0:00 / 0:00
What car do (insert professions here) buy?

What car do (insert professions here) buy?

Car Torque with Matty J Jun 22, 2026 92 min
0:00
0:00

About this episode

From used-car inspections to “covert Everest” police-car builds, the hosts keep circling the same question: what different people buy, and why. They compare specific listings like a 2020 Everest Trend with low kilometres, debate timing and maintenance items like a “wet belt,” and trade stories about fleet rotations, hail-damaged bargains, and parts-car logic. The conversation also turns to buyer stereotypes, branding confusion, and even engine-tech trivia—always tying choices back to personality, budget, and risk.

Filter:
|
|
Technical Too Afraid to Ask
Term

bi-turbo

"a 2020 Everest trend exact same as what Jess currently has, ... which is the two-liter four-cylinder bi-turbo setup on it"

“Bi-turbo” means there are two turbochargers working on the engine. That usually helps the car feel punchier and more responsive, especially when you accelerate from lower speeds.

Term

RACQ check

"So we did the RACQ check up there. I contacted the Ford dealership up there who's been servicing and maintaining it for its life"

An RACQ check refers to a vehicle inspection service provided by RACQ (Royal Automobile Club of Queensland). It’s typically used during buying to verify the car’s condition and history-related items before you commit.

Concept

so little kilometres on it

"But the main kicker was the fact that it's got so little kilometres on it. So Jess's car will be..."

Having very low kilometres usually means the car has been driven less, so it may have less wear. But you still want to check the car’s overall condition, not just the odometer.

Car

bi-turbo Everest

"So if anybody is interested in a bi-turbo Everest that's been in the family since 30,000 days with full support service history, hit us up."

An Everest is a Ford SUV. “Bi-turbo” means the engine has two turbochargers, which helps it feel more powerful. Two turbos can also mean it’s a bit more complex to maintain than a simpler setup.

Car

Volvo XC90 D5

"We did have a look just physically sit in an XC90 D5 that was around the corner from our joint."

The Volvo XC90 is a family SUV. “D5” usually means it’s the diesel version, which is often picked for strong pulling power on the highway.

Term

wet belt

"once you got the wet belt that has to be considered"

A “wet belt” is a timing belt that sits in engine oil. Since it’s in oil, it can wear differently than a belt that runs dry, so it’s something you plan for during maintenance.

Car

Hilux

"Well, the reason I asked about, like, I bought about four Hiluxes in a row back in the day, one after the other every sort of three years, and they all had like 40, 45,000Ks on the clock..."

The Toyota Hilux is a durable pickup truck. The host is saying they used to buy Hilux trucks from fleets/councils that get replaced after a few years, so the mileage is often lower than you’d expect.

Term

LS swapped

"Absolutely. That's the covert Everest. Effectively being LS swapped."

“LS swapped” means the car has been modified to use a GM LS V8 engine instead of whatever it originally had. People like it because the LS engines are common, powerful, and have lots of parts available.

Concept

remote funds

"again, I'm waiting to get the phone call, because obviously you do your remote funds and wait for that to clear before the transport company contacts you"

They’re talking about paying from far away (like a transfer) and waiting for it to clear. Until the payment is confirmed, the car can’t be shipped or picked up.

Concept

transport company

"and wait for that to clear before the transport company contacts you and everything like that."

A “transport company” is the logistics provider that moves the purchased vehicle from the seller/depot to the buyer. In car buying, this often determines when pickup can happen and whether the car is driven or trailered.

Concept

swap them over with another car

"You can take all the damaged bits in the new one and swap them over with another car."

They’re suggesting taking the broken parts off one car and moving usable parts from another car to fix it. It’s basically a parts-transfer repair approach.

Term

rubber ones

"but I may have said that the interior floor mats, [546.0s] we've got rubber ones in Jess's car. [548.1s] I don't know where this one is like the pre-molded sort of ones"

They mean floor mats made of rubber. Rubber mats are good at catching spills and dirt, and you can usually clean them by rinsing them off.

Term

pre-molded

"I don't know where this one is like the pre-molded sort of ones [552.9s] that you can sort of get, [553.9s] because that's what it looks like in the photos."

Pre-molded mats are cut and shaped to fit your car’s floor area. That tight fit helps keep dirt and water from getting under the mat.

Term

Schmick service

"We did get like the Schmick service. [566.1s] So I think it was like 600 bucks for two years. [569.4s] So all the little nitty gritty things that there are with it,"

They’re referring to a paid service plan that helps cover small cosmetic fixes later. The host says it costs around $600 for two years and you can make a claim if there are minor issues.

Term

claim

"we'll just in six, 12 months time, [575.4s] we'll do a claim and pay the 50 bucks [577.6s] and they can fix all the little imperfections."

A “claim” here means filing a request under the service plan to have the provider repair cosmetic or minor damage. The host mentions paying a $50 amount and then the provider “can fix all the little imperfections,” implying a deductible or out-of-pocket fee.

Term

hail dings

"there was like four or five little, [586.3s] almost like hail dings on the roof. [589.4s] That's why it's cheap."

Hail dings are little dents made when hail hits the car. Even if the car is otherwise fine, these dents can make it cheaper to buy.

Term

Queensland hail storm

"It's been in a Queensland hail storm. [600.9s] Exactly. [601.8s] And it's an X-R-Way patrol car."

They’re saying the dents came from a hail storm in Queensland. That kind of damage can lower the price because it’s visible on the body.

Term

temperature sensor

"I think the Trident is the brand, the temperature sensor for the 94 Accord. So the mechanic, well known to Mr. Bunting and I, is looking at doing that next couple of days for me."

A temperature sensor is a small electronic part that measures how hot the engine is. The car uses that reading to adjust how it runs so it doesn’t overheat and runs efficiently.

Brand

Trident

"I think the Trident is the brand, the temperature sensor for the 94 Accord. So the mechanic, well known to Mr. Bunting and I, is looking at doing that next couple of days for me."

“Trident” here is the name of the parts brand they’re buying. Different brands of the same sensor can behave differently, so it’s worth choosing a reputable one.

