Surprise! These Are The Top 10 Fastest Selling Used Cars! | Ep. 336

This episode segment is about which used cars move quickly in the market. “Fastest selling” usually reflects a combination of demand, pricing, and how much value buyers feel they’re getting versus newer alternatives.

IC Cars is referenced as a data source for the episode’s “top 10” list. The hosts say it aggregates sales data from many transactions to estimate which used cars sell the fastest.

They’re talking about the retail cost of gasoline at the pump. In car-shopping discussions, gas prices matter because they affect running costs and can change which used cars sell fastest.

Crude oil is the raw petroleum that’s refined into gasoline and other fuels. When crude oil prices rise, gasoline prices often rise too, which is why they connect it to what’s happening at the pump.

Octane rating is a measure of how resistant gasoline is to knocking (premature combustion) in an engine. Running 85 octane (as they describe) implies the local fuel they use is lower-octane than higher grades, and it can affect both cost and which engines can run properly.

A Range Rover is a luxury SUV from Land Rover, known for strong performance and high fuel consumption compared with many mainstream vehicles. When they mention buying one right before talking about filling up, it highlights how expensive fuel can be for larger, less fuel-efficient cars.

“87” refers to gasoline octane rating (typically 87 octane). Octane matters because engines are calibrated to avoid knocking; using the recommended grade helps the engine run as intended.

They’re quoting fuel cost per unit volume—price per gallon. This is the standard way gas prices are communicated in the U.S., and it’s what you use to compare how expensive different fuel grades are.

The hosts are describing a period of very high inflation, where prices rise quickly across the economy. That kind of environment tends to push up used-car prices because both new-car pricing and financing costs move higher too.

The hosts mention an auction as a place where used cars are bought and sold. Car auctions are a common channel for dealers and resellers to source inventory, and auction pricing can influence what you see at retail.

The Hyundai Elantra N is a performance-focused compact sedan from Hyundai’s “N” division. In this segment, it’s highlighted as the #10 fastest-selling used car, with an average of 38.3 days on the market, and the hosts note it can be had with a manual transmission.

A manual transmission is a gearbox where the driver selects gears using a clutch pedal and a gear lever. In performance cars like the Elantra N, offering a manual can make the car more desirable to enthusiasts and can affect used-car demand.

The Volkswagen Golf GTI is a long-running hot-hatch benchmark known for a balanced mix of everyday usability and sporty driving. The hosts use it as a reference point for what the Elantra N is “taking the mantle of,” meaning it’s aiming at the same role in the market.

Depreciation is how much a car’s value drops over time. The hosts are arguing that buying a used performance car can avoid some of the early depreciation hit you’d take when buying new.

JDM stands for “Japanese Domestic Market,” meaning cars that were originally sold in Japan (or are closely associated with that market). The hosts use it to describe the type of Japanese performance cars they’ve been getting into.

The Nissan GT-R (often called “Godzilla”) is a high-performance sports car known for strong acceleration and all-weather traction. The hosts mention it as a JDM icon and express interest in earlier GT-Rs becoming cheaper on the used market.

A “super large turbo” is an aftermarket turbocharger sized for more airflow and higher peak boost. Bigger turbos can make more top-end power, but they often increase lag and can stress engine components if the supporting tune and cooling aren’t right.

In this context, “programming” refers to the engine control unit (ECU) calibration—how the car’s computer manages boost, fueling, and timing. Changing it can improve performance, but it can also increase wear or shorten lifespan if it’s not done safely for the engine’s limits.

“Re chip it” means installing new ECU software (often via a reflash or piggyback) to change engine behavior. It’s commonly used to unlock more power, but aggressive tunes can raise stress on the engine and drivetrain and may reduce long-term durability.

“Originality” in the used-car context means the car is still close to factory configuration rather than modified. Enthusiasts often pay more for unmodified examples because they’re easier to verify, maintain, and value over time.

“Molested” is slang meaning the car has been heavily modified or tampered with in a way that reduces its stock character. In enthusiast circles, it often implies questionable modifications that may hurt reliability, drivability, or resale value.

The Tesla Model Y is an electric crossover SUV from Tesla. In this episode it’s mentioned as one of the fastest-selling used cars, and the hosts also discuss driving it with Tesla’s driver-assistance features.

“FSD supervised” refers to Tesla’s Full Self-Driving capability when it’s operating in a mode where the driver must remain actively responsible. The system can assist with driving tasks, but it expects supervision and driver input rather than fully hands-off autonomy.

