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Save The V8 And Pass The Breakfast Taco

Save The V8 And Pass The Breakfast Taco

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About this episode

The crew kicks off from the Tailpipes and Tacos Easter cruise-in in Katy, Texas, then dives into a wide-ranging mix of automotive news and road-trip talk. They break down early-2025 U.S. sales softness—gas prices, affordability, confidence, and the loss of EV tax credits—while noting pockets of strength (Honda/Kia, Stellantis, Ram/Jeep) and the irony of V8s disappearing as demand shifts. The show also recommends national-park drives (Glacier’s Going-to-the-Sun, Yosemite’s Tioga Pass, Rocky Mountain’s Trail Ridge) and calls out dealership pricing and add-on controversies, including a major FTC/AG settlement involving Lindsay Automotive.

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Technical Too Afraid to Ask
Concept

recalls

"Just ahead, we're going to have uh recalls and uh maybe what the new car is sold for."

A recall means the car maker found a problem that could affect safety. They fix it for free, usually at a dealership.

Brand

Toyota

"First quarter deliveries fell... but it was the sixth consecutive quarter of growth for Honda Kia and the third straight for Stellantis at Toyota."

Toyota is a huge car brand in the U.S. They’re discussing how Toyota’s sales and new model timing are affecting the market.

Brand

GM

"First quarter deliveries fell at most of the biggest automakers, GM, Toyota, Ford, Honda, Nissan..."

GM is General Motors, a major car company. When they talk about GM’s sales, they mean how well their cars are selling overall.

Brand

Lexus

"Lexus posted its first quarterly decline in more than three years. In addition to having the industry's leanest inventory..."

Lexus is Toyota’s luxury car brand. They’re saying Lexus sales dipped for the first time in a while, which can hint that buyers are getting more cautious.

Brand

Mazda

"Sales fell 14% at Mazda, 15% at Mitsubishi, at Subaru..."

Mazda is a Japanese automaker. The segment mentions Mazda’s sales decline, which is useful context for how different automakers are performing in the market.

Brand

Mitsubishi

"Sales fell 14% at Mazda, 15% at Mitsubishi, at Subaru..."

Mitsubishi makes cars in Japan. They’re mentioning that Mitsubishi’s sales fell, which suggests the company is struggling more than some competitors.

Brand

Subaru

"...at Subaru, volume dropped for an eighth straight month..."

Subaru is a Japanese automaker known for all-wheel-drive systems and boxer engines. Here, the discussion uses Subaru’s sales volume drop as market context, then pivots to a specific electric Subaru test car.

Concept

same sheet metal

"...you can only carry uh the same cars so long with the same sheet metal, so you put some different paint on it..."

They’re saying if a car’s outer body is basically the same, you can change the look with paint or styling, but it won’t feel totally new. It’s like a refresh that doesn’t change the core of the vehicle.

Car

Ford Escape

"Ford,afterdiscontinuingoneofitsleastexpensivemodels,the Escape,hopestoenticeshoppersintootherutilityvehicles,notablytheBroncoSport,which I'vealwaysliked."

The Ford Escape is a popular Ford SUV. The discussion here is about Ford stopping it and trying to sell other SUVs instead.

Car

Ford Maverick

"Entry-leveltrimsofthe Maverick, Rangerand Bronco Sportrose8.4%"

The Ford Maverick is a small pickup truck. The host is saying the cheaper versions of these models sold better.

Car

Ford Ranger

"Entry-leveltrimsofthe Maverick, Rangerand Bronco Sportrose8.4%"

The Ford Ranger is Ford’s midsize truck. The point being made is that the more affordable trims are selling well.

Concept

V8 engine

"...inthefirstquarterongainsat RamJeepandDodge,despitethefactthattheystoppedmakingthe V8engine."

A V8 engine is an engine with eight cylinders. It’s often associated with strong sound and performance, and the episode is lamenting that automakers are moving away from it.

Car

Jeep Cherokee

"Delanisreceivedaboostfromtheredesigned JeepCherokeeandthefreshenedGrand Wagoneer,whichIunderstandthatSheila'sdriving."

The Jeep Cherokee is a Jeep SUV. The host is saying a redesign helped sales, which shows how new styling/features can attract buyers.

Concept

elevation changes

"Well,youdo,butthat'snotquitewhereyou'regonnafinduhfromadrivingperspective,you'renotgonnafindalotofswitchbacksorlongstraightawaystotoreallygetintosomeelevationchangesandthings."

Elevation changes are when the road goes up and down. Going downhill can make your brakes work harder, and going uphill can make the engine work harder too.

Term

switchbacks

"Well,youdo,butthat'snotquitewhereyou'regonnafinduhfromadrivingperspective,you'renotgonnafindalotofswitchbacksorlongstraightawaystotoreallygetintosomeelevationchangesandthings."

Switchbacks are those winding roads where you turn back and forth to go up or down a steep area. They make the car work harder because you’re turning a lot and often slowing down.

Car

Ford Mustang

"Ifyouhaveanopportunity,maybeusesomethinglikeaMustang,aFordMustang."

A Ford Mustang is a sporty car that’s fun to drive. The host is basically saying it’s a good match for winding roads where you can enjoy the handling.

