Taylor from AutoAlex on The Road Trip That Broke Him | EP46
About this episode
Taylor from AutoAlex shares his journey from mechanic to YouTube star, detailing memorable road trips, including a hilarious breakdown story involving a manual BMW. He discusses his passion for classic cars, particularly BMWs and Porsches, and reflects on the evolution of the automotive industry. The episode dives into the challenges of modern cars, the joy of working on projects, and the camaraderie built through shared automotive experiences. Taylor also hints at exciting future projects, including road trips and collaborations, making for an engaging listen for car enthusiasts.
In this episode of Talkin’ Shop we’re joined by Taylor from TaylorMade Cars & AutoAlex, the man who went from fixing cars in a leaky chicken shed to becoming one of YouTube’s most-loved mechanics. Taylor opens up about how it all started, selling a £25 BMW that changed his life, meeting Alex Kirsten in a Costco car park, and how one unplanned video became a 1.8 million view viral hit. He shares the real side of YouTube: the stress, the pressure, and the sleepless nights trying to finish builds before road trips, including the emotional story of the one car that broke him. You’ll also hear hilarious behind-the-scenes moments, from cake-covered workshops to unforgettable road trip chaos across Europe. If you love cars and honest conversations about success, burnout, and passion, this episode is a must-listen.
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Taylor Hetherington:
https://www.instagram.com/taylorhetherington_/
https://www.instagram.com/taylormadecarsandclassics/
https://www.youtube.com/@taylormadecarsofficial
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YouTube videos mentioned in this podcast:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mztv1NqZH1c
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULTHfZCgTb0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6m3mk9dn_GY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Efc3It_51rc
BMW 330I
"...w that he put a post up saying, has anyone got a 330i manual touring for sale? And I had one at the ti..."
The BMW 3 Series is a stylish car that's fun to drive and feels nice inside. It's popular among people who want a mix of luxury and sportiness.
The BMW 3 Series is a compact executive car that has been a benchmark in its class for decades, known for its blend of performance, luxury, and technology. It is often discussed for its driving dynamics and status as a favorite among car enthusiasts.
limp mode
"And the timing chain was a little bit rattly and it was in limp mode. And I put it back together as I could."
When a car goes into limp mode, it means something is wrong, and the car is trying to protect itself by limiting how fast you can go.
Limp mode is a safety feature in modern vehicles that limits engine performance to prevent further damage when a serious issue is detected. This often results in reduced power and speed to allow the driver to reach a safe location or service center.
timing chain
"And the timing chain was a little bit rattly and it was in limp mode. And I put it back together as I could."
The timing chain helps keep the engine parts moving in sync. If it's loose or rattly, it can cause engine problems.
A timing chain is a critical component in an engine that synchronizes the rotation of the crankshaft and camshaft. It ensures that the engine's valves open and close at the correct times during each cylinder's intake and exhaust strokes.
high mileage
"...It had 220,000 miles on it, whatever it was."
High mileage means the car has been driven a lot, usually over 100,000 miles. Cars with high mileage might need more repairs and maintenance than newer ones.
High mileage typically refers to a vehicle that has been driven a lot, often over 100,000 miles. Cars with high mileage can have different maintenance needs and may experience more wear and tear compared to lower mileage vehicles.
fuel pump sender
"...fixed the car, put a new fuel pump sender in it and, you know, resealed it and everything."
The fuel pump sender is a part that tells you how much fuel is left in your car's tank. It helps the fuel gauge show the right amount of fuel so you know when to fill up.
A fuel pump sender is a component that measures the level of fuel in the tank and sends this information to the fuel gauge on the dashboard. It is crucial for monitoring fuel levels and ensuring the engine receives the necessary fuel supply.
Bmw X5
"... little while later, I found this red, dark red, BMW X5 manual, diesel for sale in, I think it was Liver..."
The BMW X5 is a fancy, sporty SUV that can carry a lot of people and stuff. It's known for being fun to drive while still being comfortable and stylish.
The BMW X5 is a luxury midsize SUV that combines performance with practicality. It was one of the first luxury SUVs to offer a sporty driving experience, making it significant in the evolution of the SUV market.
quid
"...it was 900 quid or it was a thousand pounds or something like that..."
