Old Town Prague is the historic center of Prague with old streets and squares. The hosts are there watching cars drive through the tight, old-city streets.
The Ferrari F40 is an old-school supercar from Ferrari that’s famous for being very fast and very hardcore. People love it because it feels raw and special, not like a modern luxury supercar.
Škoda is a Czech automaker, and it’s especially common to see on the roads in Czechia. The hosts are noting that the local car scene is dominated by Škoda vehicles.
Neue Klasse is BMW’s plan for a new generation of cars. In the podcast, it’s linked to the idea of an electric M3 concept. It comes up because it suggests what BMW’s future electric performance cars could be like.
This is BMW’s plan for an electric version of the M3. The idea is to keep the “M” performance feel, but powered by electricity instead of a gas engine.
The BMW M Coupe (E36) is a sporty BMW coupe from the E36 generation. The podcast talks about it as an example of BMW M design from that time. It’s mentioned because people see it as a style reference.
“Dual stacked lights” means the car’s lights are arranged in two levels (one above the other). It’s mostly a design/layout choice that changes how the car looks.
This means the battery is designed to give out a lot of power and then take power back in quickly. It’s the kind of capability you want for spirited driving and faster charging.
The BMW i3 is a small electric car. The podcast mentions that some versions look a bit different depending on trim. It’s included because it’s an electric option being considered.
In an EV, the high-voltage battery is the big battery that powers the electric drivetrain. It’s what allows the car to deliver strong power to the motors.
The Rivian R2 is an upcoming electric car from Rivian. They’re talking about whether it will feel like a normal, everyday EV—and what it might cost—compared to other popular EVs.
The Toyota 4Runner is a rugged SUV meant for everyday driving and tougher roads. The podcast mentions it as one of the cars they wanted to include in their comparison. It’s brought up to contrast with an electric SUV option.
EVs are electric cars that run on a battery and an electric motor. The hosts are talking about how EVs are becoming more accepted—especially the faster, more exciting versions.
Your propulsion system is what actually makes the car move. In this conversation, they’re saying they don’t care if it’s electric or gas as long as it feels fun to drive.
Center-lock wheels use one big bolt in the middle to hold the wheel on. Race teams like it because it can be quicker to change wheels and keeps things aligned.
“Heart of joy” sounds like the name BMW gave to a new main computer in the car. The idea is that it helps the car feel more engaging, like the mechanical parts are still doing the work—just with smarter control.
Car
Genesis magma GT
Genesis is showing a concept car called the “magma GT” and linking it to Le Mans racing. The point is to signal that their future performance cars will be built with real race inspiration.
Le Mans is a super famous long-distance race where cars have to keep going for 24 hours. Because it’s so hard on the car, it’s a big deal when manufacturers bring race tech there.
The podcast mentions a car connected to the 24 Hours of Le Mans race. They say it’s actually running in the GT category. It’s included because it’s part of the racing story they’re talking about.
The C8 Corvette is a Chevrolet Corvette generation with the engine in the middle of the car instead of up front. The hosts are saying some people think Genesis might be using that same basic platform under different bodywork.
“Wing-back” is a design style name for a particular kind of rear/roof shape. The hosts are basically saying they hope Genesis brings that look back on the new car.
Genesis is Hyundai’s luxury car brand. The podcast mentions a design feature they like, described as “wing-back” styling. It’s included because they’re considering Genesis for its look and features.
GT3 is a type of race category with a rulebook that cars have to follow. If a car is built for GT3, it’s designed so it can race in that series without special one-off rules.
Toyota is mentioned as an example of a company that uses racing to improve its future cars. The idea is that what they learn on track can make the regular cars better.
The Pontiac Solstice is a sporty two-seat convertible. The podcast mentions it around a summer event at Thunder Hill. It’s brought up because it fits the idea of a fun, open-top car for that kind of day.
Carbon fiber ceramic pads are a type of brake pad made with ceramic-based material. They’re designed to stop well, run cooler, and create less brake dust.
Drilled and slotted rotors are brake discs with holes and grooves. They help the brakes run cooler and keep the pad surface cleaner for more consistent stopping.
A “brake finder” is a website tool that helps you pick the right brake parts for your exact car. It reduces the chance of ordering parts that don’t fit.
This is a sporty BMW SUV—the “M Competition” version is the higher-performance trim. The point here is that it’s their current daily driver, and they’re using it as the baseline for what size/feel the wife will accept.
A convertible is a car with a roof that can open so you can drive with the top down. The listener thinks a convertible might be the right kind of sports car for him.
A retractable hard top is a convertible roof made of rigid panels that automatically fold away, instead of using a fabric soft top. It typically offers better weather sealing and a more solid feel when the roof is up.
The Mazda MX-5 is a small, lightweight convertible roadster. The host is suggesting you drive one too, so you can compare the convertible experience across different cars.
The BMW Z4 is a sporty two-seat convertible/roadster. This one is a 2011 model, and “sDrive35” means it’s the rear-wheel-drive version. The hosts are basically saying it’s a great car to try if you want convertible fun without spending a ton.
Concept
extra credit
“Extra credit” here is a game-like way of rewarding a better outcome relative to a stated constraint—specifically, coming in under the budget. It’s not a technical automotive term, but it directly affects the buying criteria the hosts are using for the convertible recommendation. The concept is about optimizing the choice for cost while still hitting the enthusiast goal (convertible fun).
The Porsche Boxster is a sporty convertible roadster from Porsche. The host is comparing it to the BMW Z4 and suggesting the Boxster feels more like a long-term “real sports car” choice. The idea is that it may feel more permanent than a temporary convertible.
EV means electric vehicle. Instead of using gasoline, it runs on electricity stored in a battery. The hosts are considering EVs for commuting and for a sporty driving experience.
The BMW 3 Series is a popular everyday car line that’s known for feeling fun to drive even when you’re just commuting. In this segment, it’s brought up as a car the person already likes. It’s basically the “daily driver” alternative to a convertible.
The Porsche Taycan is Porsche’s electric car that’s meant to feel sporty, not just practical. The hosts are saying it could be a great daily EV, but if you spend too much on the EV, you might not have enough left for a second, more fun car.
The Tesla Model 3 Performance is a quicker version of the Model 3. The hosts are saying it’s a great commuter because it’s very strong for everyday driving—especially if you care about acceleration in normal traffic.
The Tesla Model S is a bigger Tesla electric sedan. The hosts are saying it can be a brilliant commuter because it’s quick and easy to drive, even if you might not find it as “fun to steer” as some other cars.
The B58 is a specific type of engine used by BMW. The hosts are saying the GR Supra gets a great version of that engine, which is part of why it feels like a BMW in how it pulls and drives.
The Toyota GR Supra is a sporty Toyota coupe meant to drive well, not just look good. Here they’re suggesting it could work as a daily driver if you want something fun but still practical.
Car
Hyundai i5 n
The Hyundai i5 N is Hyundai’s sporty EV, built to be fun to drive rather than just efficient. They’re saying you can sometimes find one for around $40k–$45k with low miles, which makes it a compelling daily-driver choice.
PDK is Porsche’s automatic transmission that shifts very fast. They’re saying that if you’re shopping for a convertible 911, the PDK version may be the best bargain.
The C8 Corvette Stingray is a Corvette from Chevrolet with the engine placed closer to the middle of the car. That design helps it handle and feel different from older Corvettes, so it’s a useful comparison when you’re deciding what kind of sports car you like.
The Autobahn is Germany’s highway system. Some parts are known for very high speeds, and the hosts are saying that’s where the Porsche 911 really shines for them.
Term
equivalent of us 100 to 105 miles an hour
They’re talking about a steady speed of about 100–105 mph (roughly 160–170 km/h). It’s meant to show they were driving fast for a while, not just accelerating briefly.
