Cool Cars with Chris: Car Talk, Driving Tips & Auto Life

Chris Smith
  • 5.0 (1)
  • AUTOMOTIVE
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Real car talk without the hype. I’m Chris — a lifelong car enthusiast diving into car culture, driving tips, and the real auto life. Each week, we cover car buying, insurance hacks, crazy driving laws, financing, and ownership advice that actually helps you drive smarter. Whether you love JDM, muscle, or daily drivers, this show’s all about real stories, honest tips, and making the road a little cooler. Subscribe and join the ride!

  1. 021 | I Let My 16-Year-Old Drive a Mustang for the First Time (Did This Go Too Far?)

    2D AGO

    021 | I Let My 16-Year-Old Drive a Mustang for the First Time (Did This Go Too Far?)

    In this episode of Cool Cars With Chris, I share a huge parenting and car-guy milestone — letting my 16-year-old drive a Mustang for the very first time. Yes, it was controlled. Yes, it was legal. And yes… it was nerve-wracking. I break down exactly why I chose a 2005 Ford Mustang as his first car, what it’s like driving a 20-year-old Mustang today, and how older cars still have a personality that modern cars just don’t replicate. From torque feel and steering response to the little quirks that come with age, this car feels like a time capsule — and that’s part of the magic. We also get into the real process of teaching a teen to drive in California — permits, rules, safe practice environments, and why private parking lots are the best place to build confidence before hitting public roads. I walk through the actual driving lessons we practiced: braking, throttle control, steering correction, parking, speed bumps, and situational awareness — the stuff every new driver has to learn the hard way. To bring the Mustang into the modern era, I also talk about adding Apple CarPlay to an older car, including a surprisingly affordable setup that adds navigation, music, phone calls, and hands-free driving without tearing apart the factory interior. If you’ve ever wondered how to modernize a classic or older vehicle, this is a must-listen. Later in the episode, a surprise project enters the conversation — something that wasn’t planned, wasn’t purchased, and might turn into a full hands-on build. We talk project vehicles, learning by doing, and why building something — especially with your kids — matters more than perfection. We also zoom out and talk about something bigger: what it means to stay human in a world full of AI, algorithms, and automation. Why real conversations, real stories, and shared experiences still matter — especially in car culture. 🔗 Links & Connect Cool Cars With Chris Website👉 Visit the official site for episodes, updates, and more: Follow Me on Instagram👉 Behind-the-scenes clips, cars, and real-life moments: Watch Courage on YouTube👉 Car content, projects, and builds from Courage: 00:00 🎙️ Welcome to Cool Cars With Chris01:05 🗓️ Mondays, Fridays & Life Rhythm03:00 🎲 Spur-of-the-Moment Road Trips06:40 🐎 Why the Mustang Matters08:40 🚗 Driving a 20-Year-Old Mustang12:00 📝 Teen Permits & Driving Rules15:00 🅿️ First Practice: Private Lot18:40 🧠 Braking, Steering & Control21:00 🅿️ Parking Wins & Mistakes23:40 📱 Apple CarPlay Upgrade28:40 💸 $50 Tech That Works31:10 🗺️ Why We Always Drive With Maps37:30 🎁 A Surprise Project Appears41:30 🛠️ Mini Bike Build Ideas46:10 👨‍👦 Projects With Kids49:50 ⚖️ Where Can You Ride It?52:30 🤖 Staying Human in an AI World This episode of Cool Cars With Chris is a car podcast focused on first-time driving experiences, teen drivers, and classic American cars, featuring a 2005 Ford Mustang as a first car for a 16-year-old new driver. Chris talks about teaching a teenager how to drive safely, learning to drive in a private parking lot, California teen driving rules, first driving lessons, braking control, steering control, parking practice, and real-world driving experience for new drivers. The episode also covers Ford Mustang ownership, driving an older Mustang, classic car ownership, modern technology upgrades like Apple CarPlay in older cars, affordable car tech upgrades, car navigation, and hands-free driving. This automotive podcast blends car culture, parenting, first cars, project vehicles, DIY car projects, and real human conversations, making it ideal for car enthusiasts, parents of teen drivers, Mustang fans, and listeners interested in automotive podcasts, car stories, and learning to drive experiences. #CoolCarsWithChris #MustangPodcast #FirstTimeDriving #TeenDriver #CarCulture #AutomotivePodcast #CarStories #podcast

