Podcast Summary: The Smoking Tire – Episode: EV G Wagen OFFROADING; INEOS Grenadier 1st Impression; Bday CarsNCoffee; Q&A
Release Date: December 3, 2024
Hosts: Matt Farah and Zack Klapman

1. EV G Wagon Offroading

Matt Farah and Zach Klapman dive into their experiences with the electric Mercedes-Benz G Wagon, sharing in-depth insights about its performance both in urban settings and off-road terrains.

• City Driving:
  Matt praises the EV G Wagon as a "great city vehicle" with a "smoothness" that doesn't compromise its iconic design. He highlights the maneuverability, visibility, and ease of parking, making it ideal for urban environments.

  "[34:09] Matt Farah: I really loved the electric G Wagon. It makes a great city vehicle with excellent visibility and ease of parking."

• Off-Road Capabilities:
  The hosts recount their off-roading adventure, describing the G Wagon as an "animal" on rough terrains. Matt emphasizes the precision and control offered by the electric powertrain, likening the experience to "walking" due to the immediate torque and silent operation.

  "[37:05] Zach Klapman: The torque control with electric cars makes it a lot easier to go off-roading. It feels like walking."

• Practical Considerations:
  They discuss the vehicle's design choices, such as the unconventional spare tire storage. Matt expresses concern about the lack of a traditional spare tire, which could be problematic during off-road excursions.

  "[46:19] Matt Farah: The spare tire holder feels out of place, especially if you're going off-roading. It’s a bit sketchy without a proper spare."

• Performance and Efficiency:
  While commending its off-road prowess, Matt points out the G Wagon's inefficiency on highways, noting a significant drop in battery percentage during their 45-mile trip.

  "[40:27] Matt Farah: It used 35% of its charge in just 45 miles, which isn’t ideal for highway road trips."

2. INEOS Grenadier First Impressions

Transitioning from electric SUVs, Matt provides his initial thoughts on the INEOS Grenadier, a modern take on the classic Defender.

• Design and Functionality:
  Matt appreciates the Grenadier's rugged aesthetic and functional design, reminiscent of the old Defender but with modern amenities.

  "[49:41] Matt Farah: It definitely has the vibe you want if you're aiming for the old Defender feel without dealing with an old model."

• Driving Experience:
  The hosts describe the Grenadier's manual processes for locking differentials and engaging high and low ranges, emphasizing its authentic off-road capabilities.

  "[58:13] Matt Farah: It’s a fully manual process to engage different settings, which is great for those accustomed to traditional off-roading."

• Technical Features:
  Matt notes some usability issues, such as small LED indicators that are hard to see in bright sunlight, but overall praises the vehicle's off-road performance.

  "[50:23] Zach Klapman: Can you read the buttons and the controls well enough?"
  "[50:33] Matt Farah: The red LEDs are hard to see in the sun, but otherwise, the ride quality is exceptional."

3. Birthday Cars & Coffee

Celebrating Matt's birthday, the hosts recount a memorable Cars and Coffee event organized by Matt's wife, Hannah.

• Event Highlights:
  The surprise gathering featured a fleet of impressive cars, including a Targa 911 from Alex Roy, a customized Mini Cooper from Sergio, and various other unique vehicles. The event turned Matt's driveway into a vibrant car show early in the morning.

  "[14:26] Matt Farah: Hannah had a surprise Cars and Coffee in my driveway for my birthday, and it was fantastic to see so many awesome cars and friends gathered early in the morning."

• Community and Camaraderie:
  Matt expresses his appreciation for the commitment of friends like Alex Roy, who flew from Miami to attend, highlighting the strong community within the automotive world.

  "[15:56] Matt Farah: I really appreciate Alex Roy's commitment to coming to my birthday parties. He's the best."

• Unique Cars Displayed:
  The event showcased a variety of cars, including an army green Mini Cooper with both turbocharged and supercharged modifications, adding to the eclectic mix and spirited atmosphere.

