Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed
THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor | Episode #364
If you want performance, but you don’t want to spend an arm and a leg for it, tune in for some great tips and reviews. Kicking off the show, Autotrader Executive Editor, Brian Moody, brings us a list of the best used performance cars for under $20,000, including the Ford Fiesta ST, FIAT 500 Abarth, and more! Then, automotive journalist, BJ Killeen, gushes over her test drive of the 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF. This jewel of a machine has style, balance, and power enough to get you around the track, all for a very affordable price. We also chat about the 2020 Jeep Gladiator, pothole woes, and exorbitant insurance prices. Changing gears, Co-founder of Cartender and automotive journalist for CarGurus, The Boston Globe, and U.S. News and World Report, George Kennedy III, is back for round two of the electric car debate. Also, George gives us his test drive impressions for the 2019 Kia Soul (hint: it’s awesome), and the versatile Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk. Then, President and CEO of Brembo Brakes North America, Dan Sandberg, tells us why they’ve decided to launch their all new web marketplace, BrembostoreUSA.com, and what you can expect to find there. Closing the show, JoshCAR Hollywood Car Consultant, Josh Hancock, praises the Tesla Model 3 and its combination of power and handling that give it a uniquely Porsche 911 feel. Listen in for more about these amazing, inexpensive vehicles.
- [00:00:00] Ford Fiesta ST and FIAT 500 Abarth
- [00:06:08] Great Performance Cars for Under $20K
- [00:12:30] Get a 2005-2008 C6 Corvette for $15K!
- [00:19:51] 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF
- [00:29:25] Mazda Miata, Jeep Gladiator, and Potholes
- [00:35:52] The Exorbitant Price of Insurance
- [00:42:13] Alan Just Wants A Wild Visceral Ride
- [00:48:26] Custom Electric Rides Bring the Power
- [00:54:44] Kia Soul, an All-Around Amazing Vehicle
- [01:02:04] Versatile Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk
- [01:10:44] Introducing All-New BremboStoreUSA.com
- [01:18:06] Tesla Model 3: Great Power and Handling
Discover more about segments and guests below…
[00:00:00] Ford Fiesta ST and Fiat 500 Abarth
Performance comes at a price, but not always a high price. Autotrader Executive Editor, Brian Moody, fills us in on a recent Autotrader article that features a look at the eight best used performance cars for under $20,000. Kicking off the list is the Ford Fiesta ST from model year 2014 to present. This 200-HP bargain is a lot of fun for the money and has similar stylings of the Volkswagen Golf GTI. Another quick go-getter is the Fiat 500 Abarth, model year 2012-2018, which can be acquired for as low as $6,000 and can even come new for just under $20,000. Alan can attest to this car’s fun factor, having owned two. Tune in for more great deals.
[00:06:08] Great Performance Cars for Under $20k
We continue exploring the world of affordable performance cars, as described in a recent Autotrader article titled “Top 8 Used Performance Cars under $20,000 for 2019”. Autotrader Executive Editor, Brian Moody, gets back into it with a car he doesn’t necessarily love, but can definitely understand the appeal: the Honda S2000. An impressive 240-HP gives you enough power to have fun on the track for the right price. Next, the Honda Civic SI, one of Brian’s personal favorites, is a best-of-all-worlds car that makes 201-HP with its 2.4L engine, and still gets 25 mpg. You can’t have an inexpensive performance car list without mentioning the king of the category, the Mazda MX-5 Miata. This iconic roadster has been dominating the market for 30 years, and some versions can be purchased stocked and loaded for $10,000. Check it out at Autotrader.com.
[00:12:30] Get a 2005-2008 C6 Corvette for $15k!
With all the speculation surrounding the supposed new mid-engine Corvette from Chevrolet, it has us thinking, is now a good time to look into purchasing a C6 Corvette? Autotrader Executive Editor, Brian Moody, thinks it is. Reportedly, a prospective owner can look to pick up a 2005-2008 model year C6 Corvette for just about $15,000! While those model years of Corvette won’t be the most technologically advanced machines, you won’t be disappointed with your new 430-HP beast. Changing lanes, we discuss the Jaguar I-PACE and why its likely the best new electric vehicle on the market. Listen in for more.
