These Are The Longest-Lasting Car Models
About this episode
A deep dive into the longest-lasting car models, featuring insights from Carl Brower of ICCars.com. The discussion highlights the top ten models, dominated by Toyota and Lexus, and explores the factors contributing to their longevity, including resale value and construction quality. The episode also covers practical topics like headlight restoration kits and a recap of the recent NASCAR race at the Charlotte Roval, where strategy and driver performance played crucial roles in the playoffs. Listeners will gain valuable insights into vehicle durability and automotive maintenance.
sealed beam headlights
"...it's been, what, 40 years or so since we've had those instead of the sealed beam headlights..."
Sealed beam headlights are a type of headlight that is all one piece. You can't change just the bulb; if it breaks, you have to replace the whole thing.
Sealed beam headlights are a type of headlight that comes as a single unit, including both the bulb and lens, which is sealed to prevent moisture from entering. They were commonly used in older vehicles before the introduction of replaceable bulb designs.
headlight restoration kit
"...I used a headlight restoration kit over the weekend on a car. The car was about 15 years old, so it was definitely due..."
A headlight restoration kit helps make your car's headlights clear again. It usually includes special cleaners and polish to remove the yellowing and make the lights shine bright.
A headlight restoration kit is a set of tools and materials designed to clean and restore the clarity of foggy or yellowed headlight lenses. Over time, headlights can become discolored due to UV exposure and road debris, which can reduce visibility and safety.
McGuire's
"I was really, really pleased with the results that I got out of this McGuire's kit that I got off eBay, especially on the driver side."
McGuire's is a brand that makes products to clean and shine cars. Many people use their kits to keep their cars looking good.
McGuire's is a well-known brand that specializes in automotive care products, including cleaning and detailing kits for cars. Their products are popular among car enthusiasts for maintaining the appearance of vehicles.
General Motors
"...brand is the company. So Toyota, Lexus, Ford, General Motors..."
General Motors is a big car company in the U.S. that makes cars under different names like Chevrolet and Cadillac.
General Motors (GM) is an American multinational corporation that designs, manufactures, and sells vehicles under various brands, including Chevrolet, GMC, and Cadillac.
Lexus
"...brand is the company. So Toyota, Lexus, Ford, General Motors..."
Lexus is a luxury car brand that is part of Toyota. They make high-end cars that are very comfortable and have lots of features.
Lexus is the luxury vehicle division of Toyota, offering premium cars known for their comfort, technology, and reliability.
Honda Accord
"...clarify these are models. So these are like Honda Accord, Toyota Camry that sort of thing and"
Toyota Camry
"...these are like Honda Accord, Toyota Camry that sort of thing and looking at this list of top 10..."
The Toyota Camry is a popular car that is known for being dependable and good on gas, making it a favorite among many drivers.
The Toyota Camry is a best-selling midsize sedan known for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and comfortable ride.
Toyota Sequoia Toyota
"I'm just going to run through the model list and it's Toyota Sequoia, Toyota 4Runner..."
The Toyota Sequoia is a large SUV that can fit many passengers and has a lot of space for cargo. It's good for families and trips.
The Toyota Sequoia is a full-size SUV known for its spacious interior and strong towing capacity, making it suitable for families and outdoor activities.
Toyota 4Runner
"...gh the model list and it's Toyota Sequoia, Toyota 4Runner Toyota Highlander Hybrid, Toyota Tundra so"
Toyota Highlander
"I'm just going to run through the model list and it's Toyota Sequoia, Toyota 4Runner, Toyota Highlander Hybrid..."
The Toyota Highlander Hybrid is a family SUV that uses both gas and electricity to run, which helps save on fuel and is better for the environment.
The Toyota Highlander Hybrid is a midsize SUV that combines a gasoline engine with an electric motor for improved fuel efficiency and lower emissions.