  "[16:31] Zach Klapman: Sergio brought that crazy Mini Cooper, which looked like a psychotic machine but was actually driven by his son."

4. Q&A Session

The latter part of the episode features a Q&A Session, where Matt and Zach address listener-submitted questions covering a broad range of automotive topics.

• Warranties and Maintenance:

  • Extended Warranties:
    Zack discusses the benefits of extended warranties using the example of their general manager, Eric, who maintains his Porsche 997.2 Turbo S manual with an 18-month transferable warranty.

    "[10:32] Matt Farah: Eric could sell his 997.2 Turbo S manual for a good price because it still has an extended warranty."

  • Third-Party Warranties:
    Matt advises caution when considering third-party warranties for vehicles like the Chrysler Pacifica, emphasizing the importance of reading fine print and understanding the coverage scope.

    "[12:28] Zach Klapman: Third-party warranties might not be the best for long-term ownership of certain models like the Pacifica."

• Dealership Experiences:
  Matt shares his positive and negative dealership experiences, advocating for more customer-friendly practices such as extended test drives and transparent pricing without haggling.

  "[85:15] Matt Farah: I had a dealership let us take a Wrangler home for the weekend, which was a refreshing change from traditional haggling tactics."

• Car Modding Trends:
  The hosts discuss the evolution of car modding, suggesting that as enthusiasts age, their focus may shift from performance modifications to reliability and daily drivability.

  "[88:54] Matt Farah: Modding tends to decrease with age as reliability and ease of use become more important."

• Perfect Car Replacement:
  When asked about replacing cars with twice the budget, Matt and Zach suggest high-end alternatives that maintain the original roles while offering enhanced performance and luxury.

  "[108:38] Matt Farah: For a Countach-like role, a Diablo GT would be the ultimate choice at a higher budget."

• Preventing Identity Theft:
  An advertisement segment highlights Delete Me, a service that helps protect personal information online by removing data from broker websites. Matt shares his positive experience using the service, encouraging listeners to safeguard their privacy.

  "[25:25] Matt Farah: Protect your privacy with Delete Me by signing up at JoinDeleteMe.com/Tire using promo code 'Tire' for 20% off."

• Miscellaneous Automotive Tips:

  • Tire Care:
    Matt advises maintaining recommended tire pressures regardless of tire type and cautions against using run-flat tires due to potential quality issues.

    "[72:38] Matt Farah: Start with the recommended tire pressures and monitor for uneven wear."

  • Garage Management:
    The hosts discuss managing multiple vehicles and maximizing garage utility without compromising on maintenance and accessibility.

5. Final Thoughts and Upcoming Content

As the episode wraps up, Matt and Zach tease upcoming content, including test drives of new vehicles like the tri-motor Rivian and future episodes covering more automotive reviews and adventures. They also acknowledge and thank their Patreon supporters, encouraging new listeners to join and support the show.

"[67:16] Matt Farah: Thank you to our patrons for supporting us this year. We appreciate each and every one of you!"

Notable Quotes:

• "[34:09] Matt Farah: I really loved the electric G Wagon. It makes a great city vehicle with excellent visibility and ease of parking."
• "[37:05] Zach Klapman: The torque control with electric cars makes it a lot easier to go off-roading. It feels like walking."
• "[16:31] Zach Klapman: Sergio brought that crazy Mini Cooper, which looked like a psychotic machine but was actually driven by his son."
• "[85:18] Zach Klapman: I think a two-day test drive would be amazing."

Conclusion:

In this comprehensive episode of The Smoking Tire, Matt Farah and Zack Klapman explore the nuances of modern automotive innovations, from the electric G Wagon's dual-city and off-road capabilities to the rugged charm of the INEOS Grenadier. Celebrating community and friendship through a heartfelt Cars and Coffee birthday event, they further enrich the conversation with insightful Q&A segments addressing listener queries on warranties, modding, and dealership experiences. The duo maintains their signature blend of technical expertise and personable banter, making the episode a must-listen for automotive enthusiasts seeking both detailed reviews and relatable discussions.