What Dealers Really Cost You, The Used EV Flood Is Coming, High Power Hybrids & Minivan Death Traps
About this episode
The Auto Buyers Guide Podcast dives into why Toyota hasn’t pursued higher-output planetary power-split hybrids, weighing cost, motor sizing, vibration concerns, and cooling limits versus simpler hybrid architectures. The hosts then tackle practical EV ownership issues: a looming used-EV “flood” from high lease penetration, what that could do to prices, and how charging access changes who benefits. They also cover safety concerns in minivans (IHS rear-seat injury scores), plus dealer-network costs, ventilated seat preferences, and rapid-charging tech from China.
This week on Auto Buyer's Guide, we're digging into why nobody's making high horsepower hybrids anymore (blame Toyota's pragmatism and the ghost of the Lexus LS 600h), answering viewer questions on 12-volt battery woes and whether you actually need to flush your brakes, and debating why ventilated leather seats are really just a solution to a problem leather created in the first place. We've also got a look at the incoming tidal wave of 800,000-plus used EVs about to flood the market from lease returns, the dismal IIHS rear-seat safety scores that somehow managed to make every minivan in America look bad, GM's surprise resurrection of the Camaro and a Buick sedan on a platform that was already too small the first time around, Geely's absurd 1,100-kilowatt charging demo that puts everything stateside to shame, the $4,000-5,000 dealer markup you're paying whether you realize it or not, and a Chinese plug-in hybrid three-row with 858 horsepower that costs less than a loaded Camry — which really makes you wonder what exactly we're doing over here.
power split planetary hybrid systems
"Troy wrote in why are there no higher output power split planetary hybrid systems?"
This is a type of hybrid where gears inside the transmission help mix the gas engine and electric motor together. It’s designed to work efficiently at different speeds.
A power-split hybrid uses a planetary gearset to blend engine and electric motor power. Toyota’s well-known system is a “power-split” design where the electric motors and the engine share the drivetrain through the planetary gears, enabling efficient operation across speeds.
Toyota Tacoma
"...m would actually be fantastic in something like a Tacoma I don't know. What do you think about that Travi..."
A Tacoma is a medium-size pickup truck made by Toyota. People like it for hauling and for driving on rough roads. In the podcast, it’s brought up as a possible place where a certain idea or setup could fit well.
The Toyota Tacoma is a midsize pickup truck known for off-road capability and everyday practicality. It often comes up in discussions about whether a certain powertrain or feature would work well in a truck format. That’s why it’s mentioned when someone is thinking about applying an idea to a Tacoma specifically.
Toyota Camry
"Obviously, they're not gonna sell anywhere near as much as the front-wheel drive power splits that we have in the RAV4 and the Camry and the Prius"
The Toyota Camry is a common family sedan. The hosts are using it as an example of a hybrid design that’s already successful in big-selling cars.
The Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan that has been sold with hybrid powertrains for years. In this segment, it’s referenced as part of the lineup that uses front-wheel-drive hybrid “power split” architectures that are proven in high-volume vehicles.
Toyota RAV4
"Obviously, they're not gonna sell anywhere near as much as the front-wheel drive power splits that we have in the RAV4 and the Camry and the Prius"
The Toyota RAV4 is a popular SUV. They’re saying Toyota’s hybrid system approach works well in mainstream models like this, which helps explain why some other hybrid layouts don’t get adapted for trucks.
The Toyota RAV4 is a compact SUV that’s been offered with hybrid powertrains. The hosts use it as an example of front-wheel-drive hybrid “power splits” that sell well, contrasting with rear-wheel-drive hybrid setups that don’t scale as easily.
Toyota Prius
"Obviously, they're not gonna sell anywhere near as much as the front-wheel drive power splits that we have in the RAV4 and the Camry and the Prius"
The Toyota Prius is Toyota’s famous hybrid. They’re pointing out that Toyota’s hybrid system works well in high-volume cars like the Prius, so it’s easier to justify and scale.
The Toyota Prius is the best-known hybrid model and has helped popularize Toyota’s hybrid “power split” approach. The hosts mention it to illustrate that front-wheel-drive hybrid systems have strong market adoption compared with rear-wheel-drive hybrid layouts.
diesel engine
"and I go, oh, you know be great is a little diesel engine That'd be way more efficient for this application"
A diesel engine is a type of gas engine that runs on diesel fuel and is often efficient. They’re wondering if using a small diesel would make an extended-range hybrid work better, but it may cost more or add weight.
A diesel engine uses compression ignition and is often valued for fuel efficiency and torque. In the segment, the hosts consider whether a small diesel could be a better generator/efficiency source for an extended-range application, but they point out the trade-offs.
turbo v12's
"...the naturally aspirated v12's of the era mind you obviously the turbo v12's that came around that same time just blew it out of the water"
A turbo V12 is a V12 engine with a turbocharger. The turbo helps it make more power, especially compared to similar engines without turbos.