    1h 4m
  2. 020 | This 2005 Mustang Might Be the Best First Car (And It Started a 1,000 HP Problem)

    FEB 9

    020 | This 2005 Mustang Might Be the Best First Car (And It Started a 1,000 HP Problem)

    This episode of Cool Cars with Chris is all about the 2005 Ford Mustang, first cars, and the modern Mustang horsepower arms race. I talk about buying a 2005 Mustang V6 S197 as a first car for my teen driver, what it’s like putting a new driver into an older muscle car, and how that led me down a rabbit hole of Dark Horse Mustang, Mustang GTD, EcoBoost vs 5.0 GT, and even 1,000 hp Mustang builds. We also get into taking the kids to Monster Jam, loud monster trucks, car culture, and real-world driving with a V6 Mustang in 2025. If you’re searching for Mustang podcast, car podcast, first car advice, pony car comparison, or just love Ford Mustang S197 content, this episode is for you. I just bought my 16-year-old a 2005 Ford Mustang V6 as his first car… and it accidentally sent me down a 1,000 horsepower Mustang rabbit hole. In this episode of Cool Cars with Chris, I’m hanging out with my buddy Courage talking about first cars, retro Mustangs, Monster Jam, and how a simple V6 S197 turned into me obsessing over Dark Horse Mustangs, Mustang GTD, and 1,000 hp builds. I break down why I think the 2005–2009 Mustang (S197) might be one of the best first cars for a teen driver today, what it’s like putting my kid in a 20-year-old Mustang, and how it actually feels on the freeway compared to modern cars. We also get into California teen driver rules, permits, and what it’s like getting real seat time in your “forever remembered” first car. From there, we zoom out to the bigger Mustang world: EcoBoost vs 5.0 GT vs Dark Horse – which one actually makes sense for real people? Why the Mustang GTD exists, what it’s trying to be, and how it stacks up against Porsche money A wild 985 whp supercharged Mustang build we saw online and whether 1,000 hp is just dyno/Instagram flex or something you can actually use on the street We also talk about taking my kids to Monster Jam, how insanely loud modern monster trucks are even from the nosebleeds, the chaos of stadium parking, and realizing you’ve officially become the “leave early to beat traffic” adult. If you’re into Mustangs, pony cars, first car nostalgia, or you’re a parent trying to pick a fun but reasonable first car for your kid, this episode is for you. Follow the Show & Stay Connected 🌐 Website: coolcarswithchris.com📸 Instagram: @cool_cars_with_chris619▶️ YouTube: Cool Cars with Chris 🎥 Courage on YouTube: Courage’s Channel 00:00 🚀 Teaser – Monster Jam, 2005 Mustang & 1,000 HP Mustang Problem01:17 🤝 Meet Courage – Legendary YouTuber & Monster Truck Fan02:33 🏟️ Taking the Kids to Monster Jam (Second Time, Better Weather)04:29 🛻 New Monster Jam Trucks: Megalodon, Skateboard Truck & Circus Theme05:18 🦻 How Loud Is Monster Jam? Ear Protection, Stadium Noise & City Vibes07:27 🚦 Leaving Early to Beat Traffic & Realizing You’re “Old Now”09:29 🐎 Main Topic Shift – Let’s Talk Mustangs11:41 🎓 Teen Driver in California: Permit Rules, Online Course & First Car Plan12:34 🐴 Buying a 2005 Mustang V6 Premium as a First Car16:26 🧰 Ford “The Works” Inspection, CarFax Clues & Previous Owner Mystery18:02 🏬 Browsing the Ford Lot: EcoBoost, GT & Dark Horse Pricing Talk21:19 🐊 Fox-Body Stories, Slow 4-Cylinder Mustangs & Old-School 5.0 V823:36 ⚙️ 4.0L V6 Specs – Torque, Truck Roots & How the 2005 Mustang Pulls26:23 🛣️ First Freeway Drives – 80 mph Hills, Ride Quality & Daily Feel28:07 🏁 Motivating a Teen to Finish Their License & Actually Drive the Mustang29:49 🐎 Mustang vs Camaro, Charger & Challenger – Who Won the Pony Car War?36:50 🎨 Why the 2005 S197 “Retrofuturism” Mustang Design Still Slaps39:10 🏎️ What Is the Mustang GTD? Porsche-Fighting Track Monster Explained42:06 📈 Instagram Dyno Runs & a 985 WHP Supercharged Mustang Build47:36 🌀 Turbo Torque vs N/A V8 – Elantra N, Boost & Real-World Driving58:05 🎢 Passenger vs Driver – Experiencing High Horsepower from the Right Seat #CoolCarsWithChris #FordMustang #2005Mustang #DarkHorse #MustangGTD #CarPodcast

