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As the world grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic, we ask ourselves some critical questions about the auto industry. Autotrader Executive Editor, Brian Moody, discusses the rising electric vehicle (EV) market and the perks of purchasing one of these green machines, and gives us a list of the best SUVs and Minivans for under $30,000. We also ask Brian if he thinks the emergence of COVID-19 and its effect on the global economy will hurt new cars and bring the value of used cars up. Next up, Autotrader, Kelley Blue Book, and Dealer.com Executive Publisher, Karl Brauer, fills us in on how the COVID-19 outbreak is affecting world-wide supply chains and what that means for automakers and consumers alike. Also, Karl discusses the value of used EVs, the level 2 EV charger he just got for his Fiat 500 E, and the Chevrolet Corvette C8. Then, we chat with Autoblog Editor-in-Chief, Greg Migliore, about the new Chevy Blazer and Cadillac XT6. Closing out the show, Co-founder of Cartender and Freelance Automotive Journalist for CarGurus, Boston Globe, U.S. News & World Report, George Kennedy III, reviews the Ford Super Duty F-250 Lariat and compares it with the GMC Denali and RAM 2500. Tune in to get the latest reviews and automotive news.

·[00:00:00] Are There Too Many New EV’s?
·[00:06:38] Why Electric Vehicles Feel So Dead
·[00:12:30] So What are the Perks of Buying an EV?
·[00:19:50] The Best SUVs Under 30K
·[00:27:48] Autotrader’s Best Minivans Under $30k
·[00:35:52] Will COVID-19 Effect Used Car Prices?
·[00:42:13] Coronavirus’ Affect on the Supply Chain
·[00:48:21] Used Car Value Up, Level 2 EV Charger
·[00:54:44] Value of Used EVs/ Amazing Corvette C8
·[01:02:05] Chevy Blazer and Cadillac XT6
·[01:12:03] Ford Super Duty F-250 Lariat Review
·[01:18:06] Ford F-250 vs GMC Denali vs RAM 2500

[00:00:00] Are There Too Many New EV’s?
More and more EV’s are being announced every month from familiar companies and brand new players alike. But one critical question must be asked: are there enough consumers for all of these new electric vehicles? Autotrader Executive Editor, Brian Moody, gives the example that if there were 20 Applebees in one part of town, there wouldn’t be enough business to keep all of those Applebees open. This is how the electric car market is right now. While the market is crammed right now, almost every car manufacturer is developing an electric car – it is the wave of the future.

[00:06:38] Why Electric Vehicles Feel So Dead
When we get into our cars we feel the vibration and the sound of the engine and it makes the car feel alive. Electric cars don’t provide as visceral or tangible a reaction as internal combustion engines do and it makes for a completely different driving experience. Autotrader Executive Editor, Brian Moody, and Alan discuss why they can’t get fully onboard with electric vehicles yet. Brian also tells us which car companies he believes will succeed in the electric car market, and why we should consider buying used EVs over new ones.

[00:12:30] So What are the Perks of Buying an EV?
We have definitely discussed the cons of buying an electric car before but what are the pros? Autotrader Executive Editor, Brian Moody, informs us that there are some perks to buying an electric vehicle and it doesn’t have to be new. When buying an electric vehicle, you get rebates for your purchase from power companies, discounts on electric chargers, tax credits, and you can drive in the high-occupancy vehicle lane in certain states. Some might be worried about dying batteries; but as it turns out electric vehicles batteries have very long warranties, some lasting as long as 10 years.

[00:19:50] The Best SUVs Under 30K
Did you know that the average amount spent on an SUV in the United States is over $30,000? To combat that average price tag, Autotrader Executive Editor, Brian Moody, decided to put together a list of SUVs selling for under $30,000 – and these aren’t just your run-of-the-mill base SUVs. Brian’s personal choice is the 2020 Kia Sportage, it’s a great deal for a great car. On this list are some hybrids – which, finding hybrid SUVs for under 30k is an impressive feat of its own. Listen in to learn more about the Ford Escape, Honda CRV, and the Mazda CX-5.

[00:27:48] Autotrader’s Best Minivans Under $30k
Family vans are always in high demand and with the average amount spent on a new car being over $30,000 it can set you back a bit. Autotrader Executive Editor, Brian Moody, has gathered a list of minivans you can snag for just under that $30,000 mark. Starting off the list, we have the Chrysler Pacifica, which, even though its a newer vehicle, you can pick one up for just under $30,000. Another contender on the list is the Honda Odyssey. The Honda name is known for its proven reliability and you can pick up one of these for just under $30,000 as well.

[00:35:52] Will COVID-19 Effect Used Car Prices?
COVID-19 (Coronavirus) is causing auto shows to cancel, restricting travel, and manufacturers to halt the production of vehicles. If there are no new vehicles, will our used vehicles be worth more? Autotrader Executive Editor, Brian Moody, says it’s too early to tell how it’s going to play out with the markets. It’s all a big question mark.