'Quid' is a slang term for pounds in the UK. So when someone says something costs '900 quid', they mean it costs 900 pounds.
'Quid' is a colloquial term used in the UK to refer to the British pound sterling. It's commonly used in informal contexts when discussing prices or amounts of money.
spec
"...but it's a really nice spec..."
'Spec' means the features and options that come with a car. When someone says a car has a 'nice spec', it means it has good features that make it more appealing.
'Spec' is short for specifications, referring to the features and equipment included in a vehicle. A 'nice spec' means the car has desirable features or options that enhance its value or appeal.
BMW 635 CSI
"And my six series was in there, my 635 CSI. Now that is a car that's, you know, it's my forever car."
The BMW 635 CSI is a sporty car that combines style and performance. It's part of BMW's 6 Series and is known for its smooth ride and powerful engine.
The BMW 635 CSI is a classic coupe from the 6 Series, known for its blend of performance and luxury. It features a powerful inline-six engine and is celebrated for its distinctive styling and driving dynamics.
Suzuki Jimny
"...And we did a Jimny off-roader. And we did his Honda S2000."
The Suzuki Jimny is a small, tough SUV that can handle rough roads and trails. It's loved by people who enjoy off-roading and outdoor adventures.
The Suzuki Jimny is a compact SUV known for its off-road capabilities and rugged design. It's popular among enthusiasts for its lightweight and agile handling in challenging terrains.
Honda S2000
"...And we did a Jimny off-roader. And we did his Honda S2000."
The Honda S2000 is a small sports car that seats two people. It's famous for its powerful engine and fun driving experience, making it a favorite among car enthusiasts.
The Honda S2000 is a two-seat roadster known for its high-revving engine and engaging driving experience. It has a reputation for being a well-balanced sports car with excellent handling.
Mazda MX-5
"We did Matt Pollard's MX-5 in there and things like that."
The Mazda MX-5 is a small sports car that is fun to drive. It's known for being light and having great handling, making it popular among car lovers.
The Mazda MX-5 is a lightweight two-seat roadster known for its excellent handling and driving experience. It's often celebrated for its fun-to-drive nature and has a strong following among car enthusiasts.
Volkswagen Tuareg
"So today I've come in my Volkswagen Touareg, Tuareg V10 TDI, because I like cars with silly engines."
The Volkswagen Touareg V10 TDI is a big SUV that has a very powerful diesel engine. It's not very common because it has a large engine that many SUVs don't have, which makes it special.
The Volkswagen Touareg V10 TDI is a luxury SUV known for its powerful 5.0-liter twin-turbo diesel engine, which provides strong performance and towing capacity. It's a unique vehicle due to its large engine size and diesel technology, making it a rare find in the SUV market.
twin-turbo diesel
"So that's a 5.0-litre twin-turbo diesel."
A twin-turbo diesel engine has two turbochargers that help make the engine more powerful and efficient. This means it can go faster and use less fuel than regular engines.
A twin-turbo diesel engine uses two turbochargers to increase the engine's efficiency and power output. This setup allows for better performance, especially in larger engines like the V10 in the Touareg, while also improving fuel efficiency compared to naturally aspirated engines.
miles per gallon
"Does about 20-odd miles per gallon."
Miles per gallon (MPG) tells you how far a car can go on one gallon of gas. If a car has a high MPG, it means it doesn't use much fuel and can travel further.
Miles per gallon (MPG) is a measure of how far a vehicle can travel on one gallon of fuel. It is an important metric for understanding a vehicle's fuel efficiency; higher MPG means the vehicle uses less fuel for the same distance.
BMW 6 Series
"And then I have my 6-series, which I won't ever sell."
The BMW 6 Series is a luxury car that is designed for comfort and performance. It's known for its sleek look and can come as a coupe or convertible.
The BMW 6 Series is a luxury grand tourer known for its stylish design and performance. It has been produced in various generations, with models ranging from coupes to convertibles.
BMW 540I
"And then I have a 540i E39, which I bought about five years ago,"
The BMW 540i E39 is a powerful version of the 5 Series, featuring a strong V8 engine. The E39 is the name for this generation of the 5 Series, made between 1995 and 2003.
The BMW 540i E39 is a performance variant of the 5 Series, known for its powerful V8 engine and balanced handling. The E39 generation was produced from 1995 to 2003.
barn find
"It's a bit of a sort of barn find sort of thing. It's been sat half on a drive in London for about six or seven years in a bush."