[00:19:51] 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF
For 30 years the Mazda MX-5 Miata has been getting people into racing, providing a uniquely affordable experience on and off the track. Automotive journalist, BJ Killeen, is test driving the 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF and it still has major appeal, garnering the exact same reactions as she drives it around town as it did when she first drove it three decades ago. With 181-HP, 50-50 weight distribution, sharp handling, tight steering, and a retractable hardtop RF package, there is no better bang for the buck on the market. Find out more about this iconic roadster.
[00:29:25] Mazda Miata, Jeep Gladiator, and Potholes
If you’re looking for a quick, sporty car on a budget, look no further than the 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF. Automotive journalist, BJ Killeen, fills us in on the prolific sports coupe. With a combined 30 mpg, styling that is true to its roots, and a retractable hard top, the RF model is the perfect car for enthusiasts at $36,325. Changing gears, we chat about the upcoming 2020 Jeep Gladiator, and the hidden costs of potholes. Tune in for more.
[00:35:52] The Exorbitant Price of Insurance
If you think you’re paying hand over fist for your car insurance, take a seat. Unless you own one of the cars mentioned in Autoblog’s recent article, “10 Most Expensive Cars to Insure”, you probably don’t have it as bad off as you thought. Automotive journalist, BJ Killeen, says most of the cars on the list are, unsurprisingly, Mercedes-Benz vehicles, with several of them coming in at the $3500 per year mark. The BMW I8 and Porsche Panamera make this list, but the Mercedes Maybach and Nissan GTR Nismo take the cake at $4,000 per year! Are your insurance costs exorbitantly high?
[00:42:13] Alan Just Wants A Wild Visceral Ride
Electric cars – you either love them or hate them. The last time we had Co-founder of Cartender and automotive journalist for CarGurus, The Boston Globe, and U.S. News and World Report, George Kennedy III, on the show, he and Alan could not agree about electric cars. While George thinks the rocket-ship like acceleration of cars like the Tesla Model S make them a very fun segment of the automotive industry, Alan still isn’t buying it; he wants the visceral feeling and the primal roar of a V8 engine. Are you a fan of electric cars?
[00:48:26] Custom Electric Rides Bring the Power
It was only a matter of time before tinkerers and hotrodders started tooling around with performance electric drive trains. Co-founder of Cartender and automotive journalist for CarGurus, The Boston Globe, and U.S. News and World Report, George Kennedy III, tells us about a project in southern California that placed a Tesla Model S P85 power train in an 80s Honda Accord. This 530-HP transformation sent the Japanese sedan ripping around in an amazingly fun looking drive. This isn’t the only car that got an all-electric makeover, George fills us in on similar builds using Porsche 356s and Deloreans. Also, tune in for rumors about the Jeep Wrangler Plug-in Hybrid.
[00:54:44] Kia Soul, an All-Around Amazing Vehicle
If you’ve been paying attention to the show over the past few weeks, you know that Alan really wants to get behind the wheel of the new Kia Telluride. Co-founder of Cartender and automotive journalist for CarGurus, The Boston Globe, and U.S. News and World Report, George Kennedy III, shares his desire because of all of the amazing things he’s hearing about the SUV. While George hasn’t gotten to drive the Telluride, he has been test driving the new 2020 Kia Soul. Tune in to hear why Alan and George have nothing but praise for refined economy car.
[01:02:04] Versatile Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk
There’s no question that Jeep makes quality vehicles, and they’re not about to stop. Co-founder of Cartender and automotive journalist for CarGurus, The Boston Globe, and U.S. News and World Report, George Kennedy III, recently drove the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk and it has quickly become his second favorite Jeep. Refinement, hardcore trail capability, and adaptive suspension make the Trailhawk a great vehicle on and off the road; and at a pricepoint of $34,295 and up, you can’t go wrong. Are you ready to tear up the trails in the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk?