The steering wheel is referenced here in the context of driver-assistance behavior—specifically, when the system is active the driver may not know how much to hold or move the wheel. Tesla’s supervised modes typically require the driver to stay engaged and provide steering input when needed.

The Audi Q5 Sportback is a sportier, coupe-like version of the Q5 SUV. It keeps the Q5’s compact-SUV practicality but reshapes the roofline for a more sloped, fastback look.

The Tesla Cybertruck is an all-electric pickup known for its angular, stainless-steel body and polarizing design. In this segment, it’s discussed as a highly divisive vehicle that people either love or strongly dislike.

“Poster child” is an idiom meaning someone or something that represents a broader issue. Here, the hosts use it to say the Cybertruck symbolizes what they see as problems with Tesla and modern tech.

“Polarizing” means a topic or product strongly divides opinions—some people love it while others dislike it intensely. The hosts use it to describe how the Cybertruck is widely debated and not universally accepted.

In pickup trucks, the “bed” is the open cargo area behind the cab where you can haul items. The speaker is referring to the Cybertruck’s bed area and a cover/feature related to it.

“Steered by wire” means the steering wheel’s inputs are sent electronically to actuators at the wheels, rather than being mechanically connected by a steering shaft and linkage. It allows the vehicle to change steering behavior (like steering ratio) based on speed and driving mode.

In steering, the “ratio” is how much wheel angle you get for a given steering-wheel input. With steer-by-wire, the vehicle can change that ratio so the steering feels quicker in parking situations and calmer at speed.

Variable steering refers to steering behavior that changes dynamically—commonly steering ratio and/or assist—based on conditions like speed. In tight spaces, it typically reduces steering effort and increases maneuverability by making the steering respond more aggressively.

Four-wheel steer is a system where not only the front wheels steer, but the rear wheels also turn. At low speeds it often turns the rear wheels to help the car rotate more easily for parking and tight turns; at higher speeds it can improve stability.

“Quartermaster” here is being used as a nickname/joke for the vehicle’s rear cargo area or a specific storage/utility setup. The speaker is emphasizing that the truck’s design made the usable space more practical for carrying items.

Steer-by-wire replaces the traditional mechanical linkage between the steering wheel and the steering rack with electronic controls. Sensors read the driver’s input, computers command actuators to move the steering, and the system can be tuned for feel, stability, and integration with other vehicle systems.

The speaker is referring to Infiniti, a Nissan-owned luxury brand, in the context of early steer-by-wire experimentation. They claim Infiniti had a system with a physical connection as a backup rather than purely wire-based steering.

The steering rack is the component that converts rotational steering-wheel motion into side-to-side movement that turns the wheels. In a conventional setup, it’s mechanically linked to the steering wheel; with steer-by-wire, that linkage may be removed or replaced with actuators.

A secondary backup in steer-by-wire systems refers to an alternate method to maintain steering if the primary electronic path has issues. The idea is redundancy—so the vehicle can still steer even if the main system disconnects or fails.

In this context, the “rod” refers to a physical mechanical linkage used as a backup path for steering. The hosts contrast this with a purely wire-based steer-by-wire approach, implying the rod can restore steering if the electronic system disconnects.

Lockers are devices that force the wheels on an axle to rotate together, improving traction when one wheel loses grip. The key point here is the difference between real (mechanical) lockers and “virtual” lockers that rely on braking/traction control logic instead of physically locking the differential.

Moab is a famous off-road destination in Utah, often used as a benchmark for how capable a vehicle is on rocks, sand, and steep trails. Mentioning Moab signals that the Cybertruck’s features were tested in a real off-road environment.

Rivian is a vehicle brand known for electric trucks and SUVs with off-road-focused options. Here, it’s referenced as another manufacturer that uses “virtual lockers” rather than real mechanical lockers.

Air suspension uses an air spring system (instead of steel coils) to raise or lower the vehicle. It matters off-road because it can increase ground clearance for obstacles and improve approach/departure angles.

Ground clearance is the distance between the lowest part of the vehicle and the ground. More ground clearance helps prevent the undercarriage from scraping on rocks, logs, or ruts during off-road driving.

A pickup truck is a body style with an open cargo bed behind the cab. When a vehicle is described as “not working well as a pickup truck,” the discussion is usually about whether it truly delivers the practical towing/cargo capability people expect from pickups.

“Towed 10,000” refers to a vehicle’s towing capacity or a real-world towing test where it pulled a trailer weighing about 10,000 (typically pounds in the U.S.). Towing performance isn’t just about the maximum number—it also depends on how well it can sustain that load over distance and conditions.

