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Top 5 Hot Hatches - Most Fun Under $40K, The Soul-Killers, Don’t Ignore The Wildcard | Episode 1,010

Top 5 Hot Hatches - Most Fun Under $40K, The Soul-Killers, Don’t Ignore The Wildcard | Episode 1,010

Everyday Driver Car Debate Sep 02, 2025 93 min
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About this episode

A lively discussion kicks off with Cadillac's F1 driver announcement, diving into the implications of familiar names like Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas. The hosts then transition into the world of hot hatches, sharing their top picks under $40K, including the Hyundai Veloster N and GR Corolla, emphasizing fun-to-drive characteristics. They also explore the latest in EV technology, including Mercedes' endurance records and BYD's speed achievements, questioning consumer interest in these advancements. The episode wraps with car debates, focusing on listener queries about finding the right vehicle amidst family needs and personal preferences.

Technical Too Afraid to Ask
Alpine car
WikiGenesis (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Alpine car

"...this amazing thing in an Alpine car coming from like last to first in a race the season before they hired him. And everybody but Max has struggled with that Red Bull car."

Alpine is a car brand from France that makes sporty vehicles. They are known for being light and fast, often used in racing.

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Concept

Formula 1

"...we're going to introduce you to F1. Good Morning America audience who's not even sure that F1 exists by walking out the new Cadillac drivers."

Formula 1 is a type of car racing where specially designed cars compete on tracks around the world. It's known for its fast speeds and advanced technology, and many people enjoy watching the races.

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Brand

Cadillac

"the worst part is media interviews like this one. That's that's the part that really sucks. >> I'm surprised Boto didn't say it. But let's talk about other things that are"

Cadillac is a brand of luxury cars made by General Motors. They are known for their high-quality vehicles and advanced features.

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Concept

F1

"they wanted to say everything's gonna go great. Cadillac F1. Yeah, we're gonna dial in the team. The worst part is media interviews like this one."

F1 stands for Formula 1, which is a type of car racing that features fast cars and skilled drivers. It's a popular sport worldwide.

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Plymouth GTX
Noah Wulf (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Plymouth GTX

"...ed. I'm impressed. This is the newlyannounced AMG GTX. Are we calling it the double XX?"
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Car

Mercedes-AMG GTX

"...this is the newly announced AMG GTX. Are we calling it the double XX?"

The Mercedes-AMG GTX is a new sports car from Mercedes-Benz that focuses on high performance and advanced technology. AMG is the performance division of Mercedes, known for making faster and more powerful versions of their cars.

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Term

horsepower

"That's more than 1360 horsepower achieved by three motors."

Horsepower is a way to measure how powerful an engine is. The more horsepower, the faster and stronger the car can be.

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Term

kilowatt

"...about that kilowatt figure, if you charge from home, it's roughly seven. Roughly seven kilowatts. That's what you're doing."

A kilowatt is a way to measure how much electricity is being used. For electric cars, it tells you how fast the car can charge its battery.

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Term

super fast public chargers

"If you go to the super fast public chargers, 350 car can handle that."

Super fast public chargers are special charging stations that can charge your electric car really quickly, much faster than regular chargers.

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Oldsmobile Intrigues
SsmIntrigue (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Oldsmobile Intrigues

"endurance man and machine actually intrigues me far more. I like longer races especially"
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Concept

Nardo track

"...it was at the Nardo track in Italy. Yep. Y to sustain that and wait, you can't just refuel and give give a quick splash of gas."

Nardo track is a special racetrack in Italy where cars are tested for their speed. It's designed to help manufacturers see how fast their cars can go.

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Yang Wang
Palácio do Planalto (CC BY 2.0)
Car

Yang Wang

"Yes. The the Yang Wang. This is from BYD. Okay. This is also the same sports"

Yang Wang is a brand of electric vehicles made by BYD, a well-known car company in China. They focus on creating high-end electric cars.

