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March 7, 2025

Dear CarPro Family,

Happy Friday Car Pro faithful and many thanks to all those who reached out to say congratulations on 23 continuous years on WBAP in DFW.  It’s been a good ride, but only due to our loyal listeners, so thank you.  Tomorrow night you will get robbed of an hour of sleep, and below I give you some information about Daylight Saving Time you may not know.

feb-auto-sales-2Also below is week 3 of my Auto Roundup series.  This is only available to newsletter subscribers, not online anywhere.  I take the top automotive news stories of the week, tell you about them, and offer up some commentary on each one. The response has been incredible, so thank you.  I also have the February national sales results for you, and a scam warning for those people with toll tags in their car.

Does your insurance policy cover the cost of a rental car?  I have the answer below.  42 California AutoNation dealerships were not producing car titles to buyer’s quickly enough, which cost them a large amount of moneyWhich car buyers are most loyal to their car brand?  I tell you below.  Also, J.D. Power surveyed electric car owners to see how their experience is as an EV owner and the results are below.

Don’t miss Kim Komando’s Special Report on what your car knows about you, it may alarm you. In advice, today I talk to those people who want to dinghy tow a vehicle behind an RV.  There is a lot to know about this, and I have all the info you’ll need. 

muraanoIn car reviews, I had the beautiful, all-new from roof-to-road 2025 Nissan Murano Platinum SUV.  Forget any old notions about the Murano, it’s a complete re-do and even the CVT is gone!  Our Amy Plemons gives you a full and complete review of the 2025 Honda Odyssey Elite.

Check the recall section to see if you may need to take action on your vehicle. Miss a radio show?  Below we tell you how to get the podcast, and if you missed a newsletter, we tell you how to find the archive page where you can see the last 10 editions.  The incentives have gone up lately, but our Incentive Guide is always 100% up to date.

Plus, lots of other information you will enjoy, including my video of the week we talk about on the air all the time!  If you have never been to our FAQ page, take a minute and peruse the categories, something there will interest you for sure → FAQ.

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We so appreciate all of you who take this newsletter and listen to the show every week.  We know that without you, there is no Car Pro Radio Show.  So always let us know when we can help you. If you have not been there lately, take a look at our website, carpro.com, it changes all the time! 

Have a terrific week.  See you on the radio!

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 Spring Forward Tomorrow Night and Fun Facts

daylight-graphic-2We know it's coming every year, but it doesn't make it any easier. This weekend, we all lose an hour of sleep as we spring forward. This means Saturday night you'll need to turn your clock ahead one hour before you go to bed.  Here are some fun facts you may not know about Daylight Saving Time.

Fun Facts →

  February National Auto Sales Results

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U.S. auto sales were down year-over-year in February, according to automakers who report monthly sales. But keep in mind last year had an extra day since it was Leap year.  Here's a look at how the industry fared in February. 

Read more→ 

  Newsletter Exclusive: Auto Roundup

EXCLUSIVE-2Each week I bring you the top stories in the auto industry along with my commentary or sometimes amusing thoughts about the craziness that goes on in the world of cars.  Here is this week’s edition:

To tariff or not to tariff, that is the question!  If you follow the auto industry at all, you know that the topic of tariffs on Mexico and Canada have been a roller coaster ride.  Somewhere around 35% of the vehicles sold in America are assembled north or south of our borders.  Let’s face it, many automakers have moved production out of America as a way to avoid the steep demands of the United Auto Workers union.  We know the current President loves to use tariffs as leverage to try to get industries, including car companies, to invest in America.  It is hard to argue with the rationale.  However, the thought of vehicles getting even more expensive sends a shiver up the spines of automaker CEOs worldwide.  The automakers are trying to figure out if prices can indeed increase, or if they will have to adjust prices down to counter the proposed tariffs, resulting in hits to the bottom line.  Almost immediately Honda stepped up and said it would build a new plant in America, and Stellantis said essentially the same thing.  Of course, that takes years.  In a moment that caused me to shake my head in disbelief, the UAW President-the colorful Shawn Fain, who actively campaigned against Donald Trump said he was in favor of the tariffs.  Wait, what?  The UAW agreeing with this President?  In a statement, the UAW said: “we’re glad to see an American president take aggressive action on ending the free trade disaster that has dropped like a bomb on the working class.”  So, the end game for the UAW is more jobs in America and more opportunity to gain membership in the union.  My, how things change.  Fain was quoted last year as saying that Trump would be a “scab” who would be “a complete disaster for the working class.”  As of yesterday, the auto industry got another 30-day reprieve from tariffs on cars coming out of Mexico and Canada, so we’ll see where this goes in the future.