    1h 3m
  3. 019 | I Bought a Cool Car — But Not for Me | Cars & Coffee, EV Bans & Big Reactions

    FEB 2

    019 | I Bought a Cool Car — But Not for Me | Cars & Coffee, EV Bans & Big Reactions

    In this episode of Cool Cars with Chris, we dive into the Southern California car scene with a recap of Escondido Cars and Coffee, featuring rare cars, custom builds, and big turnouts. Chris talks about test driving a Nissan 350Z, reflecting on his past 370Z ownership, and shares the full story behind buying a cool car (a 2005 Ford Mustang) — but not for himself. We also break down the growing debate between electric vehicles (EVs) vs gas-powered cars, after a Tesla Model S Plaid set a drag strip record, only for EVs to get banned at another racetrack over safety concerns, including lithium-ion battery fire risks. We talk track performance, EV acceleration vs ICE cars, and what the future of racing could look like. Plus, we explore car design trends from the 1930s to now, touching on JDM cars, American muscle, retro builds, and why so many cars today look the same. If you're into cool cars, car meets, street builds, EV controversy, or are shopping for a first car, this episode is packed with car culture, hot takes, and real-life stories. Chris also shares the story of test driving a Nissan 350Z for old time’s sake — and the unexpected car purchase he made instead. Let’s just say it involves a birthday, a Mustang, and one very excited teen driver. 👀 Then things heat up with a wild debate about EVs at the racetrack. Can a Tesla really hold the track record? Should electric vehicles even be allowed to race? And why are some tracks now banning them completely? 🔗 Connect with the Show 👉 Subscribe, rate, and review Cool Cars with Chris!📬 Got a car story or want to be featured? Reach out!📍 Follow us on Instagram @Cool_Cars_With_Chris619 00:00 🎧 Intro: What’s Coming Up This Episode 00:55 ☕ Cars & Coffee Escondido Recap with Courage 06:23 🚗 Event Layouts & Parking Etiquette Talk 10:56 💭 Accessible Cool Cars & Car Culture Vibes 12:34 🏎️ Test Driving a 350Z Again — Will Chris Buy It? 19:30 🎁 Birthday Car Shopping & Mustang Surprise 26:24 ⚡ EVs at the Drag Strip?! The Heated Debate Begins 31:39 🚫 Why a Track Banned All EVs — Safety Concerns 38:07 🔥 What Happens When an EV Catches Fire? 42:57 🏁 Are EVs Track Ready? Comparing to Gas Builds 46:44 📅 Car Design Through the Decades 49:27 🧊 The Coolest (and Weirdest) Retro Car Trends 50:35 🔮 Are All Cars Starting to Look the Same? 53:53 📦 Boxy Cars, Chiseled Cadillacs & Design Shifts 57:00 👋 Wrap-Up: Car Soul, EV Future & Final Thoughts

    58 min
  4. 018 | Why Big YouTube Car Channels Are Burning Cash (And Indie Creators Are Winning)

    JAN 26

    018 | Why Big YouTube Car Channels Are Burning Cash (And Indie Creators Are Winning)

