The Auto Buyers Guide team is dedicated to bringing you the latest in automotive industry news, car buying advice, car reviews, and all things car, truck, SUV, and EV. Every week Alex and Travis try to tackle important questions like: are software defined cars a thing? Should shiny black plastic be banned?
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EVs, Trucks, Muscle Cars & 2025 Bad Takes - With Guest Host From CarBuzz (01:39:26)
Welcome back to Auto Buyer’s Guide! In this jam-packed episode, Travis returns from travel and we’re joined by Jared from CarBuzz to break down the biggest car stories, hottest debates, and most questionable opinions in the auto world.
Rumors around the next-generation Chevy Silverado
The rising cost of new cars
The controversial electric Dodge Charger
Extended-range EVs and hybrids
Changing regulations in the U.S. and Europe
Kia’s expanding (and possibly confusing) lineup
And a series of deliberately absurd debate games
At a deeper level, however, the show revolves around one central tension:
Most loud opinions about cars come from people who don’t buy new cars—while the industry is built almost entirely around people who do.
That tension explains nearly every disagreement discussed in the episode.
2. Silverado Rumors: Bigger V8s, Familiar Philosophy
The first substantive topic is the Chevy Silverado, specifically a new patent filing that hints at the next generation of GM’s full-size truck. The hosts note that it’s unusual for this information to surface via the patent office rather than the usual leak channels, which lends credibility to the rumors.
Key points on the next Silverado:
Expected to remain evolutionary, not revolutionary
Likely to share much of its structure with the outgoing model
Rumored new V8 engine family with larger displacements (5.7L and possibly 6.6L)
Continued reliance on pushrod architecture, which GM engineers favor for cylinder deactivation
There’s a recognition that while enthusiasts may crave radical redesigns, GM’s success with the Silverado comes from refinement, not reinvention. The 5.3-liter V8, while not universally beloved, is efficient, durable, and deeply embedded in GM’s manufacturing ecosystem.
A recurring theme emerges here:
Car companies don’t abandon proven hardware unless they’re forced to.
3. “What Have You Had It With?”: Bad Comparisons and Internet Brain Rot
One of the most animated segments is the “What Have You Had It With?” discussion, where frustration spills over about how cars are compared online.
The core complaint is simple:
People constantly compare cars that are not meant to compete.
Examples include:
Comparing a Dodge Charger EV to a Tesla Model 3
Dismissing large sedans or SUVs because a smaller car is “better in every way”
Ignoring fundamental differences in size, purpose, and use case
The hosts argue that this kind of commentary is intellectually lazy. A Model 3 may be quicker, cheaper, and more efficient—but it does not:
Seat adults comfortably in the back
Offer the same interior volume
Deliver the same highway presence or ride character
This leads directly into the electric Dodge Charger, which becomes a lightning rod (pun intended) for this kind of flawed comparison.
4. The Electric Dodge Charger: Dumb, Brilliant, and Very Dodge
The electric Dodge Charger is described as simultaneously ridiculous and perfectly on-brand.
What the Charger EV is:
Enormous (over 207 inches long)
Extremely heavy (approaching three tons)
Fitted with absurdly wide, expensive performance tires
Shockingly capable on a skidpad and figure-eight test
Able to drift, do donuts, and behave like a traditional muscle car
What it is not:
A Tesla Model 3 competitor
A minimalist efficiency exercise
An enthusiast “purist” vehicle
The hosts emphasize that Dodge didn’t try to make a sensible EV. Instead, they asked:
“What would Dodge do if it were electric?”
The answer was:
Make it huge
Make it loud (via synthesized sound)
Make it fast
Make it impractical
Make it unmistakably Dodge
In that sense, the Charger EV is compared favorably to the original Hellcat—a car that was never logical, but deeply aligned with its brand identity.
5. The Bigger Problem: Who Actually Buys New Cars?
This discussion leads naturally into one of the most important points of the episode:
Car companies do not design cars for the used market.
New car buyers tend to be:
Over 50 years old
Homeowners
Higher income
Less interested in manuals, convertibles, or “raw” driving experiences
More interested in comfort, tech, AWD, and convenience
This explains:
Why interiors are dominated by giant screens
Why manuals continue to disappear
Why enthusiast complaints rarely influence product planning
The hosts openly acknowledge their own aging preferences, noting that desires change over time—even when that realization is uncomfortable.
