In Wheel Time Podcast: Your Go-To Automotive Talk Show

Trust, Recalls, And The Real Cost Of Cool

In Wheel Time Podcast | Automotive talk with Don Armstrong, Michael Marrs, and Jeff Dziekan Season 2026 Episode 23

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0:00 | 30:17

Hybrids aren’t the backup plan anymore—they’re the headline. We break down Consumer Reports’ 2026 winners, from the Civic Hybrid’s sharp steering and 44 mpg to the Camry’s 48 mpg and old-school tactile controls that make daily driving easier. Subaru’s Crosstrek and Forester win on ride quality, visibility, and confidence in bad weather, while Toyota’s mid-sized SUV pick nails cargo space and comfort with an easygoing 35 mpg hybrid. For luxury shoppers, the Lexus NX balances a calm cabin with intuitive controls and a hybrid that smooths the surge.

Trucks and EVs share the spotlight too. The Ford Maverick proves you can get real utility without parking-lot fatigue, pairing a spacious cabin with hybrid efficiency that saves cash every week. The F-150 continues to deliver with a gem of a V6 and smart touches like a tailgate that doubles as a workbench. On the electric side, Tesla’s Model Y refresh aims squarely at daily comfort—acoustic glass, a calmer ride, better materials—while keeping the speed, range, and Supercharger access that define its appeal.

We also cover the news drivers need now: recalls for windshield bonding, high-voltage battery risks, failing displays, and rearview camera glitches. A quick VIN check at safercar.gov can save a headache later. Then we have some fun with auction shockers: a $710K Ford GT, a six-figure classic Bronco, and attainable icons like a ’49 Chevy 3100 and a ’73 Super Beetle that prove charm still sells. Along the way, we touch on dealer trust rankings, shifting work policies at major automakers, and a heartwarming dealership story that turned a driver’s clapped-out Civic into a fresh start.

Hit play to get smart on what to buy, what to avoid, and what might tempt your heart more than your wallet. If you enjoy the show, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who’s shopping their next car.

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Welcome And Show Roadmap

SPEAKER_00

Welcome to another In Wheel Time podcast. The award-winning In Wheel Time Car Talk Show. Check us out on InWheeltime.com, YouTube, Facebook, and podcasts available from your favorite go-to source, including a live broadcast every Saturday, 10 to noon Central Time. The In Wheel Time Car Talk Show has informative automotive guest interviews, new car reviews, along with popular features including driving destinations, Jeff's car culture, latest car news, cruise-ins, and racing dates. It's all on InWheeltime.com. Join us. Hello! Welcome to the In Wheel Time Car Talk Show. Coming up in this segment of the show, we're going to talk about. What are we going to talk about? I think what we're going to do is we're going to start with Consumer Reports top 10 new cars, pickups, SUSE. Then we're going to do SP calls. And we're also going to have always popular What Cause Soul Right. And then later on, we're going to have the presenter and the Venus Captain's helping the stories make well. Howdy, along with Mike Out of this World of Ours, coming to you from Neederville, Texas. We always need more Jeff Seekin, Master Studio and Transmitter Engineer, David Ainsley and Donald Armstrong. Glad that you could join us today. And I know that you've got your act together much better than I do. Because I don't at all. So um forgive me, will you? William Orz? Sir, I'm sorry. Never mind. I'm sending you a text. Are you? Sorry. That's okay. Not like I'll have time to read that. All right. So um let's do uh the hybrid powertrains dominated consumer reports review of the best new vehicles for 2026. And uh I've got them in no particular order, but we're gonna start with the best small car for 2026, according to consumer reports, and that would be the Civic Hybrid. I, for some reason, I mentioned this last week when we were at the auto show, I don't get Hondas and I don't get accuracy. I don't know whether they're not in the press fleet, or the lady that handles that press fleet doesn't like me, which is probably the case.

SPEAKER_02

Well, that's very possible, yeah.

