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THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor | Episode #345

Autotrader Executive Editor, Brian Moody, brings us the latest advice and reviews from the site to keep us in the automotive loop, on this episode of The DRIVE with Alan Taylor. First off, Alan reflects on his stellar experience with the rideshare services Lyft and Uber while in New York City. Then, we discuss Autotrader’s 10 Great Hybrids and EVs for 2018, from the Chevrolet Bolt to the Chrysler Pacifica. While electric vehicles are making much-needed progress in range, nothing beats the flexibility of a hybrid car’s ability to transition between battery and gas power. Also, Brian and Alan remind us to beware of flood damaged cars in light of the recent east coast Hurricane Florence disaster. Remember, just because these cars were damaged on the east coast, doesn’t mean you won’t find them popping up in dealerships on the west coast or anywhere in between. Next, we compare 7 Outstanding Vehicles for Tailgating and some of our selections might surprise you, but the 2019 GMC Sierra was almost a foregone conclusion. Shifting gears, Alan lets us know what events we can expect to see him at, like Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas 2018, the 2018 SEMA Show, CES 2019, and Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale 2019. We wrap up the show with Alan’s thoughts on the power of the 2019 Infinti QX50 Essential FWD. Keep up with The World’s Greatest Collector Car Auctions at Barrett-Jackson.com.

 

• [00:00:00] Rideshare Does It Right
• [00:06:52] 10 Great Hybrids and EVs for 2018
• [00:12:30] Does Hybrid Flexibility Trump EV?
• [00:19:51] Beware of Flood Damaged Cars
• [00:27:33] 7 Vehicles for the Tailgating Crowd
• [00:35:52] Upcoming Events and the Infiniti QX50

 

Discover more about segments and guests below…

 

[00:00:00] Rideshare Does It Right

Customer service is the cornerstone of any public-facing business, and where taxicab companies often get it wrong, Uber and Lyft get it so right. Alan just got back from New York City and was dazzled with the cleanliness, professionalism, and friendly service he received from Uber and Lyft drivers. You can tell these drivers really take care of their cars, which is probably related to the fact that they own the cars they drive. Autotrader Executive Editor, Brian Moody, recalls a taxi misstep around eight years ago when, due to some rain, it was impossible to find a taxi! You don’t get that with ride-sharing services, and they also give out complimentary items, like water and snacks! Are you a ride-share user?

 

[00:06:52] 10 Great Hybrids and EVs for 2018

The electric vehicle (EV) and hybrid category used to be a real yawner, but in 2018 that is not the case. Autotrader’s Brian Moody shares some of their favored 2018 hybrid and EV vehicles, from the Prius Prime with its gigantic touch screen infotainment center, to 200+ mile range Chevrolet Bolt. This year brings a breath of fresh air to the EV and hybrid category with a dose of variety, innovation, and performance. To give credit where credit is due, Tesla has started this revolution in electric vehicles by making them fun, affordable, and sexy, and a lot of other automakers are catching on. Are you in the market for a hybrid or fully-electric car?

 

[00:12:30] Does Hybrid Flexibility Trump EV?

Electric vehicles might not fit the bill for long haulers like Alan, but Autotrader’s Brian Moody tells us why hybrids are well suited for all types of drivers. The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid has a modest 33 mile battery range, which is perfect for getting around town and running errands, but when you need to make an extended trip its gas engine takes over. Alan was very impressed with the Chevrolet Volt he drove recently, an extended range electric vehicle with a gas engine that is not attached to the drive train. This effectively made it an EV with an onboard generator, giving the Volt incredible flexibility. Wrapping up, Brian gives his top two picks for the best EV and hybrid cars of 2018: the Honda Accord Hybrid, and the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, find out why.