The BMW M2 is a sporty BMW coupe. It’s designed to feel quick and handle well, but in a smaller size than some other performance BMWs. The podcast mentions it because it could match someone who likes BMWs.
The Audi RS 3 is a fast, sporty Audi that’s meant to be usable every day. They’re saying it can work as a commuter, but it might not feel as exciting as some other choices.
The Porsche 911 is a famous sports car from Porsche that many enthusiasts dream about. In this discussion, the big issue is that 911s cost a lot right now, so it may be hard to fit into a budget—especially if you want a convertible.
The Mazda MX-5 (Miata) is a small two-seat convertible designed for fun driving. It’s usually lighter and simpler than many other sports cars. The podcast brings it up as an option if you want a fun convertible.
The Jaguar F-Type is a stylish sports car, and it also comes as a convertible. The host is saying it’s worth test-driving with the top down because that’s where it really delivers the experience.
The Aston Martin Vantage is a high-end sports car from Aston Martin. The host is pointing out the convertible version because it’s part of the “special event” feeling you want from a top-down car.
The Lexus LC 500 is a fancy Lexus sports coupe with a strong V8. The convertible version is especially appealing with the top down, and the host says it looks amazing that way—even if it’s not perfect in every situation.
The Audi R8 is Audi’s mid-engine supercar. In this part, they’re talking about the convertible version and how it tends to be priced differently when you buy it new versus later when you sell it.
“Resale” just means what you can sell the car for later, after you’ve used it. They’re saying convertibles often don’t hold their value as well as other versions.
The BMW X3 M is the sporty, higher-performance version of the X3. They’re saying it feels too loud and too firm, which can make it less comfortable for some drivers.
The Volvo XC 90 is a big family SUV with three rows. They’re considering it because it feels like the right size without going all the way to a full-size SUV.
The Toyota Land Cruiser is a large SUV built to handle tough roads and rough conditions. It’s designed for durability and off-road ability. The podcast mentions it when comparing SUVs that look similar and are meant to be capable.
The Lexus GX is a rugged SUV from Lexus. They mention it because it has a Land Cruiser-like look, and it’s one of the SUVs being considered for the same general “right size” goal.
The Mazda 6 MPS is a sportier version of the Mazda 6. It’s a midsize car, but tuned to feel more performance-focused than the regular model. The podcast brings it up while discussing which cars are the right size for the person’s situation.
The Toyota RAV4 is a smaller SUV that people often use as a “size benchmark.” They’re basically saying the new vehicle they’re imagining would be about that size.
The Honda CR-V is a popular SUV that’s meant to be practical for everyday life. Here, they’re saying it’s worth getting one that’s newer and picking the version (trim) that matches what the person actually wants.
The Mazda CX-70 is a midsize SUV that’s meant to be a bit smaller than the biggest options. They’re saying it could be the right balance because it has two rows and fits the buyer’s needs better.
The Mazda CX-60 is a midsize SUV with two rows of seats. The podcast mentions it as an option if other SUVs feel too large. It’s brought up because it might be the right size for what the person needs.
The Volvo XC60 is a smaller SUV than the XC90, with two rows. They’re saying it may be the right size, and while there are sportier versions, the buyer probably doesn’t need that.
The Genesis GV70 is a luxury SUV that feels more premium than many mainstream models. They’re saying it could be the perfect fit and that you can often find slightly used ones for less than buying new.
A turbo is a device that helps an engine make more power. It uses the car’s exhaust to push extra air into the engine, so you can get strong performance even with a smaller engine.
Term
two and five
“Two and five” sounds like they mean a “2.5-liter” engine. That’s basically the engine size, and here they’re debating whether a smaller engine is still strong enough.
The Acura RDX is a small luxury SUV. It’s the current car in the story, and they’re talking about how it drives day to day—especially the responsiveness of the paddle shifters and how connected the driver feels.
Paddle shifters are little levers behind the steering wheel that let you change gears yourself. If they feel slow to respond, it can make the car feel less fun and less connected.
A manual transmission is the kind where you shift gears yourself. The host is saying that while it can be more engaging, it can also mean more noise in everyday driving.
A rear-facing child seat is the safest setup for many young kids, where they sit facing the back of the car. The host is saying not every car has enough room or the right layout to fit it easily.
The Skoda Octavia is a common, practical car model. They mention it because it was his previous car in India, and it sets the context for what he’s used to and what he’s looking for now.
The Acura Integra is a small car that’s meant to feel engaging to drive. Here, someone tried one and liked it, but it wasn’t the right choice for their budget and family setup.
Road noise is the sound transmitted into the cabin from tire tread contact with the pavement and from airflow around the car. In this segment, the host links higher road noise to certain vehicle setups—especially manual-transmission cars and certain tire choices—so the listener understands why “fun” can also feel tiring on daily drives.
The Honda Civic Si is a sportier Civic trim, usually with a manual option. Here they’re saying it can be louder than you’d expect, especially compared to quieter family-friendly choices.
The Genesis G70 is a luxury sedan, meaning it’s a nicer-feeling car than a regular economy model. The podcast says it was enjoyable to drive, but it doesn’t offer a manual transmission. That matters to the person because they want a certain driving setup.
Brand
rahul tires
They’re talking about a tire brand and how tires affect how loud the car feels. The main takeaway is that the right tires can make daily driving quieter without giving up all the traction.
“Quattrack Pro” is a specific tire they recommend. The idea is that it’s a strong tire that works in different weather, and it should help reduce the loudness you can get from ultra-high-performance tires.
The Tesla Model Y is an electric SUV from Tesla. The hosts mention it because one of them already owned it and decided EVs weren’t for him after trying it.
FSD is Tesla’s software bundle for advanced driving-assist features. It’s not fully autonomous driving, but it’s meant to make driving easier and more automated in certain situations.
The Hyundai Elantra is a compact car for daily driving. The podcast specifically mentions the Elantra N, which is the sportier version. It’s compared with other sporty compacts to see which one fits the budget and preferences.
The Subaru WRX is a sporty Subaru that’s popular with drivers who want fun handling. The hosts say it can work as a family car too, but you have to pick the right version—particularly if you want the manual.
Front-wheel drive means the front wheels do the work of moving the car. The host is saying that even though the Elantra N is front-wheel drive, it can still be a great choice depending on what kind of feel you want.
“Overlooked dad car” means a car that could work well for everyday family use, but people don’t usually think of it that way. The hosts say the WRX can be one if you get the right version.
The Hyundai Elantra N is a regular compact car that’s been turned into a fun, sporty driver’s car. Here, they’re saying it feels like the kind of driving you’d want from a small, enthusiast-style car—just in a four-door form.
DCT means dual-clutch transmission. It’s a type of automatic that shifts quickly by using two clutches, so it can feel more responsive than a normal automatic.
A Buick Roadmaster is a big, classic American car from the mid-1900s. Here it’s mentioned because it’s parked outside a store and helps set the “old-school” atmosphere.
FCP Euro is a parts store that specializes in European car parts. The big point here is that they back what they sell and help DIY owners get the right parts.
This means the company promises to stand behind the parts they sell for as long as you own and keep using the car. If a covered part fails, you can get a replacement instead of paying again.
A pre-built kit is a package of parts put together for one specific repair. It helps you do the job without forgetting important pieces or buying the wrong stuff.
The BMW 235i is a BMW 2 Series model that’s meant to be fun and quick. Here it’s mentioned because it was part of the advice that helped shape Josh’s car search.
The Audi S3 is a sportier version of the Audi A3. In this conversation it’s one of the cars Josh was considering because it fits the “fun to drive” category he was looking for.
