Podcast Summary: "Bad Nostalgia Examples; TX Kei Trucks; We Polled You"

The Smoking Tire Podcast
Hosts: Zack Klapman & Matt Farah
Release Date: May 27, 2025
Episode Title: Bad Nostalgia Examples; TX Kei Trucks; We Polled You

1. Introduction

In this episode of The Smoking Tire, hosts Matt Farah and Zack Klapman delve into a multifaceted discussion encompassing the latest developments in the automotive world, nostalgic revivals in car designs, and insights from their Patreon community. The primary topics include a comprehensive review of the Volkswagen ID Buzz, an exploration of nostalgia-driven automotive models, and the results of a recent Patreon poll determining future content directions.

2. Volkswagen ID Buzz Review

A. Overview and Aesthetic Appeal

The hosts begin by examining the Volkswagen ID Buzz, highlighting its modern interpretation of the classic van design. Matt expresses admiration for its aesthetic, stating, "The ID Buzz is a look by van standards, it's pretty rad" [15:02]. The vehicle stands out with its vibrant color options and charm-driven design, evoking a sense of nostalgia while embracing contemporary styling.

B. Interior Features and Comfort

Zack and Matt praise the ID Buzz's interior, emphasizing its functionality and comfort tailored for adult transportation. Matt notes, "It really feels like a van for transporting adults" [16:22]. Key features discussed include:

• Massaging Seats & Electrochromic Roof: Both hosts appreciate the luxurious amenities, with Matt mentioning, "It has a good stereo" [17:07], likely referring to the high-quality Bowers and Wilkins audio system.
• Storage Solutions: The ID Buzz offers impressive storage, including a trunk with a folding shelf and bins, catering to practicality without sacrificing style.
• Seating Configurations: Each captain's chair is equipped with dual armrests, enhancing passenger comfort and versatility [42:20].

C. Driving Experience

While the ID Buzz impresses in several areas, the hosts point out notable drawbacks concerning its driving dynamics:

• Steering and Handling: Matt observes, "It is very precise" regarding the steering, though he admits it feels somewhat disconnected [16:22]. Zack concurs, appreciating the steering precision but noting the vehicle's large size affects maneuverability.

• Wind Buffeting Issues: A significant concern discussed is the severe wind buffeting when windows are down. Matt emphatically states, "It's the worst wind buffeting of any car I've ever driven" [39:21]. This issue undermines the vehicle's beach cruising appeal, making it uncomfortable at lower speeds.

• Braking Performance: Both hosts express dissatisfaction with the braking system. Matt notes, "The brakes are legitimately not good" [32:45], highlighting the vehicle's struggle to decelerate effectively, especially when fully loaded.

D. Practicality and Design Flaws

Several practical issues are raised regarding the ID Buzz's design:

• Turning Radius: The large wheelbase results in a poor turning radius, limiting the vehicle's agility in tight spaces [28:56].

• Window Mechanisms: The centralized window controls complicate usability, particularly for rear passengers attempting to access door pockets without closing the doors properly [49:44].

• Climate Control: Matt criticizes the climate control system's inefficiency in managing the vehicle's extensive glass surfaces, leading to temperature inconsistencies.

3. Nostalgia in Automobiles: Successes and Failures

A. Successful Retro Models

The conversation shifts to the resurgence of nostalgic designs in the automotive industry. Zerack and Matt cite the Volkswagen Beetle as a prime example of successful nostalgia revival. Matt remarks, "The Beetle was a wildly successful product" [61:04], emphasizing its commercial success and enduring popularity.

Additionally, the hosts acknowledge the resurgence of iconic models like the Mustang and Camaro, which blend classic aesthetics with modern engineering, maintaining their status as favorites among enthusiasts.

B. Unsuccessful or Questionable Revivals

Contrasting the successes, Zack and Matt discuss models that attempted nostalgia but fell short:

• Volkswagen ID Buzz vs. Classic Beetle: While the ID Buzz aims to capture the Beetle's spirit, Matt believes it doesn't fully resonate with classic Beetle enthusiasts due to fundamental differences like engine placement and driving dynamics.