Toyota Tundra
"..., Toyota 4Runner Toyota Highlander Hybrid, Toyota Tundra so top four are Toyota's"
Toyota Tacoma
"top four are Toyota's Lexus IS, Toyota Tacoma Small Truck"
The Toyota Tacoma is a smaller truck that's great for both everyday driving and off-roading. People talk about it because it's tough, reliable, and can handle rough terrain well.
The Toyota Tacoma is a midsize pickup truck known for its durability and off-road capabilities. It has a strong reputation among truck enthusiasts and is often discussed for its reliability and versatility in various driving conditions.
Lexus GX
"Toyota Avalon, Lexus GX Lexus RX, you have parenthetically"
The Lexus GX is a fancy SUV that can handle rough roads and has a lot of room inside. It's great for families or anyone who likes to go off the beaten path.
The Lexus GX is a luxury SUV that combines off-road capability with premium features. It is known for its ruggedness and spacious interior, making it suitable for both city driving and outdoor adventures.
Toyota Avalon
"Toyota Avalon, Lexus GX Lexus RX, you have parenthetically"
The Toyota Avalon is a large car that offers a lot of space and comfort. It's a good choice if you want a smooth ride and plenty of room inside.
The Toyota Avalon is a full-size sedan known for its spacious interior and comfortable ride. It is often considered a more luxurious option within Toyota's lineup, bridging the gap between mainstream and luxury vehicles.
Lexus RX
"Lexus RX, you have parenthetically hybrid so I think it looks like the hybrid"
The Lexus RX is a stylish SUV that is comfortable to drive and has a lot of tech features. It's a good choice if you want a luxury vehicle that also offers hybrid options for better fuel efficiency.
The Lexus RX is a luxury crossover SUV known for its comfort, technology, and stylish design. It offers a smooth ride and a range of hybrid options, making it popular among buyers looking for a premium vehicle.
hybrid
"hybrid so I think it looks like the hybrid model only and then the 10th model"
A hybrid car uses both a regular engine and an electric motor. This helps it save fuel and produce less pollution compared to just using gasoline.
A hybrid vehicle combines a conventional internal combustion engine with an electric motor to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. Hybrids can operate on electric power alone or use both power sources together.
Hemi Cuda
"...except like you know for our GTOs and Hemikutas and stuff like that because"
The Hemi Cuda is a powerful version of the Plymouth Barracuda, a car from the early 1970s. It has a special engine called a Hemi, which makes it very fast and popular among car enthusiasts.
The Plymouth Hemi Cuda is a high-performance variant of the Plymouth Barracuda, equipped with a Hemi engine, which is known for its power and performance. It was produced in the early 1970s and is highly sought after by collectors today.
GTO
"...except like you know for our GTOs and Hemikutas and stuff like that because"
The Pontiac GTO is a famous car from the 1960s and 70s known for being fast and powerful. It's considered one of the original muscle cars, which are high-performance vehicles that are fun to drive.
The Pontiac GTO is a classic American muscle car that was produced from 1964 to 1974, known for its powerful engines and performance. It played a significant role in the muscle car era and is often celebrated for its style and speed.
Toyota Prius
"the Avalon and then not another one until the Prius at 15 those are"
The Toyota Prius is a car that uses both gas and electricity to help save on fuel. It's important because it helps reduce pollution and is known for being very efficient.
The Toyota Prius is a hybrid vehicle that revolutionized the automotive industry by popularizing fuel-efficient cars. It is significant for its eco-friendly technology and has been a staple in discussions about sustainable transportation.
body-on-frame
"...SUVs are body on frame which is for those who don't know most cars and some SUVs or what they call a unibody construction..."
Body-on-frame means the main part of the vehicle, called the body, is built on a separate structure called a frame. This setup is common in bigger vehicles like trucks and some SUVs because it makes them stronger.
Body-on-frame is a construction method where the vehicle's body is mounted on a separate frame. This design is often used in larger SUVs and trucks for durability and off-road capability.
unibody construction
"...some SUVs or what they call a unibody construction or the frame kind of integrates a little bit into the chassis..."