SPEAKER_00

Uh that hybrid uh by Honda Civic is the best version because of its responsive steering, comfort, and spacious interior. A Civic with spacious interior plus another 50 horsepower that powers a two-second bump in its speed from zero to sixty compared with the gasoline version. Also gets 44 miles per gallon consumer reports test and has refined power delivery that makes it refreshingly entertaining on twisty roads. Honda Civic? Twisty roads? Okay. You must be driving the sporty model. Apparently. Best mid-sized car. The Toyota Camry. That's one that I haven't had in a long time for some reason. Have you had any? No, Mars hasn't had one. Have you, Mars?

SPEAKER_02

No, sir.

SPEAKER_00

The Camry is now exclusively sold as a hybrid and reached 48 miles per gallon in the consumer reports test. Reviewers liked its user-friendly controls, including physical knobs and switches. Each trim is available with all-wheel drive, and reviewers praised the vehicle's reliability. Good. Best subcompact SUV, the Subaru Crosstrack. Tell you what, man, that Subaru brand, they they have really killed it here in the past few years. They're making gains. Consumer Report said the CrossTrack handles well and has good ride quality. I'll agree with that, including in its its ability to absorb road imperfections. Yeah, that. Reviewers said it was comfortable even during off-pavement excursions. I don't know why you would do that. The gasoline-only version gets 29 miles per gallon overall in the consumer reports test, while the hybrid version achieves an EPA estimated 36 miles per gallon combined. You're kind of getting a handle here on this hybrid stuff. Yep. Best compact SUV Subaru Forester. The viewers like the Forester's visibility, comfort, safety credentials, spacious interior, and the hybrid's unique combination of a 2.5-liter engine and electric motor with mechanical, full-time all-wheel drive. Consumer Reports said other small hybrid SUVs only offer limited all-wheel drive. So all-wheel drive is important to you. Here in Houston, Texas, I can't really see being worth the while spending that extra money on something that you probably never use. And there are vehicles that have that setting you can go two-wheel or four-wheel. Yeah. Best mid-sized SUV. Want to take a guess?

SPEAKER_01

Mid-sized SUV.

SPEAKER_00

It's a Toyota. Yeah, I was going to say. And also for cargo, calling it a near-perfect people mover. 18-inch tires make it unusually smooth to drive, and reviewers like the hybrid powertrain's performance with a 35 mile per gallon overall fuel economy. Pretty good. Best luxury compact SUV goes to. Lexus. And it's going to be the Lexus NX. Consumer Reports call the NX a standout in small luxury SUVs because of its compact but not crowded cabin in high-quality controls. The gasoline-only NX has real PEP, and the hybrid version is even more refined with the electric assist helping to smooth out the power delivery. The NX plug-in hybrid, boo, can drive on electric power for only 37 miles and has 304 miles combined horsepower. Which Consumer Reports says makes it among the quickest in the class if you're into that sort of thing.

SPEAKER_01

Small pickup. I'm not going Maverick. Maverick pops into mind, but well, guess what? That's what I think.