    This episode of Cool Cars with Chris explores the real cost of car YouTube, breaking down how big YouTube car channels spend thousands of dollars per video on production, cars, marketing, and crews—often with poor ROI. Chris and Courage discuss car content creation, YouTube algorithms, indie car creators, short-form vs long-form video, and why relatable automotive content often outperforms high-budget productions. Topics include YouTube car reviews, automotive YouTubers, car podcasting, content marketing for creators, platform risk, video monetization, podcast marketing, creator burnout, and sustainable growth strategies for car enthusiasts building YouTube channels, podcasts, and social media brands. With YouTube filled with million-dollar car collections, massive production teams, and cinematic car content, we ask the real question—is it actually worth it? And more importantly, who’s really winning right now: the big-budget car channels or the indie creators building content from their garages? This conversation dives deep into the real cost of car YouTube, exploring ROI, production expenses, algorithm dependence, and why relatable, repeatable content often outperforms flashy productions. Chris and Courage also unpack the differences between short-form vs long-form video, how algorithms shape visibility, and why creators need to think beyond just YouTube to protect their content and audience. If you’re a car YouTuber, podcaster, or content creator, this episode offers a grounded, honest look at what actually works in 2026—without chasing burnout, debt, or unrealistic expectations. In this episode, we cover: Why big YouTube car channels spend thousands per video The real ROI problem with high-budget car content Indie car creators vs massive production teams Short-form vs long-form video strategy Why relatability beats production value How YouTube algorithms impact car creators Platform risk and creator dependency Sustainable ways to create car content long-term 00:00 🚗 Why Big YouTube Car Channels Cost So Much 02:00 🎥 Short-Form vs Long-Form Car Content Explained 05:00 🏎️ Million-Dollar Car Collections vs Garage Builds 08:00 💰 The Real Cost to Produce Big Car YouTube Videos 11:30 📉 ROI Problems with High-Budget YouTube Content 14:00 🔄 Why Relatable Car Content Wins 17:00 🎞️ Film Industry Flops & Content Risk 19:30 🔧 Grassroots Car Creators vs Mega Productions 22:30 🚘 Press Cars, Embargoes & Car Reviews 26:00 📱 Why Short-Form Video Drives Discovery 29:00 🚫 Logos, Watermarks & Cross-Posting Mistakes 33:00 🧠 How Algorithms Really Control Visibility 36:00 🎯 Marketing vs Relying on the Algorithm 40:00 🎙️ Podcasting vs YouTube Platform Risk 44:00 🔁 Repeatable Content Without Burnout 47:00 🚦 Standing Out in a Crowded Car Space 50:00 🌱 Passion, Longevity & Finding Your Audience #CarYouTube #CarContent #AutomotivePodcast #YouTubeCreators #IndieCreators #ContentCreation #CarCommunity

    1h 10m
  5. 017 | Why $100K Cars Lose Value Fast + The Wild 300HP 3-Cylinder That’s Breaking the Rules

    JAN 19

    017 | Why $100K Cars Lose Value Fast + The Wild 300HP 3-Cylinder That’s Breaking the Rules

