Wrench Nation

WrenchNation Podcast | Special Guest: Ray Shefska of CarEdge

The price you see should be the price you pay. But is buying a car finally becoming more transparent?

California is taking aim at confusing vehicle pricing practices, hidden fees, and last-minute surprises at the dealership. What do these changes mean for car buyers, dealerships, and the future of automotive retail?

On this episode of WrenchNation, host Frank Leutz welcomes back Ray Shefska of CarEdge, a leading consumer advocate and automotive retail expert, to break down California’s push for greater transparency in vehicle pricing.

We explore how advertised prices, dealer add-ons, financing presentations, and the final out-the-door price can influence what consumers actually pay—and why understanding the numbers before entering a dealership is more important than ever.

Ray brings his years of dealership experience and consumer advocacy to a candid conversation about what needs to change, what buyers should watch for, and whether California’s approach could influence dealerships across the country.

Whether you’re shopping for your next vehicle or simply tired of pricing games, this is a WrenchNation conversation you won’t want to miss.

Car dealers are sitting on inventory, buyers are pushing back on high prices, and the old rules of negotiating a vehicle purchase are changing.

So how do you use today’s market to your advantage?

On this episode of WrenchNation, Frank Leutz welcomes back special monthly guest Ray Shefska of CarEdge to break down what’s really happening inside today’s dealership..but more importantly, how consumers can use that information when it’s time to buy.

Frank and Ray dig into dealer inventory, pricing pressure, incentives, trade-ins, financing, and the negotiating strategies that can help buyers recognize where a dealership may have room to make a deal.

In this episode:

The goal isn’t to “beat” the dealership. It’s to walk into the negotiation informed, prepared and capable of recognizing a fair deal.

Ray Shefska of CarEdge joins WrenchNation each month with an inside look at the automotive retail market and practical strategies consumers can put to work when buying their next vehicle.

If you’re shopping for a new or used vehicle , or thinking about trading your current one..this episode could change the way you approach the negotiating table.

A car accident can last only seconds, but the decisions you make afterward can affect your finances, your health, and your insurance claim for months—or even years.

In this episode of WrenchNation, host Frank Leutz welcomes Russell “Rusty” Reynolds, JD, founding partner of Reynolds & Reynolds Injury Law, for an important conversation every driver should hear before they’re ever involved in a collision.

Together, they discuss the critical first 24 hours after an accident, including what information to document, when to seek medical attention, how to communicate with insurance companies, and the common mistakes that can unintentionally weaken a legitimate claim. You’ll also learn why photographs, witness information, vehicle data, and accurate documentation have become increasingly important as today’s vehicles become more technologically advanced.

Whether you’re involved in a minor fender bender or a serious collision, this episode provides practical guidance to help you protect yourself, your passengers, and your financial interests while navigating the often-confusing claims process.

Topics Covered:

Don’t wait until you’re standing on the side of the road to learn what to do next. This episode could help you avoid costly mistakes and better prepare you for an unexpected accident.

Learn the current dealership trends affecting your next purchase. We analyze the market to help you navigate your next car buying advice session.

We are joined by Ray Shefska, a consumer advocate and co-founder of CarEdge, to discuss the state of the automotive industry. With 43 years of experience inside franchise dealerships, Ray provides an insider perspective on why some stores are struggling while others are thriving. This session is designed for anyone planning on buying a car soon who wants to understand the dealer landscape.

By examining how franchise dealerships operate today, we break down what you need to know before stepping onto a lot. Ray Shefska shares his expertise on the shifting car dealer market so you can enter your next transaction with confidence and clarity.

Subscribe for weekly automotive industry breakdowns, and comment below if you want us to cover specific car buying tips next.

With Special Monthly Guest Ray Shefska of CarEdge

After several years of inflated prices, limited inventory, and “take it or leave it” dealership attitudes, the automotive market may finally be returning to reality. Is the era of paying thousands over sticker becoming a thing of the past?

On this month’s edition of WrenchNation Radio, host Frank Leutz welcomes back special monthly guest Ray Shefska of CarEdge to examine what many are calling The Great Car Market Reset.

For consumers who delayed buying a vehicle during the pandemic and post-pandemic price surge, the conversation has become increasingly interesting. Rising inventory levels, higher interest rates, and changing consumer demand are putting pressure on dealers nationwide. In many cases, dealerships are once again finding themselves competing for customers rather than customers competing for vehicles.

Additionally , as a last minute in studio surprise -we have young independent film talents Kenny Li  and Nothing But Laughz as they discuss their latest film project at Singing Panda Asian Restaurant !

The car-buying landscape is changing—and consumers need to pay attention.

On our latest episode of WrenchNation, we sat down with Ray Shefska of CarEdge to break down the latest FTC dealership transparency mandates and what they could mean for everyday car buyers across America.

For years, many consumers have faced confusing pricing, surprise add-ons, hidden fees, and high-pressure tactics inside dealership finance offices. Now, the Federal Trade Commission is pushing for stronger transparency standards designed to create a clearer and fairer buying process.

Whether you’re buying new, used, leasing, or just researching your next move, understanding the fine print has never been more important. The old model of confusion and pressure is being challenged, and smart consumers who prepare before stepping onto the lot can save serious money.

Ray and the team at CarEdge have built a trusted voice in automotive consumer education—helping buyers understand pricing, negotiations, financing, trade-ins, and dealership tactics in plain English. Check out their Youtube channel with a plethora of great information : CareEdge YouTube 

We recently welcomed special guest David Purvis to the show to talk about the excitement surrounding the upcoming Mecum Glendale 2026 event coming to Glendale.

David’s passion for collector cars began early, attending classic car auctions with his father—who was a regular participant at Mecum Auctions dating back to its second-ever sale. That lifelong connection to the hobby eventually led David to join Mecum in 2010, where he began working at the fast-paced “Bid Goes On®” desk, gaining firsthand experience in the energy and excitement of live collector car auctions.

In 2011, David moved into a full-time role as a consignment agent, quickly becoming a trusted advisor for collectors looking to buy or sell vehicles at auction. His dedication and leadership earned him a promotion to Director of Consignment in 2023.

Today, David oversees Mecum’s team of consignment agents within the classic and collector car division, working alongside Frank Mecum. Over the years, he has built strong relationships with collectors by focusing on trust, transparency, and delivering successful auction results.

Beyond vehicles, David has also helped bring several significant Road Art® collections to auction, assisting consignors in showcasing and selling rare automotive memorabilia.

During our conversation, David also shared insights into what collectors and enthusiasts can expect at the upcoming Glendale auction—from standout consignments to tips for buyers and sellers looking to participate in one of the most exciting collector car events in the Southwest.

In this episode, we dive into smart consumer tips for buying used cars online — and what the launch of Amazon Autos means for everyday buyers.

Joining us is special guest Justin Fischer of CarEdge, who brings expert insight into pricing transparency, dealer tactics, online buying risks, and how consumers can protect themselves in today’s digital car marketplace.

From vehicle history reports and hidden fees to return policies and financing traps, we break down what to look for — and what to avoid — before clicking “buy.”

If you’re considering purchasing your next used car online, this episode will help you shop smarter and buy with confidence.