SUVs And Luxury Picks Evaluated

SPEAKER_00

Ford Maverick. Maverick has a low entry price, a relatively spacious cabin, and a smooth ride. Now, as far as the relatively low entry price, I don't know what that is. Um I'm guessing about 40 grand because I had one recently, and that's what that was. The hybrid, yes, 37 miles per gallon compared with the gasoline versions 23 on consumer report tests. But the publication recommended the hybrid because of its better reliability score. Interesting. Best luxury mid-sized SUV. BMW X5. Oh wow, wouldn't really like that. Me either. X5 remains one of the best luxury SUVs consumer reports has ever tested, the reviewer said. It is luxurious, well-rounded, and feels special. Reviewers like the cabin's vibe. Haven't heard that word in a while. Surfaces and comfortable seats, calling them expertly sculpted for day-long road trips. Both the hybrid and the gasoline-only versions proved an entertaining driving experience. Best electric vehicle, Tesla Model Y. The Model Y got accolades for its practical yet sleek design, range, performance, and access to the automaker's supercharger network. The 26 refresh provides a more compliant ride, acoustic glass for a quieter cabin, and upgraded interiors, plus an optional eight-inch touchscreen for the back seat. The model-wise reliability is improving. Consumer reports said it maintains thrilling acceleration, sharp handling, comfortable front seats, and wonderfully unobstructed forward views. And finally, the best full-size pickup truck, Ford F-150. Yep. Got more reliable and maintained its strong powertrains, roomy cabin, and simple controls. Reviewers liked improvements such as blind spot monitors and a flat tailgate that can double as a workbench. The V6 engine is a gem, and the hybrid version prioritizes brawn over efficiency. Wow. So there's that. Okay, with that in mind, and since we brought up Ford, let's talk about recalls. It goes hand in hand. Yeah, kind of. Inadequate windshield bonding on the Ford Explorer for 2026. In other words, Martha? Huh? Martha, can you hear me? It's leaking. Martha, I know it's getting a little windy in here. Sorry, we lost the windshield.

SPEAKER_02

Grab it as it goes by.

SPEAKER_00

Yeah. Here's one. Park outside. The high voltage battery may catch fire on the Volkswagen ID4 for 23 and 24. Oh, wow. Yeah. You ever seen one of those? A garage fire? No, I've seen an ID uh with a Volkswagen bus. Man, that's not good. Because it goes pretty quick. Yeah. Side curtain airbag may deploy improperly. It'd slap you upside the head. The Hyundai Palisade 2020 to 2025, it's being recalled. To you at a Tundra 24 and 25, and the Tundra hybrid. Rear view camera image may not display. And I think every Kia and Hyundai known to man has got this problem the instrument panel display failure. So if you own a 25 or 26 model of a Hyundai or a Kia, you might want to check it out, put in the VIN number and safercar.gov, and it will tell you that your car is being recalled.

SPEAKER_02

So it just quits? It quits displaying.

SPEAKER_00

Screen goes blank.

SPEAKER_02

But it doesn't leave you stranded, it just quits telling you what it's like.

SPEAKER_00

Yeah, that's what it says. Okay. That's what it says. Okay. Now, does anybody feel like they would like to play the game the game of sales? What the car sold for? Yeah, the soldier. Michael's got it. All right. Well, let's go ahead and put that up there because our first car today that we're all going to guess. I hope George and uh Jeff Mr. Heitman is uh they're all watching and waiting with baited breath.

SPEAKER_01

Well, Mr. Heitzman has got a little reprieve because the launch didn't go off uh the the Artemis Artemis Artemis rocket. So I think he's probably got some time this morning.

SPEAKER_00

Here we go. Here's the first one. This is for you, Jeff. Okay. The 1957 Cadillac El Dorado. If we can get that up there, Mr. Morris. Can are you doing that? I think Mark. There it is. There you go, Mike. Okay, there you go. Oh, goodness sakes. That is one sexy car. Oh my goodness. A 1956 Cadillac El Dorado. Man, I drive that thing.

SPEAKER_01

That's gonna be uh I'm gonna go 200 grand.

SPEAKER_00

Really?

SPEAKER_01

Yeah. That's that nice to me. That that's a lot. Anybody else? Pretty color.

SPEAKER_00

We have anybody else on there with us that wants to uh chime in. David normally uh chimes in on these. Yeah, he's well it didn't sell for 200 grand, I'm sorry to say. Okay, it went for the bargain basement price of$80,000.

SPEAKER_02

Oh wow. Oh, George came in at$25,999.

SPEAKER_00

George. Not even$35.99. George, we're hoping that you feel better, my friend. He's got his 99s working. Here's one for you. Jeff, this is all about you. A 2006 Ford GT. It's not they have on here GT40. It's a GT40 livery painted on it. Yeah. But in 2006, uh, I don't recall a GT40. I recall the Ford GT, but at any rate, how much do you think that that car cost? They're crossing the block of Barrett's like around two and a quarter. I'm gonna go 250. Are you? Well, now, based on this price, I don't think it's a 2006. Maybe so. I don't, I'm not, I'm not up on my history here, but this car sold for$710,000. Yeah, that was gonna be my next bid.