Car

Honda Zrv

"That's about it. I did clean out the ZRV and give that a good clean and a good tub in..."

The Honda ZR-V is a Honda crossover-style vehicle. In the podcast, they talk about cleaning it out and giving it a thorough wash. That’s the main point of the mention here.

Acura Integra
DestinationFearFan (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Acura Integra

"... up is the 21st... sorry, 40th anniversary of the Integra weekend at..."

The Acura Integra is a compact car known for being sporty. The podcast mentions a 40th anniversary event, which means people are getting together to celebrate the car’s history. It’s being brought up because of that anniversary weekend.

Place

Dandenong

"when you go out in the back of the Dandenong, Sassafrasse and Alinda and out that way."

Dandenong is an area near Melbourne. The host is using it to describe where they drove.

Place

Coldstream

"And then wound its way across to Coldstream, appropriately named."

Coldstream is a town in Victoria near Melbourne. It’s mentioned as a stop on their drive.

Term

cold air

"Those old British cars like cold air. They're happier in cold air,"

Cold air can help an engine because it’s denser, so it can burn fuel more effectively. The host is saying the car seems to like the cold weather.

Term

rear main seal

"And the oil leak that it had a while back, [958.2s] where it was pissing out of the rear main seal [960.1s] and onto the ground, [960.9s] that seems to have fixed itself with use."

A rear main seal is a rubber seal at the back of the engine crankshaft. If it wears out, engine oil can leak and make a mess underneath the car.

Term

part exchange

"In parts exchange. [990.1s] A part exchange, as Mike Brill would say. [992.9s] And we do like a Corolla."

A part exchange is when you give your current car to the dealer and it counts as money toward buying the next car. It’s like a trade-in, but done through the dealership.

Car

2011 Corolla

"Can you believe a 2011 Corolla is now 15 years old? That's wild."

A Toyota Corolla is a common, dependable everyday car. Saying a 2011 Corolla is 15 years old highlights how long these cars can last with normal maintenance.

Term

touch-up

"after the show, David, for Toyota 040 white touch-up unless matters gets me some"

A “touch-up” refers to small paint repairs done to cover minor chips or scratches. The segment mentions a specific Toyota paint code (“Toyota 040 white”), which is used to match the color for the repair.

Concept

electric car

"Actually, I think it's for an SUV, for kind of an SUV ish electric car."

An electric car runs on electricity from a battery instead of a gasoline engine. It can still be made to feel sporty and high-end, depending on the model and trim.

Term

Brembo's

"Actually, I think it's for an SUV, for kind of an SUV ish electric car. It looks good with its big Brembo's and everything."

Brembo makes performance brakes. If a car has Brembo brakes, it usually means the stopping system is upgraded for stronger, more consistent braking.

Term

GT spec

"Absolutely. And for some reason, you only get that on the GT spec, but whatever."

“GT spec” means a better-equipped version of the same model. It usually includes extra features or sportier details compared to the base version.

Term

subwoofer

"Um, like, you know, had probably one of the best sound systems I've ever been in a car had like the subwoofer in the dashboard and everything."

A subwoofer is the part of the audio system that makes the deep bass sounds. It’s the speaker that handles the “boom” in music.

Term

EVs

"I like EVs, controversial car topic. I think, I think they're, you know, they've got their place and, you know, I'll keep enjoying my three cylinder little car outside that I've driven today."

EVs are cars that run on electricity from a battery. Instead of burning gasoline, they use an electric motor. The hosts are talking about why people argue about EVs.

Term

three cylinder

"I'll keep enjoying my three cylinder little car outside that I've driven today. So, so that, that, you know, it kind of makes, makes sense for that."

“Three cylinder” just means the engine has three cylinders. It’s one way of describing how the engine is built, and it can change how the car feels and sounds. The host is saying they’re still enjoying a small three-cylinder car.

Car

Ford Capri

"...n I was in Scotland last, I sent you a photo of a Capri, which, yeah, which was not a Capri, not the Aust..."

The Ford Capri is a classic coupe model. In the podcast, someone shares a photo but clarifies it wasn’t actually a Capri. That highlights the importance of knowing exactly which model you’re looking at.

Car

Puma

"And Puma, they did it with Puma. Yeah, it's, it's, they've got to stop that."

They mention “Puma,” which is a Ford car model name. They’re joking/complaining that Ford keeps using animal names and should stop. It’s more about naming than how the car works.

Car

Mitsubishi Starion

"Just feel like Mitsubishi and get a starion. A Tedar is not a Pulsar."

The Mitsubishi Starion is an older Japanese sports coupe that was known for having a turbo engine. Here, it’s mentioned as a better option than the other car being discussed.

Car

Nissan Pulsar

"A Tedar is not a Pulsar. No. But see, they went different and they called it a Tedar, even though it was called a Pulsar in other markets..."

The Nissan Pulsar is a car model name used by Nissan in different countries. The hosts are talking about how one name (“Tedar”) got used instead of “Pulsar,” and that caused confusion.

Car

Ford Mustang

"I think, and I echo your comments that if only it wasn't called a Mustang, it was not a bad looking car, especially that color. It's a great color and had plenty of room in, you know, in the back..."

The Ford Mustang is a famous American sports car name. In this clip, the speaker says the car looked good and had room inside, but they think the Mustang name made people judge it differently.

Term

screens and integration between the two

"No, as well as. So screens and integration between the two. But yeah, a lot of them have got now volume buttons and hitting controls buttons and dials and stuff as well, which is a lot more intuitive, I think."

Some cars use screens for everything, and they’re connected so one screen can control or reflect what the other is doing. The host is comparing that approach to having real buttons and knobs instead.

Term

volume button

"Like if you've got your de-mister, if you've got your volume button, if you're on a pause music, you can do that still anyway through the other ones."

A volume button is a physical control on the dashboard used to adjust audio volume without navigating menus. The host contrasts these tactile controls with screen-only interfaces, arguing that physical buttons can be more intuitive and faster to use.