A barn find is when someone finds an old car that has been hidden away for many years. These cars can be special because they are often rare and have interesting stories behind them.
A barn find refers to a vehicle that has been discovered after being stored away for a long time, often in a barn or similar structure. These cars can be valuable due to their rarity and the nostalgia associated with them.
V8 engine
"realized it was a V8 manual. I thought, this is cool."
A V8 engine is a type of car engine that has eight cylinders arranged in a V shape. It's powerful and often found in sports cars and larger vehicles.
A V8 engine is an eight-cylinder engine configuration where the cylinders are arranged in a V shape. This design is known for providing high power and torque, making it popular in performance and luxury vehicles.
manual transmission
"realized it was a V8 manual. I thought, this is cool."
A manual transmission is a car system where the driver has to change gears by hand. It gives the driver more control over how the car drives.
A manual transmission is a type of vehicle transmission that requires the driver to manually change gears using a clutch pedal and gear stick. This allows for greater control over the vehicle's performance.
supercharged
"...I've just supercharged it. And I haven't driven it yet, supercharged."
Supercharging is a way to make an engine more powerful by pushing extra air into it. This helps the engine burn more fuel and produce more power.
Supercharging is a method of forced induction that increases an engine's power output by forcing more air into the combustion chamber. This allows for more fuel to be burned, resulting in increased horsepower and torque.
dynoed
"...with my mate James being dynoed."
When a car is 'dynoed', it means it's being tested on a special machine that measures how powerful the engine is. This helps the owner understand how well the car is performing.
'Dynoed' refers to testing a vehicle's performance on a dynamometer, which measures horsepower, torque, and other performance metrics. This helps in tuning the vehicle for optimal performance.
horsepower
"And it started off at 285 horsepower, which is factory, and it's now about 440."
Horsepower is a way to measure how powerful an engine is. The more horsepower an engine has, the faster and stronger it can make a car go.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement for power, commonly used to describe the power output of engines. In automotive terms, higher horsepower generally indicates better performance and acceleration.
BMW M5
"The idea was, is that I wanted to do an M5 touring without doing the engine swap and stuff."
The M5 is a fast and powerful car made by BMW. It's designed for people who want a sporty driving experience in a sedan.
The BMW M5 is a high-performance version of the BMW 5 Series, known for its powerful engines and sporty handling. It's often regarded as one of the best sports sedans in the world.
BMW M3
"...I overtook Alex's M3 touring on the Nürburgring in it. So I thought I've got to repay the favor to it."
The M3 Touring is a fast and sporty version of the BMW 3 Series that also has extra space like a station wagon. It's great for those who want performance and practicality.
The BMW M3 Touring is a high-performance variant of the BMW 3 Series, designed as a wagon. It combines the practicality of a wagon with the sporty characteristics of the M3, making it a unique offering in the performance car segment.
DCT swap
"I want to DCT swap it, and do something cool with it."
A DCT swap means changing the car's transmission to a type that can shift gears very quickly, making the car feel faster and more responsive.
A DCT swap refers to replacing a car's existing transmission with a Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT). DCTs offer faster gear shifts and improved performance compared to traditional automatic transmissions.
Peugeot 205 GTI
"...and do something cool with it. And then I've got 205 GTI, Perso 205 GTI,"
The Peugeot 205 GTI is a small, sporty car that's really fun to drive. It's loved by many for being quick and exciting.
The Peugeot 205 GTI is a classic hot hatch that gained a cult following for its lightweight design and spirited performance. It is often celebrated for its driving fun and is considered one of the best small cars of its era.
Fiat Punto
"I've got a Fiat Punto."
The Fiat Punto is a small car made by Fiat, which is an Italian car company. It's designed to be easy to drive in cities and is often used as a first car.
The Fiat Punto is a supermini car produced by the Italian manufacturer Fiat. It is known for its compact size and practicality, making it a popular choice for urban driving.
head gasket
"...the head gasket had gone. And I said, can I buy it as a first car?"
The head gasket is a part of the engine that keeps oil and coolant separate. If it breaks, it can cause big problems for the engine.