 

[00:19:51] Beware of Flood Damaged Cars

We said it last year, and we’ll say it again this year, watch out for flood damaged cars! Don’t delude yourself into thinking that these tainted cars from the aftermath of Hurricane Florence will stay in their local areas. Autotrader Executive Editor, Brian Moody, gives us tips for avoiding flood damaged cars. Look for silt everywhere; while many shady dealers will try to detail a car and erase its history, there is likely flood-grunge left somewhere in the car. Also, watch out for moisture, inoperable electronic components, and brittle wiring. You can save your self a lot of heartache by covering your tail feathers with careful investigation before purchasing a car; get that $20 CarFax and take it to a mechanic. Once a vehicle has been flood damaged there is not much that can be done to save it, so if a deal seems to good to be true, it probably is.

 

[00:27:33] 7 Vehicles for the Tailgating Crowd

After attending couple of New York Yankees baseball games, Alan found a new respect for the hotdog and pick-up truck tailgating culture. Autotrader’s Brian Moody discusses some of the vehicles on their recent article “7 Outstanding Vehicles for Tailgating (including 2 Minivans!)”. “Wait, minivans for tailgating, what is this madness?” we hear you asking, but hear us out. The Honda Odyssey might be one of the best tailgating vehicles around with it’s third row seats that can flip over into a bench, ample rear-end room, and power plug port near the back. While the Odyssey may be an odd choice, the most impressive offering for tailgating king is the 2019 GMC Sierra, with its highly modular tailgate and bluetooth speakers. Another great tailgating vehicle is the Subaru Outback, with it’s wide, flat cargo floor and super durable floor mats. Speaking of tailgating, Alan recently went to a tailgating themed fashion show in New York City with Kia for the unveiling of their all new Telluride. Find out what Brian and Alan think of this new offering from Kia.

 

[00:35:52] Upcoming Events and the Infiniti QX50

There is always some exciting event around the corner for those of us in the automotive hobby. Alan shares what’s on the docket for the remainder of 2018 and the early months of 2019. Don’t miss Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas in September, where Alan will be the host of their Live Stage, analyzing the cars that go across the block. Also, SEMA 2018 is fast approaching and Alan will be on both the Shell Pioneering Performance Live Stage and the Craftsman Live Stage. Wrapping up the show, Alan gives his impressions on the $55,000 2019 Infiniti QX50 Essential FWD. This 4-cylinder machine pushes out 268 horsepower, and it’s amazing the amount of power car manufacturers can get out of modern 4-cylinder engines.

 

Explore More with Helpful Links:

• Contributor: Brian Moody | Executive Editor, Autotrader
• Website: Uber
• Website: Lyft
• Website: Barrett-Jackson
• Website: Craftsman
• Website: SEMA Show
• Website: Shell Pioneering Performance
• Article: 10 Great Hybrids and EVs for 2018
• Article: 7 Outstanding Vehicles for Tailgating (including 2 minivans!)
• Vehicle Mention: 2018 Toyota Prius Prime
• Vehicle Mention: 2018 Chevrolet Bolt
• Vehicle Mention: 2018 Ford Fusion Energi
• Vehicle Mention: 2018 Nissan Leaf
• Vehicle Mention: 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
• Vehicle Mention: 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
• Vehicle Mention: 2018 Honda Accord Hybrid
• Vehicle Mention: 2018 Jaguar I-Pace
• Vehicle Mention: 2018 Porsche Panamera
• Vehicle Mention: 2019 Honda Odyssey
• Vehicle Mention: 2019 GMC Sierra
• Vehicle Mention: 2019 Subaru Outback
• Vehicle Mention: Kia Telluride
• Vehicle Mention: 2019 Infiniti QX50 Essential

Episode Credits:

• Program Host: Alan Taylor
• Producer: Dave Milligan
• Production Assistant: Joanne Bolden
• Audio Engineer: Dave Milligan
• Copy Editor: Cody Castleberry

Our Sponsors & Supported Charities:

• Austin Hatcher Foundation
• Barrett-Jackson
• Brembo
• Bridgestone
• Craftsman
• Dodge
• Foundation of Human Understanding
• Go RVing
• KIA
• Patriot Outreach
• Shell
• Subaru

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