The Carnivorous 2023 Ford Raptor R, Claws It’s Way To The Top of the Food Chain | #548

Lauren Fix, the Editor-in-Chief for Car Coach Reports, has warned that if the United Auto Workers (UAW) decide to go on strike, it could cause major trouble. UAW is demanding an increase in wages of up to $150 an hour, which could significantly increase the cost of vehicles. However, it’s important to note that the majority of these raises won’t go to the workers, but rather to the UAW. This has been criticized as a money-grab by the union, who are threatening to strike if their demands aren’t met.

To help consumers save money, Lauren has provided a list of the top 20 lowest-priced brand new cars you can buy. The list includes the 2023 Honda Civic, Mazda 3, Ford Maverick, Toyota Corolla Hatchback, Subaru Impreza, Mazda CX30, Toyota Corolla, Buick Envista, Hyundai Kona, Chevrolet Tracks, Hyundai Elantra, Volkswagen Jetta, Nissan Kicks, Nissan Sentra, Honda Venue, Kia Soul, Kia Forte, Kia Rio, Mitsubishi Mirage, and Nissan Versa. You can find the full report on her website CarCoachReports.com.

Up next is George Kennedy III. George is a co-founder of Cartender.com and the Vice President of the New England Motor Press Association. He contributes to U.S. News & World Report, CarGurus, Forbes Wheels, and The Drive. George recently test-drove the 2023 Ford Raptor R, which boasts a supercharged 5.2-liter V8 engine with 700 horsepower, larger tires, higher ground clearance, unique shock tuning, and a starting price of $107k. It’s a fantastic vehicle, and there’s no replacement for the sound of a V8 engine. Compared to the Dodge Ram TRX, the Raptor R would win in a race. However, regarding everyday driving, the Raptor R’s gas consumption is relatively high. Lastly, George mentions he also test-drove the newest Toyota Sienna Mini Van, a hybrid, and says he would gladly take this vehicle any day. It’s like driving a cruise ship, very comfortable.

Our good friend BJ Killeen, an automotive journalist and voice of reason, shares some interesting updates from the world of automobiles. London has implemented ultra-low emission zone cameras that scan the registration number of your vehicle and access your emissions-related information. If your vehicle does not comply with the emission standards, you will receive a fine of around $16.00. California may also adopt a similar system in the future. VINFast has opened a stock offering and while it initially went up, BJ advises getting out now before it crashes. Mitsubishi is discontinuing the Mirage, which was the only vehicle priced under 20k, making affordable cars increasingly rare. Fisker Automotive has introduced the Alaska, the world’s most sustainable electric pickup truck. It boasts the world’s biggest cup holder and can extend cargo space up to 5 feet. The truck is also incredibly fast.

On the show today, Alan was joined by Karl Brauer, an Automotive Industry Analyst, Forbes Autos Contributor, North American Car and Truck of the Year juror, and Executive Analyst for ISeeCars.com. During their discussion, Karl shared the latest findings from ISeeCars that revealed the scarcity of affordable used cars priced at $20,000 or less in the market. According to the study, there has been a 47.7% increase in the average price of a used car, with 20% more mileage compared to 2019. For instance, a used Honda CRV or Toyota Rav 4, which were previously available for slightly over $20k in 2019, have now gone up by 37 to 41% with twice the mileage. As they closed the show, Karl and Alan talked about the Concord at Pebble Beach. Karl noted that there was a lot to see, ranging from the Hennessy Roadster to Infiniti’s newest concept car, a QX80 3-row SUV, and other cool stuff.

[00:00:00] – Contributor Lauren Fix
[00:06:33] – Top 20 Cheap New Cars
[00:13:01] – Carcoachreports,com
[00:20:52] – Contributor George Kenney III
[00:30:17] – Toyota Sienna Hybrid
[00:37:22] – Let’s Take A Cruise
[00:43:43] – Contributor BJ Killeen
[00:49:27] – VINFast Stock
[00:56:43] – Fisker Alaska
[01:04:33] – Contributor Karl Brauer
[01:12:43] – More Mileage, More Money
[01:21:04] – Concord Elegance

CREDITS

Host: Alan Taylor
Producer: Dave Milligan
Copy Editor: Colleen Mahi

Contributor: Lauren Fix
Contributor: George Kennedy III
Contributor: BJ Killeen
Contributor: Karl Brauer

EXPLORE MORE WITH HELPFUL LINKS:

• Contributor: Lauren Fix | Editor in-Chief for Car Coach Reports. www.laurenfix.com
• Contributor: Karl Brauer | Automotive Industry Analyst, Forbes Autos Contributor, North American Car and Truck of the Year juror and board member and Executive Analyst for I...