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Brand

BYD

"Yes. The the Yang Wang. This is from BYD. Okay. This is also the same sports"

BYD is a big car company from China that makes electric cars and batteries. They are becoming very popular around the world.

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Term

top fuel dragsters

"...Are we talking about top fuel dragsters? You'd think obviously it's an EV..."

Top Fuel dragsters are super-fast race cars that compete in straight-line races. They can go from 0 to 300 mph in just a few seconds!

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Term

production car speed record

"...it just set a new quote unquote production car speed record of 293 miles an hour..."

The production car speed record is the fastest speed a car that anyone can buy has ever gone. It's a big deal for car companies to break this record!

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Aspark Owl
Dylan Johnson (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Aspark Owl

"Don't forget the Aspark Owl. Yeah, this is an important car that has changed the No, it hasn't. I I'm so torn on this."

The Aspark Owl is a very fast electric car that looks very modern. It's made from light materials to help it go really fast, and it's one of the quickest cars you can buy.

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Bugatti Chiron
Liam Walker (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Bugatti Chiron

"...The Bugatti Chiron and Veyron were being discussed..."

The Bugatti Veyron is another very fast and expensive car made by Bugatti, famous for being one of the fastest cars before the Chiron came out.

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Bugatti Veyron
Calreyn88 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Bugatti Veyron

"I had to find it. Okay. The Bugatti Chiron and Veyron were being discussed to your point like on"
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Term

EV

"Now, is it the fact that it's a Chinese car? Is it the fact that it's an EV? I’m amazed. Just like with that Mercedes, I’m amazed that this is"

An EV, or electric vehicle, runs on electricity instead of gas. This makes them better for the environment and can save money on fuel.

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Term

internal combustion engine

"mankind has really started to push the upper limits of what an internal combustion engine could do. Certainly, certainly is."

An internal combustion engine is what most cars use to run. It burns fuel inside the engine to create power that makes the car move.

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Term

piston driven engine

"Piston driven engine. Yes."

A piston-driven engine is a common type of engine where small metal pieces called pistons move up and down to help the car run. It's how most cars are powered.

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Term

EVs

"...because Mercedes put a lot of tech into their EVs. We drove a few of the EQs..."

EVs are cars that run on electricity instead of gas. They are better for the environment because they don't produce exhaust fumes.

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Mercedes-Benz EQS
Matti Blume (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Mercedes-Benz EQS

"...lot of tech into their EVs. We drove a few of the EQs and all of those cars landed with a thud. So"
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Toyota Tundra
IFCAR (Public domain)
Car

Toyota Tundra

"just got the brand new 2025 Toyota Tundra TRD Rally version. So the TRD Rally is a $8600"
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Term

i-FORCE MAX

"...does not have the I Force Max. I I can't say it in the other way. It doesn't have the hybrid motor..."

i-FORCE MAX is a special engine system from Toyota that uses both gas and electricity to make the truck more powerful and save on fuel.

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Jeep Wrangler
Dinkun Chen (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Jeep Wrangler

">> The movie announcer voice, not the Wrangler Jeans voice. >> It's very different. It's complet..."
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Term

twin turbo V6

"It's the twin turbo V6, which still has plenty of power. But I have a test drive of that that actual POV of that coming because we've driven the Tundra and other specs."

A twin turbo V6 engine has two small turbochargers that boost the engine's power. This means the engine can produce more power without being larger, making it more efficient.

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Renault R5 Turbo
MrWalkr (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Renault R5 Turbo

"no, no. Something that you would buy. >> The Renault R5 Turbo. >> Yes."
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Peugeot 206
OSX (Public domain)
Car

Peugeot 206

"...The Pujo 206. Whatever. You know what I'm saying?"

The Peugeot 206 is a small car that was made by the French company Peugeot. It was popular in Europe for being affordable and easy to drive.

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Lancia Delta Integrale
MrWalkr (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Lancia Delta Integrale

"...Launch Delta Integral. Exactly. We're not doing that."