They’re talking about how used-car shopping can be frustrating if there aren’t enough cars nearby that fit your budget. Once you drive a newer one you can actually find, it can make you want it even if it costs more.
Concept
dealer down the street
They’re describing how people often end up test-driving whatever they can easily get to nearby. Once you drive it, you might want it more than you expected.
The BMW 2 Series is a smaller BMW model compared with larger sedans and SUVs. In the podcast, they talk about the current G42 generation and a performance version like the M240i. It comes up because it’s a compact option that still feels sporty.
Car
BMW M240
This is a BMW 2 Series “M240” from the 2022 model year (the G42 generation). The big debate here is whether to choose the smaller engine or pay for the bigger one because the bigger engine is the one he really wants.
Term
giant single screen
This phrase is about the dashboard screen setup. Some newer BMWs use one big digital screen for the driver and infotainment, and the speaker is saying the specific M240 he’s shopping for avoids that look.
Aftermarket upgrades are parts or changes you add to a car that weren’t installed by the factory. People do this to make the car match their style or driving needs better. In this case, the upgrades helped the car feel like “exactly what he wanted.”
Winter drifts refers to intentionally sliding the car sideways on low-grip surfaces like snow or ice. It’s a common enthusiast activity when traction is limited, but it also highlights how tires, drivetrain, and driver inputs affect control.
Place
graten raceway
A raceway is a dedicated track for driving hard in a controlled way. A track day is when you bring your car to the track to drive it more aggressively than you would on the street. That’s why the car’s fuel use can be very different afterward.
Miles per gallon (MPG) is how efficiently a car uses fuel. Higher MPG means you go farther on the same amount of gas. The point here is that the car gets worse MPG when driven hard on a track.
A track day is an organized event where drivers take their own cars onto a race circuit for timed or coached driving. It’s harder on consumables like brakes and tires, and it can change how systems behave (like fuel usage and warnings) compared with normal street driving.
That warning light means the car thinks you’re running low on gas. On a track day, you burn fuel faster, so it can show up while you’re still far from home.
Limp mode is when the car intentionally makes itself less powerful to protect the engine or drivetrain. It’s basically the car saying, “I’m not going to let you push it right now.”
The Lotus Elise is a small sports car made to be fun to drive, especially around corners. It’s usually very lightweight and not built for comfort features. The podcast compares different versions of the Elise to see which one fits the goal.
A restomod is an older car that’s restored, but with modern improvements. Instead of leaving it stock, the goal is to make it drive and feel better with newer parts.
Inno Kinetic is referenced as the company behind the “outlaw style” restomod Elise they’re discussing. That matters because the builder’s design choices—what they change and how they tune it—largely determine the final driving character.
Topic
euro rally
They’re talking about an upcoming European rally as part of their trip. It’s basically the event they’re heading to next.
LIVE
Hi everybody as you can tell and probably here we are not in studio, but you can definitely tell by looking because this is
downtown the dead center square of Old Town Prague
Welcome back to the podcast guys
We're still amazed that we're here in Prague and we're at the very beginning of our Euro rally trip week one is Euro rally
Yep, and we are just making our way to the start line right now
Seeing cars noting cars in town and wondering huh wonder if that car is gonna meet us on the rally
Yeah, see that at the start line notably a Ferrari F40 that we saw making its way through the cobbles and narrow streets of Old Town here
First gear driving past everybody like this is what I do and it was it was really surreal
But really cool to see other kinds of cars that are you know out of context for us, but they look different
Alpha still Vios the Subaru WRX wagon that you saw. Yeah, the Lavorg wagon, which is simply an STI
That's a big full-size Subaru wagon, which it looks like an STI
But I mean WRX like we expect but it's different very crazy
I mean while we saw the what was it the symbiote, you know what a symbiote is right? Yeah, that's a Renault SUV
I've never even heard of a symbiote, but there was this morning. Yeah, Renault's and
Peugeot's and of course since we're in Czechia
Škoda's yes lots and lots of Skoda's everywhere
Yeah, we're excited to be on our way to the start of the Euro rally and we don't really know what to expect with this rally
We know it's we do not it's gonna be a hundred plus cars and there's
Construction there's people but we thought you know let's sit outside and you enjoy the square
And if you've been to Prague, you know probably exactly where we are because we've got
Yeah, the square here, and then we actually hiked up to the castle yesterday
And that was a lot of fun and a lot of work on the stairs. Yeah, it was it was you would not want to attack that castle complex
But anyway, so here we are we're gonna do a couple of car debates
We're gonna update you guys on a little bit of news that's happened on just general car news
We won't do any questions because we're gonna have a chance to ask you guys good questions before the massive time change
So we'll work on that as we go through but let's hop into the madness that is this BMW
M-Series this is a concept, but it's like the concept electric M3
I think it's pretty close. We'll see it's the new M concept the Neue class
Electric M3 although we have also heard that BMW is simultaneously building a gas powered M3
Alongside this but this is the signal for the future of BMW M design language if you've seen this car
I don't know that I've seen a better BMW in years
I agree. It's one of the better looking one. Brilliant. Yeah, so it's got track lights up front
They're dual stacked lights on the corners of the car front and rear and the fenders
Really muscular pushed out. Yeah, it's a design that really lends itself to those classic BMWs that the ducktail spoiler and you know flared fenders
You know low stands, I think it really looks good. I'm really excited for this thing
Interestingly the battery on this is designed for maximum discharge and recharge at all times
I think slightly different than than a normal i3
What else trimmer in style bumper inspired by high-speed sailboats and then this 800 volt tech 800 volt technology and high voltage
Battery integrated with the front rear axle so they're 800 volt technology
Yeah, massive amount of electricity. That's just incredible and I do have to say am I the only one that thinks this
I don't think I am looking at the actual full profile of this car
This is the noir class in general, but also just specifically this one made to be an M car
Looks an awful lot like somebody modernized the Evo 10
Shear profile look and I like this. It's a it's a good thing. Fendered little short
Actual sedan that was I always liked about the the Evo 10 and it looks like somebody took that and refined it further
And brought it up to modern time and I think it's a phenomenal looking thing
Yeah, I'm really liking the interior the seats look brilliant. It looks very driver focused
It's BMW not forgetting their motorsports root roots and applying this thinking to everything they're doing so
I'm excited by this really. I mean this car could start to really differentiate EVs and really make them
You know, this is a performance only
Only kind of thing you don't want to commute in this car. I'm very I'm very curious about it
I'm very curious about how is it going? Is it gonna be real? What's it gonna be like? What's it gonna cost?