Term

de-mister

"Like if you've got your de-mister, if you've got your volume button, if you're on a pause music, you can do that still anyway through the other ones."

A de-mister is what clears fog off your windshield so you can see better. In this discussion, it’s used as an example of an important function you want quick access to.

Brand

ranges

"Every time he sees my car, he's like, ah, you know, that was a fun month to sell because, you know, one of those things that he just sells ranges and Everest these days, that's pretty much all he sells."

“Ranges” here likely means Range Rover, which is a Land Rover SUV line. The point is that the dealer mainly sells those SUVs.

Concept

nameplates

"So, you know, I can see why Ford have been grumbling, they've been grumbling of bringing back the Fiesta and Focus nameplates."

A “nameplate” is basically the model’s name that you recognize, like Fiesta or Focus. Bringing it back means the company wants to sell a new car under that same familiar name.

Car

Ford Fiesta

"...ling, they've been grumbling of bringing back the Fiesta and Focus nameplates. But, you know, only time wi..."

The Ford Fiesta is a small hatchback car model. The podcast is talking about whether Ford might bring back the Fiesta nameplate (and the Focus one too). It’s a discussion about what models could return in the future.

Car

5 Renault 5

"...f them bringing the Fiesta back based off the new Renault 5 electric car. I like the Renault 5 electric car."

The 5 E-Tech Electric is an electric car based on the Renault 5. In the podcast, it’s mentioned because the speaker likes that electric model. It’s being used as an example of what a future small electric could be like.

Concept

petrol version

"But, you know, they'd probably have to do a petrol version if they're wanting to hit that market."

A “petrol version” is the same kind of car but powered by gasoline. The host is saying they might sell both electric and gas versions to reach more buyers.

Term

automatic

"And of course they got it automatic because they were all virtually automatic in them. Yeah, yeah, yeah. So, you know, I didn't think it was like their last ditch fling at some scaric of youthfulness"

“Automatic” means the car changes gears by itself. You don’t have to use a clutch or manually shift gears.

Concept

last ditch fling at some scarcity of youthfulness

"So, you know, I didn't think it was like their last ditch fling at some scaric of youthfulness and they get the red auto Tiburon."

The host is talking about the idea that some people buy a fun car later in life because they want to feel young again—like a final chance to enjoy it.

Car

Hyundai Elantra

"...re than the, than the, you know, top of the range Elantra. I'm going to look that up now."

The Hyundai Elantra is a compact car that comes in different versions. The podcast is talking about where a particular Elantra sits compared to the highest trim level. That helps determine what features and equipment it should have.

Daewoo Espero
nomerok (CC BY 4.0)
Car

Daewoo Espero

"Imagine rocking up in a Daewoo Espero. That would be very. You would win the event."

The Daewoo Espero is a cheap, older sedan from Daewoo. The hosts are basically saying that even a budget car like this could be a fun choice for an event if it’s the right kind of cheap.

Concept

insider trading

"So if you want to find one, you just, I don't think you would. [1999.9s] This is the car talk equivalent of insider trading, isn't it? [2003.7s] That's right."

They’re using “insider trading” as a joke. It means you have a secret lead—like knowing about a car that’s for sale but not advertised—so you can find it before other people.

Car

Hyundai Grandeur

"No, that was the equivalent of a Hyundai Grandeur. [2044.4s] Grandeur."

The Hyundai Grandeur is a Hyundai sedan (a regular car with a trunk) that’s popular in some markets. Here, the host is just comparing it to another car they’re talking about.

Hyundai Tiburon
Benespit (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Hyundai Tiburon

"Just to get back to the Tiburon. [2063.9s] They were 36, 780 excluding government charges. [2066.9s] So they're about 40 on road. ... [2077.0s] It was like facelifted like four times."

The Hyundai Tiburon is a Hyundai sporty coupe from the 2000s era. The hosts are talking about how long it stayed around and how it got updated with styling changes (facelifts) near the end.

Term

government charges

"Just to get back to the Tiburon. [2063.9s] They were 36, 780 excluding government charges. [2066.9s] So they're about 40 on road."

Government charges are the mandatory fees and taxes you have to pay to register the car and make it legal to drive. They’re why the final “on road” total is bigger than the sticker/base price.

Term

on road

"They were 36, 780 excluding government charges. [2066.9s] So they're about 40 on road. [2069.8s] In what year was that?"

“On road” means the full price you end up paying after adding registration and taxes—what you’d actually need to budget to drive the car.

Term

facelifted

"They had quite a long run actually, that last model Tiburon. [2077.0s] It was like facelifted like four times. [2079.6s] I'm going to go back to the first one that they did."

A facelift is when a car gets updated partway through its life—usually changes to the front/rear styling and sometimes features—without becoming a totally new model.

Term

six-speed manual

"They had a six-speed manual if you could find one. Which was a bit of a woof. Yeah, six-speed manual. That was a novelty back then."

A six-speed manual is a car where you shift gears yourself with a clutch, and there are six gear ratios. The host is saying that having six speeds was a bit unusual at the time.

Brand

Alfa Romeo

"We talked the other night about Alfa Romeo's. And who buys an Alfa Romeo? And I said, these are very passionate people."

Alfa Romeo is an Italian car brand with a reputation for being exciting and stylish. The host is saying the people who buy them tend to care more about the feeling of driving than about hassle-free ownership.

Term

resale of reliability

"You know, these are people who will sacrifice a bit of resale of reliability for passion. Passion and emotion and emotion."

The host is basically saying that if you buy a car for passion, you might have to accept that it could be worse in terms of how much you can sell it for later. They connect that to reliability.

Concept

commuter

"he actively went out and he ended up buying a little Alfa as his commuter [2157.9s] to and from the work sites and everything else like that."

A commuter car is the car you use every day to get to work. In this story, the Alfa Romeo was bought for that kind of regular driving.

Car

Alfa Romeo MiTo

"What Alfa was a what model? [2162.4s] One for eight. [2163.3s] A Mito? [2164.7s] A little baby one?"