6. The Maverick Lesson: Small Trucks, Big Demand
The Ford Maverick is used as an example of what happens when a manufacturer cautiously tests the market and is surprised by demand.
Key takeaways:
Ford and Hyundai (with the Santa Cruz) dipped their toes into the compact truck segment
Ford’s hybrid Maverick, initially seen as niche, exploded in popularity
Demand caught even Ford off guard
Other manufacturers quickly realized they had misread the market
The irony is that the Maverick succeeds precisely because it is not a “sports truck”. It’s practical, efficient, and affordable—qualities that resonate with real buyers, not just online commenters.
7. Extended-Range EVs: Solving the Wrong Problem (Or the Right One?)
Extended-range EVs (EREVs) and plug-in hybrids generate mixed reactions.
On paper:
They offer electric driving with gasoline backup
They reduce range anxiety
They can make sense for towing or long-distance use
In practice:
Many owners don’t plug them in
Fuel economy suffers if treated like regular hybrids
Marketing terms blur the line between EVs and PHEVs
A key concern is charging access. The hosts note that many newer EV buyers live in:
Apartments
Condos
HOA-restricted housing
Without home charging, the EV ownership experience deteriorates quickly. The fear is that EREVs will become gas cars in practice, undermining their intended purpose.
8. The $50,000 Reality: New Car Prices and What People Actually Finance
One of the most sobering discussions centers on cost.
Facts discussed:
The average new car price in the U.S. exceeds $50,000
The average new car loan is closer to $42,000
The average used car loan sits around $27,000
This leads to a hypothetical exercise:
What would each host buy new for $42,000?
What would they buy used for $27,000?
Answers range from:
Plug-in hybrid compact SUVs (practical, family-friendly)
To absurd, entertaining choices like a six-door Cadillac Fleetwood limo
The point isn’t the specific vehicles—it’s the acknowledgment that price ceilings shape real decisions far more than internet arguments do.
9. Charger Sixpack vs. Charger EV: A Brand Identity Crisis
The conversation returns to the Dodge Charger, this time focusing on the Sixpack version with a turbocharged inline-six engine.
While objectively impressive:
550 horsepower
Modern engineering
BMW-like refinement
It presents a branding problem.
Dodge built its reputation on:
V8 noise
Excess
Aggression
Anti-European bravado
Now, Dodge is selling:
An EV muscle car
An inline-six that echoes BMW engineering
The hosts question whether Dodge’s traditional audience—already alienated by a three-year gap in Charger availability—will return at all.
Brand loyalty, once broken, is hard to rebuild.
10. Arizona’s Speed Limit Proposal: Freedom vs. Reality
A lighter but revealing topic is Arizona’s proposed daytime speed limit removal on certain highways.
Key observations:
Studies suggest average speeds don’t increase much when limits are removed
Most drivers settle around 77–78 mph regardless
Nighttime limits would remain for safety
The hosts joke that this works in Germany largely because of driver discipline, not just road design—a quality they are skeptical exists universally in the U.S.
11. Kia’s Lineup: Too Much of a Good Thing?
Kia’s expanding lineup sparks debate:
K4 hatchback
Seltos hybrid
Niro
Overlapping segments
Questions arise:
Is Kia spreading itself too thin?
Why does Kia lack a true performance “N” equivalent?
Why does brand positioning feel inconsistent?
Despite this, hatchbacks are defended as viable in the U.S., citing:
Civic Hatchback success
Corolla Hatchback sales
Subaru Impreza ditching the sedan entirely
12. Europe’s M1e Category: Incentivizing Smaller EVs
One of the most forward-looking discussions involves Europe’s new M1e vehicle category.
Highlights:
EVs under certain size limits earn extra regulatory credits
Designed to encourage smaller, lighter vehicles
A response to concerns that cars are becoming too large
The hosts speculate that:
This could nudge manufacturers toward downsizing designs
Pricing pressure might ease in this segment
It may create genuinely affordable EVs over time
This contrasts sharply with the U.S., where size and weight are often rewarded rather than penalized.
13. Canada vs. the U.S.: Who Gets the Good EVs?
Canada emerges as a surprise winner:
Access to smaller, cheaper Kia EVs
Broader EV lineup overall
Vehicles the U.S. won’t get due to tariffs, regulations, and market priorities
The frustration is clear:
The U.S. often misses out on sensible EVs in favor of larger, more expensive ones.
