Auto Buyers Guide Podcast

Caddy's Vistiq is Confusing, A Fiat Designed For Unlicensed French Drivers, & Subaru vs Toyota vs Lexus

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

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

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.

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

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

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,

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

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?

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

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