The Alfa Romeo MiTo is a small hatchback. In this conversation, they’re trying to figure out which Alfa Romeo model the person bought as a commuter car.

Term

transmission

"Terrible transmission. [2178.6s] Yeah, yeah. [2179.4s] No, I gave him so much shit about it."

A transmission is the gearbox that helps the engine send power to the wheels. They’re saying the gearbox in that Alfa wasn’t good.

Car

Audi Quattro

"...when I was looking prior to buying the Volvo of a Quattro, full Margio, whatever else it was."

The Audi Quattro is an Audi model name associated with all-wheel drive. In the podcast, it comes up while someone is talking about what they were considering buying. The key point is that it’s tied to how the car sends power to the wheels.

Term

price bracket

"Well, look, immediately, there wasn't very many that were in my price bracket that were, you know, not 150,000 Ks on top of it as well."

A “price bracket” just means the budget range you’re shopping in. The speaker is saying their budget limited which cars were realistically available.

Car

Rover 416i

"I've actually got one because I mean, just going off the day we sort of saw the thing, Rover 416i. ... I'll tell you who bought that. Rover 416i. ... They thought, oh, well, it's actually a Honda. So it's very reliable. But it's got the Rover plushness of the velour seats and the woodgrain trim."

Rover 416i is a small car from the Rover brand. In this segment, the host says people bought it for a “nice” Rover interior feel, but they also believed it was reliable like a Honda. The takeaway is that buyers cared about both comfort and the reputation of the mechanicals.

Term

velour seats

"But it's got the Rover plushness of the velour seats and the woodgrain trim."

Velour seats are car seats covered in a soft, fuzzy fabric. They’re meant to feel a bit more luxurious than basic fabric seats.

Term

woodgrain trim

"But it's got the Rover plushness of the velour seats and the woodgrain trim."

Woodgrain trim is the fake-wood look inside a car, usually on the dashboard or door areas. It’s used to make the interior feel more upscale.

Car

Honda Concertos

"Yes. And Honda Concerto's were very much the same buyer, I feel. Well, interestingly, there is a story kicking around that they were"

The Honda Concerto Hatchback is an older Honda compact hatchback. The podcast is talking about who tended to buy these cars and mentions there’s a story about them. It’s more about the car’s background than a technical breakdown.

Concept

arrangement

"And because Honda literally had the arrangement with Jaguar or Rover Australia because we were the only market with our Solar's Rovers."

In automotive history, an “arrangement” can refer to a business deal between manufacturers—such as branding, supply, or market-specific agreements. The host claims Honda had an arrangement with Jaguar or Rover Australia, and that this relationship influenced how the Concerto was marketed and styled in Australia.

Term

wood inserts

"And then that's why the Concerto's had the wood along the plastic wood inserts along the top of the doors and the dash."

“Wood inserts” refers to interior trim pieces designed to look like wood, often used on door panels and dashboards. In this segment, the host uses the presence of wood inserts to argue there was a shared design/branding influence between Rover and the Honda Concerto.

Rover 416
Calreyn88 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Rover 416

"Because the outgoing Rover 416 or the five door Integra had the wood trim as well."

The Rover 416 is a British car model from the Rover brand. In this story, it’s used as an example of a car that had wood-style trim, which the host says helps explain similar styling on another model.

Term

wood trim

"Because the outgoing Rover 416 or the five door Integra had the wood trim as well."

“Wood trim” is interior or exterior trim that imitates wood grain, typically for a more upscale look. Here, it’s used to connect the outgoing Rover 416 and the Honda Integra to the same styling theme the host claims shows up on the Honda Concerto.

Car

Honda Accord

"And you know what else is like that? Those are two door accords from the 80s. Yes."

The Honda Accord is a long-running Honda model. Here they’re talking about older (1980s) two-door Accords that often have low mileage because they were kept in good shape by older owners.

Car

BMW 418i

"Okay. Yeah. No, my brother, that was his, one of his first cars. He had a 418i."

The BMW 418i is a BMW model. The host is just saying it was one of his brother’s early cars, as part of the broader “what people buy” conversation.

Concept

parts car

"well as a parts car. ... you also had a Cordia Turbo as a parts car."

A “parts car” is a second vehicle kept mainly to harvest usable components for another car. Enthusiasts do this when a model is rare, expensive to repair, or when specific parts are hard to find.

Term

front wheel drive burn

"I'm pretty, I'm pretty sure somewhere in my photo album, I have a photo of him doing front wheel drive burn."

A “front wheel drive burn” is basically a burnout where the front tires are the ones spinning. It’s a dramatic way to show the car can lose traction and spin the tires.

Concept

coast it

"And it'd be like, all right, just turns the car off and be like, let's see how far we can go before we have to restart the car. get to 60 and then just try and coast it there the entire way the best you can."

“Coast it” means you stop accelerating and just let the car roll using its momentum. You’re not pushing the gas—you're seeing how far it goes before you need to do something else.

Term

wheel bearings

"get to 60 and then just try and coast it there the entire way the best you can. Hope the wheel bearings are good. Yeah, actually, actually most, most of the time it did pretty"

Wheel bearings help the wheel spin smoothly. If they’re bad, the car can make noise and the wheel can wear out faster.

Term

midlife crisis edge

"but they're, they're, you know, they just want a little bit of a midlife crisis edge kind of car."

This phrase means buying something that feels a bit more rebellious or exciting than what you “normally” would. The host is saying some people want that vibe from a sportier car.

Car

M3s

"Would you say that would be the same for like M3s and M4s and, and like Audi RS products?"

The BMW M3 is a high-performance BMW made by BMW’s performance team. The point here is that people who buy an M3 are often looking for something more “serious” than just a loud, flashy car.

Car

M4s

"Would you say that would be the same for like M3s and M4s and, and like Audi RS products?"

The BMW M4 is a sportier, higher-performance BMW than a regular 4 Series. In this discussion, it’s mentioned as another example of an M car that tends to attract people who care more about the driving experience.

Car

Audi RS products

"Would you say that would be the same for like M3s and M4s and, and like Audi RS products?"