Towing is the act of pulling a trailer, and it stresses components like brakes, cooling systems, and drivetrain under sustained load. The hosts are saying that real-world towing results with this vehicle weren’t ideal, even if it can tow a certain amount.

Ride quality describes how smooth and controlled a vehicle feels over bumps and uneven roads. It’s influenced by suspension tuning, tire choice, and how the chassis absorbs impacts.

“Shift it to go back and forth” points to the vehicle requiring a gear selection change (for example, moving between drive and reverse) rather than using a simpler control scheme. This is often a complaint about how the transmission/drive control is laid out and how intuitive it feels in daily use.

SpaceX is a private aerospace company associated with Elon Musk. Here, it’s mentioned as a customer/consumer of Cybertrucks, used to explain why the price was lowered.

The hosts discuss a specific price drop for the Cybertruck, framing it as a reason they’re ordering one. This is more of a shopping/pricing topic than a technical automotive detail.

The speaker is referencing a patriotic wrap/paint theme used on the vehicle (a visual branding choice). In car culture, “flag” wraps are typically vinyl graphics applied over the body for appearance.

In this context, “wrap” refers to applying a vinyl wrap (or similar graphic film) to the vehicle’s exterior to change its color or add designs. Wraps are common for personalization and can be removed later.

“Buy high and sell low” describes a losing strategy in which you purchase an asset at a high price and later sell it for less. In car terms, it often happens when the market shifts or when depreciation and fees outweigh any short-term price gains.

The Tesla Model S is an all-electric luxury sedan. In this segment, the host mentions being offered the “signature edition,” which is a limited-production version meant to be more exclusive than standard Model S trims.

“Flip” in car/collectibles talk means buying something and reselling it quickly for a profit. The hosts are describing a scenario where a very scarce, high-demand car could be resold almost immediately.

“F80” refers to the BMW M3 generation with the F80 chassis code. In this segment, they’re using it as an example of a high-demand used car that could be sold quickly for a large profit.

This describes the factory-order process where you choose options (“configure it”) and the manufacturer/dealer builds the specific car to that order. It’s being discussed as an experience the host would like to have.

“Plaid” refers to the Tesla Model S Plaid, a high-performance version of the Model S. In this context, the hosts are talking about the price and options of a Plaid, with specific mention of carbon-ceramic wheels.

Carbon-ceramic wheels are lightweight wheel components made from carbon-fiber/ceramic materials, often used on high-end performance cars. They can reduce unsprung weight and improve braking performance when paired with carbon-ceramic brake systems, though they’re expensive to replace.

“Parents package” sounds like a mishearing or shorthand for a specific option package name tied to the car’s trim/options. Without the exact manufacturer wording, it’s likely referring to a bundle of features (e.g., comfort/tech/safety) included on that specific configuration.

“Badging” refers to the visible nameplates, emblems, and trim markings on a car—like model numbers, performance badges, or special-edition logos. It’s often used to identify exactly which variant a car is.

Premium Connectivity is a paid Tesla subscription that enables features like enhanced navigation and live traffic, streaming media, and other connected services. It’s separate from the car’s basic cellular connection and can affect which online features work.

“Supercharging” is Tesla’s fast-charging network for compatible vehicles. The phrase “unlimited supercharging” means the car is set up to receive unlimited access to that fast-charging service for as long as the program applies.

“Full Self-Driving” (FSD) is Tesla’s driver-assistance software package that can include advanced features beyond basic autopilot. “For life” typically refers to the subscription/feature being tied to the vehicle rather than expiring after a set term, though exact terms can vary by purchase date and policy changes.

A “discontinued” model is one that the manufacturer stops producing, often because it’s being replaced or because the program is ending. Discontinuation can affect used pricing and demand, especially for limited editions.

“Bricking” means a device or system becomes unusable due to a software or firmware failure, often requiring repair or replacement. In cars, the concern is that long-term software support or updates could affect whether features still function years later.

In EVs, the battery pack is a major wear item and replacement can be expensive. The hosts imply that as batteries age, the car may become hard to keep running or maintain, especially if replacement parts or support aren’t readily available.

The Lexus ES 300h is a hybrid version of the ES midsize sedan. In this segment, the hosts highlight it as a fast-selling used car and note that many of its parts are shared with the Toyota Camry, which can help with parts availability and familiarity.

A hybrid vehicle uses both an internal combustion engine and an electric motor/battery system. The electric assist can improve efficiency and smoothness, and the car can also recapture some energy during braking.

The hosts reference a “Ranger Sport” as an example of a used vehicle that ended up needing about $10,000 in repairs after purchase. It’s mentioned as a contrast to the Lexus ES 300h’s reputation for fewer expensive surprises.