• BMW i8 and Koenigsegg Models: The BMW i8 is criticized for its unconventional design paired with a less powerful engine, making it appear out of sync with consumer expectations [57:23]. Similarly, Koenigsegg models are discussed, highlighting issues with engine choices that don't meet the high-performance standards expected from such brands.

• Chevrolet SSR and Other Throwbacks: Matt acknowledges the Chevrolet SSR as a successful retro model but suggests that some nostalgic revivals, like the BMW i8, struggle when their modern interpretations don't align with the performance or design elements that made the originals beloved.

C. Personal Anecdotes and Industry Insights

The hosts share personal stories, such as Matt's father's adventurous cross-country journey in a classic Beetle, illustrating the deep emotional connections enthusiasts have with nostalgic models. These anecdotes underscore the complexities of blending nostalgia with modern automotive technology.

4. Patreon Poll: Future Content Directions

Engaging with their Patreon community, Zack and Matt discuss the results of a recent poll aimed at understanding their audience's preferences for future content creation amid challenges with their YouTube channel.

A. Poll Results and Preferred Content

The poll revealed three primary interests among patrons:

1. Live Podcast Tours (51%): The majority expressed a desire for live podcast recordings, potentially incorporating driving events or meet-ups.

2. Group Road Drives/Road Rallies (29%): A substantial portion favored organized road trips or rallies, allowing fans to participate in shared automotive experiences.

3. Travel Guides (16%): Some patrons suggested creating detailed travel guides, offering curated road trip itineraries complete with recommended stops and driving routes.

B. Implementation Challenges and Ideas

• Live Podcast Tours: While an appealing idea, Matt acknowledges logistical hurdles, such as coordinating locations and ensuring quality production during live events [70:58].

• Group Road Drives: Zack and Matt consider the potential of hosting road rallies, drawing inspiration from events like those organized by Drive while Awesome (DWA), which offer affordable entry by requiring participants to manage their accommodations and meals [71:07].

• Travel Guides: The hosts explore the possibility of developing downloadable guided road trip packages, combining video documentation, articles, and interactive maps to enhance the user experience [74:12].

C. Supporting Patreon and Content Value

Emphasizing the importance of Patreon support, Matt highlights, "The Patreon is really what is making the podcast worth doing" [75:22]. Both hosts discuss strategies to provide greater value to patrons, such as exclusive content, early access, and ad-free episodes, reinforcing the community-driven nature of their podcast.

5. Additional Discussions

Throughout the episode, Zack and Matt engage in various other conversations, including:

• Automotive Accessories and Modifications: Discussions about items like bongs tailored for automotive use, reflecting the hosts' diverse interests and the intersection of lifestyle with automotive culture.

• Business Travel Anecdotes: Sharing humorous and exaggerated stories about expense reports and business-related automotive expenses, adding a lighter tone to the episode.

While these segments provide entertainment and personal insights, they serve as supplementary content to the main topics of vehicle reviews and nostalgia.

6. Conclusion

In wrapping up the episode, Zack and Matt reaffirm their commitment to their Patreon-supported community, expressing gratitude to their patrons and emphasizing the collaborative spirit that drives their content creation. They tease future episodes, including a deep dive into the BGB Cayman and upcoming automotive events, ensuring listeners remain engaged and anticipating forthcoming discussions.

Notable Quotes:

• "The ID Buzz is a look by van standards, it's pretty rad." – Matt Farah [15:02]

• "It really feels like a van for transporting adults." – Matt Farah [16:22]

• "It's the worst wind buffeting of any car I've ever driven." – Matt Farah [39:21]

• "The brakes are legitimately not good." – Matt Farah [32:45]

• "The Beetle was a wildly successful product." – Matt Farah [61:04]

• "The Patreon is really what is making the podcast worth doing." – Matt Farah [75:22]

For more detailed discussions and car reviews, visit The Smoking Tire YouTube Channel. Follow the hosts on Twitter @thesmokingtire and @zackklapman, or on Instagram @thesmokingtire and @fakezackklapman.