Electric car woes for Elon.  Mixing business with politics can be risky business.  Indications are that sales have fallen off for Tesla since he and President Trump forged a friendship. It seems Elon publicly endorsed Germany’s far right “Alternative” party in last months election there.  End result is Tesla sales fell 76% in February versus a year ago, while overall electric sales were up 31%.  Tesla sales in France are off 44% through the first two months of 2025.  On the plus side, Tesla sales in the U.K. are up 11% so far this year.  Here at home, things haven’t been great for the world’s richest man.  Tesla sales have been falling in the United States steadily, the Cybertruck has slowed to a screeching halt, and Tesla stock is down 30% in 2025.  Mr. Musk has resorted to *gasp* incentives to help move the needle on the popular Model 3, offering zero down and 0% APR, and some super low lease rates.  This isn’t just an Elon problem, however, all automakers that sell electrics are looking for ways to move the needle on sales.  The bigger problem for Elon is that slower Tesla sales mean he is earning fewer carbon credits from the government, which he has sold to other automakers in the past.  Last year alone, Musk sold 2.76 billion dollars’ worth of carbon credits to other automakers.  While many people support Mr. Musk for taking on the task of cutting waste in Washington, other people in our deeply divided country are protesting in front of Tesla dealerships and trading their Teslas for other brands.  Earlier this week, Tesla Cybertrucks were booed as they drove in a Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans.  I will say it again:  Mixing business with politics can be a risky business.

“I have bad credit, and it’s the dealership’s fault!”  Let’s face it, if you have bad credit, you usually are well aware of it.  Those annoying calls from debt collectors are certainly a clue, or perhaps it is the threatening letters and emails.  Whatever the case, you just know, right?  A few weeks ago, we told you about a guy who drove his as-is purchased used car through the front glass of a dealership and found himself in a mess of trouble.  I hope this is not a trend, because someone is going to get killed, but it happened again this week.  The circumstances were different this week in Gainesville, Florida when Kevin Leiman, who apparently doesn’t have good credit went to his local BMW dealership and wanted to test drive a $110,000 BMW M4.  The dealership did its due diligence and wanted to make sure the 20-year old could purchase a vehicle like this.  They ran a credit check and denied him the test drive.  He tried to grab the keys to the hot rod M4 but was stopped by dealership employees and he was asked to leave the premises.  But the story doesn’t end there.  The youngster went out to the parking lot and sat in his Hyundai, mulling things over, and apparently getting himself worked up to the point of driving his Hyundai through the front of the dealership.  Still wanting that test drive, he went on a hunt for the M4 keys but was unable to find them.  He fled on foot, but was picked up and arrested a short time later.  Besides his trouble with the local police, he is also on the hook for $60,000 in damages to the dealership.  It is doubtful he will be able to borrow the money for that.  Maybe he thought BMW stood for Break My Windows.

It's a crappy place for a car dealership:  You’d think the owners of a Syracuse, New York dealership group would have gotten a commendation from the city, but instead they got a lawsuit.  The Maguire Family of Dealerships, who owns 18 dealerships in the area, took it upon itself to clean up a vacant lot they owned where they had plans to build a luxury car dealership later.  The property was an eyesore, had been vacant since 2011, and previously was used by a sewer service company.  Yes, sewer.  The dealership removed debris and vegetation along an adjacent creek, regraded the land, spruced up a vacant building, and planted grass and trees.  I would guess the neighbors were thankful for the mess being cleaned up, and likely the smell in the area improved.  The transformation of the property was so different that a city inspector took notice and apparently had a lot of time on his or her hands and checked for permits.  There were no permits, the dealership employees did the work themselves, and did not use contractors.  HOW DARE THEM!  So, the city filed a lawsuit against the dealership for multiple violations potentially adding up to thousands of dollars.  After a year of back and forth talks, the dealership got the proper permits, even though the work was completed, in exchange for the city dropping the lawsuit.  All’s well that ends well, I suppose, but in my opinion, that was a crappy thing for the city to do.
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I'd love to hear from you! Which topic was your favorite this week? Cast your vote in a short survey!  CLICK HERE →

  Straight Talk and Honest Answers

shutterstock-dinghy-towing-1CarPro Advice:
Tips on Dinghy (4-Wheels On The Ground) Towing

If dinghy towing is new to you, there is much to learn before you get started. 