The Lucid Air is Lucid’s flagship electric sedan. In this segment, it’s brought up as a used car that doesn’t sell strongly in the new-car market, largely due to heavy depreciation and early reliability/software problems.

Depreciation is how quickly a car’s value drops after purchase. When a model “depreciates so much,” it often means early buyers paid more than the car is worth later, which can make it harder to sell at higher prices.

“Reliability issues” refers to problems that cause breakdowns, repeated repairs, or other failures more often than expected. In EVs, reliability complaints can include hardware faults as well as software-related behavior that affects drivability.

Software issues are problems in the car’s computer systems—like infotainment glitches, control-system bugs, or charging/drive-related behavior. For modern EVs, software can be updated, but early problems can still affect owner experience and resale.

Lucid Gravity is Lucid’s electric vehicle described here as a minivan-like model with strong real-world capability. The hosts highlight its long electric range and ability to handle light off-road use, positioning it as more versatile than a typical sedan.

“Range” is the distance an EV can travel on a full battery charge under specified conditions. A “400-mile range” claim is meant to communicate long-distance usability, though real-world range can vary with speed, weather, and driving style.

“Light off-road” means the vehicle can handle unpaved roads, gravel, ruts, or mild terrain without being built for serious rock-crawling. It usually implies some combination of ground clearance, traction control, and appropriate tires.

“Value slashed” refers to a rapid drop in a car’s market price after purchase. The hosts are using it to explain why a used Lucid Air (or similar Lucid model) can be a strong deal and why it sells quickly.

Residual value is what a vehicle is expected to be worth in the future, often after a year or a few years. The discussion implies that if the car’s value drops by about half in one year, its residual value after another year could be much lower—affecting buying decisions and used-car pricing.

The Lexus GX550 is a modern, body-on-frame style SUV from Lexus. In this segment, the hosts focus on why it’s hard to buy—limited supply and strong demand—so it tends to sell quickly on the used market.

“Limited supply” means the manufacturer isn’t making enough of a specific model (or isn’t allocating enough to dealers) to meet demand. When supply is constrained, buyers often have to wait, and used prices can stay strong because new inventory is scarce.

Ferrari is referenced as an example of a brand that can restrict availability to manage demand. In this context, the host is suggesting Lexus might be using a similar strategy to keep the GX550 scarce.

Porsche is mentioned alongside Ferrari as another brand known for managing demand and keeping certain models hard to get. The host is speculating that Lexus may be limiting GX550 availability in a similar way.

Overlanding refers to long-distance, self-sufficient travel—often with gear and setups meant for rough roads or remote camping. The hosts are describing the GX550 as being configured for that kind of lifestyle, not just everyday commuting.

The Toyota Land Cruiser is a long-running, body-on-frame SUV known for durability and off-road ability. In this segment, it’s used as the benchmark for pricing and value versus the Lexus GX.

The Lexus GX is a midsize luxury SUV built on a truck-like platform, typically aimed at buyers who want comfort plus off-road capability. Here, the hosts compare it directly against the Toyota Land Cruiser and discuss why the GX commands a premium.

A powertrain is the vehicle’s main mechanical system that makes it move—typically the engine, transmission, and drivetrain components working together. When they say the GX has a “much more powerful powertrain,” they mean the overall setup is stronger, not just one part.

“Short supply” means there aren’t enough vehicles available for buyers, usually due to production limits or parts/engine constraints. The hosts connect this scarcity to faster resale on the used market.

The Toyota Tundra is a full-size pickup truck. In this segment, the hosts claim the Lexus GX is affected by supply constraints because it uses the same engine family as the Tundra, and Toyota is prioritizing Tundra engine replacements.

“Throttled back” here means production was reduced or limited. The idea is that the manufacturer cut back building the GX because it couldn’t get enough engines.

“Resells so fast” refers to how quickly a used vehicle sells after it becomes available. The hosts tie this to demand plus limited supply, which can keep used-market prices and turnover high.

The Honda Civic Hybrid Hatchback is a hybrid version of the Honda Civic in hatchback form. The segment highlights its strong used-market liquidity by citing an “average on the market” time of 29.6 days.

“Days average on the market” is a measure of how long cars typically sit for sale before getting purchased. Lower numbers generally indicate higher demand and/or tighter supply.

The Honda Prelude is being referenced as a newer model that shares the same hybrid powertrain architecture as the Honda Civic Hybrid. The point here is that Honda can carry over the same hybrid system across different models, with small changes for packaging and drivetrain layout.