I mean, we just had a big piece that came out last week. I'm sure you saw it. It was the
With the very rapidly filmed
Rivian R2 launch piece where we put it with a Model Y and we put it with Paul's
Forerunner because those were the cars that we really wanted to talk about in relation
And it was interesting because the the Tesla folks are out in force
They are anytime and I look every every car brand has its fans
I get it
But I feel like the Tesla folks might be the most vocal from a demeanor of if you don't love it
You are standing in its way that you just don't get it and you're standing in its way
I'm standing in the company's way and and the commentary as if you know because we we always do good and bad things about the car for sure and
Man because we dare say anything bad about a Tesla product all of the folks that have Tesla show up with the demeanor that suggests
We just haven't gotten there yet that we have not progressed enough and they have and I'm sitting here going can't we all have wow
There's an invasion. Okay, the pigeons here by the way are precision flyers
It's like watching the Thunderbirds with feathers they like they try to get as close to you as they possibly can we've been fighting that for two
Days right until they smack somebody in the face. They probably will but anyway, I'm just it's been very interesting
so I'm very curious to watch the continued acceptance and and
Announcements for EVs and performance EVs especially because I've said it before I don't really care what the propulsion system is
I want the car to be engaging to drive and I have had very very few engaging to drive electric experiences so far some but very few and
Look, we don't enjoy the engagement of a five-seat four-cylinder
Electrum a four-cylinder turbo SUV and yeah gas and there's a lot of boring cars out there
Yeah, but let's get exciting cars. Anyway, I'm off on a rant, but let's keep going. It's interesting. I mean
Yeah, we want the cars to be engaging as you do engaging and fun to drive. So
This BMW I think is really exciting. I mean, I love the stance. proportions
The wheels are center lock on this M concept. I mean, they are going after full motorsports
Everything that that thinking on this. Yeah, and they've got this new central computer called heart of joy
Which sure BMW keeps telling the world like well, we've solved exactly what you're talking about
The interactions that we love about mechanical devices and mechanical things. It's it's here. It's just a new level. It's
It's coming, you know, here it is. So I'm I'm personally really excited by this and yeah, it looks fantastic
I hope the range is decent
But of course when it's a performance version anything we can't expect, you know, long range, but if it just delivers the goods
Really impressive BMWs starting to really impress me again
They've kind of come out of the doldrums and come out with some cool exciting products. So the design is great. Let's bring it
I agree. So while we're talking about performance stuff Genesis has unveiled the magma
GT concept at the 24 hours Le Mans. They're actually running a car Le Mans
They did the the GT the magma GT. They've got the GMR for Le Mans
And now they've got the GT 3 version of that original GT and you're right. You're explaining it better than I am. Yes, there was
Speculation photos going around that this was simply a rebodied C8 Corvette. Mm-hmm. I saw those. Yeah, maybe but you know what?
I'm fine with that if Genesis takes it and re-engineers the suspension and how it rides and what the car is doing and you know
Okay, if it is
Are we gonna complain? I mean Genesis is
Throwing down and they're they're using motorsports to inspire the future of their brand
Yes, it seems like a good idea. I totally agree that I'm very curious to see what this car actually is. Let's get it out to the public
I also want that
Wing-back thing from Genesis. If Genesis is bringing stuff. Yes, wing-back wagon everybody wants the wing-back
GT 3 version and it's of course adhering to the technical regulations motorsports requirements of the GT 3 class and
Now they've got the GT which is just the luxury version as you said and then they're going racing at Le Mans, too
Yeah, I mean this is what we've seen from Toyota to using motorsports as the catalyst for future great products
So I'm personally encouraged by the BMW coming out Genesis doing their motorsports thing
Yeah, it's it's about time. We've got some more fresh cool cars coming
I think the next couple of years we've got some stuff
We're actually excited about and that's interesting because to your point the last couple of years
It's been like I'm not sure what we're gonna drive people are gonna care about and I think we're coming back around on that
Which I'm very excited about. Yeah, this is cool. Speaking of things coming up
We have so many hooked on driving events that are happening in the coming weeks
And I want you guys to know that this coming week actually June 20th and 21st longest days of the year in California and everywhere
But in California at Thunder Hill will be our summer solstice two-day event. By the way
I'm going to apologize for all of the general maintenance and stuff going on in the background. There's nothing we can do
We're in a public square. So it's actually really cool public square starting to fill out a bit on this nice morning
It poured rain a couple hours ago and now it's clearing and it's spectacular out here today
I have to tell you anyway, but that means there's gonna be noises. We can't control like cars over cobblestone
But anyway, here we are also on Saturday June 27th Portland International Raceway is happening at specific Northwest event
And then July 4th weekend hooked on driving is throwing down Sonoma has something on Thursday, July 2nd
Ridge Motorsports Park Pacific Northwest also Thursday, July 2nd in C car
That's our mid-Atlantic region is happening on July 4th and Sunday, July 5th
And of course the actual Northeast region is doing their star stripes and speed at Watkins Glen the third fourth and fifth
That is a monster of infinity, but that means wherever you are in the nation
You can pretty much get on track July 4th weekend with hooked on driving, which is awesome
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Car debate number one Daniel B writes to us. He has found the show Daniel. Thank you for writing
Yeah, for sure. We didn't think we'd be debating a car for you from the public Old Town Square in
Prague that was not neither did you true, but it's it's really cool. So he needs our help to completely overhaul his garage
Talk about blank slate. I mean his first kid will be in college next year. So that frees up garage space
Which we'd like to see they should have their mortgage paid off about the same time giving him a legitimate financial excuse
To go buy a sports car
But he said the important part is finally getting a great sports car alongside an engaging daily commuter
But this commuter is sort of the try it out the toe in the pool
I'm trying out what might work and maybe that commuter
Well, the the initial sports car goes away and then he settles on a long-term commuter
So his email is a three-parter
Including something for his wife
Currently has a 2023 BMW X3 M competition. He didn't want an SUV
But his lovely wife he says does not like stooping down to normal sized cars
So get an SUV or stay with the Honda Odyssey minivan that they had
Hence the M version the X3 he always wanted the M3 or a 911 but none of those fit the boss's expectations
So he wants to replace this car with a commuter and a sports car
So two cars for this one X3 that they've currently got for the trick is then he's going to get her something
That's just for her. So how do we get him into a sports car is a big part of this?
Yeah, we've got money to spend here and he's asking us to allocate his budget in any way
We see fit because it sounds like Daniel you're you're truly open to to what's next
What's interesting is that his tactic for this for the sports car so he's hoping for a long-term sports car
He hasn't had a sports car prior. So the real question is he thinks he wants a convertible
He feels like that's gonna be tricky, but it's also going to be key
The thing he's wanting to do is I think this is easy. He's kind of easy his way into the pool
He wants to he wants to buy a cheap convertible now
To kind of tide him over for a bit and get himself settled into a sports car and then buy a more expensive bigger deal convertible
So we got to find the first convertible. It's like for likely to put it
It's like the training reels the trial trial run convertible my first Sony exactly
So he so that one then part two is get the bigger sports car the bigger better a more expensive sports car
And that point he's gonna split a budget of about a hundred and ten grand between a big-time sports car and a commute vehicle for him
And then an extra 60,000 for his wife for an SUV. So we're doing a whole garage
Redo here. Okay. Yes, so 25 to 30 grand for temporary convertible the training convertible
110,000 for this
Combination of sports car that he's always wanted and that commuter. Yep
I guess is that the same thing you read the sports car is the commuter? No, no, no two different two different, right?
It's two cars for sure, but the thing is in the meantime while he's got the BMW X3
He's gonna do this trial convertible to kind of see if that works for him
And actually I'm gonna start there because he's always wanted a 9-11 of course
That's a very common reality
But the boxer seems like the better test if I like convertibles because again, he's never owned one
So the boxer is his primary thing, but at 25 grand one of the other options
I say look I like your boxer and you should definitely drive a boxer
But driving homework is gonna be key for you man
So drive the Boxter Daniel and then what you also need to drive you have to drive a used
Z4 the same money 25 grand find the use Z4 you could probably get the generation after the one I had that had the actual
Retractable hard top and actually think those are coming into their own styling. Why is it a great right now?