Term

spirited driving

"yougottakindofgetintoarhythm,butyoureallydon'twanttogettoospiritedwithit becauseuhyourcarisnotgonnareactlikeitdoesdownatsealevel..."

Spirited driving means driving more enthusiastically, like using more power and taking corners a bit faster. The host is saying your car may feel different at high altitude.

Car

Jeep Grand Cherokee

"Ifyougotawholefamilywithyou,ofcourse,somethinglikeaJeepGrandCherokee. Youstillgotplentyofpower,youcanstillfeeltheroadandenjoythat."

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is an SUV that can carry a family and still feel fun to drive. The host is saying it offers power and a more engaging feel than a purely comfort-focused vehicle.

Car

Honda Civic

"Butifyou'rejustyou,maybeyourspecialfriendorsomething,youmighttryanddotheHondaCivic. Getalittlemorespiriteddrivinggoing."

The Honda Civic is a compact car that’s typically efficient and easy to maneuver, making it a good fit for drivers who want a more nimble experience. Here it’s suggested for solo driving to get “more spirited” on curvy roads.

Term

I-10

"Bytheway, we're coming to you today from Tailpipes and Tacos, the cruise in at the Lupito, Texas, near the intersection of I-10, the CDFreeway, and 99, the Grand Park."

I-10 is a big highway used to describe where the event is happening. It’s like giving an easy landmark for directions.

Company

Loopy Tortilla

"To the tailpipes and tacos cruise in at the Loopy Tortilla Tex Max in Katie... at the Loopy Tortilla Tex Max in Katy..."

Loopy Tortilla is the restaurant/venue where the event is taking place. It’s the meeting spot for the car cruise-in.

Concept

cruise-in

"It's a cruise-in like you've never attended before. With the donation to Shirley's Kids, you'll get a free Loopy Tortilla breakfast taco."

A cruise-in is a car get-together where people show up, park their cars together, and hang out. It’s usually more about community and fun than judging or competition.

Concept

hot rod

"There'll be coffee and adult beverages, plus chili pepper trophies for the best hotrod, best modern classic, and best classic."

A hot rod is a car that’s been modified to be cooler and sometimes faster than it was from the factory. At events, it usually means a custom build people put a lot of work into.

Concept

2026 class winner

"[973.0s] It'snotit'snotgoldliketheotherone. [975.4s] Right. [975.8s] Andthisisa2026classwinner."

A “class winner” is the top car in a specific category at a show. So this car won its group for the 2026 event.

Concept

car show

"The Corpus Christi Car Show is going April 11th, starts at 10 a.m. ... The event invites car enthusiasts to display vehicles ranging from classics to modern."

A car show is an event where people bring cars to show them off. Sometimes there are categories, judging, or just a big meet-and-greet for car lovers.

Concept

classic to modern

"The event invites car enthusiasts to display vehicles ranging from classicstomodern. The first 50 entries will receive a free car show t-shirt."

That phrase just means the event has both older cars and newer cars. So there’s something for people who like classics and people who like newer stuff.

Concept

daily driver

"Whether you're a gearhead or just appreciate good conversation about classic rides, custom builds, your daily driver, this is the spot."

A “daily driver” is a car used for everyday commuting and errands rather than only for shows or weekend fun. It’s relevant in enthusiast discussions because people often compare how modifications affect real-world comfort, reliability, and usability.

Brand

Fiat

"It welcomes all fiat and Italiancar enthusiasts, and the activities begin at 10.30. All things Italian."

Fiat is an Italian car brand. It’s known for smaller, fun cars, and it has a lot of fans—so events that mention Fiat usually mean Fiat owners are welcome.

Company

Lindsay Automotive Group

"Ohno. LindsayAutomotiveGroup. Okay,youattorneysoutthereandautomobiledealerships. LindsayAutomotiveGroupagreedtopaya$3.1 millionpenalty..."

This is a dealership group that got in trouble for how it advertised car prices and what extra charges it added later. The point is that the “cheap price” you see might not be the final price you pay.

Company

GulfCoastAutoShield

"HoustonianJohnGrayinvitesyoutohisstate-of-the-artfacilitytointroduceyoutohisspecialistteamofautoenthusiasts. ... GulfCoastAutoShieldiswhereHouston'scarpeoplego."

This is a local shop that helps protect and improve the outside of your car. They do things like paint protection and window tint to keep your car looking nicer for longer.

Term

ceramic coating

"Whether you're looking to massage your original paint to a like new appearance, apply a ceramic coating, install a paint protection film..."

Ceramic coating is a protective layer put on your car’s paint. It helps water bead off and can make the car easier to wash.

Term

paint protection film

"...apply a ceramic coating, install a paint protection film, nanoceramic window tint, or new windshield protection called Exoshield..."

Paint protection film is a clear protective sheet that goes on the parts of your car that get hit the most. It helps prevent chips and minor scratches.

Term

radar detector

"How about a professionally installed radar detector? GulfCoastAutoShield does that too."

A radar detector is a device that warns you when it senses police radar. Laws about using them can be different depending on where you live.

7 cars featured

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