SPEAKER_02

Yeah, I was I was gonna go for$600, but you know.

SPEAKER_00

Ran me up on that.

SPEAKER_02

Yeah.

SPEAKER_00

Well, kind of in the same vein, but not the same price. This too is another race car. This is a 1991 Shelby Can Am car. Man, that would be fun to drive, wouldn't it? Yeah, going to 59 in that thing. Yeah. Uh 1991 Shelby Can Am. It's a race car, okay?

SPEAKER_01

So how much do you think that that would sell for? Just for the nostalgic part of it. I don't know if you're not sure.

SPEAKER_02

Well, you got a lot of name value in it just because it's you know Shelby Canada.

SPEAKER_00

That's that's what I'm thinking. Because you know the thing's been crashed and wrecked. Yeah, it's all battered up and stuff. But whatever. The 91 Shelby Can Am sold for$73,500.

SPEAKER_01

Way off, Mike. Well, George has close on. He's gonna get his groove on.

EVs And Pickup Winners

SPEAKER_00

He's gonna get his groove on on this one. No idea,$99.99. Um, so a 1959 Chevy$3,100. Now, is that going to be is that a three-quarter ton? Yes. Well, it looks like it. Because I'm not familiar with a 3100. So it could be a one-ton. Yeah, it could be. Whatever. It it's look looks like it has the cameo rear end on the uh bed.

unknown

Yeah.

SPEAKER_02

It's a 59. Got the locking hubs on it.

SPEAKER_00

It's yeah, it's a resto mod because it's been jacked up. Yeah. Nice paint. 42. 42. Jeff says 42. Uh, do we have any other bidders on this? We'll see here next week.

SPEAKER_02

No, not yet. Uh wait, here comes George. George has got it.

SPEAKER_01

$18,999 for uh George.

SPEAKER_02

George.

SPEAKER_00

Okay. Well, George is more of a movie man than a car man. Uh, but at any rate, uh, no, it's not. It was it sold for$33.6. Oh, okay. I like I like the dual headlights and I like the 50s vibe. Yeah.

SPEAKER_01

Ainsley said 15, so he was close.

SPEAKER_00

Is Ainsley back with us? Good. All right, so here's one for you. Uh now we know that the original Ford Bronco sells for stupid money these days.

SPEAKER_01

Yeah.

SPEAKER_00

Okay. So um obviously this is a rest, those are not original wheels. So we're gonna call it a resto mod, whether you like it or not.

SPEAKER_02

Well, how much did it sell for? What? Got a cage, a row bar cage type thing. It did not count, or maybe that's just the top. I don't know. Hard to tell.

SPEAKER_00

So what do you think the 66 Ford Broncos sold for? 70 grand.

SPEAKER_02

70.

SPEAKER_00

George.

SPEAKER_02

I'm thinking. It's got updated seats and everything.

SPEAKER_00

Yes. Because those those Broncos did not have headrests in there. David says 15. 15. The sold car price was$136,500. Oh my god. Just a little off today. Yeah.

SPEAKER_02

Sarah, that's what you call stupid money in my world. Yeah. George was close. He got$1,299.

SPEAKER_01

I grew up with a guy that his dad bought him uh 1974, I think. It was orange. It was just a basic Bronco.

SPEAKER_00

You know, and this is not a put-down by any stretch of the imagination. But I lived in that era. And I will tell you that those vehicles were sardine canned tin.

SPEAKER_01

Yeah.

SPEAKER_00

There was there were they were so basic that you didn't want one. Nobody wanted one. Matter of fact, I rarely saw one.