14. Trucks, Platforms, and the Cost of Commitment
The discussion turns technical again with EV truck platforms.
Key insight:
GM’s dedicated EV truck platforms (Silverado EV, Sierra EV) are less flexible
Ford and Ram can adapt gas platforms into hybrids or EREVs more easily
Retrofitting engines into EV-only architectures is extremely difficult
This has financial implications:
Flexibility matters when regulations and demand shift
Dedicated EV platforms are riskier bets
15. Extended-Range Trucks: Who Are They Really For?
Extended-range trucks are framed not as mass-market solutions, but as:
Premium products
Compliance tools
Niche vehicles for wealthy buyers and commercial users
They may:
Help manufacturers hedge against regulatory shifts
Provide benefits like extended regenerative braking while towing
Enable powerful onboard generators for job sites and utilities
But they are unlikely to solve affordability concerns anytime soon.
16. Development Cycles: Why Policy Whiplash Matters
A crucial reminder closes the serious discussion:
Car development cycles last 5–7 years
Political administrations last 4 years
Manufacturers cannot pivot instantly
Rolling back regulations doesn’t magically resurrect old engines or cheap cars. Tooling, compliance, and global markets prevent that fantasy.
17. Games and Absurdity: Ending on Purpose
The episode ends with “Defend the Indefensible” and “Would You Rather” games, forcing participants to argue:
CVTs as the best transmission ever
Piano black as the ultimate interior trim
The Fiat Multipla as sexy
And finally, that the Mazda Miata is not a sports car
The absurdity is intentional. It reinforces the show’s larger point:
Arguments are easy. Nuance is hard.
Caddy's Vistiq is Confusing, A Fiat Designed For Unlicensed French Drivers, & Subaru vs Toyota vs Lexus (01:09:36)
In this Almost-Christmas episode of the Auto Buyer’s Guide Podcast, we take a deep dive into the Cadillac Vistiq and the realities of GM’s Ultium EV platform, including charging speeds, battery design, and long-term ownership implications.
We also debate whether buyers should skip the Mazda CX-70 entirely and just buy the CX-90, answer a listener question on Subaru vs Toyota vs Lexus AWD systems, and compare the Vistiq against rivals like the Volvo EX90, Hyundai Ioniq 9, Rivian R1S, Lucid Gravity, and Tesla Model X.
Along the way, we discuss:
Why Cadillac dropped Apple CarPlay — and why it still matters
Dolby Atmos in cars and whether artists should control the mix
Mercedes ditching glue for screws to improve repairability
The strange case of the Fiat Topolino, a quadricycle that isn’t really a car
Mazda’s confusing CX-70 strategy and real-world reliability concerns
This episode blends real-world driving impressions, industry insight, and buyer-focused advice to help you decide what actually makes sense in today’s EV and SUV market.
Episode Highlights
Cadillac Vistiq charging & Ultium limitations
Apple CarPlay vs built-in infotainment systems
Mazda CX-70 vs CX-90: what Mazda got wrong
AWD differences: Subaru, Toyota, Lexus explained
Luxury EV SUV comparison breakdown
Auto industry news you actually need to know
Why Do RWD Vehicles Tow More? New RAV4 Towing, Nisan's e-Power Is Almost Here, No Kei Car Dreams (01:18:37)
In this viewer/listener request episode, Alex and Travis explore a bit of confusion with the new RAV4's rowing numbers, whether a Corvette Stingray should get traded for a Lexus, and which new car features are over-engineered and unnecessary. They also deep dive into the controversial changes the president has made to the CAFE (Corporate Average Fuel Economy) standards and why it isn't likely to change affordability much. Then the guys take a walk down memory lane with how MPG numbers are calculated, and a deep-dive into Nissan's new e-Power system. e-Power is Nissan's first major foray into hybrids... with a twist. The e-Power system is a series hybrid only, which is different from most "serial/series hybrids" sold in the USA so far from Honda and Mitsubishi's systems to GM's Voltec that was initially described as an "EV with a backup plan".
EVs in a Phoenix summer, Dodge brings back the V6, Jeep has too many EVs (01:09:11)
In this wildly scatterbrained episode, we break down the biggest reveals from the LA Auto Show, including updates on Honda’s Prelude, the Jeep Recon, the redesigned Telluride, and Stellantis’ ever-confusing EV strategy. We also dive deep into Tesla’s shockingly high German inspection failure rates, and answer a listener's question about how much EV range you really need—especially if you live somewhere brutally hot like Phoenix.
