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Auction Surprises And Sedan Returns May 01, 2026

Show notes

A $5,500 Cadillac Fleetwood. A $39,900 Pontiac Catalina convertible. A clean 2007 GMC bringing nearly $20K. We jump into the week’s most eyebrow-raising Hemmings sold results and talk through what those numbers say about the collector car market right now, from big-body comfort cruisers to classics that keep climbing. If you’ve been wondering what your project is really worth or what it’ll cost to buy your next toy, these comps are the kind of reality check you can actually use.
Then we get into the bigger automotive news story that’s starting to feel real again: sedans. With average new car transaction prices pushing past $50,000 and fuel economy rules reshaping how vehicles are categorized, automakers are looking hard at the “underserved” car buyer. We talk GM rumors of a Buick sedan tied to the next Cadillac CT5 and Chevy Camaro platform, Stellantis floating a new car under $30K, Ford’s “never say never” posture, and even Infiniti and Mitsubishi signaling a return to four-door options. We also bring it home with the day-to-day side of the debate: do you truly need an SUV, or do you just need a smart, comfortable sedan?
We wrap with our Texas cruise-in and events calendar, plus a blunt look at why dealership service departments are losing ground to quick lube shops, even when some newer vehicles come with “free” maintenance. If you care about value, convenience, and keeping your ride in shape, you’ll want to hear this part.
Subscribe for more award-winning car talk, share this with a friend who’s shopping for a car, and leave a review so more drivers can find us. What would you buy next: sedan, SUV, or something weird and imported?

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We Check In From The Road And Then Dig Into Shortages, Ads, EV Delays, And Recalls Apr 30, 2026

Show notes

A live road trip check-in should be simple, but when you’re a live car talk show, it turns into a full-speed sprint through the biggest stories of the week. We start with some real-time studio chaos, then dig into why Ford F-150 inventory is suddenly so tight and what a supply shock like an aluminum plant fire can do to prices, selection, and dealer lots across the country.
Next, we get into the uncomfortable stuff: the FTC asking dealers to report other dealers who break federal vehicle advertising rules. We talk through what “self-policing” could fix, what it could break, and why shoppers should be extra careful with too-good-to-be-true price ads. From there, we vent about CEO compensation, react to Mary Barra’s reported pay package, and connect it to GM’s decision to delay its next-generation full-size electric truck program while the market leans harder into hybrids and proven gas platforms.
Then we lighten it up with car culture fun: a quick hit on WeatherTech money moves, a surprisingly heated floor mat debate, and a game of matching famous car slogans to the right automaker. We also run through a practical recall roundup including Goodyear performance tires, Lexus fuel pump issues, Ford F-150 downshift concerns, and more. We wrap with our Hot Rod Tour Of Texas update from the highway, with the crew rolling from New Braunfels toward Fredericksburg and all the small-town charm in between.
Subscribe for more weekly automotive news and laughs, share this with a friend who’s shopping for a truck, and leave a review so more car people can find us.

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From NASCAR Fortresses To The 2026 Blazer EV SS Apr 29, 2026

Show notes

Castles, pirate hatches, trophy rooms, and a Manhattan condo that hit $30 million: we start by tracing how NASCAR success turns into real-world luxury, one jaw-dropping home at a time. We walk through the standout properties tied to names fans know, from Kevin Harvick’s fortress-like estate to Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s Key West pirate paradise, plus the trophy-ready design choices that make a driver’s house feel like a personal museum.
Then we flip the focus from celebrity real estate to a hands-on electric SUV review with the 2026 Chevrolet Blazer EV, including the SS trim. We talk design details you’ll notice instantly, what options feel overpriced, and the cabin tech that changes the day-to-day experience. One of the biggest conversation starters: the Blazer EV setup with no start button and no stop button, along with GM’s move away from Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in favor of an in-house system tied to OnStar.
We also get into the EV numbers shoppers care about: a 102 kWh battery, dual motors with all-wheel drive, big horsepower, claimed range, and how real-world efficiency can feel different when you’re actually plugging in at home or at work. To help you place it in the market, we compare pricing and point to alternatives like the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Cadillac Lyriq, and Ford Mustang Mach-E. If you enjoyed the mix of motorsports culture and practical car-buying insight, subscribe, share the show with a friend, and leave us a review.