 
Read Jerry's Advice→

  Hot Topic: Right To Repair 

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Federal 'Right To Repair' Legislation Back In Spotlight

Proponents want independent mechanic shops to have the same access to diagnostics and tools needed to repair vehicles that franchised dealers have access to.  

Read more→ 

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Commentary: 'Right To Repair' Argument Rages On

This fight has been going on for as long as I can remember.  As a former dealer owner here are my thoughts on the Right to Repair issue.

Read more→ 

  Highboy For Heroes Sweepstakes!

VFG F250 Spring Break Newsletter

Show your support for our veterans this spring by entering the "Highboy for Heroes" sweepstakes! Enter for your chance to WIN a fully restored 1972 Ford F250 or $100,000 in cash. Proceeds help veterans find healing & community by benefitting two organizations, Veterans Freedom Retreat and Roll Call.  From now until Monday, 3/14, take 25% off 3 entry levels. Click Enter Now below to enter! 

  Q&A: Does My Car Insurance Cover Rental Cars?

shutterstock-car-rental-147619601-minQuick take: Does my auto policy cover rental vehicles?

  • Most types of temporary rental vehicles are covered by personal auto policies.
  • The coverage usually extends to U.S. territories, Puerto Rico and Canada.
  • Recreational vehicles may require special coverage on your policy.
  • Moving vans and similar vehicles are often excluded from coverage.

Q: I’m never sure if I should buy a rental car company’s insurance. Am I already covered by my own auto insurance policy?

A: The following information relates to Farmers auto policies — policies issued by other insurance carriers may have different coverages, and you should check your policy terms. Farmers auto policies cover most types of rental vehicles, including passenger cars, pickup trucks, and SUVs. You’ll get the same amount and types of coverage provided by your personal policy.

Your Farmers coverage extends to accidents occurring within the United States, its territories, Puerto Rico, and Canada. If you’re traveling outside of these areas, check with your agent about your coverage options.

If you’re going to rent a recreational vehicle (RV), you’ll need special RV coverage for the rental period. While we can easily add RV coverage, it’s not included in your standard policy. All it takes is a phone call to your agent — but be sure to make that call before you embark.

Keep in mind that moving trucks are not covered under personal auto policies. Companies that rent moving trucks usually offer special insurance coverage to their customers.

Special thanks to Farmers Insurance & DFW Farmers Agent Melissa Bankard in Richardson, TX for providing this insight.  You can visit her Farmers web page here.

  On The Road: Test Drives

2025-nissan-Murano-platinuM-gaMe-changer-carpro (1)All-New 2025 Nissan Murano Platinum

Find out why Jerry calls the all-new Murano a game-changer that comes at a great time for the brand.

Read review →

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2025 Honda Odyssey Elite

The new model year brings style and tech updates to this family-friendly people hauler.

Read review →

 

  Bumper to Bumper: Industry News

corsair-2Annual Auto Loyalty Awards Winners

The Lincoln Corsair wins 'Overall Loyalty to Model'.

Read more→

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J.D.Power 2025 Electric Vehicle Satisfaction Study

Read more→
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42 California AutoNation Dealerships Fined

Read more→

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Interest in Self-Driving Cars Continues to Fall  

Read more→ 
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TEXAS ALERT: Spike In TollTag Texting Scams

Read more→

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Honda Starts 2026 Passport Production In Alabama

Read more→ 

  Weekly Recalls

 Our Incentive Guide

incentives-3Check out our vehicle incentives and lease specials page for information on understanding incentives, plus links to every major manufacturer's incentive page for the latest offers by zip code.

Find Incentives By Automaker → 

 Kim Komando Special Report: Your Car Knows So Much

new-kim-kommando-graphiBesides the Car Pro Show and our weekly newsletter, my other favorite radio show and newsletter is Kim Komando’s.  We're on many of the same radio stations across America.  She does for her listeners and newsletter subscribers exactly what I endeavor to do:  Give you useful information to keep you up to date on the latest in cars, only she does it with technology and there is nobody who does it better.  Not sure how she puts out a top-notch newsletter seven days a week, but she does.:

We covered this topic for a number of weeks with our Is your car spying on you? Series that is posted at our website.  This week, Kim Komando takes a look at this topic as well:

Read the report on Kim's site→

   Check Out Our Newsletter Archive Page!