[01:10:44] Introducing All-New BremboStoreUSA.com
If you want to go fast, you need to stop fast. Brembo Brakes have the stopping power to keep us safe, but not everyone has these quality calipers on their ride. Thankfully, Brembo Brakes North America President and CEO, Dan Sandberg, is here to tell us about their recently launched online store. Find out what part numbers you need to get some real stopping power behind your car and learn more about Brembo’s extensive line of products at BremboStoreUSA.com.
[01:18:06] Tesla Model 3: Great Power and Handling
The world has been infatuated with Tesla ever since they put out their high performance sedan, the Model S. JoshCAR Hollywood Car Consultant, Josh Hancock, never thought the Model S was worth the near $100,000 price tag, but the Model 3 is a different story. Starting at $35,000, this all-electric vehicle has a crazy amount of power behind it for the sticker price and gives a similar driving experience to the Porsche 911. The only major gripe Josh has with the vehicle is it’s completely infotainment centralized control scheme. Tune in for the full review.
Explore More with Helpful Links:
- Contributor: Brian Moody | Executive Editor, Autotrader
- Contributor: BJ Killeen | Automotive journalist
- Contributor: George Kennedy III | Co-Founder, Cartender – Automotive journalist, CarGurus/ The Boston Globe/ U.S. News and World Report
- Contributor: Dan Sandberg | President and CEO, Brembo Brakes North America
- Contributor: Josh Hancock | Hollywood Car Consultant, JoshCAR
- Article: 10 Most Expensive Cars to Insure
- Article: Top 8 Used Performance Cars Under $20,000 for 2019
- Vehicle Mention: Ford Fiesta ST
- Vehicle Mention: FIAT 500 Abarth
- Vehcile Mention: Honda S2000
- Vehcile Mention: Honda Civic SI
- Vehcile Mention: Chevrolet Corvette
- Vehicle Mention: 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF
- Vehicle Mention: 2020 Jeep Gladiator
- Vehicle Mention: 2019 Kia Soul
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
- Dodge
- Foundation of Human Understanding
- Go RVing
- Patriot Outreach
- Shell
- Subaru
- The Little Rock Foundation
***
This episode was produced by Entertainment Right Now (ERN). If you found value in this episode, and you’d like to hear more, please consider leaving us a review on iTunes and be sure to subscribe to our podcast so you don’t miss a beat. Your feedback helps us to reach more enthusiasts around the world! If you have a question you’d like us to answer, please leave a comment below or e-mail us at info@ernlive.com.
Related Posts
Greasy Car Guys | #255
THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor | Episode #255 NASCAR news, tire troubles, and movie car...
- July 30, 2016
- By ERN
- Podcast
Live from Hot August Nights |...
THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor | Episode #256 The month is August, the weather is scorching,...
- August 6, 2016
- By ERN
- Podcast
Staying Safe | #257
THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor | Episode #257 There’s a whole slew of new developments...
- August 13, 2016
- By ERN
- Podcast
Live from Concorso Italiano |...
THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor | Episode #258 We’re sitting at the Black Horse Golf...
- August 20, 2016
- By ERN
- Podcast
2016 Concorso Italiano | #259
THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor | Episode #259 Broadcasting from the immaculately manicured...
- August 27, 2016
- By ERN
- Podcast
2016 Pebble Beach Concours...
THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor | Episode #260 Join us for a special episode broadcast from...
- September 3, 2016
- By ERN
- Podcast
About THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor
THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor puts you in the driver’s seat for a unique, fast paced look at today’s automotive industry. This is your pedal-to-the-metal, two-hour thrill ride devoted to the latest car news and test-drive results, how-to tips car maintenance tips, auto show coverage, expert insights and behind-the-scenes race day action. Don’t miss exclusive interviews with top auto executives, athletes, celebrities and prominent newsmakers from around the world.