Audi RS cars are the brand’s high-performance versions. The host is comparing them to BMW’s M cars in terms of how “serious” the performance identity feels to buyers.

Car

C63

"Whereas a C63 was just like, yeah, it makes a big bark and it goes, wow, wow, wow, it makes all the noise."

The Mercedes-Benz C63 is a high-performance C-Class. Here it’s being used as an example of a car that feels more about making noise and impressing people than about being a dedicated track-style machine.

Term

big bark

"Whereas a C63 was just like, yeah, it makes a big bark and it goes, wow, wow, wow, it makes all the noise."

“Big bark” just means the car sounds loud and aggressive, like an engine/exhaust note that stands out. It’s a slang way to talk about exhaust sound.

Car

big C class

"Whereas a non-car person would go, yeah, give me the big C class."

The “C-Class” refers to Mercedes-Benz’s C-segment lineup, with higher trims and performance variants like the C63. Here, “big C class” is used as a shorthand for a non-car person choosing a Mercedes C-Class for status and presence rather than track-focused performance.

Car

Suzuki Swift Sport

"Who would have bought a Suzuki Swift Sport New? Because I've always had this car because it's, it's not hot enough to be a hot hatch."

The Suzuki Swift Sport is a small Suzuki that’s tuned to drive more fun than a normal Swift. The host is basically saying it’s sporty, but not as extreme as the most hardcore “hot hatches.”

Car

Suzuki Swift

"Well, here's one for you. Who would have bought a Suzuki Swift Sport New? Because I've always had this car becau..."

The Suzuki Swift 5-door is a small hatchback with four side doors, making it easier to get in and out of the back seats. The podcast is discussing the Swift range, including sportier versions, and how people choose between them. It’s mentioned in that context of what buyers would have chosen new.

Term

hot hatch

"Because I've always had this car because it's, it's not hot enough to be a hot hatch."

A “hot hatch” is a small hatchback that’s been upgraded to feel fast and sporty. Think quicker acceleration and better handling than a normal hatchback.

Term

warm hatch

"It's like a, it's a warm hatch, but who bought them new?"

A “warm hatch” is a hatchback that’s a bit more fun and sporty than the regular version, but not as hardcore as the fastest hot hatches. It’s the middle ground.

Car

Mazda 3 hatch

"And oh, he said, oh, look, I'm just going to get a Mazda three hatch or, you know, just something generic here."

The Mazda 3 is a common, practical compact car. In this story, it’s brought up as the kind of normal, budget-friendly option someone might buy instead of a sporty hot hatch.

Term

GDI

"Like it wasn't the GDI in terms of the handling and the funk [2914.5s] of the doors and what have you, but it was in terms of in a city"

GDI means the car injects gasoline directly into the engine’s cylinders. It can change how the engine responds and feels compared with older fuel-injection setups.

Car

Mazda three

"it was in terms of in a city [2918.7s] blip blip fun, you know, had a bit more spark and personality to [2921.6s] it than a Mazda three with a black roof liner that you can't see"

The Mazda 3 is a popular small car. In this story, the host says the Suzuki Swift Sport feels more fun and has more personality than a Mazda 3.

Term

paddles

"Was that a manual auto ed that one? [2944.8s] That was a auto, um, had the paddles and whatnot."

Paddles are the little shift controls behind the steering wheel. They let you change gears yourself even if the car is technically an automatic.

Car

Honda Jazz

"But, um, we were in the dealer and we looked at jazzes and we [2974.9s] looked at Swifts and we looked at something, uh, Toyota, I [2977.9s] think the Yaris maybe, and she just liked the Swift."

The Honda Jazz is a small hatchback that’s popular for being practical and easy to use. They bring it up as part of the list of cars they checked while shopping.

Car

Toyota Yaris

"we were in the dealer and we looked at jazzes and we [2974.9s] looked at Swifts and we looked at something, uh, Toyota, I [2977.9s] think the Yaris maybe, and she just liked the Swift."

The Toyota Yaris is a small, practical car that people often compare with other compact hatchbacks. Here it’s just one of the cars they looked at while shopping.

Car

Suzuki Swift sport

"And then we took the little Swift sport for a fang. [2993.9s] And, and she said, oh, I like that. [2995.2s] I like that zip. ... [2999.4s] So she got a speedy blue Swift sport, which, um, which she [3003.5s] still drives."

The Swift Sport is a more performance-focused version of the regular Suzuki Swift. In this story, they test drove it and liked the extra “zip,” so they planned to get one.

Term

fang

"And then we took the little Swift sport for a fang. [2993.9s] And, and she said, oh, I like that. [2995.2s] I like that zip."

“For a fang” here means they took the car out for a quick, fun drive to see what it’s like. It’s basically a short test to feel the car’s character.

Car

Suzuki Ignis Sport

"would we put them? The Ignis sport. Hmm."

The Suzuki Ignis Sport is a more sporty version of the Ignis. The podcast is talking about whether it should be included or considered in a comparison. It’s mentioned because it’s a specific trim level people might choose.

Volkswagen GTI
Alexander-93 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Volkswagen GTI

"Well, it was pretty heavily related to the GTI... you'd have to say that the GTI is where they were cracking little things."

The Volkswagen GTI is a sporty version of a regular hatchback. It’s often used as the standard for what people mean by a “hot hatch,” because it’s still practical but drives more enthusiast-style.

Brand

recaro

"Um, but I think the, the Ignis sport was a gutsy thing in the recaro seats."

Recaro makes car seats that are popular with driving enthusiasts. They’re designed to keep you more firmly in place when you corner or accelerate hard.

Term

decent wheels

"Oh, I do like that. Put some decent wheels on that."

“Wheels” here means the rim-and-tire setup. Better wheels can make the car look nicer and can also help it grip the road and feel more responsive.

Concept

throwing more money at this to fix it cosmetically

"And, uh, you know, as it was, as what we were happy with and the condition it was in, we're not throwing more money at this to fix it cosmetically."