Topics Covered:
LA Auto Show: What’s new, what’s exciting, what’s… confusing
Jeep’s EV lineup and the puzzling brand strategy
Honda Prelude: performance expectations & pricing concerns
Kia Telluride engine updates
Tesla’s poor showing in German TÜV inspections
Real-world EV range needs in extreme climates
BrightDrop, GM decisions, and future EV vans
Nissan’s odd Rogue/Outlander plug-in hybrid mashup
Does Jeep have too many EVs while Volvo has too few? Also, Honda gets a new hybrid system. (01:19:09)
Does Jeep have too many EVs while Volvo has too few? Also, Honda gets a new hybrid system.
Toyota's New RAV4 Is A Winner, Jeep's EV Is Underbaked, Nissan's Versa Needs A Resurrection (01:09:35)
In this episode Alex gets on his soapbox about affordable transportation and why a cheap new car is better than a used car, and why it's important for our economy that they exist. Travis talks about Toyota's all-hybrid RAV4 and how the new 324 horsepower GR Sport model compares against the competition. Rounding things out, the guys discuss what exactly is wrong with the Wagoneer S...
Nissan’s New Leaf, NACS Isn’t Perfect, Toyota Corolla Cross, & The Electric TrailBoss (01:25:21)
Travis and Alex wander across a bunch of topics today from the dual-charging port weirdness on the new Nissan Leaf, they question whether the Silverado EV TrailBoss might really be a trail intern, and why the Corolla Cross might or might not be the ultimate Corolla.
Lucid Air Review, "800V" Explained, Emissions Rollbacks, Lease End Options, (01:15:01)
Welcome to another episode of the Auto Buyer's Guide podcast. This week we're driving the Lucid Air, the most efficient car in North America. Travis also got some time in the first ever electric Trail Boss from Chevrolet. We're going to discuss 400 volt, an 800 volt charging, what the new emissions rollbacks might mean for you and for vehicles in the future.
Over Mileage Leases, Durango's V8 Problem, & The Legacy Of Cash For Clunkers (00:46:44)
In today's episode, Travis and Alex discuss lease-end issues when you've gone over your mileage limit, luxury car maintenance costs, the death of the Nissan Ariya and the base Cybertruck. Also, Dodge's Durango continues for another year, but it loses the V6 and picks back up the 6.4L and Hellcat engines... Except if you're in CARB states where the 5.7 will be the only option. Is there a way around that? Not really. Lastly cash for clunkers did seem to cause increased used car prices, but the higher efficiency of the models traded in likely balances that out.
China is driving safety, tire sizes explained, and minivans aren't all that after all? (01:11:52)
Once upon a time, China followed the world when it came to safety regulations and standards, but this is 2025, and China is forging its own path, especially when it comes to new tech like one-pedal driving and electronic door releases. Is this the right move or not? Travis and Alex also discuss minivans vs big SUVs and how tire sizes work. Travis drives a new Leaf, Alex continues his campaign against black plastic.
New Car Buying Guide - Tips, Tricks, Dos, Don'ts, and Horror Stories (01:06:49)
Here's what to do (and not do) when buying a new car and what you can expect.
-Discounts
-Invoice isn't the real cost
-Financing works in your favor
-Extended warranties
-Shop around
-Going out of state can go wrong
Jeep's Cherokee was always a "Crossover", RAM's V8 is back, Kia's Sportage is less ugly than before (00:57:15)
In today's rambling episode, we talk about the resurrected HEMI in Ram's 1500 truck, and why it is and isn't a big deal. Tesla has a new Model Y Performance, Jeep's new Compass is starting as a hybrid-only soft-roader... And that's ok. Why? Because news flash: it's never been a Wrangler. Also: since there's a 4-door Wrangler, and a 4-door Grand Cherokee... Why does the Cherokee need to be similar to either of those? Oh, and we chat about how to get the EV tax credit if you have an EV on order but it won't arrive "on time."
Legroom Cheating Explained, Durango Gets Another Year, Blazer EV SS Is 'Murican Muscle Reborn? (01:02:33)
In this episode Alex and Travis take a deep dive into legroom. How it's measured, why you can't always trust the numbers, and why we always talk about legroom in a specific way. We also ask: is the Blazer EV SS the modern Grand National? -gasp- Oh, and Durango gets another year to live, standard V8s and a bonkers top-end price tag.