So 25 grand for a Z4 and then of course you also have to drive in an MX 5
If you're like trying a convertible for a bit these are your reference points and RF would be cool
Can you get an RF for 25 or under? Well, but you guys are under you can actually under 30, but here's the thing though
I don't know that he needs an RF. Let's do the full convertible experience
I mean, I like the RF looks amazing because it looks better to my eye
So glad you said that because I did find you Daniel a 2011 BMW Z4 S drive 35 is love it with 83,000 miles
Perfect, okay good for 17,950 dollars. So what year? It's a 2011. So that's very good. That's very good
It is totally that's the right one. That's the right car
Yeah, so Daniel you said go for the extra credit
There's extra points if we come in under your budget and so for this episode. I am going for the extra credit
There you go. Well done. Very good. Don't spend 25 spend 18. They'll probably take 17 for 83,000 miles
That's just well broken in ready to rock and it's a perfect test convertible. It's the perfect crazy thing to say
I'm trying out sports cars car
I think you should go for the Z4 over the Boxster because the Boxster is sort of like I'm committing
I feel like it's more of a long-term really interesting
I love a Porsche's and I'm committing and we're jumping in and this is gonna be my sports car
Where's the Z4 feels a little bit throw away is the wrong word, but it's more just car you have for a time
I'm trying out the dynamics interesting
Well, I wonder Daniel about this because this progression that you're suggesting for yourself is kind of a less expensive
Lighter smaller car and then getting more expensive heavier car and I actually wonder if you're gonna find yourself
Enjoying the driving of the lighter smaller thing more than the bigger more expensive thing you'll get later
I just wonder so I'm putting that out there for you in case you decide to change your mind later and go with something lighter again
I think that's an option, but for the part two we've got two things here the daily commuter
Which is a commuter only 25 minutes mostly city traffic. He could do an EV
He thinks a sporty EV seems like it's right. He's likes the BMW 3 series
He doesn't like Audi's Porsche Taycan intrigues him, but again, we've got a hundred and ten grand is what between two cars
So the right right EV theoretically commuter, but the commuter car and the sports car for a hundred and ten
Where does he think we should go?
He doesn't need it to be anything other than just reliable somewhat engaging but comfortable for the daily drive heated seats steering wheel
He wants tech here. I have I have four here, but I'm gonna start with the Taycan
He already kind of likes so the Taycan for you Daniel is a good option
I think it's good the problem with the Taycan is the more you spend on the EV commuter the less you have for the fun sports car
So I'm trying to keep you under 40. Oh really?
So you have you know the rest of it. You've got 70 ish to spend on the sports car
But and some of these you get for way under 40, but I think the option here is yes
Taycan's an option, but could be hard at 40 even though. I think you would like it
The current BMW i4 the current one with the beaver teeth
That's it. That's an m3 performance wise. We actually really liked it when we drove it in electric form
I think it was the 40 that we had it was just the 40 and it was wicked fast
Yeah, you don't even need the 50 you could find these for your budget the i4 is a great BMW electric car
That's gonna be good for a long time and then I have to say it look the model 3 performance or a model s
If you're talking commuting you may as well get one of those
They're gonna be phenomenal at it decent performance
Well, let's put the beyond performance that that surpasses a lot of things in fight straight line commuting absolutely
But as far as like handling performance and engagement you might not like it as much
But it's a commute car and it's gonna be brilliant at that and though
There's tons of the threes and model s is out there for his budget. There would be a great commuter
That's excellent. I have been looking at GR Supras for you because you're already a BMW kind of a guy
That's why I thought all right the z4 we were thinking similarly for that the test car
spend less on that and then
GR Supras, I mean you've got that great b58 engine you've got you know that BMW feel to it
And I think that could be a great commuter thinking about the balance of
60 or 70 on one side for the sports car and then for this commuter
I mean a GR Supra for your commuter. I mean that it could be your sports car
Well, it could be interesting and if he needs that convertible back if you go z4 news e4
He could go news e4
That's true, but then you'd spend more on the commuter side, but maybe
Huh, maybe that's just one kind well. No, let's let's keep it at two cars
So also the sportiest EV that we've driven so far short of this new BMW M concept that I really want to drive
Is the Hyundai i5 n true and so go look at those the last I checked a few weeks ago
I5 n's were going for about 45,000 that crazy. That's a so they have dropped car for 40 a lot
I cannot believe how much car there's for 45. So if you could find one for 45, I mean pretty new with low miles
We're talking like under 10,000 miles. Yeah, I mean even if it's not who cares
40 to 45 for an i5 n engaging to drive EV that's an interesting commuter
Mm-hmm if you use it that way, yeah, and what's still it's still a fun car
Yeah, a little more money over here to allocate for I mean I I'm gonna say not 11
You said you've always wanted a 9-11. Yeah, I'm going to encourage you to go take the 70
You know spend less on the sports car and earn the commuter car
Yeah, and go get the most 9-11 you can get for that and you know and convertible 9-11's are cheaper
Convertible they are if he wants a little he can find a better deal going for I mean
It was a 9-11 he finds a better deal going convertible than he would be if he was just going 9-11
That's interesting and here's the thing and look I I'm a huge fan of manual transmission obviously
But a PDK convertible that's where the deal is in 9-11
That would be left. Yeah a lot less. Yeah
And by the way Daniel, I also want to give you permission
There's a lot of portion enthusiasts out there. I'm one of them
If it isn't for you after you get it or maybe you just start with a test drive and you think it isn't for you
That's okay, too. Don't also force yourself. I've always wanted a 9-11. I'm going to force my
Driving taste into what a 9-11 does
I'm gonna like shoe hold it. I must love it. I always wanted this. Isn't it great? Yes. Yeah
It's okay. I mean if you end up liking it, you're like, this is the greatest thing ever. I'll agree with you and then
We'll move on but no one's surprised
But if it's not I want to give all of you listening and watching permission
For that too because there are people who just simply don't like 9-11's
I am reminded on this particular trip. Thanks to rsr. Who's given us a c8 corvette stingray and a
992 9-11 career for us. How much I like the 9-11. It just speaks to me
I mean when the stretches of autobahn opened up. It was just like
Yeah, it's just speed and it's legal and it was just
This cleansing thing. We went like a half hour at a time at equivalent of us 100 to 105 miles an hour
Which is about 106 kilometers just hanging out. We did, you know
15 20 minute stretches regularly and some of them were like a half hour just we're running along
I'd look over my wife and be like we're going 100 right now
And she was like really so that's what's great about the combination
M2 of some sort because you're a bmw guy so you could look at the super
I like the modern the newest z4 but also m2 for less 45 keep it down to 40 45
In that price range and then finally you said you don't love outies
Kind of boring, but have you driven or considered the outie rs3 as a cool commuter?
Yeah, you're commuting with it and yeah kind of boring, but you're commuting with it
It's not like I have this boring tool to go to a fun job
You're already kind of
boring commute
I mean they're good to drive and they're fun and they're interested in a lot smaller great engine note different kind of
Feel out of that five-cylinder, but you could consider the outie rs3 as well
At least maybe drive it as you're going through all this
Daniel I want to talk about that sports car for a minute you
Again, 9 11 is your dream car. You have to go actually test drive a few and see what you'd like
The concern I have for you is just how expensive all 9 11's are right now and again convertible pdk is where the deal is
So maybe there's something there going down. That's the problem
They're not going back driving 9 11, but other things you need to drive especially if you're looking at I'm thinking
This is 60 to 90 grand here and you're looking for something that is your fun car convertible
That obviously also needs to have a little bit of a kind of long-term sports car feel for you
So that starts to say gt in me a little bit. Okay, because if it's just sports fun sports car
I think you start you stop where you start and that is z4 or boxter or maybe even a miata
If you're just just a fun convertible those are the answer
But if we're talking about a little bit more of an event
Then I go yes 9 11 career works, but then you've got to drive the jaguar f type you have to drive that
In convertible form. That's awesome. You have to drive the aston martin vantage convertible the one from the design that I like so much
Those are down there. They're exactly fine. What they're so great. The convertibles are also a deal there
Lexus lc 500 convertible
That's a car you might love depending upon your use in your budget lc 500 convertible is in the budget like a 2018
Yeah, the early ones. Yeah, exactly and the convertible of that car looks amazing with the top down not as great with the top
But amazing with the top down. Yeah, and those are really great and that's got to run forever
And then kind of on the cusp of your budget and it's leaving out of your budget a little bit, but I have to bring it up
Howdy r8
An early r8 convertible
Oh, that's probably right at the top end of your budget for this combo
But I really think that's out there as well drive those because it may be 9 11 9 11 might be the answer
I get it, but it also might not be and I think you have to do drive homework to really go what speaks to me
And I bet you if you drive all of these
You will know instantly
Which one you don't want to walk away from and maybe it's the 9 11. It's good
But I bet you you drive them all you're going to be like no that is the one I want
And then it'll be the thing where they he stretches his budget for it. That's what's going to happen
I think that's likely it happens our r8 convertibles
Less are those generally less doing the 9 11 generally the convertibles are almost always less on resale
It's funny thing because on msrp the convertibles are almost always a few thousand more and on resale used value
They're almost always less generally almost not always but almost always less. That's interesting
All right, daniel. I did touch on your wife's new ride
He says he's enjoying in eyeing a reasonably sized suv. They don't need a full size
She hates his x3 m because it's too loud and too stiff
See that the volvo xc 90 he writes or the mazda cx 9 seem good
But they are good big they seem big although his description of if I don't understand why we're going that big
Anyway, keep going with that rivian r2. I think that's about the size that you need
I think the rivian r2
Size and form factor is going to appeal to so many people that I think you're right. Yeah, yeah
The sweet spot. That's the right size for so many people
So I guess I'm asking
Why not an r2? Hmm. That's good
I it just struck me like that's the size that you guys need
Why not get one? Yeah, so he says here. What about that lexus that looks like a land cruiser?