“Cosmetically” refers to appearance-only repairs—things like paint, body panels, and surface-level damage. The speaker is describing a cost/benefit decision: if the car is being used hard on track, they’d rather spend money on function and reliability than on making it look perfect.

Term

electric blue

"We should really disappointing cause that was in the, uh, in the, in the electric blue as well."

“Electric blue” just means a bright, vivid blue paint color. If a car needs body repairs, matching that exact color can be important.

Car

Toyota Paseo

"No. Instead of the Paseo. Got the Paseo."

The Toyota Paseo is a small Toyota model with a sporty look. In the podcast, they correct themselves about the name, saying it wasn’t the Paseo they meant. It’s mainly about making sure the right model is identified.

Term

semi slicks

"All we did with some semi slicks and some, uh, some Wrecker rims"

Semi slicks are special tires with less tread than regular street tires. They usually grip the road better, which makes a car feel more responsive and stable when you drive hard.

Term

Wrecker rims

"All we did with some semi slicks and some, uh, some Wrecker rims"

“Wrecker rims” sounds like wheels pulled from a junkyard. People do this to change the car’s style and sometimes to fit different tires.

Car

Nissan R32

"...re's one for you. Who bought the first generation R32 Golf, Golf R32."

The Nissan Skyline is a well-known performance car model. The podcast is talking about car generations and which specific versions people mean. It’s mentioned because the conversation is about identifying the right model.

Car

R32 Golf

"...re's one for you. Who bought the first generation R32 Golf, Golf R32."

“R32” is a label for a particular generation of a car. In the podcast, they’re talking about the early R32 version and who bought it. The point is to identify the exact model generation.

Car

Porsche 911

"They really want to Porsche. Like if they had some real money, they'd go by a 911."

The Porsche 911 is one of the most famous sports cars ever made by Porsche. Here, it’s mentioned as the “if they had real money” dream purchase.

Car

Volkswagen R32

"the closest you're going to get is an R32 that's been heavily leased and they can get away with it because it doesn't look that different to the normal golf."

The Volkswagen R32 is a hot-rodded Golf—basically a faster, more performance-focused version. In the episode, it’s described as the closest option to a 911 that still looks like a regular Golf.

Concept

heavily leased

"the closest you're going to get is an R32 that's been heavily leased and they can get away with it"

Leasing means you’re renting the car for a period of time instead of owning it. “Heavily leased” suggests lots of these cars were leased, so it’s more common and less “special” than something bought outright.

Car

Volkswagen Golf

"because it doesn't look that different to the normal golf."

The Volkswagen Golf is a very common everyday hatchback. The point here is that the R32 version looks close enough to a regular Golf that people might not notice it’s the performance one.

Concept

weapon

"is not aware of just sort of what a weapon the R32 was."

“Weapon” here is just slang for “really strong” or “really capable.” They mean the R32 is secretly a serious performer even though it doesn’t look extreme.

Concept

most of them broke

"[3382.9s] Stupid money. [3384.2s] Because they're so rare because most of them broke. [3386.7s] Yeah. [3387.7s] Correct."

They’re basically saying that many of these cars didn’t last, so there are fewer good ones left. When a car becomes scarce like that, the remaining ones can cost a lot more.

Term

DSG

"[3390.8s] We were one of the only markets where they didn't offer the DSG, [3394.2s] uh, in that, in that car for the, for the first gen R32, [3397.6s] which was the Mark IV golf."

DSG is a type of automatic gearbox used by Volkswagen. It shifts quickly because it’s set up to prepare the next gear ahead of time.

Term

LPI

"And should I follow the eco LPI XR6 Ute the other day?"

LPI means the car is set up to run on LPG gas. It uses an injection system so the gas is delivered to the engine in a controlled way.

Car

XR6 Ute

"Oh, no, he's a silver, lightning strike, lightning strike. Lightning strike. Yeah. Well, they look great in an XR6 and Matt, Matt has been sniffing for one..."

The Ford Falcon XR6 Ute is an Australian ute known for pairing a strong straight-six (XR6) with a practical body style. The “Ute” format is a key part of why it’s popular for work and everyday use, while the XR6 engine family gives it performance character.

Term

E gas

"Now it wasn't an eco LPI, it was the E gas, but still dedicated gas."

“E gas” is a name for a gas-powered version of the car. It means the car is meant to run on gas (LPG) as its main fuel.

Car

Ford Falcon

"Let's be honest. How many painters are in a Falcon where it's got the canopy on the back and it's ju..."

The Ford Falcon is a big car that was made in Australia. The podcast is talking about a particular version with a canopy at the back, and how that changes things for repairs or work. It’s mentioned to make a practical point about that setup.

Term

back tailgate

"right over the back tailgate? [3611.5s] The back tailgate. [3612.7s] I was going to say that."

A tailgate is the rear door you open to get into the trunk/cargo area. Here, they’re talking about the rear opening of the car.

Car

WRX

"They have sold off their... [3644.8s] WRX. [3646.4s] Yeah, something like that."

The Subaru WRX is a turbocharged car that’s popular with enthusiasts. It’s known for making noticeable turbo sounds, and the hosts are using it as an example of a “fun but practical” family car.

Term

spooling noises

"And they still want a car that makes the spooling noises. [3652.2s] But, you know, it has to be the family commuter [3654.8s] and they have to justify it to the other half."

When a turbo “spools,” it means it’s spinning up to start making boost. The “spooling noises” are the sounds you can hear as the turbo ramps up when you press the gas.

Term

Euro

"I remember back in the day, and the number plate was Euro, [3725.7s] big grey plate to have that now, but it was a personalized plate."

"Euro" is being used as shorthand for a particular number-plate look associated with Europe. The point is that people wanted that style on their car.

Term

Formula One

"People appreciated, I mean, Honda was so big in Formula One [3741.4s] at that time, you know, they appreciated the,"

Formula One is the highest level of racing with very advanced engineering. The host is saying Honda’s racing work influenced technology used in their cars.

Term

double wishbone suspension

"and they really pushed the way that a lot of the technology [3745.7s] that car had come through the racing program, [3748.1s] and the double wishbone suspension,"

It’s a type of suspension that uses two arms to guide the wheel. The goal is to help the tire stay planted for better grip and handling.