    If you're searching for the best cars to buy in 2026, how to avoid luxury car depreciation, or whether leasing a car is worth it, this episode of Cool Cars with Chris delivers expert insight. We break down why $100K luxury cars lose 30% of their value in the first year, explore the smartest used cars that hold their resale value, and compare lease vs finance strategies for Uber, Lyft, and DoorDash drivers. We dive deep into the Toyota GR performance lineup — including detailed reviews of the GR Corolla 300HP 3-cylinder, GR Supra, and GR86 lightweight sports car. Plus, we cover the pros and cons of the VW ID. Buzz EV, classic VW Bus camper van conversions, and why the Infiniti QX80 may be one of the best full-size SUVs for towing in 2026. Whether you're a car enthusiast, new car buyer, or looking for depreciation-proof vehicles, this podcast episode gives you the tools to make smarter car decisions and stay ahead of automotive trends. Chris and Courage are back for 2026 and diving into one of the most painful truths in car buying: why luxury cars lose 30% of their value in year one — and how to avoid making the same mistake. From depreciation traps to overhyped tech features, this episode is packed with real-world advice for smart car buying. But it’s not all doom and gloom. The guys break down the Toyota GR performance lineup — including the GR Corolla's insane 300HP 3-cylinder engine — and whether it’s a true hot hatch or just a boosted toy. Plus: VW’s ID. Buzz EV, the Infiniti QX80, SUV towing power, and the unexpected cars that might actually gain value in the coming years. 🔧 What You’ll Learn: Why luxury vehicles depreciate faster than you think How to avoid overpaying at the dealership in 2026 The truth about leasing vs owning — especially if you drive for Uber or DoorDash Which cars hold value best (Toyota, Honda, and more) Breakdown of the GR Supra, GR86, and GR Corolla What makes the 300HP 3-cylinder Corolla so impressive Why the VW ID. Buzz EV may not live up to the hype Infiniti QX80 as a towing monster — and full-size SUV sleeper Our future car wishlist and what we’re eyeing next 00:00 🚗 Kicking Off 2026 00:49 💸 Luxury Car Depreciation Explained 03:32 🏷️ Dealer Markups vs MSRP 06:19 🤖 How Car Tech Hurts Resale 08:45 🚫 Should You Lease a Car in 2026? 11:33 🔁 Long-Term Ownership vs Upgrading Often 14:00 🧠 Best Value Cars to Buy in 2026 16:34 🛠️ Reliable Used Cars That Feel New 18:14 🏆 Depreciation-Proof Brands: Toyota & Honda 24:00 🔥 Full Breakdown: Toyota GR Lineup 26:05 🧬 GR Supra = BMW + Toyota 29:17 🪶 GR86: Lightweight Sports Car Magic 33:00 🛞 GR Corolla: 300HP, 3-Cylinder Powerhouse 36:00 💨 Turbo Boost & Performance Specs 38:49 🏍️ Motorcycle Power vs Power-to-Weight 42:00 ⚡️ VW ID. Buzz Review — Stylish but Flawed 43:52 🛑 VW ID. Buzz Production Paused 45:00 🚌 VW Bus Culture & Camper Builds 46:22 🪵 Building Custom Vans That Feel Like Home 47:00 🛻 Infiniti QX80 & Full-Size SUV Picks 48:36 🔧 SUV Towing Capacity Explained 50:47 🐎 Ford Raptor vs F-150: Towing & Suspension 52:53 ⚖️ Comparing Toyota, Nissan, and Infiniti SUVs 55:20 🕰️ Infiniti’s Analog Clock Legacy 57:10 💭 Future Car Wishlist for 2026 61:00 🧾 Final Thoughts & Listener Takeaways 63:00 🔮 What’s Coming Next + Tease for Next Episode #CarBuyingTips #LuxuryCarDepreciation #GRCorolla300HP #BestCars2026 #CoolCarsPodcast

    1h 20m
  6. 016 | DIY Brake Fail & Hyundai N Club Secrets: Inside LA’s Elantra Event