So that's the gx. Yeah, that's the other one. He thought about all of these are
That's like 80 grand new even 70 75
The budget here is supposed to be 60 grand for his wife's car. Keep going
You said the xc 90 mazda 6 9 are too big. Yes, and I agree
And so with that new hunday palisade that I was thinking about I think it drives
lower and a little bit smaller than the other two it it has a
Might seem like the wrong thing to say but a car like ride
In a large suv form factor that she might really like and it's it's a nice balance
It's not too high, but it's not too low to get in and out so that ingress egress thing
Yeah, so the palisade is actually worth your time to go drive
The problem is there isn't an equivalent hunday product that is as good as the palisade is that is not three rows
It's two rows. They all feel cheaper and not as good to drive. That's fair
So that's why I say I want that driving experience and the new interaction the new styling
I think the palisade is so great
But it is maybe a little bit big for you guys
But maybe that's okay. Maybe you can justify it and maybe because of how it drives
You're you're generally okay with that
I want hunday to build a two row palisade hunday build an r2. They've got their rivian r1
Let's build an r2. Yeah, and I bet you that r2 is car manufacturers going to be like, you know what?
We need a product that that size. I don't care what powers it. Yeah, we need a product that size
I mean we're it's closer to rav4 size is where it is even though they're talking about it in relation to the forerunner
It's closer to rav4 size. Yeah, you could you could look at the new rav4
I mean there's
From what I understand
They're not being marked down. There's no deals. No, no, no for sure
But it is worth your drive and I guess if we're suggesting that then this crv
is worth a look
I'd almost go as new as possible on the crv just simply because of materials and you know get the trim that you really want
Yeah, that would be the right size too. I'm worried about some of the things you've recommended daniel in size
I really think that that gx is look. It's great. It's great, but it's 80 000 new and I think it's going to feel too big to her
That's part of my concern the xc90 volvo and the cx9 maza. We brought them up. I you brought them up
I think I think they're too big. I don't think you have nothing need for that. So I went here step down maza cx70
It's it's slightly smaller
It's the small and it's the two row and then and if that's still too big you could go cx50
But I think that might be too small for what she needs reminded me of when we just drove past the cx 60 60 here in europe
And you're like we don't get that and that's the perfect size exactly right
But then the xc60 the xc60 volvo the smaller volvo
I think that is the right one
Don't get the 60 could be the 60 volvo because you can get that in performance trims
Which she doesn't gonna want it's not gonna matter you can get it in that every time I get in one of those
I'm impressed with how good they feel. So that's the xc60 volvo
The genesis gv70 might be perfect
That's good genesis gv74 your wife get one that's like I mean new they're about 65 grand
You could find one or you get a year or two old one the gv70 every time I drive it
I'm impressed with that you want the bigger engine
I think but even in the 22 liter turbo or two and five
I figure which they've got right now the four cylinder is still good and then yes also on my list for your wife
I think you have to look at it is the rivian r2
Don't you think it's worth driving? It's absolutely worth it right side
My top two there for your wife are the genesis gv70 or the rivian r2
I think drive both of those you could drive the gv60 for an electric from genesis
But I think it's gv70 or r2 and it gets it done
enjoying watching all the automated
trash collection and
Yeah, are you seeing all the tours walking around people to walk around with a little they have a little antenna that they put
Their marker on and they have a bunch of tour people walking behind and what I find funny about that is to see
Just how miserable some of them look on the tour
I saw one lady with like a toilet brush on the end of her wand
It's like the the weird the weird things I put on the end of the wand is not even flags. It's like what what did you buy?
The store so tours are wandering by here this I mean this is a crazy place to do a podcast
But I'm loving it by the way within view is an omega watch store a tutor watch store and Cartier is right next to each other
I mean right there we've been in this courtyard like four times and I've not noticed any of those brands
So thank you for porting about to me. Yeah, Daniel says he's got a new house garage fits four cars comfortably
Which is great for iowa winners heated great tv audio visual
He added a leg riddle electric flat top for winter grilling and he and his wife never knew they could love a garage so much
So Daniel and your wife. Yeah, thank you for writing to us. We're really thrilled to debate cars here in prog
It's really strange, but it's really cool because yeah, no matter where you are on the planet
We love hearing from you guys write to us every day driver tv at gmail.com topic tuesday's car debates car conclusions all the things
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Raul's writing in he's he used to live in india now
He lives here in the us and he's trying to figure out the next car for him
His commute is only 15 miles one way mostly highway and traffic in the dmv area
He has an accurate rdx
Which is it has been nice quiet reliable for the last six years, but it leaves him wanting more
he says the three and a half liter v6 is smooth, but
He's just he's not connected to this car as much as he'd like that the paddle shifters had a lot of lag
That's a big turn off. He's looking for something more enjoyable as a daily driver and then I'm thinking okay
We're starting from an rdx. We're going to find something here. It's going to be great
And then he throws the curve ball in his whole discussion and that is manual transmission followed by quiet
Those two things don't typically go typically the manual transmission means the sporty version means road noise
Tire noise and gets louder you're going to bring it out and exactly no
So manual transmission quiet reliable, which means he works in healthcare. It has to be a reliable car
Accommodates a rear-facing child seat. That's also very difficult. So manual quiet ish rear-facing child seats
So the g86 is instantly out
Budget of about 25 000. He's looked at quite a few things
He's actually he used to own. What's the reason you picked it, isn't it? Because in india
He had a scota octavia
And we've seen a lot of scotas while we've been here. So that's why you picked that kind of stood out
We're seeing tons of scotas and of course they're all manual and he says the manual shifted like butters. So
I love it
He had a he has of course this rdx right now
But before that he had to test the model s and he said he actually liked the full self driving on his commute
But he gave him no driving pleasure. It's why he got rid of that one has a mazda three
Had a mazda three 2014 manual. It was a lot of fun, but lots of noise. So we are fighting a noise problem speaking of noise
We are fighting. Yeah, all the construction is out. Yeah construction the cleaners. There they go
I apologize for street clean noises in the background. There's nothing we can do. She's got flags on the end of her wand
She does. Yes, multiple flags. She's got christmas color flags colorful and then everybody's in the same shirt
So like this group is turquoise shirt group over here
Oh, you can find your people
Yeah, the number of groups that walk through and the number of them that don't look happy to be there
But that's a separate thing. All right. So he's so far the cars. He's tried are the Acura Integra
He said it it felt like the one he should be driving is the s but he can't afford the s
So the Acura Integra the standard one the g86 he loved it
He loved it
Which is interesting because that's actually a loud car and i'm going to come back around to that
The problem was the g86 is not big enough for rear facing child seat
The i4 used did not feel good enough and fun enough for him
In spite of what we said earlier for daniel where I think it's a good max match
It wasn't a good match for a rule the civic si fun, but loads of road noise
I don't know that that car's much quieter than the g86, but again manual
Typically means road noise. I mean it just does cars have got less sound deadening when you have a manual and they typically are
more aggressive, but okay
The g70 he said it was enjoyable, but no manual which I agree
And then looked at old tl manuals and old lexus is manuals. He's looked all around the place
But he's hoping we can find him something, you know, rahul tires are a big component