The head gasket is a critical component that seals the engine block and cylinder head, preventing coolant and oil from mixing. A blown head gasket can lead to severe engine damage if not addressed.
Alfa Romeo
"...I put all the Abarth kit on it and the Alfa Romeo leather seats and everything."
Alfa Romeo is a car brand from Italy that makes stylish and sporty cars. They are known for being fun to drive and have a long history in racing.
Alfa Romeo is an Italian luxury car manufacturer known for its stylish designs and sporty performance. The brand is often associated with a rich racing heritage and passionate driving experience.
Abarth
"...I put all the Abarth kit on it and the Alfa Romeo leather seats and everything."
Abarth is a brand that makes sporty versions of Fiat cars. They add special features to make the cars faster and look cooler.
Abarth is a performance-oriented brand under Fiat, known for enhancing small cars with sporty features and styling. The Abarth kits typically include performance upgrades and distinctive design elements.
Fiat Coupe 20 valve turbo
"...my dream car was a Fiat Coupe 20 valve turbo when I was really young."
The Fiat Coupe 20 valve turbo is a car made by Fiat that has a sporty look and a powerful engine. It was popular in the 1990s and is known for being fun to drive.
The Fiat Coupe 20 valve turbo is a sporty coupe produced by Fiat in the 1990s, known for its distinctive design and turbocharged engine, which offered a blend of performance and style.
Audi RS4
"... I'd like to own. You know, I'd really like a B7 RS4. I'd like a first gen R8."
The Audi RS4 is a fast version of a regular Audi car that can carry people and stuff. It's popular among car lovers who want something exciting to drive.
The Audi RS4 is a high-performance version of the Audi A4, known for its powerful engine and sporty handling. It is often sought after by enthusiasts for its blend of practicality and performance.
Porsche 911
"...like a first gen R8. You know, my dream cars are 911, stuff like that. But I find myself trying them."
The Porsche 911 is a famous sports car that looks really cool and goes super fast. Many people dream of owning one because it's considered one of the best cars ever made.
The Porsche 911 is an iconic sports car known for its distinctive design and exceptional performance. It has a rich history and is often discussed for its engineering excellence and status as a dream car for many enthusiasts.
Volkswagen Passat
"Yeah. And, you know, I once had a Passat as a daily. And it was great."
The Volkswagen Passat is a roomy car that's great for families and everyday driving. It's comfortable and easy to use, making it a good choice for many people.
The Volkswagen Passat is a midsize sedan known for its spacious interior and comfortable ride. It has been a popular choice for families and commuters due to its practicality and reliability.
Renault Sports
"...ot of people that are into BMWs also really like Renault Sports and Porsches. It's like the little sort of group..."
The Renault Sport Spider is a small, super-light car made for driving fun. It's not very practical, but it's exciting to drive on the road.
The Renault Sport Spider is a lightweight sports car known for its unique design and focus on driving enjoyment. It represents a niche segment of performance cars that prioritize agility and fun over practicality.
Ford Mustang
"...ed into cars that look nothing like a Capri or a Mustang or a, you know, the five is pretty much sort of ..."
Ford Capri
"... been adopted into cars that look nothing like a Capri or a Mustang or a, you know, the five is pretty ..."
The Ford Capri is an old-school sports car that people loved for its good looks and price. It's a classic car that many fans still talk about today.
The Ford Capri was a popular sports coupe produced from the late 1960s to the early 1980s, known for its stylish design and affordability. It holds nostalgic value for many car enthusiasts and is often referenced in discussions about classic cars.
Mini Classic Mini
"I'd probably sell it. Like I had a classic Mini and fully restored it. It was really cool."
The Mini Classic is a small, cute car that many people loved back in the day. It's famous for its fun design and is still popular among collectors.
The Mini Classic refers to the original Mini produced from the 1960s to the early 2000s, celebrated for its compact size and iconic design. It remains a symbol of British automotive culture and is cherished by collectors.
Peugeot 208 GTI
"... car makers tried to replicate it, like with the 208 GTI, they put that little bit from the 205 on the si..."
The Peugeot 208 GTI is a small, sporty car that's fun to drive fast. It's designed to be exciting and has a cool look.
The Peugeot 208 GTI is a sporty hatchback that offers a fun driving experience with its agile handling and peppy engine. It is often discussed as a modern interpretation of the classic hot hatch concept.
