Auto Uncovered

Got any questions? Ask away! [email protected]

Check out John's channel - https://www.youtube.com/@AutoExpertJCCheck out Adam's channel - https://www.youtube.com/@ReDriven

This week John gets behind the wheel of the JAC Hunter PHEV, Australia’s most affordable plug-in hybrid dual-cab ute. It's got huge (claimed) power, a luxury-feeling interior and a seriously competitive price. The fundamentals are impressive, but there are some frustrating calibration issues that stop it from being the complete package.

Then, listener David asks why buying a new car still feels so painful. In his words: 'why is it so shit'. Adam and John unpack what’s wrong with the traditional dealership experience and why the industry needs to rethink the way it treats customers.

Plus, Adam drives the Honda Super-ONE and reckons it might be the small EV that finally wins over petrolheads. That prompts a debate on whether small cars are more fun than supercars, what Japanese brands can do to fight back against the rise of Chinese manufacturers, and why personality, heritage and fun still matter.

In this episode:

00:00 Welcome to Auto Uncovered

00:51 JAC Hunter PHEV: Huge power for the money

02:30 Would John still buy one?

03:50 Where Chinese car brands are falling short

06:14 The missing ingredient in the JAC Hunter

07:28 Why 360kW doesn’t always feel like 360kW

08:15 The little details JAC needs to fix

11:10 What the Hunter gets right

12:20 Should Toyota and Ford be worried?

13:18 How the JAC Hunter’s hybrid system works

15:49 Can an electrified ute really work off-road?

17:02 The argument for coil-sprung utes

17:47 Testing the Hunter with 500kg in the tray

20:35 Why hybrid engines can sound disconnected

24:37 Listener question: Why does buying a new car suck?

25:15 How dealerships could improve

26:35 The real problem with car dealerships

28:38 Adam’s terrible dealership experience

30:12 Why dealership culture needs to change

31:23 Honda Super One: The EV for petrolheads?

32:13 Why being electric makes it more fun

33:17 Why kei cars make so much sense

35:22 Honda might have a hit on its hands

36:18 Why small cars can be more fun than supercars

38:00 What Japanese car brands should be building

40:04 How Japan can fight back against China

41:00 The problem with massive Chinese car logos

43:45 Why heritage still matters

45:05 Honda proves people still want fun cars

45:55 Remember when Japanese cars were this exciting?

46:27 Wrapping up

Got any questions? Ask away! [email protected]

Check out John's channel - https://www.youtube.com/@AutoExpertJCCheck out Adam's channel - https://www.youtube.com/@ReDriven

Adam narrowly avoids buying a written-off Skoda after a last-minute history check uncovers $14,500 worth of previous damage, prompting a chat about pre-purchase inspections and the checks you should never skip when buying used.

Then John looks at the changing Australian car market and why he believes the growth of Chinese brands increasingly resembles “colonisation”, as established dealerships move away from legacy manufacturers and embrace new Chinese brands. Can traditional Japanese and European manufacturers compete on price (not really), performance and technology? Perhaps bringing back proper halo cars could help?

Finally, Adam explains why cars like the Ford Bronco and Renault 5 EV can't simply be shipped over and sold here, breaking down the compliance, training, parts, marketing and logistics costs involved in bringing a new model to Australia.

And what happens to Leapmotor if Stellantis pulls out of Australia?

Join auto industry insiders John Cadogan (Auto Expert) and Adam Morris (ReDriven) as they cut through the BS on new cars, used cars, dealer tactics, EV trends, and everything the motoring industry doesn't want you to know. New episodes weekly — subscribe now.

In this ep:

00:00 Welcome to Auto Uncovered

01:46 Adam dodges a Skoda-shaped bullet

04:08 The used-car history check that changed everything

06:59 The checks you should do before buying a used car

12:58 Are Chinese brands “colonising” the Australian car industry?

15:40 Chinese brands take over established dealerships

20:23 Why dealers are turning away from legacy brands

22:10 Can traditional car brands compete with China?

30:39 Has China overtaken Japanese brands in Australia?

33:50 Do legacy brands need to bring back halo cars?

37:51 Will Leapmotor survive if Stellantis leaves Australia?

42:19 Why Australia matters to Chinese car brands

45:04 Why don’t we get the cool cars in Australia?

45:18 The hidden costs of bringing a new car to Australia

48:57 The problem facing Australia’s aftermarket industry

50:25 Wrapping up

Got any questions? Ask away! [email protected]

Check out John's channel - https://www.youtube.com/@AutoExpertJCCheck out Adam's channel - https://www.youtube.com/@ReDriven

Are new cars actually better? There's still life left in this debate, so Adam and John are going to keep having it.They dig into the growing amount of tech packed into modern cars, from glitchy screens and cameras to expensive sensors, powered tailgates and useless features most people simply don’t need. All that complexity can mean bigger repair bills and reliability headaches.