Unibody construction means the body of the car and the frame are built together as one piece. This is typical for most cars today and helps them be lighter and more fuel-efficient.
Unibody construction is a method where the vehicle's body and frame are integrated into a single structure. This design is common in most modern cars and provides better fuel efficiency and handling.
Chevrolet Suburban
"body on frame SUVs like Suburbans and all they used to be at the top but"
The Chevrolet Suburban is a big SUV that can carry a lot of people and stuff. It's popular for families and those who need a lot of space for trips or work.
The Chevrolet Suburban is a full-size SUV that has been in production for over 80 years, making it one of the longest-running nameplates in automotive history. It's known for its spacious interior and towing capacity, often discussed in the context of family vehicles and large cargo needs.
integrated body and chassis
"the integrated body and chassis has gotten better like there is they're just designing these things better"
An integrated body and chassis means that the main parts of the car are built together as one piece. This makes the car stronger and often lighter, which helps it drive better.
An integrated body and chassis refers to a construction method where the body of the vehicle and the chassis are combined into a single unit. This design improves structural integrity and reduces weight, leading to better performance and safety.
chassis stiffness
"flexibility of how stiff the chassis"
Chassis stiffness is about how strong and rigid the car's frame is. A stronger frame helps the car handle better and stay safe during accidents.
Chassis stiffness refers to how rigid the vehicle's frame is. A stiffer chassis improves handling and stability, especially during cornering, while also enhancing safety by reducing flex during impacts.
Honda Ridgeline
"...e the chassis bends and Honda brags about how the Ridgeline a non body on frame"
The Honda Ridgeline is a truck that's built differently, making it ride more like a car. It's talked about because it's practical and has some cool features that help with everyday tasks.
The Honda Ridgeline is a unique midsize pickup truck known for its unibody construction, which provides a smoother ride compared to traditional body-on-frame trucks. It is often discussed for its innovative features and practicality for everyday use.
Lancia Delta
"...ine isn't as capable as a Tacoma off-road but the delta between the two of them is much smaller than it u..."
The Lancia Delta is a small car that was really good at racing in the past. People talk about it because it has a cool history and a unique look.
The Lancia Delta is a compact car that has a rich motorsport heritage, particularly known for its success in rally racing. It is often discussed for its unique design and performance characteristics, especially among car enthusiasts.
unibody stiffness
"...because body on frame and unibody stiffness isn't what it used to be..."
Unibody stiffness means the car's body is all one piece, making it stronger and lighter. This helps with fuel efficiency and handling.
Unibody stiffness refers to the structural integrity of a vehicle where the body and frame are a single unit. This design is common in cars and crossovers, allowing for lighter weight and better fuel efficiency.
Ford F150
"...like in a suburban or in of F-150 or..."
The Ford F-150 is a well-known pickup truck that can do many things, including driving on rough terrain, and it's built to be very strong.
The Ford F-150 is a popular full-size pickup truck known for its versatility, durability, and off-road capabilities, often featuring a body on frame design.
bent frame
"...that's an example of a bent frame and that makes the car handle weird..."
A bent frame means the main structure of the car is damaged, usually from a crash. This can make the car drive poorly and can be unsafe.
A bent frame refers to a structural issue in a vehicle where the chassis has been distorted, often due to an accident. This can lead to poor handling and alignment problems, affecting the car's overall performance and safety.
turbo
"comparison to turbos turbos were huge in like the 80s and starting into the 90s and then they vanished why did they vanish because they couldn't keep up with emissions"
A turbo is a part that helps an engine get more power by using the exhaust gases to push more air into the engine. They were popular in the 80s and 90s but had issues with keeping cars clean enough for emissions standards.