Audi Q7
"...ines, and, you know, you could go out and get an Audi Q7 with a V12 diesel in it."
The Audi Q7 is a big, fancy SUV that has lots of room for people and their stuff. It's comfortable and has a lot of cool tech features.
The Audi Q7 is a full-size luxury SUV that offers spacious seating and advanced technology features. It is known for its comfortable ride and high-quality interior, making it a popular choice among families and luxury car buyers.
BMW Z3
"... car. But yeah, prior to that, you know, I had a Z3 that was supercharged, took that to Nürburgring,..."
The BMW Z3 is a small, two-seater convertible car that's fun to drive. It looks cool and is loved by many for its sporty feel.
The BMW Z3 is a compact roadster that gained popularity in the 1990s for its sporty design and engaging driving experience. It is often discussed for its classic styling and connection to the BMW brand's performance heritage.
Nissan Xtrail
"Luckily, again, managed to fix it. I did an off-roading trip with an X-Trail, that broke down. I took the Mini to Wales, that broke down in Wales."
The Nissan X-Trail is a roomy SUV that's good for families and outdoor trips. It can handle rough roads and has plenty of space for everyone.
The Nissan X-Trail is a compact SUV that offers versatility and practicality for families and outdoor enthusiasts. It is known for its spacious interior and off-road capabilities, making it a popular choice for adventure seekers.
Land Rover Range Rover
"... that went wrong on that road trip was Rory had a Range Rover P38 and the wipers stopped working."
The Range Rover is a fancy SUV that can handle rough roads and still look nice inside. It's popular for people who want a tough car that feels luxurious.
The Land Rover Range Rover is a luxury SUV known for its off-road capabilities and high-end features. It is often discussed for its blend of ruggedness and luxury, making it a favorite among those who want both style and performance.
Porsche Taycan
"... like you mentioned the new Renault, we like the Taycan, you know, the look of the Taycan. And it's actu..."
The Porsche Taycan is a new electric car that looks sporty and can go really fast. It's part of Porsche's move to make more electric cars while keeping the fun of driving.
The Porsche Taycan is an all-electric sports sedan that combines Porsche's performance heritage with cutting-edge electric technology. It represents a significant shift for the brand as it embraces electric vehicles while maintaining high performance.
Lamborghini Huracan
"...ys a Lambo as well, actually. It's always like a Huracan. I always, I don't know why."
The Lamborghini Huracan is a super-fast sports car that looks amazing and sounds great. It's made for people who love speed and luxury.
The Lamborghini Huracan is a high-performance sports car known for its striking design and powerful V10 engine. It represents the modern era of Lamborghini, combining luxury with extreme performance.
Renault Espace
"...unky, but I'd like to see a re-imagination of the Espace. Yeah."
The Renault Espace is a big family car that has lots of room for people and their stuff. It's designed to be practical and comfortable for long trips.
The Renault Espace is a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) that has been known for its spacious interior and family-friendly features. It was one of the first vehicles to popularize the MPV segment in Europe.
Ford Puma
"...topped doing that and they make the Capri and the Puma. I find the Fords really boring at the moment."
The Ford Puma is a small SUV that looks sporty and is easy to drive. It's made for people who want a fun car that can still carry things.
The Ford Puma is a compact crossover SUV that combines sporty styling with practicality. It has gained attention for its fun driving dynamics and efficient use of space, appealing to a younger audience.
Audi Rs3
"...nbelievable. I think the one that gets me is the RS3 because it's a 70, 80 grand car and you just thin..."
The Audi RS 3 is a small car that's super fast and fun to drive. It's made for people who want a sporty car that they can also use every day.
The Audi RS 3 is a high-performance compact car known for its powerful turbocharged engine and all-wheel-drive system. It is often praised for its balance of everyday usability and thrilling performance.
Bugatti Veyron
"... one of the biggest sort of things for me was the Veyron. You know, when the Veyron came out and Jeremy t..."
The Bugatti Veyron is a super-fast, super-expensive car that many people dream about. It's famous for being one of the fastest cars you can buy.
The Bugatti Veyron is a hypercar known for its extreme speed and luxury features, often regarded as one of the fastest production cars in the world. Its engineering and performance have set benchmarks in the automotive industry.
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