Depreciation makes buying new hard to justify, so is a five or ten-year-old car actually the smarter choice? Plus, a look at whether motoring media’s obsession with new cars is being driven by the industry itself. Just ignore the ads and the salesman!

Then, listener Ian asks what actually defines a luxury car these days? Adam and John debate the difference between genuine luxury and brand prestige, whether the traditional German badges are still worth paying a premium for, and how cheaper alternatives are challenging the old idea of a luxury car.

Finally, the conversation turns serious as they discuss the tragic death of Constable Mia Lay, the circumstances surrounding the crash and the bigger questions it raises about high-speed police driving, risk, training and whether current policies need to change.

Join auto industry insiders John Cadogan (Auto Expert) and Adam Morris (ReDriven) as they cut through the BS on new cars, used cars, dealer tactics, EV trends, and everything the motoring industry doesn't want you to know. New episodes weekly — subscribe now.

In this episode:

0:00 Intro

1:24 Why are we buying new cars?

3:40 Are older cars actually better?

4:13 Why modern cars are less reliable

6:22 The rising cost of car repairs

8:25 How much car tech is actually useful?

11:13 The problem with unnecessary features

13:02 Upgrading old cars vs new cars

14:38 Are car reviewers biased towards new cars?

17:46 What actually makes a luxury car?

22:28 Are traditional luxury brands losing their appeal?

24:12 The death of Constable Mia Lay

26:00 Questions over police driving speeds

28:37 Do police driving policies need to change?

32:12 Questions for NSW Police leadership

35:10 What needs to change?

Got any questions? Ask away! [email protected]

John and Adam pull apart ABC Four Corners' BYD hacking exposé, arguing that every modern car collects your data and can be hacked through its CAN bus, no matter where it's built. They break down the TV tricks used to steer viewers, what the story should have covered instead, and answer a listener question on whether legacy brands can fight back against China, and why halo cars might be their best shot.

Check out John's channel - https://www.youtube.com/@AutoExpertJC
Check out Adam's channel - https://www.youtube.com/@ReDriven

Skip ahead:
00:00 - Intro01:04 - Four Corners' BYD exposé03:50 - Every car is spying09:50 - CAN bus hacking13:21 - China as a trading partner15:39 - On bullshit17:45 - Inside China20:09 - Current affairs tricks25:07 - What they should've covered27:02 - Can legacy brands compete?33:04 - Halo cars and heritage36:52 - Wrap up

Join auto industry insiders John Cadogan (Auto Expert) and Adam Morris (ReDriven) as they cut through the BS on new cars, used cars, dealer tactics, EV trends, and everything the motoring industry doesn't want you to know. New episodes weekly — subscribe now.

Got any questions? Ask away! [email protected] needs to trade in his beloved Fiesta ST for something more practical, and in the process uncovers a gold mine of enthusiast cars now sitting between $20,000 and $30,000 used, from hot hatches and rear-drive sedans to V8 SUVs and future classics. A listener asks what makes car brands keep their die-hard fans, and John and Adam finish with simple ways to cut your motoring costs, why buying an EV to save on fuel doesn't add up, and why petrol is still almost free when you look at what it does for you.Check out John's channel - https://www.youtube.com/@AutoExpertJCCheck out Adam's channel - https://www.youtube.com/@ReDrivenSkip ahead:00:00 - Intro00:47 - Replacing the Fiesta ST01:47 - The $20-30K gold mine03:11 - SUVs and hot hatches08:43 - Rear-drive sedans and coupes13:22 - Peak car17:11 - Adam's shortlist17:55 - What keeps enthusiasts loyal24:03 - Cutting motoring costs31:01 - EVs and depreciation33:20 - The real value of fuel39:12 - Wrap upJoin auto industry insiders John Cadogan (Auto Expert) and Adam Morris (ReDriven) as they cut through the BS on new cars, used cars, dealer tactics, EV trends, and everything the motoring industry doesn't want you to know. New episodes weekly — subscribe now.

Got any questions? Ask away! [email protected]

Check out John's channel - https://www.youtube.com/@AutoExpertJCCheck out Adam's channel - https://www.youtube.com/@ReDriven

Adam Morris (ReDriven) and John Cadogan (Auto Expert) kick off with a chat about Ford’s new Bronco Basecamp: will buyers care that it’s built in China but marketed as something else? What are the tools every driver should keep in their car? The guys discuss it and John shows off his oversized wrench.

From there, Adam shares some alarming insurance stories involving modified vehicles, denied claims and drivers discovering they weren’t covered when they thought they were. It’s a timely reminder to check exactly what your policy covers before you need to make a claim.

