Summary In this episode of The Straight Shift, The Car Chick discusses the unique needs of seniors when it comes to selecting a vehicle. She shares personal experiences with her own mother and insights on what to consider when choosing a car for elderly drivers, including ease of entry, comfort, safety features, and the importance of testing vehicles with mobility devices. The conversation also covers specific vehicle recommendations that cater to seniors' needs, emphasizing the significance of ...
Jan 29, 2025•30 min•Season 2Ep. 99
Summary In this episode of The Straight Shift, The Car Chick discusses the evolving reliability of Honda and Toyota, two brands historically known for their dependability. She examines recent issues, recalls, and the impact of technological advancements on these brands' reputations. The conversation also highlights Subaru's rise in reliability rankings and the importance of understanding the metrics behind vehicle reliability. The episode concludes with insights on the future of these brands and...
Jan 22, 2025•26 min•Season 2Ep. 98
In this episode, The Car Chick discusses the latest trends in the automotive industry, focusing on the exciting new models set to be released in 2025. The conversation highlights the significant shift towards electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrids, as well as the continued presence of gas-powered models. LeeAnn shares her insights on various upcoming vehicles, including the Nissan Maxima EV, Kia EV3, and the return of the Honda Prelude as a hybrid. She also touches on the redesign of popular models...
Jan 15, 2025•31 min•Season 2Ep. 97
Summary In this episode of 'The Straight Shift', LeeAnn Shattuck discusses the automotive market predictions for 2025, addressing common misconceptions fueled by clickbait media. She analyzes the current state of new and used car sales, the impact of profit margins on affordability, and the financial tools available for car buyers. The conversation also highlights market trends, potential discounts on specific vehicles, and the anticipated rise of electric vehicles. LeeAnn concludes with insight...
Jan 08, 2025•25 min•Season 2Ep. 96
In part 1 of this two-part episode, The Car Chick gives her predictions for the automotive industry in 2025, focusing on the potential merger between Nissan and Honda. She analyzes the implications of this merger, the challenges both companies face, and the cultural dynamics at play. LeeAnn emphasizes the need for strategic partnerships in the evolving automotive landscape, particularly in the context of electric vehicles and market competition. Takeaways The automotive industry is facing signif...
Jan 01, 2025•31 min•Season 2Ep. 95
In this episode of The Straight Shift, The Car Chick explores the world of limousines with 30 year transportation industry veteran, Jonce Gibson from Bayside Limousines. They discuss how limousines are made, the current costs associated with them, and the types of events for which people typically rent limousines. They also cover important considerations when choosing a limousine service, planning for a successful experience, safety regulations, the impact of ride-sharing services, and etiquette...
Dec 18, 2024•34 min•Season 2Ep. 94
In this episode, The Car Chick discusses the alarming rise in car prices, exploring the reasons behind the lack of affordable vehicles in the U.S. market. She delves into the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, supply chain issues, and the shift in automakers' priorities towards higher profit margins. The conversation also highlights the competitive advantages of Chinese automakers and the need for a cultural shift in the U.S. auto industry to produce more affordable cars in the future. Takeaways T...
Dec 11, 2024•26 min•Season 2Ep. 93
In this episode of The Straight Shift,The Car Chick discusses her Thanksgiving experiences and transitions into the topic of Black Friday car deals. She explains the current state of the automotive market, highlighting the inventory surplus and the best deals available for the end of the year.LeeAnn breaks down the types of incentives offered by manufacturers and emphasizes the importance of doing homework before purchasing a vehicle. She also touches on the electric vehicle market and concludes...
Dec 04, 2024•28 min•Season 2Ep. 92
In this episode of The Straight Shift, The Car Chick discusses her experiences at the 2024 Charlotte Auto Show, highlighting the decline of auto shows, the rise of electric vehicles, and her personal awards for the best and worst vehicles showcased. She provides insights into various car models, their features, and her critiques of design choices, particularly focusing on new offerings from Toyota, Honda, Mazda and Kia, as well as a controversial color pairing in the Lexus NX. You can view a ful...
Nov 27, 2024•31 min•Season 2Ep. 91
In this episode of The Straight Shift, The Car Chick shares her personal story of adopting two kittens and seamlessly transitions into a discussion about the fascinating world of car sounds. She explains the physics behind why different engines produce unique sounds, the impact of engine configurations, and the role of exhaust systems. The episode also highlights the best and worst sounding cars, emphasizing the subjective nature of sound preferences among car enthusiasts. LeeAnn concludes with ...