The Lancia Delta Integrale is a powerful version of a small car made by Lancia. It was famous for winning many rally races in the 1980s and 1990s.

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Hyundai Veloster N
Benespit (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Hyundai Veloster N

"...us off with that very car and that is the Hyundai Veloster N. >> Phenomenal car."
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G86
DestinationFearFan (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

G86

"We took this car and did uh drove a did a comparison against the G86."

The G86 is a fun sports car made by Toyota that is designed for people who love to drive and enjoy a sporty experience on the road.

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Term

DCT

"It doesn't matter. DCT manual. I don't care. It's quirky. It's excellent to drive."

DCT is a kind of automatic transmission that helps cars shift gears quickly and smoothly, making driving more fun and responsive.

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Hyundai Elantra N
Elise240SX (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Hyundai Elantra N

"It's the quirky hatchback version of the Elantra N. Everybody praise the Elantra. And this is very much the same car in quirky hatchback form. It's on my list, too."

The Hyundai Elantra N is a sportier version of the regular Elantra, which is a compact car. It has a hatchback shape, which means it has a rear door that swings upward, making it easier to load things in the back.

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Hyundai i30 N
Vauxford (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Hyundai i30 N

"...that is what they they sold in Europe as the i30 and the i30N. True. And you could have brought the i3..."

The Hyundai i30 N is a faster and sportier version of the regular i30, designed for people who want a more exciting driving experience.

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Volkswagen Golf GTI
Johann Jaritz (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Volkswagen Golf GTI

"Yes. >> So, GTI, it's very different. >> Really love this car. Mo..."
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Mazda 3
Navigator84 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Mazda 3

"...ar. Moving on in alphabetical order to the recent Mazda 3 Turbo that we drove."
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Porsche Macan
Alexander Migl (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Porsche Macan

"like Christmas all year long. >> The Porsche Macan GTS. >> Not just any Macan. Am I mirroring your"
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Audi Q5
Berthold Werner (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Car

Audi Q5

"...the Q5 and that's an SUV and the why is the Macan, but no, it is actually a hatchback..."

The Audi Q5 is a small luxury SUV that is bigger than the Macan. It has more room for passengers and cargo, making it a practical choice for families.

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Toyota Corolla
TTTNIS (CC0)
Car

Toyota Corolla

"Always love driving this thing, the GR Corolla in any trim level. >> I haven't shot Marizos to s..."
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Toyota GR Corolla
TTTNIS (CC0)
Car

Toyota GR Corolla

"I hope the next generation continues with a GR Corolla,"

The Toyota GR Corolla is a sporty hatchback car made for people who love to drive. It has a powerful engine and special features that make it fun to drive on the road or track.

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Hyundai Ionic
Calreyn88 (CC0)
Car

Hyundai Ionic

"... this is an SUV. And I disagree. This is a hatch. Hyundai Ionic 5N. This is an EV that's fun to drive."
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Term

popcorn exhaust

"popcorn exhaust. It's just a lot of fun. It's It's just entertaining and"

Popcorn exhaust is a fun sound that some cars make, especially when they shift gears or slow down. It sounds like little pops or cracks, which many car enthusiasts enjoy.

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Ford Fiesta ST
Vauxford (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Ford Fiesta ST

"... to me very similar to my next pick, which is the Fiesta ST. I so wish we had the second gen of the Fiesta"
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Ford Focus RS
Calreyn88 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Ford Focus RS

"... we don't get anymore. I have to do this one, the Focus RS. >> Focus RS."
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Honda Civic Type R
Calreyn88 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Honda Civic Type R

"these. And that is the current gen. Yes. >> Honda Civic Type R. >> Yes. All day long."
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Acura TLX
Mr.choppers (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Car

Acura TLX

"...be a problem. It' probably be as expensive as the TLX, and we would all cry foul."
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Acura Integra
Private photographer's collection, anonymous (Public domain)
Car