Term

twin cam injected engine

"and the double wishbone suspension, [3750.5s] that beautiful, you know, twin cam injected engine. [3756.1s] Yeah, so people, and they weren't cheap, you know,"

A twin-cam engine uses two camshafts to control the engine’s valves more precisely. Fuel injection means the engine sprays fuel in a controlled way instead of using a carburetor.

Car

BMW E30

"Yeah, if you weren't buying an E30, you'd go and shop an Integra, maybe."

The BMW E30 is an older BMW 3 Series from the late 20th century. Car fans like it because it’s fun to drive and has lots of parts and upgrades available.

Car

Honda Integra

"Yeah, if you weren't buying an E30, you'd go and shop an Integra, maybe."

The Honda Integra is a Honda compact car that many people liked as a daily driver. It’s often mentioned by enthusiasts because it’s reliable and has a strong community around it.

Car

Honda Civic

"and she was in a couple of Civics, you know? Like an EG Civic, you know,"

They mention an EG Civic, which is a specific older Honda Civic generation. It’s basically a small, straightforward Honda people buy for practicality.

Term

split tailgate

"You know, the EG came out, the curvy one, [3909.1s] with the split tailgate, like it's a little car,"

A split tailgate means the back hatch opens in two parts instead of one. It can make the rear easier to use and gives the car a distinctive look.

Term

aspirational car

"So the baby bends is, it was sort of an aspirational car for someone that might otherwise not been able to have a bends at all."

An “aspirational car” is a car that feels like a dream purchase for many people. It’s the kind of car you buy when you’re aiming higher than your usual budget.

Term

diesel

"maybe it's still is now is they get subsidized diesel, I think, to run all the machinery and what have you... you can fill up the tractor with it and you can fill up the, the harvester and you fill up your car."

Diesel is a type of fuel used in diesel engines. The hosts are talking about diesel because it’s commonly used for farm equipment and was often chosen for vehicles that need to last and run economically.

Car

Toyota Land Cruiser

"Hence farmers used to run diesel Land Cruisers and the good car would often be a diesel too, whether it's a Peugeot or a Merck."

A Land Cruiser is a tough Toyota SUV built to handle rough work and last a long time. The hosts are saying farmers often chose diesel versions because they’re dependable for everyday farm tasks.

Brand

Peugeot

"Hence farmers used to run diesel Land Cruisers and the good car would often be a diesel too, whether it's a Peugeot or a Merck."

Peugeot is a car brand from France. The hosts mention it because, back in the 1980s, diesel cars from brands like Peugeot were common choices for people who needed fuel-efficient, long-lasting vehicles.

Brand

Merck

"whether it's a Peugeot or a Merck. Back in the day, it was, you could own really only"

The transcript says “Merck,” but it’s not clear which car brand that’s referring to. It’s mentioned alongside Peugeot as an example of diesel passenger-car brands farmers could buy.

Term

hold their value

"They were, yeah, big dollars, which is what helped them hold their value, the older ones so well."

It means the car doesn’t lose its price as fast as other cars. Some models stay desirable, so used ones can still be worth a lot.

Car

Chrysler Neon

"But you go down to Chrysler and you buy a Chrysler Neon. [4299.9s] Who the hell bought Chrysler Neons?"

A Chrysler Neon is a small car made by Chrysler. Back in the day, some people modified them to look sporty with big spoilers and body kits.

Term

ricer age

"My brother bought a Chrysler Neon as his first car back when the [4326.9s] ricer age was going on from a dealership in, in Faulkner."

“Ricer age” is slang for a time when people made cars look like they were super fast, mostly with cosmetic mods. The vibe was more style than actual speed.

Term

ricer body kit

"And by ricer, I mean it had the full ricer body kit. [4337.0s] It had the massive spoiler on the back."

A body kit is a set of aftermarket exterior panels—like front/rear bumpers and side skirts—meant to change a car’s shape and stance. In “ricer” context, it usually means the kit is chosen for an aggressive, showy look rather than aerodynamic efficiency or structural improvements.

Term

massive spoiler

"It had the full ricer body kit. [4337.0s] It had the massive spoiler on the back."

A spoiler is an extra wing-like piece on the back of a car. It can help with airflow, but on modified cars it’s also often there just to look aggressive.

Term

three speed auto

"It had everything going for it. [4342.5s] And it was manual. [4343.9s] It wasn't the, it wasn't the three speed auto, but we then decided"

A “three-speed auto” is an older-style automatic transmission with only three forward gears. It can feel less smooth and may make the engine work harder at steady highway speeds.

Term

de-ricer

"It wasn't the, it wasn't the three speed auto, but we then decided [4347.8s] to de-ricer it and the paint went on it."

“De-ricer” means undoing the flashy, over-the-top modifications. Basically, making the car look less like a “rice” build.

Term

rattle can

"And it was manual. [4343.9s] It wasn't the, it wasn't the three speed auto, but we then decided [4347.8s] to de-ricer it and the paint went on it. [4354.2s] And then we started to rattle can it."

“Rattle can” means painting with spray paint from an aerosol can. It’s usually quick and cheap, but the finish may not last as long as professional paint.

Term

undercoat

"And then we started to rattle can it. [4356.2s] And then it basically got to the point of just living in undercoat"

Undercoat is a protective layer put on the bottom of the car to help prevent rust. It helps protect against water and road dirt.

Term

five-speed manual

"…they actually gave, we're going to give us more money for the three-speed automatic and the five-speed manual."

A five-speed manual is a stick-shift gearbox with five forward gears. In this segment, they’re saying the manual version was less desirable because the transmissions had reliability issues.

Term

blew up

"Because all the three-speed automatic was, was more, more sought after because they all blew up and the, the transmissions weren't very good. I'll say you could use it for parts."

“Blew up” just means something broke in a serious way. Here, it’s about the transmission failing, which is why people preferred the other gearbox option.