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Painthouse Heads West?!?!? Apr 28, 2026

Show notes

Randy Borcherding drops a surprise that instantly changes the vibe: he’s moved Painthouse out of Houston and into the mountains of Utah. We talk through the why behind the decision, the reality of relocating a hands-on custom car business, and what it feels like to start a new chapter at 60. Randy also shares how the move becomes official only recently, why he keeps things quiet until the dust settles, and what he actually gains day to day with less humidity, friendlier traffic, and a new pace of life.
Then we get into the shop details gearheads care about. Randy is now partnering with an established operation called Altered Customs in the Salt Lake area, working in a larger warehouse-style space with full fabrication, body, paint, mechanical, and electrical work under one roof. He explains how two separate booths help keep dirty bodywork away from clean paint, and he walks us through what’s currently on deck, from a clean ’57 Bel Air to big ongoing projects that came up from Texas. The highlight for purists is the 1966 Jaguar XKE convertible: original inline-six, manual gearbox, and a plan focused on preserving what makes the car special instead of turning it into a resto-mod.
We also hit our regular segments with quick, useful takeaways: a racing calendar check-in across NHRA, NASCAR, and IndyCar, plus This Week In Auto History with milestones like the electric starter, Earth Day’s impact on emissions and catalytic converters, Volvo’s safety legacy, and the first modern car radio. In the news, we react to a Bugatti dealership lawsuit tied to warranty reimbursement rates and laugh at how the industry follows the money as Mopar rolls out pet-focused accessories for drivers who travel with four-legged passengers.
If you like car restoration stories, custom automotive paint talk, and the business side of car culture, subscribe for more, share this with a friend, and leave a review so more enthusiasts can find us.

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A Live Road Update From The Hot Rod Tour Of Texas Apr 27, 2026

Show notes

A 300-car convoy is a moving story, and we catch it while it’s happening. We get Sabre Sparkman and Bobby on the phone as they roll into Blanco, Texas, sharing a real-time update from the Hot Rod Tour of Texas, including the Victoria kickoff night, the symphony at Town Square, and what it takes to get hundreds of cars and 600 plus participants fed, fueled, and back on the road without chaos.
We dig into what makes this tour work: all-new routes through the Texas Hill Country, smart lunch stops like 40 Darks Garage, and the little upgrades that separate a good car event from a great one. You’ll hear how the garage crawl keeps growing, why the kickoff party stays open to the public, and the best part of the whole thing, the community vibe where strangers become instant problem-solvers when a car needs help. Want to follow along from home? They point you to the Hot Rod Tour of Texas Facebook page for live posts, drone clips, and even helicopter footage.
Then we shift into Jeff’s Motor Minute for a fun detour into NASCAR driver real estate, from pirate-themed escapes to trophy-room estates. Finally, Don reviews the 2026 Chevrolet Blazer EV SS, covering styling, dual screens, power and range, pricing, and two big talking points: there’s no start button, and GM drops Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in favor of an in-house system.
Subscribe for more honest car reviews and real car stories, share this with a friend who lives for road trips, and leave a rating or review so more drivers can find us. What’s your non-negotiable on a new car: CarPlay, range, or price?

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Balloons To Backorders - How Helium Messes With Cars Apr 24, 2026

Show notes

Helium is the last thing most drivers think about until a car can’t ship because a chip can’t ship. We follow a surprising thread from helium balloons to the clean rooms where semiconductors are made, and why a strained global helium supply can raise fresh questions about automotive chip availability. If you remember the pandemic-era semiconductor shortage, this conversation makes one thing clear: the next bottleneck might come from a material most of us never associate with cars.
We break down what helium actually does inside a semiconductor fab, including how it helps purge contamination during wafer processing and supports precision steps like extreme ultraviolet lithography. Then we connect the dots to the vehicles you see on the road, from advanced driver assistance systems to EV hardware and infotainment. Because liquid helium boils off so easily, stockpiling is not simple, so logistics and semiconductor grade supply matter as much as the raw production numbers.
From there we shift into the fun stuff that keeps car people glued to the weekend: Jeff’s racing calendar with NASCAR and IndyCar, plus a few schedule notes influenced by world events. Mike brings This Week in Auto History, touching Pontiac milestones, the Oakland name that helped shape GM history, the polarizing Honda Element, and the Mustang’s legendary launch day. We also hit current headlines, including EV registration trends after tax credit changes and the update on Carroil Shelby Way at Ford.
If you like smart car talk with real-world supply chain context, listen now, share it with a friend, and leave a review so more drivers can find us. After you hear it, what surprised you most: helium in chips or how fragile “small” supplies can be?

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How A Community College Dyno Day Teaches Real Horsepower Apr 23, 2026

Show notes

Watching a car run on a dyno is pure theater, but the numbers can also save you money, guide smarter tuning, and even keep you safer. We head to Northeast Texas Community College in Mount Pleasant, Texas, to talk with Austin Maness from the Carol Shelby Auto Institute about their Dyno Day event and what really happens before a vehicle ever makes a pull. We get clear on what a dynamometer measures, why rear-wheel drive matters for their setup, and what participants actually learn from horsepower and torque data.
We also get honest about the not-so-fun side of performance testing: liability, safety inspections, and the kind of mechanical problems that can shut the whole day down. Austin explains how risk mitigation works in practice, from tech checks to turning cars away when something looks off. Then we dig into a situation a lot of owners face, a tune that doesn’t feel right, and how flashing back to factory settings can be the cleanest way to rebuild confidence in a car’s drivability.
To round it out, we share our 2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid review with real-world impressions and real-world fuel economy. The Sportage PHEV X-Line Prestige AWD brings strong combined power, a sharp redesign, and impressive efficiency when you actually plug it in, plus a few driving quirks worth knowing before you buy. If you’re into car culture, dyno testing, automotive education, or plug-in hybrid SUVs, this one is built for you. Subscribe, share the show, and leave a review, what would you put on the dyno first?