Yes, of yes very true the road noise of course a very high performance tire and depending on the roads in your area
You might want to consider something that is not
Incredible performance and it sounds like on any of these cars the quattrack pro might be a good tire might be a rahul on anything
It's still a performance tire, but it's great year-round all weather
It's definitely quieter than a higher performance tire
So something to consider tires is always part of the equation. It's not just the car
And as you're writing here, I want to remind everybody rahul has owned a tesla model y and a bmw i4 already
He has decided evs are not for him and that's totally fine, but I'm glad that you've tried one that's pretty hot performance
I mean the tesla is performance too, but tesla's got the fsd and you've tried that and
You've been down that road and and you know
Okay, if it's for you great if it's not fine
So I like that you've tried a bunch of different cars and you're thinking about things
There was one video that came to mind that you and I did because he wants a great dad car
That is 25 grand and you and I shot the elantra n versus the subaru wrx piece
And either of those could work in this instance. It's funny because those are exactly the two on my list
Those two cars directly the elantra n and subaru
Those are as close to the 86 as you do
Agree in four-door transmission. That's those are the answers as far as I'm concerned. Yeah, you've got transmission options
Do not discount the elantra n because it's front wheel drive. I think you would love it
But the wrx too and depending on you know the kind of feel that you want out of the car and
Yeah, both of those are on the top of my list
Because of price there's others that we could suggest but slightly used elantra n wrx
You could get uh, yeah the the new wrx for
With a manual I mean that's the thing
The wrx is I think often and and we're guilty of this
It's the overlooked dad car if you get it in the right spec
And the problem is sometimes the specs from super have been difficult to get the right combination of things
If you get it in the right spec kind of the more premium interior with the manual which is hard to find
They can be a pretty good kind of all-purpose dad car and I do like them for that
And the elantra n continues to astonish people to drive it. Yeah, you can get it manual
You can get a dc t
But it is a fantastic chassis and drives very very well
And I do think those are the closest two that we have right now to the four door version of the g86
Is those two the right size that's good right involvement. I think those are good. I mean, he didn't like the civic si enough
I mean, you're gonna have to fight with tires and road noise, but but those two I think are acceptable the elantra n and the
Super wrx, I think you could actually find one that you like
Including for road noise who is desperate to not give up the manual dream. I love it. I love that. That's great
I I'm yeah, those are the two cars that I'm landing on sounds like you're there. I read through this
It was like those really those are the answer. I think for sure
Well, we apologize for the street cleaners in the background and I hope the
Pigeons flapping aren't making too much noise, but it's just sort of city noise is what it is
Here's the option guys
We could be in a hotel right now and you could be looking at like the back wall behind us
Exactly
We wanted to kind of put you in the scene in the place that we've been the last couple days
We'll do a couple more podcasts in the midst of this trip. We're hoping to have good backgrounds in those as well
This is probably the most public space
We will do a podcast in because we knew we're here. This is such an iconic part of the world
It really is let's be here in this old town square and you can't see the astronomical clock around the corner
Which mostly just makes noise. It's a big deal. It gets a huge crowd at the top very
And then it's kind of a wow wow with a little show that it does like really that's all it does
And no it's good
But it does count the days and everything of the year
It's very cool. Some of the cars that we've seen around here. I can see across the square right now is a 1954 Citroen
and it's parked in front of the
Omega watch store. I wonder if it's just kind of
You know owners do that owners of shops. They park a car out front. We saw a cigar shop
With a Buick roadmaster parked out front and I thought I told chance
I thought I wonder if that car is kind of there permanently because you spot the car and then where is it parked
So a 1950s Buick roadmaster in front of a cigar store is sort of like it already sets the vibe
For sure kind of but yeah, we're seeing all kinds of fun stuff and then around town are these really lengthened
Non-cars. They're nothing they look like old Mercedes benzes and they're the tourist
You know, we'll we'll take you around but they're just built out of their prog they say prog old car
Yeah, you can do a tour in them. I don't know if they're really a particular mate. It's not it's not as particular than the model
It's a made-up car essentially. So it's very funny
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So go to fcp euro dot com today and prepare for your own adventure
All right, we'll step into car conclusions. Again, we don't have any questions on this
But we've got a big long car conclusion from josh who's riding in and we really appreciate his breakdown here
So we're going to go right back to episode
2017 so about a year or so ago that josh wrote in
You remember josh. He was looking for a way to move on from the 2015 forward focus that his brother-in-law who passed
In 2017 left to josh and it was our guidance. He writes it made it clear to him that he already had made the decision to move on
That's kind of what I thought
You just hadn't given yourself permission yet to move on you wrote to us
Deep down you knew the car needed to go away and indeed it has
So after receiving our advice, he conducted five months of nasa-level research
I love it good
Ultimately narrowing his focus down to a handful of cars based on his $20,000 budget
He first latched onto two series after my 235 i recommendation and then he went after the
Hyundai n cars elantra and the loster along with outie s3's
He was having trouble finding cars in the price range with a within a reasonable driving distance
So he made the genius decision to drive newer models that were well outside his budget
So wait, so here's what happens. It's it's that conversation where i'm driving
I can't find enough of the used models
So the new models have got to be similar right
So then you go drive the new model because it's at the dealer down the street or in your town
And suddenly you fall in love with the new model because you never drove the old one
I think that's an interesting little twist and we're all guilty by the way
You find the car near you and you go. Hmm. Could I afford this now? Anyway, yeah, see the budget suddenly changes
Yeah, it does you want it. You just want it now josh had never driven a bmw
I'm so glad you did so he latched on to the current g42 or no. Yeah, it was the current g42 m240
And he experienced the engine and then he focused on the two series and three series
He targeted the prior generation, but he couldn't ignore of course the g42 it is
A great all-arounder. Yep. It's it drives. Well, I mean we find it. Look, it's great
We've talked about it on camera. We feel like it's a little bit bigger less attractive and heavier than the last gen
but
We also have to acknowledge that it drove very very well
We put it with a use 9 11 of all things and it actually kind of held its own
You know, so the reality is it does drive very well
Even though there are things about the prior generation 2 series that we preferred
You can't deny in current new cars you can buy
Like new cars take used cars cars. Yeah, that is a heck of a car. Keep going. Well, the problem is
His 20,000 dollar budget jumped to 30,000 dollars because he started to drive this
But listen to this his wife stepped in and said
Get what you want. Mm-hmm, which were music to josh's ears. She's never really said that before apparently
They're expensive words to say so he was able to suddenly rationalize 30,000 dollars for a 230 i and went down that road
But the problem is he'd driven the b58 the actual three liter
Six cylinder in the super and he loved that engine. So the 30,000 dollar 230 doesn't get him the six cylinder
And so he's really debating back and forth and feeling like and he finally went to his wife
He said that terrible sentence. He said look the four cylinder is great. Thank you for thinking that it's cool
If I get this car, I love it. It'll be really very fun
The problem is I don't need the bigger engine, but I really really want the bigger engine
I really want it. I don't need it, but I want it and she said look
I told you to get whatever you wanted