    JAN 12

    016 | DIY Brake Fail & Hyundai N Club Secrets: Inside LA’s Elantra Event

    Hey everyone, it's Chris 👋 and in this episode of Cool Cars with Chris, I'm back with my buddy Courage for a wild ride of wrenching, driving, and exploring the car culture we all love. First up, Courage walks us through his recent DIY brake job on his Hyundai Elantra N. Spoiler alert: things didn’t go exactly to plan. From weird brake squeals to last-minute tool runs, this is the real deal on working on your own car. We also dig into aftermarket brake pads, track vs street compounds, and what makes these cars so sensitive to the little stuff. Then, Courage breaks down an invite-only event with the Hyundai N Club of Southern California, where he joined a scenic LA drive through Mulholland Drive, hit Griffith Observatory, and finished at a private reveal event hosted by Race Service. We talk about the latest in the Hyundai N lineup, including the Elantra N TCR edition and upcoming Ioniq 6 N electric performance sedan. This episode dives into topics like Hyundai Elantra N tuning, DIY brake jobs, and how to fix brake squeal with aftermarket pads. We explore the Hyundai N Club of Southern California, including a scenic drive through Mulholland Drive and a visit to Griffith Observatory. You’ll also hear about the Elantra N TCR edition, the Ioniq 6 N electric performance sedan, and what it’s like to attend an exclusive Hyundai enthusiast event in Los Angeles. We break down full synthetic oil vs conventional oil, oil change intervals, and how wrong oil weight can impact your car’s warranty. Plus, we talk about the best navigation apps for car enthusiasts—Google Maps vs Apple Maps vs Waze—and why San Diego car culture hits different. If you're into SoCal car scenes, JB4 tunes, the Peterson Automotive Museum, or just love performance cars and real driver stories, this episode is for you. 00:00 – 🎙️ Intro – DIY Brake Job & N Club Tease 01:00 – 👋 Welcome Back Courage! Brake Job Drama Begins 02:15 – 🛠️ Jack Stands, Oil Changes & The Weekend Wrench Life 03:30 – 🚨 Brake Squeals Begin – Diagnosis & Frustrations 04:45 – 🧪 Track Pads vs OEM – What's the Real Difference? 06:00 – 🧰 Napa, Parts Stores & Brake Pad Tiers 07:15 – 🔧 High Mileage Life – Oil Changes and Tune Talk 08:30 – ⛽ Full Synthetic, Oil Temps & Limp Mode 10:00 – 🧊 0W-30 vs 5W-30 – Does It Matter? 11:15 – 📜 Warranty Risks from Wrong Oil Choices 13:00 – 🛣️ Frequent Trips to LA – Freeway Talk 14:30 – 🗺️ Google Maps vs Apple Maps vs Waze Debate 16:30 – 🚓 Police Traps, Alerts & CarPlay Stories 20:00 – 🤔 Pickup Truck vs Courage: Who Got Pulled Over? 22:30 – 🏙️ Visiting the Peterson Automotive Museum 25:00 – 🏡 San Diego vs NorCal – Home Pride Talk 28:15 – ❄️ Why Cold Climates are Tough on Car Enthusiasts 29:00 – 🏍️ Bikes, Movie Cars & Aston Martins at the Museum 31:30 – 💰 Priceless Cars: Drive or Garage Queen? 33:00 – 🚗 Cars as Art vs Cars as Machines 35:00 – 🧾 Insurance for Million Dollar Cars? Explained 37:00 – 🚘 Hyundai N Club LA Drive – Behind the Scenes 40:00 – 📦 N-Lineup Breakdown: Veloster, Elantra, Ioniq 5N 43:00 – ⚡ EV Power vs Weight – Is It Really Better? 45:15 – 🚀 Instant Torque: Why EVs Dominate Off the Line 46:00 – 🏁 LA N Drive Route – Mulholland to Griffith 47:30 – 📸 Drones, Photo Stops & N Parade 48:30 – 🔄 Back to Base: TCR Reveal & Ionic 6N Tease 50:00 – 🔁 Nissan/Infiniti Platform Sharing Throwback 52:00 – 🧠 Why Chris Picked the 370Z Over the 350Z 54:00 – 💬 Final Thoughts on Finding Joy in the Drive #HyundaiElantraN #CarEnthusiastLife #DIYBrakeJob #SoCalCarCulture #CoolCarsWithChris #PetersonMuseum #HyundaiNClub