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Glowing Tires, 21+ get aways, and the Kia Sportage PHEV? Apr 22, 2026

Show notes

Glowing tires were once pitched as one of the most dramatic developments in automotive history, and we can’t stop thinking about how close it came to being real. We dig into Goodyear’s illuminated tire experiment from the late 1950s and 1960s: translucent polyurethane “neothane,” dye colors, and small lights mounted inside the rim so the whole tire could shine at night. It’s a perfect slice of retro car culture, equal parts engineering ambition and marketing bravado, right down to the promise that your tires could match your car or even your outfit.
Then we change gears into travel mode with quick, practical Texas Hill Country getaway ideas built for comfort, quiet, and big skies. We talk through glamping destinations near Austin and beyond, including 21+ spots designed for couples, luxury tents that actually feel like tiny cabins, and futuristic pods with patios and private jacuzzies. If you’re planning a Mother’s Day trip or just need a weekend reset, these recommendations focus on what matters: vibe, views, and what you really get for the price.
We close with a hands-on 2026 Kia Sportage PHEV review, covering styling updates, minimalist interior design, and the real question with any plug-in hybrid SUV: does plugging in pay off? We share real-world MPG results, performance notes on the 1.6L turbo hybrid system, and what still needs improvement like downshift timing and acceleration feel. If you’re shopping a compact SUV that feels like a midsize, comparing a Sportage PHEV to options like the RAV4 Prime or Tucson PHEV, this breakdown helps you decide.
Subscribe for more car history, travel picks, and honest reviews, and if you enjoyed the mix, share the show and leave a quick rating and review. Which part surprised you most: glowing tires, glamping pods, or that plug-in hybrid mileage?

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Recall Roundup, Wild Auction Prices, and some Glamping ideas? Apr 21, 2026

Show notes

A modern car can fail you in two very different ways: a broken part you can hear and feel, or a software and security issue you never see coming. We start with the real-world stuff first, running down this week’s biggest automotive recalls, including the Ford F-150 transmission problem that can trigger an unexpected downshift, plus a long list spanning Kia, Hyundai, Honda, Toyota, Lexus, Tesla, Volkswagen, and more. We also revisit the Takata airbag mess and the simple step that still matters most: check your VIN and get the remedy done through the manufacturer.
Then we lighten the mood with a listener-favorite game: “guess what it sold for.” We throw out bids on everything from a 1970 Dodge Coronet and an underappreciated 1984 Mustang convertible to a true jaw-dropper, a 1958 Chevrolet Impala convertible with a 409 that proves just how crazy classic car auction prices can get when rarity and originality line up.
To close it out, we share Texas driving destinations with a Hill Country twist: glamping for grown-ups. Think luxury tents, futuristic pods, hot tubs, big decks, dark skies, and easy weekend access from Houston, Austin, San Antonio, and DFW. We also hit the cruise-in and events calendar and a quick headline on Stellantis partnering with Microsoft on AI and cybersecurity for connected vehicles.
Subscribe for more weekly car talk, share this with your favorite gearhead, and leave a review so more people can find the show. What car would you gamble on in our “guess the price” game?

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Why California Pays A Weather Tax On Gas And Cars Apr 20, 2026

Show notes

Gas at $6.50 a gallon changes the mood of any car conversation fast, and it kicks off a wide ranging hang with auto journalist Jack Nerad as we compare California’s pump prices with the rest of the country and unpack the idea of a coastal “weather tax.” We talk about why the Golden State stays irresistible to visit even when the politics, taxes, and cost of living feel like a constant headwind, and what those pressures mean for everyday drivers.
From there, we get into the good stuff: what’s actually fun to drive right now. Jack’s pick, the Volvo V60 Cross Country, is a reminder that a great station wagon still has a place in 2026, especially when it’s practical and genuinely enjoyable on real roads. We also dig into electric vehicles with fresh impressions of the all electric Toyota C-HR and Subaru’s newest small EV, including the punchy acceleration that can surprise you even if you think you’re “over” EV hype. If you care about modern car reviews, EV performance, and how these new platforms change cabin space and driving feel, this conversation is for you.
Then we zoom out to car culture and automotive media. Why did car TV channels vanish while cooking and remodeling shows took over, and what replaces them now? We trade thoughts on low cost, high honesty content like Vice Grip Garage, and we debate NASCAR’s sliding ratings, confusing race formats, and how “stock cars” became hard to tell apart.

Jeff also brings a wild throwback with Goodyear’s glowing illuminated tires, a real experiment that sounded futuristic until road grime and physics showed up.
Subscribe, share this with a car friend, and leave a review if you want more smart, funny, real world car talk. What’s the most overpriced thing about driving where you live right now?

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