A turbo, or turbocharger, is a device that uses exhaust gases to spin a turbine, which forces more air into the engine, allowing it to burn more fuel and produce more power. Turbos became popular in the 1980s and 1990s but faced challenges with emissions regulations.
Toyota RAV4
"... they don't even cost as much more so look at the RAV4 which a lot of us"
The Toyota RAV4 is a small SUV that's popular because it's reliable and has a lot of room inside. People like it for everyday driving and for trips.
The Toyota RAV4 is a compact SUV that has become one of the best-selling vehicles in its class due to its reliability, spaciousness, and versatility. It is often discussed for its practicality and efficiency, appealing to a wide range of drivers.
Ram 3500
"...it's not a heavy duty truck number one is the Ram 3500 at 39%"
The Ram 3500 is a big truck that can carry and tow a lot of weight. It's popular among people who need a strong vehicle for work or heavy loads.
The Ram 3500 is a heavy-duty pickup truck designed for maximum towing and hauling capabilities. It is significant in discussions about work trucks and is known for its powerful engine options and rugged build.
Ford F450
"and then number four is the F-150 sorry the F-450 which is a super duty heavy duty truck"
The Ford F-450 is an even bigger truck than the F-350, built for really heavy jobs. People talk about it because it can tow and carry a lot more than regular trucks.
The Ford F-450 is a super-duty pickup truck that offers exceptional towing and payload capacities, making it ideal for commercial use and heavy-duty tasks. It is often discussed for its performance and capability in the truck segment.
Acura Ilx
"...made the top 25 but then you have things like the Acura ILX which is essentially an Acura Civic"
The Acura ILX is a small luxury car that feels nice to drive and has some fancy features. It's talked about because it's a good option for someone looking for a luxury car without spending too much.
The Acura ILX is a compact luxury sedan that shares its platform with the Honda Civic, offering a blend of sporty performance and upscale features. It is often mentioned in discussions about entry-level luxury vehicles.
Acura MDX
"25 which stops with the Acura MDX at about I think nine percent"
The Acura MDX is a nice, roomy SUV that feels luxurious and is good for families. People like it because it has a lot of space and nice features.
The Acura MDX is a midsize luxury SUV that combines performance, comfort, and technology. It is often discussed for its spacious interior and family-friendly features, making it a popular choice among luxury SUV buyers.
Tesla Model S
"I think nine percent and the Model S worth noting too that the Model S"
The Tesla Model S is a fancy electric car that can go really fast and doesn't use gas. People talk about it because it has cool technology and is good for the environment.
The Tesla Model S is an all-electric luxury sedan that has set benchmarks for performance, range, and technology in electric vehicles. It is often discussed for its innovative features and its role in pushing the automotive industry towards electrification.
Tesla Model
"Tesla, sorry, yeah the Tesla Model S is above the average at four point six percent ..."
The Tesla Model Y is a small electric SUV that's great for families because it has a lot of room. It's talked about for being eco-friendly and having smart features.
The Tesla Model Y is a compact electric SUV that shares many components with the Model 3 sedan. It is significant for its spacious interior and advanced technology, appealing to families and those looking for a versatile electric vehicle.
Kia K5
"you know the the Kia K5 cannot show up on this list because"
The Kia K5 is a new car that looks good and has a lot of modern features. It's popular because it offers a lot for the price and is fun to drive.
The Kia K5 is a midsize sedan that offers a stylish design, advanced technology, and a range of efficient engines. It has gained attention for its value and features, appealing to buyers looking for a modern car.
Toyota Land
"or Chevy Suburban or Toyota Land Cruiser that maybe is not built into a Camry or H..."
The Toyota Land Cruiser is a big SUV that can go anywhere, even off-road. It's popular because it's tough and can handle rough conditions while still being comfortable inside.
The Toyota Land Cruiser is a full-size SUV known for its off-road prowess and luxury features. It has a long-standing reputation for reliability and durability, making it a favorite among adventurers and those needing a rugged vehicle.
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