Car

Cadillac Lyric

"Yeah. Has announced the new lyric has got its official Australian pricing. Oh."

The Cadillac Lyriq is an electric SUV. The podcast says it has official pricing in Australia. That’s why it’s mentioned—so people know what it costs and can plan to buy it.

Term

turbo four-wheel drive

"Bonus question. Where were the turbo four-wheel drive models built?"

That phrase means the car has a turbo engine and also drives all four wheels. The turbo helps the engine make more power, and four-wheel drive helps the tires grip better.

Place

Hiroshima

"A bit in Japan. Hiroshima. That's correct for me."

Hiroshima is a place in Japan. The hosts are saying that some versions of the car were built there.

Term

air-cooled

"The blank engine is cooled by air, not by water. [5094.5s] Since air doesn't boil, not in this world anyway."

Air-cooled engines get rid of heat using moving air over the engine. Instead of water and a radiator, they rely on airflow to keep temperatures down.

Car

Volkswagen Beetle

"Ed. Ed. Volkswagen Beetle. [5100.4s] Volkswagen Beetle is absolutely correct. [5102.0s] Well done."

The Volkswagen Beetle is famous for using air to cool its engine instead of water. That’s why the host says you can think of it as an air-cooled setup.

Term

dual overhead cam

"And that's exactly the kind of precise power produced by the outstanding 2.2 liter 16 valve dual overhead cam engine of the blank, blank, blank."

DOHC means the engine has two camshafts up top that control the valves. That can help the engine manage airflow better across different speeds.

Term

16 valve

"And that's exactly the kind of precise power produced by the outstanding 2.2 liter 16 valve dual overhead cam engine of the blank, blank, blank."

“16 valve” just means the engine has 16 valve openings total. More valves can help the engine move air in and out more efficiently.

Car

Mazda 626 turbine

"Ed. [5133.9s] Mazda 626 turbine."

The Mazda 626 is a car model from Mazda. Here, the host is hinting at a turbocharged (“turbine”) version and a specific engine layout with multiple valves and overhead cams.

Term

variable valve timing

"The revolutionary variable valve timing and lift electronic control system allows the engine [5151.8s] to breathe with almost with utmost efficiency from idle to red line"

Variable valve timing means the engine can change the timing of its valve openings. That helps it run better at low speeds and make more power at higher speeds.

Term

lift electronic control system

"The revolutionary variable valve timing and lift electronic control system allows the engine [5151.8s] to breathe with almost with utmost efficiency from idle to red line"

Valve lift control changes how much the engine valves open. Opening them more can help the engine breathe better, while opening them less can save fuel.

Term

red line

"The revolutionary variable valve timing and lift electronic control system allows the engine [5151.8s] to breathe with almost with utmost efficiency from idle to red line"

The red line is the engine’s “do not go past this” RPM range. Revving higher than that can risk damaging the engine.

Term

fuel injection

"The next bit, we'll give it away. [5194.4s] Product fuel injection allows David."

Fuel injection sprays fuel into the engine in a controlled way. Compared with older carburetors, it can be more accurate and efficient.

Car

Honda Prelude

"Okay. [5200.1s] So it's a Honda. [5201.4s] It is a Honda. [5203.3s] It's the 2.2."

The Honda Prelude is a sporty Honda coupe. Here, they’re talking about a Prelude with a 2.2-liter engine and advanced valve timing technology.

Term

VTIR

"It's the 2.2. [5205.0s] It's the prelude VTIR or, or is I in the, in the regular. [5210.5s] So."

VTIR is likely the name of Honda’s variable valve timing system. It’s the tech that helps the engine adjust valve timing to run better and make power.

Car

Honda CRX

"Ed. On the CRX. Incorrect."

The Honda CRX is an older Honda that’s known for being a small, sporty car. In this segment it’s brought up, but the host says it’s not the right match.

Term

turbocharged direct injection

"The introduction of a new two liter FSI fuel standard as fuel stratified injection petrol and a two litre TDI turbocharged direct injection diesel engine."

This means the engine uses a turbo to push in more air, and it sprays fuel straight into the cylinder. Together, that helps the engine make power more efficiently.

Term

fuel stratified injection

"The introduction of a new two liter FSI fuel standard as fuel stratified injection petrol and a two litre TDI turbocharged direct injection diesel engine."

It’s a way of spraying fuel directly into the engine so the mixture is “layered” inside the cylinder. That can help the engine burn fuel more efficiently.

Car

Audi A3

"Anthony. I was going to say Audi A3. Audi A3 is correct."

The Audi A3 is a smaller Audi “premium” car line. In this clip, someone guesses it before the discussion reveals the correct model.

Term

two liter twin turbo

"Anybody's chasing an Everest 2019 Everest trend at 2.2. Sorry, the two liter twin turbo."

A “twin turbo” engine uses two turbochargers to make more power. “Two liter” tells you the engine is about 2.0 liters in size.

Company

Castel

"Car will be listed on Castel at the end of the week. Or if anybody's chasing it."

They’re saying the car will be listed on a website/app called “Castel” so other people can see it and potentially buy it.

Car

Toyota Crown

"Maybe, maybe. Or if anybody's chasing an MS123 Toyota Crown with more parts than you can poke a stick up."

The Toyota Crown is a classic Toyota model from Japan. In this segment, they’re talking about an older Crown version (the “MS123” one) that comes with lots of extra parts.

Term

MS123

"Or if anybody's chasing an MS123 Toyota Crown with more parts than you can poke a stick up."

“MS123” is a code that identifies which specific Toyota Crown version you’re talking about. It helps people know what parts will fit and what exact car it is.

53 cars featured

Request an Explanation

Heard something you'd like explained? We'll add it to this episode.

Sign in to request explanations for terms you heard.

Want to learn more?

Browse our glossary for plain-English explanations of automotive terms, jargon, and concepts.

Explore Terms

Help improve this episode

See something that's not quite right? Our annotations are AI-generated and can sometimes miss the mark. Click the flag icon on any annotation to suggest a correction.

Report incorrect info
Suggest better explanations
Flag missing cars