    1h 17m
  7. 015 | Cars & Coffee 101: What You Need to Know Before You Go

    JAN 5

    015 | Cars & Coffee 101: What You Need to Know Before You Go

    Ready to hit your first Cars & Coffee but not sure what to expect? Whether you're rolling in a modded turbo, a lifted truck, or just showing up to vibe with the car community — this episode breaks it all down. Chris is joined by returning guest Courage for a deep dive into the unwritten rules, etiquette, and awesome stories behind one of car culture’s most beloved meetups: Cars and Coffee. From SoCal meets like South OC and Rancho Santa Fe to whether you need a cool car to attend (you don’t), this is your go-to guide for car meets in 2026 and beyond. 🎧 In This Episode: What actually is Cars & Coffee? ☕🚗 Cars & Coffee vs. car shows — what's the difference? What to bring, where to park, and how to not be that guy Do you need permission to host a car meet? Is it OK to take photos or film other people’s cars? (Yes!) Stories from real meets: Ford Escorts, Roush trucks, and that “one-of-one” Corvette guy Tips for first-timers: even if you're not driving anything fancy Should you make content at Cars & Coffee? 🎥 What it means to “win” Cars & Coffee — and why it's about more than your car 00:00 🎉 Welcome to 2026 + What This Episode Is About 00:41 🛠️ Courage Returns: Mods, Mishaps & Car Updates 03:08 🎧 Exhaust Talk: Chris’s Z & the Right Sound 05:10 🌅 Cars & Coffee in SoCal: The Local Scene 06:34 🤔 What *Is* Cars & Coffee? (vs. Car Shows) 08:02 🛍️ Vendors, Hot Wheels, & Saturday Mornings 09:29 🅿️ Do You Need Permission to Host a Car Meet? 11:05 👖 Corvette Memes, One-of-Ones & Badge Culture 14:10 🚗 Do You *Need* a Cool Car to Attend? 15:16 💎 Hidden Gems: The Ford Escort GT Story 16:53 🛻 Trucks, Roush Builds & OEM+ Love 18:09 📏 Parking Etiquette + Don’t Be *That Guy* 20:25 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Breaking the Ice: How to Talk to Strangers at Meets 24:11 🎥 Content Creation at Cars & Coffee: Should You? 40:17 🏆 “Winning” Cars & Coffee & Why Community Matters 📲 Stay Connected: 🎙️ Follow Chris → 🎥 Follow Courage → 💬 Got a Cars & Coffee story? DM us or leave a review! If you're curious about how to attend Cars and Coffee or wondering what happens at a car meet, this episode is your ultimate beginner’s guide to car culture events. We cover everything from Cars and Coffee etiquette and how to park at a car meet to whether you need a cool car to attend. Learn the differences between car shows vs. Cars and Coffee, and get real-world tips on meeting other car enthusiasts, filming at car meets, and how to make car content. This episode dives into modded cars, OEM plus builds, Corvette memes, and the culture of one-of-one badge flexing. Whether you're driving a Roush F-150, a Ford Escort GT, or showing up with no build at all, you'll find insights on where to go for Cars and Coffee in SoCal, including South OC and Rancho Santa Fe. Plus, we talk about taking photos at car meets, filming with respect, and how to win Cars and Coffee by showing up and being part of the car community. This episode is for anyone interested in car meet tips, car event do’s and don’ts, or how to get into car culture in 2026. #CarsAndCoffee #CarMeet #CarCulture #CarCommunity #CoolCarsWithChris #SoCalCars #CarPodcast #CarEnthusiast #ModifiedCars #CarLife #CarTalkPodcast #CarShowVsCarMeet #FirstTimeAtCarsAndCoffee #CarsOfInstagram #AutomotivePodcast #CarEventTips #JDMToMuscle