SPEAKER_01

He had one and it was nice. We didn't like you know he had property, his dad had property that they would take it out too, but it was cool little vehicles.

SPEAKER_00

It's crazy. Matter of fact, there's a company that is actually redoing. You buy one, you find one, and you want it done like it was brand new. Yeah. They're like, you know,$250,000. Art Morrison chassis and all that other stuff. All right. Next up is a 49 Chevy 3100. A 49 Chevy with a 3100. So it'd probably have a straight six in it, a three speed on the column. And um, I may be wrong. Could have a, you know, one of those rock crushers that I had in mind. And mine was a 54. So what do you think that that's sold for? It's got running boards on it, it's got you know moon hub caps on it. Uh 30. 30? Yeah.

SPEAKER_02

Yeah, it looks like it's still got the original gas filler tank in the back of the panel there.

SPEAKER_00

Well, yeah, because the gas tank was behind the seat.

SPEAKER_02

Yeah, it hadn't been moved. Most of the hot rotters will move them.

SPEAKER_00

Yeah. So any idea on price? Jeff says 31.

SPEAKER_01

Uh George says$13,999.

SPEAKER_00

Well, no, uh$26,250. Oh. Which is still David says$25. Well, there you go. It's uh still a little high in my book. All right. Next up, for all you Beatle fans,$73 Volkswagen Super Beetle. There's nothing super about it, but that's what they called it back then because everything was super this and super that. Uh green, ugly green. Um not a I'm not a green car.

SPEAKER_01

Obviously.

SPEAKER_00

Um what do you think that's 73? It's stock.

SPEAKER_01

Well, it's got air conditioning because it's got a little vent up there. So I'm gonna go eight. I'm gonna go eight grand. See the vent right there? Little vent? The side window? Yeah, air conditioning. Uh I'm gonna go eight grand. Eight grand? Anybody?

SPEAKER_02

Nah, nah, yeah. Everybody's well, let's see.

SPEAKER_00

Everybody's you know, going, I don't know. They're just pedaling. So it's$5,500. Damon says$7,500. And finally, the 1939. I've never heard of this in my life, and it's ugly as this day is long. The$39 Graham Spirit of Motion, Shark Nose. Can you put that up there for us, Mr. Morris?

SPEAKER_02

No, sir.

SPEAKER_00

You can't know my list. Okay. Well, then never mind. It's really ugly.

SPEAKER_01

Just think of something ugly, and what was the price on it, though?

SPEAKER_00

$19,845.

SPEAKER_01

Think of something ugly that's$19,845.

Guess The Auction Price Game Begins

SPEAKER_00

I'm gonna go down there and we'll see if I can buy me something. Oh, I found it. I mean a shock. Yeah, and then she comes out and goes, What in the world is that? That's ugly. That's ugly. All right. Uh, hey, um, we're gonna take a break. Be sure uh and uh note that Jeff has the cruise in and events calendars, and I'll have the stories making automotive news headlines this week. Stay with us, the in-wheel time car talk show continues right after this quick break. You own a car you love. Well, why not let Gulf Coast Auto Shield protect it? Houstonian John Gray invites you to his state-of-the-art facility to introduce you to his specialist team of auto enthusiasts. We promise you'll be impressed. Whether you're looking to massage your original paint to a like new appearance, apply a ceramic coating, install a paint protection film, nano ceramic window tint, or new windshield protection called ExoShield, Gulf Coast Auto Shield is where Houston's car people go. Curbed your wheels? Instead of buying new, why not have them repaired? How about a professionally installed radar detector? Gulf Coast Auto Shield does that too. Get a peek inside the shop and look at the services offered by getting online and heading to gcautoshield.com. Better yet, stop by their facility at 11275 South Sam Houston Tollway, just south of the Southwest Freeway and get a personal tour. Gulf Coast Auto Shield is your place to go for all things exterior. Call them today, 832-930-5655 or gcautoShield.com. The award-winning In Wheel Time Car Talk Show. Check us out on Inwheel Time.com, YouTube, Facebook, and podcasts available from your favorite go-to source, including a live broadcast every Saturday, 10 to noon, Central Time. The In Wheel Time Car Talk Show has informative automotive guest interviews, new car reviews, along with popular features including driving destinations, Jeff's car culture, latest car news, cruise ins, and racing dates. It's all on InWheeltime.com. Join us.com. Thank you for joining us today. Time now for Jeff's cruise in and events calendars.

