Podcast Summary: THIS CAR POD! with Doug DeMuro & Friends Episode: Finding the Coolest Turo Cars Around the World! Time to Buy a Bugatti?! and MORE!
Release Date: November 1, 2024

Introduction and News

Doug DeMuro kicks off the episode with a brief mention of his sponsor before diving into automotive news. The primary topic centers around Volkswagen's revival of the Scout brand name, originally popular in the 1970s. Volkswagen plans to use the Scout name for a new line of electric SUVs.

At [02:15], Doug expresses frustration with VW's strategy, stating:

"One of the most annoying things that automakers do is announce products so far ahead of time that there's a ton of hype generated and then people either forget about it or don't care."
— Doug DeMuro [02:27]

Kenan and Nick agree, discussing how early announcements can render products outdated by the time they hit the market. They highlight the risk of competitors like Rivian releasing refreshed models in the interim, potentially overshadowing VW's Scout SUVs.

Kia Tasman Truck

The conversation shifts to the recently revealed Kia Tasman, an unconventional pickup truck not slated for the U.S. market due to manufacturing and trade constraints. Nick humorously compares its design to a child's toy truck:

"It reminds me of my 2-year-old's T-Rex Matchbox cars. It's kind of like a T. Rex truck."
— Nick [05:03]

Despite its polarizing aesthetics, Doug suggests that if a reputable brand like Toyota were behind it, the Tasman might receive a warmer reception. The trio muses about Kia and Hyundai's strategy to create distinctive, eye-catching vehicles, noting varying levels of success.

Bugatti Ownership Challenges

Nick shares a detailed account of his friend, Tyler Hoover, acquiring a Bugatti Veyron. Despite its impressive design and performance, the car faces significant ownership hurdles:

• Mechanical Issues: The Veyron lacks a reverse gear due to interior trim problems, though it still runs forward.
• Maintenance Costs: Doug emphasizes the exorbitant costs associated with owning such an exotic vehicle, using Veyron examples to illustrate his point.

At [10:24], Doug laments:

"This car is on a level of impossible to own that is truly, honestly, difficult to describe to people."
— Doug DeMuro [10:24]

The discussion highlights the complexities and financial burdens of maintaining high-end cars, with Kenan and Doug expressing skepticism about the long-term viability of owning such vehicles.

Porsche 992.2 Carrera T Announcement

The episode covers the unveiling of the Porsche 992.2 Carrera T, a stripped-down version aimed at enthusiasts. Key features include:

• Engine: A 3.0-liter twin-turbo flat-six producing 388 horsepower.
• Transmission: Exclusively available with a six-speed manual, no dual-clutch option.
• Design: Minimalist interior with a walnut shift knob paying homage to classic models.

Kenan remarks at [13:19]:

"What's really important is that they're going to continue to develop gasoline engines. It's not going to be all electric, which is a very big deal."
— Kenan [13:38]

The trio praises Porsche's commitment to offering manual transmissions, a rare trait in modern performance cars, enhancing the model's appeal to purists.

Turo Favorites and Experiences

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to discussing Turo, a peer-to-peer car rental service. Doug and his friends explore some of the most unique and exciting cars available for rent globally. Highlights include:

• Ferrari 308 GTS: Available in Los Angeles, it boasts an open-top, classic design.
• Lotus Esprit: Priced at $375 a day in Seattle, offering a sporty mid-engine experience.
• Bentley Mulsanne: Sold for $58,000 on Cars and Bids, reflecting its desirability despite some flaws.

At [15:53], Doug enthuses:

"You could go into LA, fly into LAX, and pop into a 308 GTS."
— Doug DeMuro [15:53]

The discussion emphasizes the flexibility and variety Turo offers, allowing enthusiasts to experience rare and exotic cars without the hefty price tag of ownership. They also touch on the reliability and maintenance concerns when renting high-end vehicles, advising caution and thorough vetting of hosts.