Acura Integra

"...ong as he can remember." His first car was a 1994 Acura Integra LS, which kicked everything off. Since"
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Honda Prelude
Riley from Christchurch, New Zealand (CC BY 2.0)
Car

Honda Prelude

"then, he's owned two Integraas, a fifth gen Prelude, two 2002 WRX sedans, and a 2006 WRX wagon, an E3..."
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BMW E36
Dinkun Chen (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

BMW E36

"...de, two 2002 WRX sedans, and a 2006 WRX wagon, an E36 M3. Had to throw a BMW in that"
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BMW M3
MB-one (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

BMW M3

"...two 2002 WRX sedans, and a 2006 WRX wagon, an E36 M3. Had to throw a BMW in that"
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Shelby Gt500S
MrWalkr (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Shelby Gt500S

"M4s to M8s to an F-Type R Hellcats, GT500s, thanks to time spent working at dealerships, and..."
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Subaru Wrxs
Dinkun Chen (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Subaru Wrxs

"Fiesta ST from the dealership when one of his WRXs was in the shop. A WRX is in the shop. That's wei..."
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Ford Explorer
Alexander-93 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Ford Explorer

"...ything because he his family also has a 2018 Ford Explorer Platinum that handles all the serious kid duty. S..."
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Honda Fit
Christian Flores from Carlsbad / Encinitas, United States of America (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Car

Honda Fit

"...erious kid duty. So, current candidates include a Honda Fit. Remember those?"
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Saturn Outlook
Bull-Doser (Public domain)
Car

Saturn Outlook

">> Yes. Yes. Let's let's talk minis. >> What your outlook on the reliability? I mean you bought a close to ..."
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Honda Crx
Calreyn88 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Honda Crx

"of I guess the the >> old Honda CRX is kind of this. >> It's still quirky. Your girls..."
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Honda Crv
EurovisionNim (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Honda Crv

"choices from the top five SUVs. And the CRV, the new CRV is on the list. >> But consider this..."
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Porsche Cayenne
Alexander-93 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Porsche Cayenne

"compared it actually to Todd's 2010 Cayenne. >> It's the same size. We like the Cayenne"
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Bmw X1
Vauxford (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Bmw X1

"..., we're in the low 40,000 range. You've looked at BMW X1, you said sport seats are too uncomfortable. Volv..."
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Volvo XC40
Alexander Migl (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Volvo XC40

"seats are too uncomfortable. Volvo uh XC40, you said felt like it was a little small, but ma..."
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Volvo XC60
Alexander Migl (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Volvo XC60

"small, but maybe you'd consider it. But the XC60, which we we really like in some trims."
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Lexus Nx Lexus
Kevauto (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Lexus Nx Lexus

"...t an SUV for Kate. She wants a smaller thing. The NX Lexus, the Lexus NX 350 felt, your words here,"
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Kia Souls
DieselFordMondeo (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Kia Souls

"...e '9s. Yeah, >> Derek and Becca were having their souls sucked out of them because of the cross"
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BMW M40I
Calreyn88 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

BMW M40I

"...opean cars, but maybe, but what about the X3, the M40i 2018? >> Mhm."
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Toyota Supra
Dietmar Rabich (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Toyota Supra

">> Mhm. >> We loved that thing. Supra engine, gobs of power, great to drive. But if the"
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Mini Countryman
Alexander Migl (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Mini Countryman

">> Oh, look at you >> on the countryman. >> Yeah, I see it."
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Acura Rdx Acura
Dinkun Chen (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Acura Rdx Acura

"wish the CRV drove like, and that is the RDX Acura. These are so overlooked. >> Yeah, agreed."
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Mazda Cx30
Dinkun Chen (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Mazda Cx30

"...weeds here, but I had to bring this up. The Mazda CX30 in turbo form. That's great."
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Mazda Cx3
Vauxford (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Mazda Cx3

"borderline too small. >> You didn't go CX3. >> This is still CX30. It's just a touch"
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Genesis GV70
Dinkun Chen (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Genesis GV70

