight in that unit for the comparison.

Concept

barn finds

"And then we've obviously got our barn finds, which are coming together quite nicely. My Mustang's back."

A “barn find” is a car that’s been sitting unused for a long time, usually in a barn or garage. When people find it again, it often needs repairs and restoration before it can be driven.

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