Wrench Nation

Latest Episodes:

**#344 Car Dealers Can’t Sell Overpriced Inventory… So How Are They Getting the Deals Done?** Sep 04, 2026
Show notes

Dealers Can’t Sell Cars: How to Slay the Negotiation

Car dealers are sitting on inventory, buyers are pushing back on high prices, and the old rules of negotiating a vehicle purchase are changing.

So how do you use today’s market to your advantage?

On this episode of **WrenchNation**, Frank Leutz welcomes back special monthly guest **Ray Shefska of CarEdge** to break down what’s really happening inside today’s dealership..but more importantly, how consumers can use that information when it’s time to buy.

Frank and Ray dig into dealer inventory, pricing pressure, incentives, trade-ins, financing, and the negotiating strategies that can help buyers recognize where a dealership may have room to make a deal.

**In this episode:**

Why some dealers are struggling to move inventory

How long a vehicle has been sitting can affect your negotiating position

When advertised price isn’t necessarily the final price

How to research the market before walking into the dealership

Negotiating the vehicle price separately from your trade-in and financing

Dealer add-ons, fees and other numbers buyers need to watch

When walking away may be your strongest negotiating tool

How to recognize a genuinely good deal versus a cleverly structured payment

What today’s car buyer should know before signing anything

The goal isn’t to “beat” the dealership. It’s to walk into the negotiation informed, prepared and capable of recognizing a fair deal.

**Ray Shefska of CarEdge joins WrenchNation each month with an inside look at the automotive retail market and practical strategies consumers can put to work when buying their next vehicle.**

*If you’re shopping for a new or used vehicle , or thinking about trading your current one..this episode could change the way you approach the negotiating table.*

#342 Behind the Headlines: Why Some Dealers Are Thriving While Others Are Struggling Aug 03, 2026

Show notes

Learn the current dealership trends affecting your next purchase. We analyze the market to help you navigate your next car buying advice session.

We are joined by Ray Shefska, a consumer advocate and co-founder of CarEdge, to discuss the state of the automotive industry. With 43 years of experience inside franchise dealerships, Ray provides an insider perspective on why some stores are struggling while others are thriving. This session is designed for anyone planning on buying a car soon who wants to understand the dealer landscape.

By examining how franchise dealerships operate today, we break down what you need to know before stepping onto a lot. Ray Shefska shares his expertise on the shifting car dealer market so you can enter your next transaction with confidence and clarity.

Subscribe for weekly automotive industry breakdowns, and comment below if you want us to cover specific car buying tips next.

#344 The Great Car Market Reset: Are Dealers Finally Negotiating Again? Jun 08, 2026

Show notes

With Special Monthly Guest Ray Shefska of CarEdge

After several years of inflated prices, limited inventory, and “take it or leave it” dealership attitudes, the automotive market may finally be returning to reality. Is the era of paying thousands over sticker becoming a thing of the past?

On this month’s edition of WrenchNation Radio, host Frank Leutz welcomes back special monthly guest Ray Shefska of CarEdge to examine what many are calling The Great Car Market Reset.

For consumers who delayed buying a vehicle during the pandemic and post-pandemic price surge, the conversation has become increasingly interesting. Rising inventory levels, higher interest rates, and changing consumer demand are putting pressure on dealers nationwide. In many cases, dealerships are once again finding themselves competing for customers rather than customers competing for vehicles.

Additionally , as a last minute in studio surprise -we have young independent film talents Kenny Li and Nothing But Laughz as they discuss their latest film project at Singing Panda Asian Restaurant !

#343 FTC Crackdowns : New Car Dealer Rules You Need to Know Apr 27, 2026

Show notes

FTC Dealer Transparency Rules: What Car Buyers Need to Know

WrenchNation Welcomes Ray Shefska of CarEdge

The car-buying landscape is changing—and consumers need to pay attention.

On our latest episode of WrenchNation, we sat down with Ray Shefska of CarEdge to break down the latest FTC dealership transparency mandates and what they could mean for everyday car buyers across America.

For years, many consumers have faced confusing pricing, surprise add-ons, hidden fees, and high-pressure tactics inside dealership finance offices. Now, the Federal Trade Commission is pushing for stronger transparency standards designed to create a clearer and fairer buying process.

What We Covered on the Show

How hidden fees can inflate the final vehicle price
Why “monthly payment shopping” can cost buyers thousands
Add-ons, warranties, and products consumers should question
What younger buyers expect from the vehicle purchase process
How dealership practices may evolve moving forward
Why informed buyers hold the power in today’s market

Why This Matters

Whether you’re buying new, used, leasing, or just researching your next move, understanding the fine print has never been more important. The old model of confusion and pressure is being challenged, and smart consumers who prepare before stepping onto the lot can save serious money.