[00:42:13] Coronavirus’ Affect on the Supply Chain
The Novel Coronavirus is causing worldwide interruptions as people and markets panic. Auto shows are being canceled, and we wonder if everyone is just being a bit too dramatic. Autotrader, Kelley Blue Book, and Dealer.com Executive Publisher, Karl Brauer, discusses the effect COVID-19 is having on global supply chains and how its affecting production lines, and new car sales. Tune in for more.

[00:48:21] Used Car Value Up, Level 2 EV Charger
With a hit to auto manufacturers’ abilities to produce new vehicles due to the COVID-19 pandemic, used car values are going up. Autotrader, Kelley Blue Book, and Dealer.com Executive Publisher, Karl Brauer, chats about this phenomenon and also fills us in on his newly installed Level 2 EV charger. In comparison to just plugging it into a 110 outlet, the level 2 EV charger is a much quicker battery fill-up, taking overall charge time from 22 hours and 30 mins down to 3 hours and 50 minutes. Find out why you should consider getting a level 2 charger for your home.

[00:54:44] Value of Used EVs/ Amazing Corvette C8
With the exception of Tesla models, the value of electric vehicles once they hit the used market is incredibly volatile. Autotrader, Kelley Blue Book, and Dealer.com Executive Publisher, Karl Brauer, has been leasing his Fiat 500 E for three years and the deal is about up, but he doesn’t think he will take the purchase deal when all is said and done, because it will run him about $19,500, while the car’s market value is only around $5,000-$7,000. On the flip side, this means that anyone looking to get into an electric car should have an easy time in the used market. Karl also compares the new Chevrolet Corvette C8 to his Ford GT.G Is his Ford GT worth the 10x higher price tag? Find out why he says yes.

[01:02:05] Chevy Blazer and Cadillac XT6
Chevrolet is taking a different approach to the Blazer than Ford is taking to the Bronco. Rather than try to place it competitively in the market to face off against the Jeep Wrangler, Chevrolet have elected to expand upon their Equinox-type line-up. Autoblog Editor-in-Chief, Greg Migliore, explains that the Blazer is a sexified, roomier version of the Chevrolet Equinox and doesn’t bring much to the table in terms of capability or features. The highest end version of the Chevrolet Blazer will set buyers back $41,000. At that point, Greg recommends just going for something else. Like maybe a Cadillac XT6! This bad boy comes nicely equipped at a base price of $53,000. Tune in to learn more about these two classy SUVs.

[01:12:03] Ford Super Duty F-250 Lariat Review
Spring is coming soon and people are thinking about camping, going to the coast, and other outdoor activities. If you’re gearing up to take some big-boy toys out and about and need a good truck to tote them around, the Ford Super Duty F-250 Lariat could be the truck for you. Co-Founder of Cartender, George Kennedy III, reviews the beastly Ford Super Duty F-250 Lariat he recently got to drive, and says it is a direct comparison to the GMC Denali, and this is just the middle-of-the-road package. It comes with a 6.7L Powerstroke V8 diesel engine that makes about 475 HP and 1050 lb-ft of torque. Holy moley! For all that torque, it didn’t feel as responsive as the Denali, but it’s still one of the most impressive trucks George has driven. Tune in to learn more.

[01:18:06] Ford F-250 vs GMC Denali vs RAM 2500
So the Ford Super Duty F-250 Lariat comes packing 1050 lb-ft of torque and 22,800 lbs of towing capacity as well as many luxurious features, but how does the competition stack up? Freelance Automotive Journalist for CarGurus, Boston Globe, U.S. News & World Report, George Kennedy III, says that the GMC Denali, Ford Super Duty F-250 Lariat, and RAM 2500 Limited all have their quirks, features, and strengths. If you’re looking for high-end luxury, the RAM 2500 Limited is your truck; the Ford Super Duty F-250 Lariat will get any job done, and the GMC Denali is a mix of both worlds, an accomplished daily driver. Tune in to learn more about these tough trucks.

Explore More with Helpful Links:

·Contributor: Brian Moody | Executive Editor, Autotrader

·Contributor: Karl Brauer | Executive Publisher, Kelley Blue Book/ Autotrader/ Dealer.com

·Contributor: George Kennedy III | Co-founder, Cartender | Freelance Automotive Journalist, CarGurus/ Boston Globe/ U.S. News and World Report

·Special Guest: Greg Migliore | Editor in Chief, Autoblog

Credits

Host: Alan Taylor
Producer: Dave Milligan
Audio Engineer: Dave Milligan
Copy Editor: Cody Castleberry
Contributor: Brian Moody
Contributor: Karl Brauer
Contributor: George Kennedy III
Special Guest: Greg Migliore

Our Sponsors & Supported Charities:

·Austin Hatcher Foundation

·Brembo

·Dodge

·Foundation of Human Understanding

·Shell

·Subaru

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