Manual Swap Murcielago: Prospects and Concerns

Nick introduces a segment about converting his Maserati Murcielago to a manual transmission. He discusses:

• Conversion Options: Companies like EAG offer both engine-in and engine-out manual swaps.
• Cost and Quality: The quoted price is around $45,000, with concerns about achieving OEM-quality performance.
• Community Feedback: Mixed reviews highlight the fun driving experience versus the potential mechanical issues post-conversion.

At [42:14], Doug voices his apprehension:

"They can't trust all of the suppliers and all of the internal people to someone will leak it. They can't literally wait until the day before it's on sale because by then it's already."
— Doug DeMuro [02:28]

The conversation underscores the challenges and uncertainties associated with aftermarket modifications on exotic cars, balancing enhanced driving pleasure against possible reliability pitfalls.

Market Report

In the Market Report segment, Doug and his co-hosts analyze current trends in the automotive resale market:

• Bentley Mulsanne: Recently sold for $58,000, indicating a decline from its original price but still more desirable than some contemporaries.

  Doug observes at [46:31]:

  "This is way more desirable than Anage. Except for the has like one of the worst steering wheels of any car ever made."
  — Doug DeMuro [46:31]

• Subaru WRX and Ford GT350: Notable price drops make these models attractive deals.

  At [48:40], Doug comments:

  "I was sitting here thinking this is a $30,000 car. $35,000 car. That's what they were and that's what they were like used for a while. It's $18,000. This is going to be a $15,000 car tomorrow."
  — Doug DeMuro [48:40]

The report highlights how certain performance and luxury models are becoming more accessible, offering great value to buyers amidst shifting market dynamics.

Listener Questions

The hosts address several listener-submitted questions, providing expert opinions and practical advice:

1. Best Exotic Car for Around $150,000: Listener Sergio Mendez seeks an exotic car that stands out more than a Porsche 911.

   • Nick recommends the Ferrari 599 GTB, which he suggests can be acquired for approximately $125,000, fitting within the desired budget while delivering exceptional performance.

     "The answer to the question is the Ferrari 599 GTB or 150. You can buy that for 125."
     — Nick [52:22]

2. Handling Minor Accidents on Exotic Cars: A listener faced a $45,000 repair bill for a McLaren 720S after minor damage.

   • Doug advises weighing the cost versus insurance implications, suggesting that paying out-of-pocket might be more feasible to avoid escalating insurance rates.

     "If you have six other cars insured them or pay cash and try to resell the car."
     — Doug DeMuro [54:10]

The hosts emphasize the importance of documenting damages meticulously and considering the long-term financial impact when deciding how to proceed with repairs.

Conclusion

In the concluding segment, Nick shares personal insights on car ownership trends, advocating for a more fluid approach to buying and selling cars. He reflects on his transition from holding onto cars for years to embracing shorter ownership periods, facilitated by platforms like Turo.

At [63:21], Nick muses:

"I regret holding cars for that long. And instead, like, I don't want to be that guy with 46 cars. I want to be the guy that's owned 46 cars, but I don't want to have to maintain them."
— Nick [63:21]

The episode wraps up with humorous interactions and friendly banter, reinforcing the camaraderie among the hosts while highlighting their shared passion for cars.

Notable Quotes:

• Doug DeMuro [02:27]:
  "One of the most annoying things that automakers do is announce products so far ahead of time that there's a ton of hype generated and then people either forget about it or don't care."

• Nick [05:03]:
  "It reminds me of my 2-year-old's T-Rex Matchbox cars. It's kind of like a T. Rex truck."

• Kenan [13:19]:
  "What's really important is that they're going to continue to develop gasoline engines. It's not going to be all electric, which is a very big deal."

• Doug DeMuro [46:31]:
  "This is way more desirable than Anage. Except for the has like one of the worst steering wheels of any car ever made."

Stay Connected:

For more insights and to explore Doug's favorite cars on Turo, visit Cars and Bids and check out the Turo section via the link in the episode description.