SPEAKER_01

Oh, yeah, there's a lot of stuff going on. Springtime's coming. So if you're if we're not talking about yours, you can get on. There's plenty of sites for hot rods and Hot rod tours and things. So you know you can check it out yourself, do your due diligence. But here we go. Hot Rods of Texas winter squat meet and car corral. This is in Montgomery County Fairgrounds. It is uh actually next uh week, next Friday, I believe, because it goes, it's a three-day event, so it's a swap and all that good stuff. Hot Rods uh winter squat meet. A lot of stuff going on there. It is at 9333 Airport Road in Conroe. It goes from 8 a.m. on Friday to whenever on Sunday. I think it's a two or three-day event. Then you got Lovers Lane Car Show coming up when? Ah, Valentine's Day. This is at uh in Odessa, Texas. Is that 2660 JBS Parkway, Odessa? Let's go out there. Lovers Lane will take place February 14th, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. It's actually at the Hooters in Odessa. Well, there you go. Uh Event Benefits Humane Society and feature sponsorships arriving there with pet adoptions and all kinds of good stuff. By the way, uh speaking of uh Hooters, did you see where Twin Peaks is filed for bankruptcy? I thought they were did that a long time ago. Never never been there. West Temple Motors and Mount Motors and Malts monthly cruise in. This is February 14th as well. That's in Stone Hollow Drive and Temple. Temple George. There you go. Uh it's the uh join us every month because it's a monthly thing. Second Saturday, the Bold Republic brewing for a laid-back evening of engines, good vibes, and great beer, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Just be careful out there, know your limits. So a lot of cool cars and things going out that way. Carfest and Coffee Monthly Car Meetup. This is uh again, Valentine's Day, February 14th in Nacadocha, San Antonio, Texas. Nacadocha's Road in San Antonio, Texas. Car Fest and Coffee, monthly event uh organized by Carfest San Antonio. It's a good meetup there, check it out. And then Clear Lake Cars and Coffee. This is going to be uh 14505 Gulf Freeway in Houston at Grace Church. So everybody's out there, we talked to that about them before, and uh go on out there and enjoy it.

SPEAKER_00

Stillant is telling U.S. employees they must report to their offices five days a week, marking an end to the automaker's flexible stance on remote work in the years since COVID-19. The automaker, which is seeking to regain lost market share in the U.S., says it will be stronger with employees at their offices full-time. Policy change will be implemented over the next two months. Spokesman said the move applies to all U.S. employees wherever they're based. If there is an office, they can go to. Okay, go there. Have fun. Um, many auto dealers in the year ahead expect their dealerships will generate similar profits and carry a similar valuation as they did in 2025, but a growing number anticipate having a better 2026, according to a survey from Kerrigan advisors. However, many dealers also fet stores felt stores representing certain brands were poised to decline in value, a bearishness which tends to correlate with the automakers dealers trust the least, including Nissan and Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, according to the Kerrigan Dealer Survey. Most trusted brands, going from number one to number five, goes Toyota, Lexus, Subaru, Honda, and BMW. The least trusted brands, based on percentage, who said they had no trust. Number five, Jaguar Land Rover, four, four Volkswagen, three, Infinity, and apparently the number one has been tied by Chrysler Dodge Jeep and Ram and Nissan as the least trusted brands. Ow. I didn't hear you mention Buick on that. No, Buick's not in there.

unknown

Okay.

