The Carpool with Kelly and Lizz Episode: THE SUMMER 2025 CAR BUYING EPISODE Release Date: July 3, 2025

Introduction

In this special summer edition of The Carpool Podcast, hosts Kelly Stumpe and Liz St. John provide an in-depth exploration of the current car buying landscape. Geared towards families and individuals navigating the complexities of purchasing a new or used vehicle on a budget, this episode blends practical advice with expert insights. A highlight of the episode is an enlightening interview with Zach, CEO and Founder of Car Edge, who delves into the impacts of tariffs, inventory challenges, and the evolving dynamics of the used car market.

Challenging the Stigma: New vs. Used Cars

Kelly initiates the conversation by addressing the prevailing stigma around purchasing used or pre-owned vehicles. She humorously remarks:

[00:03] Kelly: "What is the stigma around used cars and pre-owned cars? Like if you go out and buy a brand new car, Jen, like I've seen your three kids, it's going to look like a used car in 60 days."

Liz adds her perspective, emphasizing the necessity to evaluate individual needs rather than adhering to the allure of newness:

[00:16] Liz: "You really have to... consider your mom."

Kelly reiterates the importance of thoughtful decision-making:

[00:27] Kelly: "This is not to be an impulse buy. This is a really important decision to think about."

Smart Car Buying Tips on a Budget

Kelly shares valuable tips for families and individuals looking to purchase a car without breaking the bank. She emphasizes understanding the true reasons for upgrading and setting a clear budget:

[01:25] Kelly: "If you need a new car because your current car isn't working, I want you really to define what's not working about it and really determine if that is a deal breaker."

She warns against extended financing terms, advocating for keeping loan durations to 60 months or less to avoid excessive interest payments:

[05:32] Kelly: "I really like to try to keep terms to 60 months or less. So if you can't afford the new car at 60 months, I think you should shop pre-owned."

Liz concurs, highlighting the dangers of long-term financing:

[09:01] Liz: "Financing for 84 months... What does that look like when I try and go buy a new car?"

Interview with Zach from Car Edge

The core of the episode features an insightful discussion with Zach, the CEO and Founder of Car Edge, who provides a data-driven analysis of the current automotive market.

Impact of Tariffs on New Car Prices

Zach explains how tariffs are contributing to rising prices in the new car market:

[20:18] Zach: "Toyota just announced a $270 price increase on their new vehicles... The general trend is that vehicles are getting more expensive."

Kelly connects this trend to the used car market, expressing concerns about increased demand and prices:

[22:17] Kelly: "It's like a Covid 2.0. As new cars get less affordable, people are going to go to the pre-owned market and then by default, pre-owned cars are also going to get more expensive."

Zach confirms this, citing data on inventory and demand:

[22:25] Zach: "The day's supply for used vehicles nationwide is 43 days... There is a lower level of inventory and a higher level of demand at a sub $15,000 price point."

Challenges in the Used Car Market

Zach discusses factors exacerbating the used car scarcity, such as longer vehicle ownership durations and the lingering effects of the chip shortage:

[24:18] Zach: "People are holding onto their cars longer... the chip shortage... a lack of lease return vehicles."

He also touches on the influx of repossessed vehicles as a minor contributor to inventory, though not necessarily a desirable source for buyers:

[25:21] Zach: "The bright spot from the inventory perspective is that more people are unable to pay their car notes... but do you really want to buy a previously repossessed vehicle?"

Car Edge's Solution: Window Sticker Generator

Kelly and Zach delve into Car Edge's innovative tool designed to empower consumers by providing accurate vehicle information:

[30:19] Zach: "CarEdge.com/sticker... You can plug in a VIN, you can get a window sticker, you can use it for your own vehicle or a vehicle you're thinking about purchasing. It's all about leveling the playing field."

Kelly emphasizes the importance of this tool for verifying vehicle features and maximizing trade-in values:

[31:31] Kelly: "It's like, it's equally as important as checking the Carfax."

Leasing vs. Financing in the Current Market

The conversation shifts to leasing, with Zach advising consumers considering electric vehicles (EVs) to opt for leasing due to favorable incentives:

[34:51] Zach: "If you are open-minded to an electric powertrain, you should lease a vehicle... Manufacturers are subsidizing and incentivizing the leasing of those vehicles."

For other vehicles, Zach suggests that the decision between leasing and financing should align with individual financial comfort and usage needs:

[36:00] Zach: "Do whichever makes you happier and know that you get the optionality of a lease after those terms."

Kelly reinforces the practicality of leasing for growing families to avoid financial strain from extended loans:

[37:29] Kelly: "I really feel like I'm team pre-owned vehicles... just as if you're a person who likes to get a new car every two or three years but doesn't have a leasing budget."

Addressing Consumer Behaviors and Market Realities

Kelly candidly discusses consumer tendencies to overcommit financially for new cars, stressing the importance of honesty in self-assessment:

[40:32] Kelly: "People just aren't as honest with themselves as they should be... are you really gonna drive this car for 10 years?"

Zach agrees, highlighting the unsustainable nature of high transaction prices unless consumers extend loan terms, which can lead to financial pitfalls:

[39:17] Zach: "$50,000 transaction prices are not sustainable long term unless banks finance them for 84 months... that’s a recipe for disaster."

Practical Advice for Car Shoppers

Both hosts and Zach emphasize the necessity of due diligence in car shopping. Kelly advises using Car Edge’s window sticker tool as an essential step in verifying vehicle features, while Zach encourages consumers to utilize available tools and data to make informed decisions.

Lighthearted Segment: Twice Baked Potatoes Recipe

In a delightful departure from their usual topics, Zach shares his favorite recipe for twice baked potatoes, adding a personal touch to the episode:

[41:35] Zach: "Get the potatoes... mix in heavy cream, butter, sour cream, cheddar, chives, bacon... put it back in with more cheese on top... and make broccoli next to it."

Kelly and Liz humorously engage with Zach's culinary enthusiasm, wrapping up the episode on a friendly and relatable note.

Conclusion

The Carpool Podcast's Summer 2025 Car Buying Episode offers a comprehensive guide to navigating the turbulent waters of today's automotive market. With expert advice on budgeting, financing, and leveraging tools like Car Edge's window sticker generator, Kelly and Liz equip their listeners with the knowledge needed to make informed and financially sound car purchasing decisions. The episode underscores the value of used cars in an increasingly expensive new car market and provides actionable strategies to avoid common pitfalls.

Notable Quotes:

• [00:03] Kelly: "What is the stigma around used cars and pre-owned cars?"

• [05:32] Kelly: "I really like to try to keep terms to 60 months or less."

• [22:17] Kelly: "People are going to go to the pre-owned market and then by default, pre-owned cars are also going to get more expensive."

• [30:19] Zach: "CarEdge.com/sticker... it's all about leveling the playing field."

• [34:51] Zach: "If you are open-minded to an electric powertrain, you should lease a vehicle..."

• [40:32] Kelly: "Are you really gonna drive this car for 10 years?"

This episode serves as a crucial resource for anyone considering a vehicle purchase this summer, blending humor, expertise, and actionable advice to demystify the car buying process.