So stop beating yourself up about it and then she said the other thing that this is a marriage right here
She said also besides you getting what you want
Please don't get the smaller engine and in six months sell this car because you should have bought the bigger engine in the first place
So he set out to buy a 2022 the g42 bmw m240, which is the only g42 bmw model
Without the giant single screen
You did some research. He did a lot of it. Yes. So he found one
Takara red interior was a must have
Porta mal blue would have been the icing on the cake, but that combination proved impossible to find
So he found a model year 2022 m240 i in texas
Let's see it was brooklyn gray instead of the porta mal blue that he really wanted
But came with some very desirable tasteful expensive aftermarket upgrades that represented exactly what he wanted to do to make it
You know that subtle difference that you know every car enthusiast wants to just make it theirs
So that meant he needed to say goodbye to the focus and he cried and
You know we understand there's family connection there
He and his son took it out and did some amazing winter drifts and then sat in their driveway together and cried
That is a very touching moment
But then they sold it to to some local parents who were surprising their their daughter with it for her 16th birthday
Those parents sent him a reaction video that kind of warmed his heart and made him cry anew for different reasons
So what a fantastic situation for that car to go away
And and I like that you and your son you had that final bit of bonding over
I've done this well and I've done this badly in the life of my son
So I'm glad you had that little final bonding moment to send the car off
That's amazing and you said you were finally able to move on with no regrets. That's fantastic. Brilliant. So the focus went away
It went to an owner who's a mechanic and is not scared about 192,000 miles in the car
He was very pleased how well it had been maintained and so went to the right owner
That's great news
But now after two months 5,000 miles and his first track day in the m2 at graten raceway in building michigan
Cool. He is pleased to say this is the perfect car. He's getting 32 miles per gallon on the daily commute
But on the track it drops to 37 miles per tank
He thinks he hasn't actually done the math, but he's like he's pretty sure that the difference is because he's
The calculation the car is doing is a little
Well, but he said he's done as well as this is where the joke comes in
He's done as well as 37 miles per gallon on a long like cruising drive
And he thinks it's 37 miles to the tank on the track because it just
Sucks the gas by the way. Most bmw is also on a really good track day
Fly through both brakes and tires so be careful for sure and be careful because at about a third
Of a tank left the bmw will throw the low fuel light
And then if you go too far past that it goes into limp mode on track. Ask me how I know
How do you know what what hang on is that just a theory what's going on?
It cuts power and then everybody behind you is like, what are you doing you moron and you go my bmw
I
I still have fuel but you know your bmw is trying to like get you back to the the pace
So at that the rate you're using fuel. Yes, certain that you're going to stop
Yes, look at this. He gets positive compliments out in the wild from enthusiasts and common folk all those
We call them civilians. They're civilians. Yeah, exactly. Yeah, it's good
And he says every other cool car wants to race him welcome to enthusiast driving and yeah, you got to be just
We're not racing, you know do that at the track. Yeah, there's you know, what we're doing is not racing
but get your speed on well here in the autobahn when you're in germany and on the track and
I love that we're now climbing kids are climbing trees. Hey, you know, this is what we're out in the wild
Everybody's doing the just whatever strikes random things. Yes for sure for sure. All right onward
I really appreciate you writing to us josh and uh, yeah, we're happy to provide the emotional support and
Hopefully that push so if you're listening to us and you're in a similar situation and
It's time for a car to go if you've been thinking about writing to us or even if the thought has floated through your mind
You know what we encourage that because yeah, if you love a car and you want to keep it great
Keep it and keep driving it maintain it put the miles on it
Keep driving it, but if it's time for a car to go then
Look at the joy that josh and his son have his eight-year-old self
Thanks us too and man, you know, what would you tell your eight-year-old self is like? Oh my gosh, I get to drive this
Yeah, it's so cool. We think that a lot
Guys, this has been an incredible trip already and we're barely getting started
There's so much more to come from this trip and let alone just us talking about on the podcast
But all these videos i'm already buried in footage and we haven't started the actual driving yet
The actual trip we've had like this is just i've been dumping yeah all the stuff we've done
It's been incredible to be in prog for a couple of days and we look forward to sharing some other stuff with you
Uh, I I don't even know what all to share yet because it's already been a little bit overwhelming in a great great way
But thank you for joining us again on another podcast. There will be more of these coming
And i'm trying to think what else we have to announce because there will be other stuff
Oh, actually
Coming up later this week is another piece from us. Oh, yeah. Yeah, that is a two lotus piece
It's my essentially stock lotus elise versus the 111 rs
Which is essentially a resto mod outlaw style elise from the folks at inno kinetic
So that is coming up very soon later this week
We hope you'll love that that is the opposite end of the spectrum
From what we just did with the suvs and we're on a great road and that's gonna be a pretty cool piece
So we hope you'll watch that as well
Thank you for listening. watching. Please rate and review
Please write to us wherever you are in the world and if there are audio issues we
It was trying to strike a balance between wanting you to join us here in in the square and you're you know
Kind of on this
Beginning stages before we get to the euro rally. You're with us
But yeah, as you said we could have been in a hotel room and and a little bit boring
But we wanted to see the activity and life going on out here and we get to sit in the square and talk cars
I mean, it's the greatest thing. It's so crazy. I can't believe we get to do this, but it's really awesome
Yeah, we really appreciate you joining watching and we'll be posting more to our social media, of course
and so look for that and
Really appreciate you guys writing to us and forward to next time. We've got so much driving ahead of us. It's
We're leaving here and driving to poland a sentence. I've never said before but here we go driving to poland
Looking forward to it. Cheers everyone
About this episode
Hosts kick off in Prague by spotting rally cars, then debate BMW’s Neue Klasse Electric M3 concept and Genesis’s Le Mans–linked Magma GT/GT3. The conversation shifts to real garage planning with a temporary convertible budget, a Z4 vs Boxster trial, and EV commuter tradeoffs. They also work through SUV sizing for a wife, then help a listener find a quiet, reliable manual “dad car” under $25k that fits a rear-facing child seat—landing on Elantra N and WRX. The episode closes with BMW track fuel/limp-mode cautions and a Lotus Elise vs 111R S teaser.
Recording from Old Town Square in Prague, Czechia! The guys arrive in Germany and travel to CZ a couple days before the 2026 Eurorally begins, and they’re excited to see Eastern Europe! They debate three scenarios for Dan in Iowa, who wants a temporary convertible! Then, Rahul L. is a new father and wants to make his daily commute more exciting. Finally, Josh W. writes a Car Conclusion and admits to decimating his budget. Just like we thought!
Audio-only MP3 is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and 10 other platforms.
Look for us on Tuesdays if you’d like to watch us debate, disagree and then go drive again! Thanks to Alexander at Eurorally for the invitation, and to @VredesteinTiresNorthAmerica and @fcpeuro and @RSRNurburg for being our sponsors and partners for the trip
0:00 - Intro
2:16 - BMW Unveils M Concept Neue Klasse
7:26 - Genesis Debuts Magma GT3 Concept
11:01 - Car Debate #1: A Temporary Convertible
31:10 - Car Debate #2: There Is A Hole
39:51 - Car Conclusion #1: Emotional Overthinker Decimates Budget.
Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, and subscribe to our two YouTube channels. Write to us your Topic Tuesdays, Car Conclusions and those great Car Debates at [email protected] or everydaydriver.com
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