They also debate a proposal that could see all drivers pay a road user charge, while also keeping fuel excise in place as a separate "pollution tax". It would effectively mean many motorists are paying twice. Is it fair for people who can't easily switch to an EV? Are governments sending mixed messages by encouraging EV adoption while looking for new ways to tax drivers?

Finally, a listener asks the question: are any modern cars built to last, or are the days of keeping a car for 20 years coming to an end?

In this episode:

00:00 Intro & What’s Coming Up

03:01 Ford Bronco BaseCamp: Will Buyers Care It’s Made in China?

06:58 Essential Car Toolkit: What Should Every Driver Carry?

12:29 Insurance Horror Stories: Why Claims Are Being Rejected

25:31 Tesla FSD Insurance Discounts Explained

30:21 Are "Forever Cars" Dead? Which Cars Will Survive 20+ Years?

38:04 EV Road User Tax Debate: Should Everyone Pay?

42:34 Why Cheap Used Hybrids Make More Sense Than New EVs

47:44 The Case for Smaller Cars in Australia

52:52 Send Us Your Questions

Join auto industry insiders John Cadogan (Auto Expert) and Adam Morris (ReDriven) as they cut through the BS on new cars, used cars, dealer tactics, EV trends, and everything the motoring industry doesn't want you to know. New episodes weekly — subscribe now.

Got any questions? Ask away! [email protected]

Check out John's channel - https://www.youtube.com/@AutoExpertJCCheck out Adam's channel - https://www.youtube.com/@ReDriven

Adam and John tackle claims that Chinese EVs are spying on drivers. The real privacy concern isn't China, but the amount of data every modern car manufacturer collects, stores and monetises. If you're worried about someone collecting your data you should probably delete Facebook.

A Mozilla report found that all major car brands failed basic privacy standards. Find the report here: https://www.mozillafoundation.org/en/blog/privacy-nightmare-on-wheels-every-car-brand-reviewed-by-mozilla-including-ford-volkswagen-and-toyota-flunks-privacy-test/

Should consumers be more worried about big tech and car companies than foreign governments? Zuckerberg or Xi - who would you rather gets your data?

The conversation then shifts to automotive regulations, as ADAS frustrations, outdated road laws and safety rules that haven't kept pace with modern vehicle technology boil over.

Finally Adam and John review several major new vehicle announcements, including Ford's Bronco Base Camp, the new Nissan Patrol and Mitsubishi Pajero, debating whether these products can revive struggling brands and why enthusiast criticism often misses what mainstream buyers actually want.

Join auto industry insiders John Cadogan (Auto Expert) and Adam Morris (ReDriven) as they cut through the BS on new cars, used cars, dealer tactics, EV trends, and everything the motoring industry doesn't want you to know. New episodes weekly — subscribe now.

In this episode:

00:00 Chinese EV Spyware? Separating Fact From Conspiracy

01:15 "Your Car Is Spying On You" Claims Explained

02:22 The CCP, Data Harvesting & Internet Myths

04:05 Why Social Media Knows More Than Your Car

05:17 The Privacy Nightmare Inside Modern Cars

06:35 Can Car Companies Sell Your Data?

08:22 Why Journalists Should Care About Vehicle Data Collection

10:55 Is Technology Ruining Modern Cars?

12:04 The Real Threat: Carmakers Monetising Drivers

15:13 The Car Laws & Regulations That Need An Overhaul

17:28 Is ANCAP Finally Fixing ADAS?

18:03 Why Modern Cars Are Harder To Escape In Emergencies

19:54 Tesla Door Handles & Safety Risks

21:29 Ford Bronco Base Camp: Brilliant Idea Or Fake Bronco?

23:38 Why Most Buyers Don't Need A "Real" Off-Roader

24:05 Keyboard Warriors vs Real Car Buyers

26:22 What Will The Bronco Base Camp Cost?

27:50 Why Ford Might Have Got This One Right

29:03 New Mitsubishi Pajero Pricing Revealed

29:46 Can The Pajero Save Mitsubishi?

31:58 New Nissan Patrol Pricing & First Impressions

32:32 The V6 Patrol's Secret GT-R Connection

35:15 Why Nissan & Mitsubishi Are Fighting For Survival

Got any questions? Ask away! [email protected]

Check out John's channel - https://www.youtube.com/@AutoExpertJCCheck out Adam's channel - https://www.youtube.com/@ReDriven

John Cadogan and Adam Morris analyse why some manual gearboxes feel magical while others feel terrible, with a detour into the wonderful world of Japanese tool engineering.

From there it gets serious with a look at the oil filter recall affecting popular utes and SUVs; saving a few dollars on servicing components can become a very expensive mistake.

Then it's a listener question: Ven asks about bull bars and pedestrian safety regulations.