Prices Are Going Up, Again, Alex's Daughter Is In The Hot Seat, Car Categories Are Confusing. (00:41:52)
Where is the safest place for your child's car seat? Well, that kind of "depends." In this solo episode Alex tackles viewer questions while Travis is out sick including why there's a baby behind Alex's seat instead of being on the other side. Also, why car prices are on sharp rise skyward, why we're always comparing strange things, and just why is it that top trims are missing seats...
Want Your New Car To Last Longer? Don't Get These Features (01:01:36)
What should you do, and not do, if you want your car to last longer? Well, it's the 21st century so don't be afraid of power windows or doors locks, but you might want to think twice about performance options, DCTs, CVTs, and yes... Even manual transmissions.
Speed Cameras Are Evil, There's A New Mazda CX-5, Alex & Travis Get Political (01:01:31)
What would tax policy be like if Alex and Travis ruled the US? Scary though, no? Less scary: the new 2026 Mazda CX-5 is finally coming! Although... Not everyone will be a fan of the styling and design direction which has gone more minimal than ever before. Oh, and speed cameras should be burnt at the stake.
We know less about reliability than ever, EV tax credits are toast (and Tesla with it?) (01:05:10)
Sadly due to one of the smallest datasets since CR started reporting on new car reliability, we know less about reliability than at any point in decades. How does a Dodge or some Jeep models compare to a Toyota? Who really knows. Honda vs Toyota? We have those numbers down, but the rest? It's a crapshoot. Travis and Alex also talk about the EV tax credit dying off, CAFE fines going to zero and what that might mean for the auto industry as a whole.
2025 Mercedes CLE And The Death Of The Convertible, Travis Almost Buys Something (01:00:51)
Over the last 20 years convertible sales have plunged by more than 80%. Ouch. Once upon a time ragtops were over 5% of all new car sales and now they are down to a fraction. Why has this happened? What can we do about it? And why might it be time for a Sebring resurrection?
Nissan Turns Over A New Leaf, Just As Hybrids Proliferate. (01:06:11)
Alex and Travis talk about Nissan's new entry-level EV, which is, let's be honest, unlikely to be as inexpensive as Chevy's upcoming Bolt replacement. They also deep-dive into hybrids from the new performance hybrid Corvette (no, not the E-Ray) to the Maverick and beyond. They also dish about sport trucks...
RAM Is Protesting... Themselves? (01:12:55)
The HEMI IS BACK! With it comes a new logo, a symbol of protest! Yep! Protest the patriarchy! Um, wait, but they did this to themselves, so... RAM is protesting RAM?
America's declining influence in the auto world might be a good thing? (01:02:20)
Travis and Alex help a viewer decide which 3-row is right for them and then start theorizing about America's declining importance when it comes to automotive design. Now that the US is not the largest market in the world, and it's continuing to contract, will we see more interesting cars here? Also, why is it that "cars not designed for us" seem more interesting?
RAM's bringing back the TRX, EV maintenance schedules, how tariffs are impacting the car market (00:56:35)
Travis and Alex are back after an extended break that's the result of too much travel, too much news, and Alex moving to Bogota for a spell. Yep, that Bogota. Anyway, in today's episode we talk about the impact of the US tariffs on imported cars and car parts, how it's changing not just the new car market but the used market as well. We'll dive into maintenance schedules on mainstream EVs, why maybe the NACS transition is a bit "cart before the horse" and rumors around RAM finally resurrecting the V8, or so we hope...
New Cars Are Made For The Wealthy, Because That's Who Buys Them... (00:59:31)
In this episode, Travis and Alex tiptoe around politics, talk about tariffs, who's actually buying new cars, and try to find exactly how small something has to be in order to be "compact." They also tackle the trickiest question in the business: just how do you pronounce Jaguar?
Here's What We *Really* Think Of Every Car Company In America, Part 2 (01:29:36)
In this video we talk Nissan, Tesla, Mazda and more. Here's where we think companies have gone wrong, and what they can do to fix it... As if we knew how to fix a car company that is....
Here's What We Really Think Of Every Car Company In America (00:59:22)
Watch out, this time we let you all have it! Yep, this is our unvarnished opinions of every car company that sells cars in America.