"... cannot walk away without stopping on the Genesis GV70. Look at these. This is a little bigger than some..."
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Scion Frs
MercurySable99 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Scion Frs

"... went to the Scion dealership wanting to buy an F FRS. He couldn't afford it, though,"
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Scion Tc
HJUdall (CC0)
Car

Scion Tc

"afford it, though, >> so he settled for a Scion TC. >> That is settling, by the way."
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Volkswagen Tiguan
Spurzem - Lothar Spurzem (CC BY-SA 2.0 de)
Car

Volkswagen Tiguan

"... wanted to keep his GTI and trade into her boring Tiguan. >> Oh, yours. Yes. Should be your answer."
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Mazda Miata
Yaktatel (Public domain)
Car

Mazda Miata

">> He says, "Happy wife." Oh, look at Miata. >> You remember Isaac and his wife, they"
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Porsche Cayman
Vauxford (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Porsche Cayman

"...ody's fast forwarding. He purchased a manual 2006 Cayman S. Yes. Near the end of 2020 and returned the"
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Cupra Born
Matti Blume (CC BY-SA)
Car

Cupra Born

">> Not good. >> Their son was born in May of that year. And while they had planned o..."
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Dodge Journey
Bull-Doser (Public domain)
Car

Dodge Journey

"...iginal owner. She's had it her entire photography journey. It's a car she wanted to have forever. So you"
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Audi S3
Calreyn88 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Audi S3

"... they were looking at Alpha Julia, the Audi A3 or S3, the Audi A5 or S5, the Genesis G70. Glad that's"
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Audi A3
Alexander-93 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Audi A3

"... seats. So, they were looking at Alpha Julia, the Audi A3 or S3, the Audi A5 or S5, the Genesis G70. Glad t..."
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Audi S5
Dinkun Chen (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Audi S5

"Alpha Julia, the Audi A3 or S3, the Audi A5 or S5, the Genesis G70. Glad that's on the list, the Le..."
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Genesis G70
OWS Photography (CC BY 4.0)
Car

Genesis G70

"...the Audi A3 or S3, the Audi A5 or S5, the Genesis G70. Glad that's on the list, the Lexus IS- 350 F-S"
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Lexus Is 350
Alexander Migl (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Lexus Is 350

"A5 or S5, the Genesis G70. Glad that's on the list, the Lexus IS- 350 F-S Sport, and a wild card of one of your"
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Honda Odyssey
TTTNIS (CC0)
Car

Honda Odyssey

">> That's cool. >> So gone is the Odyssey. They realize they didn't need an SUV and a miniv..."
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Infiniti G37 Infiniti
Bull-Doser (Public domain)
Car

Infiniti G37 Infiniti

"learned on this podcast and apparently a G37 Infiniti is a forever car. These are these are things I di..."
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Ford Expeditions
Noah Wulf (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Ford Expeditions

"... Bentley. But you know what? Suburbans have them, Expeditions have them. Uh, many of the high-end"
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Chevrolet Suburbans
OWS Photography (CC BY 4.0)
Car

Chevrolet Suburbans

"don't have the Bentley. But you know what? Suburbans have them, Expeditions have them. Uh, many of the..."
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Maserati Mc20S
Jengtingchen (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Maserati Mc20S

"...iel, that depends. >> If you're shopping Maserati MC20s, no is the answer. I mean, no."
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Alfa Romeo Giulia
Alexander Migl (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Alfa Romeo Giulia

"still buy one if I were in the market, but the Giulia never feels quite natural >> break by wire. Conve..."
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Chevrolet C8
Matti Blume (CC BY-SA)
Car

Chevrolet C8

"else has it and we both love? >> The C8 is break by wire. >> Well, I suppose I suppose Ok..."
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Porsche Carrera Gts
Alexander Migl (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Porsche Carrera Gts

">> Squeeze all that. the Carrera S, the Carrera GTS, the Ford GTS that yeah, tuning for the sake of t..."
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