Finally Adam and John have one of their most lively debates about whether Tesla has been quietly building brand loyalty with younger generations through tech, games, and EV culture, and whether today's kids might one day treat early Teslas the same way previous generations idolised classic Japanese performance cars. For Boomers it was the Mustang, for Gen X Impreza's and Skyline's: for Gen Z will it be the Model S?

Join auto industry insiders John Cadogan (Auto Expert) and Adam Morris (ReDriven) as they cut through the BS on new cars, used cars, dealer tactics, EV trends, and everything the motoring industry doesn't want you to know. New episodes weekly — subscribe now.

In this ep:

00:00 – Intro

01:30 – Why some manual transmissions feel incredible and others don't

04:50 – Japanese tools, engineering finesse, and surprisingly satisfying screwdrivers

11:15 – Major oil filter recall: what owners of D-Max, MU-X and BT-50s need to know

16:45 – Why cheap servicing can become very expensive

23:30 – Listener question: How are bull bars still legal if pedestrian safety rules are so strict?

28:00 – Bull bars, roadside safety, and the regulatory contradictions

32:20 – Has Tesla been quietly indoctrinating the next generation of car buyers?

37:00 – Will today's Teslas become tomorrow's collectibles?

45:45 – Final thoughts and listener call-out

Got any questions? Ask away! [email protected]

Check out John's channel - https://www.youtube.com/@AutoExpertJCCheck out Adam's channel - https://www.youtube.com/@ReDriven

John Cadogan and Adam Morris dive headfirst into the debate surrounding the incoming Chery Stockman diesel plug-in hybrid ute, tackling claims about DPF issues, diesel hybrid technology, and why internet "experts" might be underestimating modern engineering.

Also, are today's tech-heavy cars really less reliable than older vehicles? They analyse turbochargers and hybrid systems to plastic engine components and manufacturer cost-cutting.

Plus, what are the ultimate "forever cars": the vehicles they'd happily drive for the next 30 to 40 years? Ford Falcons and Lexus V8s to Audi TTs, Toyota Crowns and classic Volvos, what cars stand the test of time?

Join auto industry insiders John Cadogan (Auto Expert) and Adam Morris (ReDriven) as they cut through the BS on new cars, used cars, dealer tactics, EV trends, and everything the motoring industry doesn't want you to know. New episodes weekly — subscribe now.

In this ep:

00:00 – Intro and the Volkswagen EA888 water pump joke

00:40 – Chery's new diesel PHEV ute and DPF concerns

04:00 – Why diesel hybrids may be better at DPF regeneration than traditional diesels

11:00 – The growing divide between internet opinion and engineering reality

16:00 – Listener question from 'Rugby' (real name TBC): Do turbos, hybrids and modern drivetrains reduce longevity?

19:00 – Reliability, bean counters and why some parts fail prematurely

23:00 – What makes a true "forever car"?

24:00 – Ford Mustang GT and Bullitt editions

26:00 – Lexus LC500 and Lexus F models

28:00 – Audi TT RS and the last great manual five-cylinder Audi

29:00 – Toyota Crown: the overlooked luxury bargain

31:00 – Toyota Hilux, Surf and 4Runner future classics

32:00 – Volvo 240: the indestructible Swede

33:00 – John's unexpected dream garage picks

Got any questions? Ask away! [email protected]

Check out John's channel - https://www.youtube.com/@AutoExpertJC

Check out Adam's channel - https://www.youtube.com/@ReDriven

John Cadogan and Adam Morris debate whether technology is making cars worse. From giant touchscreens and subscription-locked features to in-car advertising and increasingly complex electronics, the pair debatewhether we've already passed "peak car."

Listener Tim asks a question about the risks of buying first-generation vehicles, and John and Adam discuss reliability, development cycles, and why some new models are safer bets than others.

Should buyers treat all Chinese brands the same? Adam and John discuss why established players like GWM deserve to be judged differently to newer arrivals, and how global engineering teams are blurring traditional notions of where cars really come from.

Plus, there's a growing trend of questionable automotive surveys and media reports, creating headlines that say a lot but don't tell the whole story.

In this episode:

00:00 – Intro

00:57 – Have Cars Become Too Techy?

02:18 – Paying Extra for What You Already Own

10:40 – Why Modern Cars Break So Easily

15:00 – Never Buy the First Model?

18:20 – The Truth About Chinese Cars

22:30 – How Survey Statistics Mislead You

34:10 – Are We Being Sold a Lie?

Join auto industry insiders John Cadogan (Auto Expert) andAdam Morris (ReDriven) as they cut through the BS on new cars, used cars,dealer tactics, EV trends, and everything the motoring industry doesn't wantyou to know. New episodes weekly — subscribe now.