Turbo V12s use forced induction to increase the amount of air (and thus fuel) the engine can burn, typically boosting power and torque. In the transcript, turbo V12s are described as outperforming naturally aspirated V12s from the same general period.
Bentley
"That's honestly the kind of drivetrain. I would have loved to have seen in a Rolls Royce or Bentley. Oh Okay, I could see that personality"
Bentley makes very upscale luxury cars. The speaker’s saying a smooth, easy-to-use powertrain would fit the way Bentleys are supposed to feel.
Bentley is a British luxury automaker, often associated with a refined, effortless driving experience. The speaker is contrasting drivetrain “personality” and implying that this smooth power delivery would suit Bentley’s luxury image.
Chrysler Aspen
"to create the the multi-stage hybrid that we found for a limited time in GM trucks a Chrysler Aspen BMW and"
The Chrysler Aspen was a big SUV. In this discussion, it’s mentioned as one of the vehicles that briefly used a complicated hybrid setup.
The Chrysler Aspen was a large SUV sold in the mid-2000s, and the speaker mentions it as one of the vehicles that used this unusual hybrid system. It’s notable because the hybrid tech was applied to mainstream large vehicles rather than just niche cars.
Mercedes-Benz ML 450 hybrid
"Was that X6 that lasted two model years the ML 450 hybrid lasted three short model years and"
They’re mentioning a Mercedes hybrid SUV, the ML 450 Hybrid. The point is that some hybrid versions were only produced for a few years.
The Mercedes-Benz ML 450 Hybrid is cited as another short-lived hybrid application. The discussion compares how different manufacturers supported their hybrid systems for varying lengths of time.
12 volt battery drain issue
"He says I have a 2023 EV6 So the Kia with a failing 12 volt battery which seems to be a common problem"
Even in an EV, there’s usually a small 12-volt battery that runs the electronics. If it drains too quickly, the car can act up even though the main battery is fine.
Many EVs still use a conventional 12V battery to power controls, computers, and accessory systems. A “12 volt battery drain issue” means the battery can be depleted faster than expected, which can cause starting/booting problems or warning lights.
lead acid battery
"So taking batteries down to a lower SOC than a regular lead acid battery would as far as being able to recover it better"
Lead-acid is the traditional 12V battery chemistry found in many vehicles. The speaker contrasts it with AGM and lithium, arguing that lead-acid may not recover as well when repeatedly discharged in EV 12V drain scenarios.
lithium batteries
"They're gonna be a bit more expensive the newer crop of relatively in air quotes here affordable Lithium batteries do really interest me here because they should have battery management systems"
Lithium 12-volt batteries are a different type of battery than the usual lead-acid. The appeal is that they can be smarter about protecting themselves and managing charge.
Lithium 12V batteries are an alternative to lead-acid/AGM, typically offering different discharge characteristics and often improved tolerance for cycling. The speaker is interested because lithium packs usually include battery management systems to monitor and protect the battery.
ventilated cloth seats
"ventilated cloth seats or ventilated leather seats?"
Ventilated seats use fans and perforations to move air through the seat surface for cooling. The speaker later focuses on how perforation quality can differ between cloth and leather, affecting comfort and consistency.
perforations
"I think that comes down to kind of the quality of those perforations. It's a lot easier to put clear concise consistent perforations in leather than it is going to be in cloth"
Perforations are the small holes in seat upholstery that allow air from the ventilation system to pass through. The speaker argues that consistent perforation patterns are easier to achieve in leather than in cloth, which can affect cooling performance.
air conditioning
"It was really really common to not have homes with air conditioning like newer builds have air conditioning now. But really wasn't a thing and yeah, and so it was it was a toasty sticky in the summer"
Air conditioning is what keeps the car cool inside. Without it, summer heat can make the cabin feel sticky and uncomfortable.
Air conditioning (A/C) is the system that cools the cabin. In hot, humid climates, it dramatically changes comfort and can affect how people evaluate seat materials and ventilation features.
trim level
"I wonder if it's a trim level thing because cloth is normally seen as the inferior seedy material Upper end is where you start to get the features as well"
Trim level is basically the “version” of the car you buy. Higher trims usually add nicer features like better seats or ventilation.
Trim level is the package of features and equipment a vehicle includes (often tied to price). Seat materials and ventilation are commonly locked behind higher trims, so trim level can determine whether you get cloth, leather, or ventilated seats.
Nagahide
"Which is Subaru speak for nagahide in in a premium and limited so base and mid-level trims"
Nagahide is the name Subaru uses for the material behind their nicer seat upholstery. It helps explain why some trims get that premium seat look/feel while others don’t.
Nagahide is referenced as Subaru’s “speak” for the material behind StarTex. The discussion implies it’s a specific upholstery formulation used on certain Subaru trims, which helps explain why seat material choices vary by model/trim.
stains
"I feel like a big one was also just the the longevity in terms of like stains, right? Your leather isn't gonna stain the same way or it's easier to treat in advance or you clean up in short order"
Stains are a big part of seat upkeep. The hosts are saying leather and cloth don’t stain the same way, and light-colored seats are especially sensitive.