    50 min
  8. 014 | LA Auto Show 2025: EV Test Drives, Movie Cars & JDM Icons

    12/29/2025

    014 | LA Auto Show 2025: EV Test Drives, Movie Cars & JDM Icons

    This week on Cool Cars with Chris, we’re going full throttle into the LA Auto Show 2025 — and you won’t believe what Courage saw. From drifting electric Hyundais indoors to spotting movie cars from Fast & Furious and JDM legends, this episode is packed with everything you’d want from one of the biggest auto shows in the U.S. We also compare it to the San Diego Auto Show, talk about family-friendly features, hidden rooms, million-dollar cars, and why Tesla didn’t show up. 🎟️ Ticket prices, discounts & insider tips 🏙️ LA Convention Center layout vs. San Diego 🚗 Why the LA Auto Show is at least twice the size 🧒 Activities for kids (yes, it’s family-friendly!) 🎬 Fast & Furious Supra, M3 GTR & JDM builds 🔋 Hyundai’s Ioniq 5N indoor drift ride-along 💰 Multi-million dollar exotics: NSX, SLR, Carrera GT ⚡ Lucid, Rivian, Scout EVs — but where’s Tesla? 🏎️ Corvette ZR1X breakdown: hybrid power meets legacy muscle 📸 Behind-the-scenes auto show nostalgia and stories Get the full breakdown of the LA Auto Show 2025 in this episode of Cool Cars with Chris, where we dive into everything from EV test drives and electric car drift rides to rare JDM icons and movie cars like the Fast and Furious Supra and the M3 GTR from Need for Speed. We explore the all-new Corvette ZR1X hybrid, the powerful Hyundai Ioniq 5N, and emerging electric vehicles from Lucid, Rivian, Scout Motors, and more. Whether you’re into car culture, auto shows, electric sports cars, or comparing the San Diego vs LA Auto Show, this podcast episode has it all. Learn about family-friendly car events, EV performance, and insider tips on auto show parking, ticket discounts, and navigating the LA Convention Center. We also cover the evolution of mid-engine Corvettes, the hype behind electric SUVs, the growing presence of car brands at auto shows, and what it's like attending as a YouTube car content creator. If you're searching for car podcast episodes, EV show coverage, or best cars of 2025, hit play and enjoy the ride. 00:00 – 🎙️ Intro: LA Auto Show Preview & San Diego Connection 00:38 – 👋 Meet Courage: YouTuber & Auto Show Adventurer 01:34 – 🎟️ Ticket Prices & SoCal In-Club Discount 02:00 – 📏 San Diego vs. LA Auto Show Size 02:26 – 🏢 LA Convention Center Layout Explained 03:55 – 🚗 Brand Drop-Offs & Display Quality 05:00 – 📲 No More Swag Bags? Everything’s Digital 06:00 – 🧒 Kid-Friendly Zone: VW Crafts & Mini Racetrack 07:20 – 🚙 Off-Road Test Drives: Toyota Memories 08:30 – 🛣️ Family Road Trip: The Drive from Temecula 09:33 – 🅿️ Parking Problems & LA Sketchy Lots 11:00 – 💡 Ticket Tips & Kids Get in Free! 13:07 – 🗺️ Finding Your Way: Bring a Map! 14:24 – 🔋 GMC, Hummer EVs, and Escalade IQ 15:15 – 🎬 Hidden Room: Fast & Furious & JDM Cars 17:07 – 🔧 Are They Real Builds or Just for Show? 20:23 – 💰 Million-Dollar Room: NSX, SLR, Carrera GT 22:25 – 🖊️ Shelby Signings & Exotic Displays 23:26 – 🧨 ZR1X Corvette: Electric + Flat-Plane Monster 25:09 – 🧠 Why Chevy Went Mid-Engine with the C8 29:15 – 🚫 Tesla Skips the Show: Was That a Mistake? 31:44 – ⚡ EV Overload: Lucid, Rivian, Scout & More 35:04 – 👀 Tesla’s Image & Why People Still Buy Them 38:25 – 🍕 Food, Bathrooms & Family Amenities 40:25 – 👶 No Wagons Allowed? Family Logistics 41:50 – 🎢 Hyundai Drift Ride-Along in the Ioniq 5N 44:12 – 🔄 Indoor Drifting: Safe or Sketchy? 48:07 – 🗓️ Show Runs Through Nov 30th – Plan Your Trip! 49:00 – 🤷‍♂️ Why San Diego’s Auto Show Feels Smaller 51:00 – 📷 OG Auto Show Memories & Final Thoughts

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Real car talk without the hype. I’m Chris — a lifelong car enthusiast diving into car culture, driving tips, and the real auto life. Each week, we cover car buying, insurance hacks, crazy driving laws, financing, and ownership advice that actually helps you drive smarter. Whether you love JDM, muscle, or daily drivers, this show’s all about real stories, honest tips, and making the road a little cooler. Subscribe and join the ride!

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