Nov 20, 2024•21 min•Season 2Ep. 90
So... we had an election last week. In this episode, I discuss the potential impacts of the second Trump administration on the automotive industry, focusing on consumer implications, regulatory changes, and the effects of tariffs. I highlight the importance of the CARS rule, the future of electric vehicles, and how tariffs could influence car prices and availability. I also show you how to adapt your car buying strategies in light of these changes, ensuring you remain informed and proactive in y...
Nov 13, 2024•25 min•Season 2Ep. 89
We've got a great episode today! I am so excited to have my guest and longtime friend, Dr. Glenn Jaffe on the show. A couple of years ago, I did an episode dedicated to what it would be like to really live with an electric vehicle. At the time, we heard all the hype and everyone was really excited. However, at the time I recorded that episode, it was still a little more theoretical. But now, EVs have been around for a while and more people have been living with them so we have some more empirica...
Nov 06, 2024•37 min•Season 2Ep. 88
I know in the last episode of The Straight Shift, I promised you guys we would be talking this week with a client of mine about his experience owning an electric vehicle and why he decided to go back to gas. However, we're going to have to push that to next week because at the time of this recording, we were recently hit with Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Here in Charleston, our impacts were relatively minimal compared to the absolute devastation seen in our mountain communities. So today I want...
Oct 30, 2024•26 min•Season 2Ep. 87
Excited to give you an official welcome back to The Straight Shift, with me, LeeAnn Shattuck, also known as The Car Chick. If you’ve been listening to the show since it launched in 2017, thank you so much for sticking in there. If you’re new here, welcome! In this episode I’ll be sharing an update on why the show went on a hiatus, how it impacted my business as a whole and the podcast. Beyond that, I’ll be sharing more on the current state of the automotive industry so we can set the foundation ...
Oct 23, 2024•28 min•Season 2Ep. 86
Do you hate car shopping? Do you feel like you're going to be taken advantage of the moment you set foot on a car lot? Or maybe you dread taking your car in for service because you're afraid they're going to try to sell you on a bunch of repairs that you may not even need. Well, knowledge is power. And that's what the Straight Shift podcast is all about. After a recent hiatus, the show is back with more great information to help you feel more confident as a new or veteran car owner. We'll be bac...
Sep 23, 2024•2 min
In this second of three episodes of "The Straight Shift", The Car Chick talks all about the reality of owning an"electrified" vehicle - hybrids, plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and electric vehicles (EVs). What are the costs of owning an electric car? Are electric cars cheaper to maintain? The Car Chick addresses these common questions and more to help you decide if an electric (or electrified) vehicle is right for you! You can view a full list of resources and episode transcripts here . Connect with Le...
Jul 15, 2022•48 min•Season 1Ep. 85
In this episode of "The Straight Shift", The Car Chick talks gives you practical strategies for people who need to buy a car quickly during the current inventory shortage. You can view a full list of resources and episode transcripts here . Connect with LeeAnn: Website Instagram Facebook YouTube Work with LeeAnn: Course: The No BS Guide to Buying a Car Car Buying Service Copyright ©2024 Women’s Automotive Solutions Inc., dba The Car Chick. All rights reserved....
Feb 19, 2022•46 min•Season 1Ep. 84
In this episode of "The Straight Shift", The Car Chick talks about why that new car you are buying may not have all of the features and options you are expecting. Yep, the chip shortage is forcing automakers to skimp on features in order to make more cars. What is your new car missing?!? You can view a full list of resources and episode transcripts here . Connect with LeeAnn: Website Instagram Facebook YouTube Work with LeeAnn: Course: The No BS Guide to Buying a Car Car Buying Service Copyright...
Jan 25, 2022•35 min•Season 1Ep. 83
In this first of three episodes of "The Straight Shift", The Car Chick talks all about "electrified" vehicles - hybrids, plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and electric vehicles (EVs). She revisits some high school physics to teach you the new vocabulary needed to understand the technology of electric vehicles and translates those nerdy terms into language that car shoppers can easily understand. You can view a full list of resources and episode transcripts here . Connect with LeeAnn: Website Instagram Fac...
Jan 12, 2022•48 min•Season 1Ep. 82
In this episode of "The Straight Shift", The Car Chick talks (ok, rants) about why the government-regulated vehicle crash tests don't apply to women and, in fact, the majority of the US population. She talks about the what actually happens in a car crash, how men's and women's bodies react very differently, and how a decades-old data bias is proving fatal to women drivers and passengers. You can view a full list of resources and episode transcripts here . Connect with LeeAnn: Website Instagram F...
Dec 06, 2021•44 min•Season 1Ep. 81
In this episode of "The Straight Shift", The Car Chick talks about why holiday car shopping in 2021 will be extra challenging this year due to the low inventory levels, high prices, and a new rule the leasing companies have implemented that makes it much harder to get out of your lease! But don't fret! The Car Chick gives you 6 tips for navigating this challenging car market, so you can get a car by the end of the year. You can view a full list of resources and episode transcripts here . Connect...