The discussion contrasts how leather and fabric handle staining and how easy they are to treat. The key point is that upholstery choice affects day-to-day upkeep—especially for light colors like white seats.
animal-free interior
"Attached to eco and it says hey if you want an animal-free interior here is a premium You know a polstered material instead."
That just means the car’s seats and trim are made without animal products like leather. Instead, they use man-made or recycled materials that try to look and feel similar.
An “animal-free interior” refers to upholstery materials marketed as not using animal products like leather or wool. Automakers often use synthetic materials or recycled fibers to appeal to eco-conscious buyers while keeping a similar look and feel.
synthetic leather
"So we're using something with what would be a waste product and I'm creating a synthetic, right? You're not creating a synthetic supposedly and the wool blend interiors are similar"
Synthetic leather is fake leather made from materials like plastics and fabric. It’s used so the car can look like leather without using real animal hide.
Synthetic leather is a man-made material designed to mimic leather’s appearance and texture. It’s often used in “vegan” or “animal-free” interior packages, and the quality can range from basic coatings to more durable, fabric-backed composites.
lease returns
"out indexing gas vehicles on the used car market from lease returns But apparently this year in 2026 there will be a sudden glut"
When a lease ends, the car is returned and usually gets sold as a used car. If lots of leases end at once, it can flood the used market.
Lease returns are vehicles that come back to the leasing company at the end of the lease term and then get sold as used cars. Large volumes of lease returns can significantly influence used-car supply and pricing.
Tesla
"Uh, you know penetration there, but where what it comes down to is not tesla sales Absolutely diminishing to nothing."
They’re talking about Tesla as the early EV leader. The point is that today’s EV market is bigger than just Tesla’s sales.
The speaker mentions Tesla to frame EV adoption and sales trends. In the U.S., Tesla’s early lead helped define how consumers think about EVs, but the broader market dynamics now matter more than any one brand.
public charging access
"Hopefully we're talking about not just the new cars every year But that the public charging access or the workplace charging access for all these people who?"
Public charging access means chargers you can use away from home. If there are enough of them, it’s easier to own an EV even if you can’t charge overnight at home.
Public charging access refers to the availability of charging stations outside your home—like at shopping centers, parking garages, and along highways. Better coverage reduces “range anxiety” and makes EV ownership more practical for people who can’t charge at home.
manual transmission
"It's going to have a manual transmission"
A manual transmission means you shift gears yourself using a clutch pedal and a stick. The host is saying this performance sedan is supposed to be more fun to drive because it won’t be automatic-only.
A manual transmission (stick shift) lets the driver choose gears using a clutch and gear lever. In performance cars, it’s often used as a “driver’s car” signal, and the host treats it as part of why this rumored sedan is interesting.
EVs
"Where people by and large don't have home charging and they're really trying to push evs [2895.4s] Into market segments that are different than north america, but it's it is that question of you how important really is it?"
EVs are cars that run on electricity instead of gasoline. How fast and how easy it is to charge them affects whether people buy them.
EVs (electric vehicles) are cars powered primarily by electricity stored in a battery. Their market growth depends heavily on charging availability and charging speed.
carry inventory
"So basically the fact that dealers carry inventory. So you can choose from the selection. Oh cars there rather than ordering and waiting for it to get delivered"
“Carry inventory” means dealerships stock cars on-site rather than waiting for customer orders. Holding inventory ties up money and creates additional costs (space, financing, and logistics), which can be reflected in pricing.
plug-in hybrid
"More like an evy than other plug-in hybrids and i'm forced to just wonder ... is the sort of dislike of plug-in hybrid driving"
A plug-in hybrid is a car that can drive using electricity or gasoline. You can charge it like an EV, but it also has a gas engine for longer trips.
A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) can run on both an internal-combustion engine and an electric motor, and it can be charged from an external power source. The “plug-in” part is what enables more electric driving than a regular hybrid, but it also adds complexity and cost.
complexity comes room for issues
"Hopefully it's reliable, right? Obviously that would be a thing to consider with complexity comes room for for issues, but"
The speaker is pointing out that more complex powertrains (like plug-in hybrids and serial hybrids) can introduce more failure points and harder-to-diagnose problems. Complexity can increase the chance of reliability issues, especially if components are tightly integrated.
Volvo
"Like Volvo could get away with that plug in hybrid system... I think if anybody could get away with a wackadoodle thing like that it could be Volvo"
Volvo is a car brand from Sweden. They’re known for safety, and they’re also working on plug-in hybrid cars. Here, the discussion is about whether Volvo could make a weird-but-usable plug-in hybrid wagon idea work.
Volvo is a Swedish automaker known for safety-focused engineering and, more recently, electrified powertrains. In this segment, the host is discussing whether Volvo could successfully offer a plug-in hybrid wagon-like model in different markets.
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