Ray Shefska Brings Real Insight

Ray and the team at CarEdge have built a trusted voice in automotive consumer education—helping buyers understand pricing, negotiations, financing, trade-ins, and dealership tactics in plain English. Check out their Youtube channel with a plethora of great information : CareEdge YouTube

#342 Bid Smart: Insider Tips for Buying and Selling Cars at Auction Mar 17, 2026

Show notes

Mecum Auctions Coming to Glendale: Inside the Collector Car Market with David Purvis

We recently welcomed special guest David Purvis to the show to talk about the excitement surrounding the upcoming Mecum Glendale 2026 event coming to Glendale.

David’s passion for collector cars began early, attending classic car auctions with his father—who was a regular participant at Mecum Auctions dating back to its second-ever sale. That lifelong connection to the hobby eventually led David to join Mecum in 2010, where he began working at the fast-paced “Bid Goes On®” desk, gaining firsthand experience in the energy and excitement of live collector car auctions.

In 2011, David moved into a full-time role as a consignment agent, quickly becoming a trusted advisor for collectors looking to buy or sell vehicles at auction. His dedication and leadership earned him a promotion to Director of Consignment in 2023.

Today, David oversees Mecum’s team of consignment agents within the classic and collector car division, working alongside Frank Mecum. Over the years, he has built strong relationships with collectors by focusing on trust, transparency, and delivering successful auction results.

Beyond vehicles, David has also helped bring several significant Road Art® collections to auction, assisting consignors in showcasing and selling rare automotive memorabilia.

During our conversation, David also shared insights into what collectors and enthusiasts can expect at the upcoming Glendale auction—from standout consignments to tips for buyers and sellers looking to participate in one of the most exciting collector car events in the Southwest.

#341 Brake Smarter, Not Harder: Insider Tips from the Godfather of Brakes Dino Crescentini Mar 15, 2026

Show notes

On this episode of WrenchNation, we welcome Dino Crescentini — widely known in the industry as the Godfather of Brakes and a leader at Dynamic Friction Company (DFC). Dino explains the fundamentals of brake pad materials in a way that both technicians and enthusiasts can easily understand. In this episode, we break down the real differences between ceramic, semi-metallic, and organic brake pads—and what those differences mean for safety, performance, noise, heat management, and durability. We also discuss how these choices impact the level of service to the consumer in today’s shop environment, along with the latest legislation that removed copper from brake pads and how that change is affecting modern braking performance.

#340 Amazon Autos: Disruption or Distraction? Feb 14, 2026

Show notes

Shop Smarter: Your Guide to Buying Used Cars Online

In this episode, we dive into smart consumer tips for buying used cars online — and what the launch of Amazon Autos means for everyday buyers.

Joining us is special guest Justin Fischer of CarEdge, who brings expert insight into pricing transparency, dealer tactics, online buying risks, and how consumers can protect themselves in today’s digital car marketplace.

From vehicle history reports and hidden fees to return policies and financing traps, we break down what to look for — and what to avoid — before clicking “buy.”

If you’re considering purchasing your next used car online, this episode will help you shop smarter and buy with confidence.

#339 Why Your Car Feels “Off” But No Warning Lights Are On Jan 26, 2026

Show notes

If your car feels different—but the dashboard is quiet—you’re not crazy.
Modern vehicles don’t always warn you when something’s wrong, and in this episode of WrenchNation, we break down why that happens and what drivers should know. We’ll explain how today’s cars are designed to tolerate small changes without triggering warning lights—and why drivers often feel issues long before a computer decides it’s a “problem.” We’ll talk about common signs your vehicle may be developing an issue even with no lights on, including changes in how it accelerates, idles, steers, brakes, or shifts. Covering the latest news regarding recent HONDA announcement of logo change and more !

#338 The Noise vs The Truth: 2025 Automotive Industry Breakdown Dec 21, 2025

Show notes

2025 was a year of loud headlines and big claims across the automotive world — EV dominance, AI replacing technicians, digital car buying, and the end of traditional repair. But beneath the noise, a very different story was taking shape.

In this episode of WrenchNation, we cut through the hype and break down what actually happened in 2025 — and what it quietly set up for 2026 and beyond. EV sales didn’t collapse, but they clearly hit a wall as affordability, incentives, and infrastructure realities set in. Automakers recalibrated, hybrids gained ground, and consumers began holding onto their vehicles longer than ever.

We also unpack how artificial intelligence is entering the repair shop — not as a replacement for skilled technicians, but as a support tool — and why software updates are now legitimate repairs affecting safety, performance, and reliability. At the same time, the skilled trades shortage reached a tipping point, impacting shop capacity, wait times, and service quality nationwide.

This episode is about clarity, not fear. The future of automotive isn’t flashy — it’s practical, skilled, relationship-driven, and built on trust between drivers and the professionals who keep their vehicles safe and reliable.