Nov 06, 2021•46 min•Season 1Ep. 80
In this episode of "The Straight Shift", The Car Chick talks about some of the exciting new and redesigned cars, trucks, SUVs and minivans for 2022. Including the 2022 Honda Civic, 2022 Hyundai Tucson, 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid, 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid, 2022 Nissan Pathfinder, 2022 Infiniti QX60 and QX55, 2022 Acura MDX and MDX Type S, 2022 Jeep Wagoneer and 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer, 2022 Volkswagen Taos, 2022 Kia Carnival, 2022 Chevy Bolt EV and 2022 GMC Hummer ...
Jun 30, 2021•55 min•Season 1Ep. 79
In this episode of "The Straight Shift", The Car Chick takes first time car buyers through a step-by-step process, from picking the right car to negotiating the deal without paying too much for extra junk they don't need! You can view a full list of resources and episode transcripts here . Connect with LeeAnn: Website Instagram Facebook YouTube Work with LeeAnn: Course: The No BS Guide to Buying a Car Car Buying Service Copyright ©2024 Women’s Automotive Solutions Inc., dba The Car Chick. All ri...
Jun 04, 2021•52 min•Season 1Ep. 78
In this episode of "The Straight Shift", The Car Chick talks about the massive shortage of both new and used cars across the US and the world in 2021. Why are there so few cars on dealer lots? When will more cars be available? Is it better or worse for pickup trucks and SUVs? What are the best strategies for people who want to buy a car and still get a good deal in 2021? You can view a full list of resources and episode transcripts here . Connect with LeeAnn: Website Instagram Facebook YouTube W...
Apr 22, 2021•43 min•Season 1Ep. 77
In this episode of "The Straight Shift", The Car Chick talks about the affect of the current, global shortage of computer chips on the automotive industry. How much will this hurt new car production? How will it affect people who plan to buy new cars in 2021? Why is there a shortage of computer chips in the first place?!? You can view a full list of resources and episode transcripts here . Connect with LeeAnn: Website Instagram Facebook YouTube Work with LeeAnn: Course: The No BS Guide to Buying...
Jan 30, 2021•36 min•Season 1Ep. 76
In this episode of "The Straight Shift", The Car Chick talks about the right (and wrong) way to buy a car long distance, including how to buy a new or used car from a dealer out of state as well as how to buy a car from a private party. She also covers how to identify scams and fake car ads on Facebook Marketplace and whether to use an escrow service to facilitate the transaction. You can view a full list of resources and episode transcripts here . Connect with LeeAnn: Website Instagram Facebook...
Jan 07, 2021•58 min•Season 1Ep. 75
In Part 2 of this two part episode of "The Straight Shift", The Car Chick talks about how to find a good, trustworthy mechanic and shop to service and repair your vehicle. She talks about the benefits of using an ASE certified or manufacturer certified mechanic as well as the pros and cons of taking your car to a dealership versus an independent shop. You can view a full list of resources and episode transcripts here . Connect with LeeAnn: Website Instagram Facebook YouTube Work with LeeAnn: Cou...
Dec 15, 2020•45 min•Season 1Ep. 74
In this 2 part episode of "The Straight Shift", The Car Chick talks about how to find a good, trustworthy mechanic. Part 1 talks about what is wrong with the retail automotive service industry that makes finding a good mechanics so darned difficult in the first place. You can view a full list of resources and episode transcripts here . Connect with LeeAnn: Website Instagram Facebook YouTube Work with LeeAnn: Course: The No BS Guide to Buying a Car Car Buying Service Copyright ©2024 Women’s Autom...
Nov 30, 2020•41 min•Season 1Ep. 73
In this episode of "The Straight Shift", The Car Chick talks holiday car shopping deals, incentives and strategies - 2020 style! Is the end of the year still a good time to buy a new car? How has the global COVID-19 pandemic affected the new car market and the traditional end-of-year deals? How should your car buying strategy change for 2020? The Car Chick will tell you what to realistically expect and how to still get a great deal on a new car (while staying safe) this 2020 holiday season. You ...
Nov 15, 2020•38 min•Season 1Ep. 72
In this episode of "The Straight Shift", The Car Chick talks with special guest, Jordan Huibers of Stacauto, about a new way to test drive cars without the hassle and pressure of a pushy sales person. Stacauto is a cool, new technology platform that allows car shoppers to schedule a contactless test drive of new and used vehicles! Learn more about Stacauto at www.Stacauto.com (This podcast is NOT sponsored in any way by Stacauto or any car dealership. I just think it's cool!) You can view a full...
Oct 30, 2020•35 min•Season 1Ep. 71