SPEAKER_00

Uh yeah. I'm gonna do this one here. Just before Christmas, a police officer in Fort Myers, Florida pulled over a man driving a car that had no windshield or front bumper. The 99 Honda Civic had a quarter million miles on the odometer and limp airbags dangling from the steering wheel and dashboard. Nice. A Gulf Coast News report about the unusual traffic stop included a clip from the film Planes, Trains, and Automobiles, and we all know that movie well, showing a state trooper questioning the roadworthiness of a burned-out Chrysler Baron. But the real-life driver, Jeremy Smith, said he simply was driving to his first day of work at a new job and hadn't been able to afford fixing his car since hitting a huge pothole. Wow. My front end scraped, scraped the ground, and blew my airbags out. One hit me in the face, one went through the windshield, Smith told the TV station I had to sell the bumper to get me a little bit of money to get Christmas gifts, pay phone bills, and you know, stuff like that. Video landed on TikTok of Joshua Clinton, managing partner at Cape Coral Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. Instead of laughing at Smith's predicament, Clinton decided to help. Days later, Smith was at the dealership signing paperwork for a 2014 Jeep Cherokee. The price he paid, one dollar. Store's website lists another 2014 Cherokee for about$13,000. He said, I never give up on life, and I really appreciate having something nice. Clinton suggested Smith, a mechanic with a young son, might even come to work at the dealership someday. We've all been through some kind of struggle, Clinton told Gulf Coast News. The fact that we have the ability to help, you know, just the opportunity presented itself, and I figured why not? Very good. Like those kind of stories. Nice stories. Instead of the dealers least trusted brands.

SPEAKER_01

Yeah. Which don't include Buick, by the way.

SPEAKER_00

No, not involved in that. No Buick's. Um I've had some dealerships that I've had very little trust in.

SPEAKER_01

Oh, I've got a couple on my own, yeah.

SPEAKER_00

Yeah, you do, especially when buying that Buick. Yeah. You do? Or or the JAG. No, I didn't buy a JAG. No, you don't even get me started with the Jag. You inherited the Jag. I uh well, I inherited it with a lady that guilt by association. Well, there's that. And my blood pressure. I'm taking more blood pressure medication now than I ever did before because of the Jag. It's got a little Jag on the pill. Hey, we'd love to hear from you. Shoot us an email. The address is info at nwheeltime.com. We'll be right back after this. You own a car you love. Well, why not let Gulf Coast Auto Shield protect it? Houstonian John Gray invites you to his state-of-the-art facility to introduce you to his specialist team of auto enthusiasts. We promise you'll be impressed. Whether you're looking to massage your original paint to a like new appearance, apply a ceramic coating, install a paint protection film, nano ceramic window tint, or new windshield protection called Exoshield, Gulf Coast Auto Shield is where Houston's car people go. Curbed your wheels? Instead of buying new, why not have them repaired? How about a professionally installed radar detector? Gulf Coast Auto Shield does that too. Get a peek inside the shop and look at the services offered by getting online and heading to GCAutoshield.com. Better yet, stop by their facility at 11275 South Sam Houston Tollway, just south of the Southwest Freeway and get a personal tour. Gulf Coast Auto Shield is your place to go for all things exterior. Call them today, 832-930-5655 or gcautoShield.com. The award winning In Wheel Time Car Talk Show. Check us out on Inwheel Time.com, YouTube, Facebook, and podcasts available from your favorite go-to source, including our live broadcast every Saturday, 10 to 9 central time. The In Wheel Time Car Talk Show has informative automotive guest interviews, new car reviews, along with popular features including driving destinations, Jeff's car culture, latest car news, cruise ins, and racing dates. It's all on inwheeltime.com. Join us. That's it for this podcast episode of the In Wheel Time Car Show. I'm Don Armstrong, inviting you to join us for our live show every Saturday morning on Facebook, YouTube, Twitch, and our InWheeltime.com website. Podcasts are available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, iHeartPodcast, Podcast Addict. Tune in, Pandora, and Amazon Music. Keep listening, and we'll see you soon.