Screen Shot 2024-06-27 at 1.11.02 PMDon't forget to check out our newsletter archive! You'll find the past 10 weekly newsletters there.You can find it under the radio show tab on CarPro.com.

Go to the Newsletter Archive →

  Classic Car Contest: Win An AutoHeatShield!

winner- march-1-weekendWe have had a lot of fun with our classic car contest on the Car Pro Show Facebook page. We post the photo of a classic vehicle every Saturday morning and invite people to guess the year, make, and model.  The prize: An Auto HeatShield!

Official rules 

CarPro listeners receive a 10% AutoHeatShield discount with the code "CarPro10". 

Visit AutoHeatShield here →

  Jerry's Must-See  Video Of The Week!

First off, don’t run from the police. You can’t outrun radios and helicopters.  Second, if you are stupid enough to run, just having a big V8 Hemi Challenger isn’t enough, you need to know how to drive it.  Last, if you can’t control your vehicle, don’t run into the police car, it only makes things worse.  All this happened in a matter of 35 seconds.

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  Exclusive Approved Products & Services

CarPro Radio Show host Jerry Reynolds can count the number of products he's endorsed on one hand. He's had many opportunities, but after much due diligence, he usually ends up saying no.  Jerry won’t recommend a product or service unless he's tried it himself and feels good about recommending it.   

Here are the companies Jerry endorses and personally uses →

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  It's Here! The CarPro Merchandise Shop!

  Subscribe to the free DFW Newsletter 

NEWSLETTER-DALLAS-SIGNUPLive in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and haven't subscribed to the DFW edition of the CarPro Radio Show Newsletter?

Just click here or on the left to subscribe. You'll see it in your inbox every Friday morning. 

 

  Miss the Show? Catch Our Podcast!

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Catch all three hours of the CarPro Show national podcast!  You'll find them posted Saturday afternoon following the show. 

Click here for the WBAP DFW podcast →

  Searching For A New Or Used Vehicle? 

If you are searching for a particular new or used vehicle, we can help you!  The best news is, if you use CarPro to search, when you find the car of your dreams it will be at a CarPro approved dealership.Screen Shot 2023-07-13 at 9.41.44 AM

Best of all, it’s simple to use.  Choose new, used, or certified.  You can select the make and model, or find a price range you are looking at.  Choose the number of miles you are willing to travel and enter your zip code.

From there, you can look through all your matches, knowing you are shopping at a dealership I have handpicked that adheres to the high standards I require.

Start your search on the front page of  CarPro.com. If you don't find the car of your dreams, check back regularly.

  FAQ: Research Your Questions Before You Shop

Our FAQ page offers answers to questions Car Pro Show host Jerry Reynolds is asked most frequently.

Visit the FAQ Page →

  You Have 5 Hours To Call The Show! 

phone-2 have 5 hours to call the show!  From 9AM- 2PM Central, 7AM-Noon Pacific, and 10 AM to 3 PM Eastern, the phone numbers are:

  • DFW Show: 9 AM to 11 AM Central, 
    • 1 (800) 288-9227
  • National Show: 11 AM to 2 PM Central,
    • 1 (800) 926-7777 

Add the numbers to your cell phone; you never know when you are going to need straight talk and honest answers about everything automotive.

So, what is the CarPro Radio Show?

Confused about the car buying process? Worried you won’t get a fair deal? Wondering about which vehicle is best for you? Then tune in to the CarPro Radio Show every week where Jerry Reynolds and Todd Chambless will guide you through the car-buying process with confidence. 

No matter where you listen to the show or which station you listen to, you have five hours to call in and ask your questions. We take calls every Saturday from 9 AM-2 PM Central time, 7 AM to Noon Pacific. The phone number is different the first two hours, then changes, so keep that in mind.  

We would love to help you in any way possible!  Keep in mind, we don’t take mechanical questions, but everything else is great!

  Where to Find Us 

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The Car Pro Radio Show is heard every weekend all over the United States, and every weekend we deliver straight talk and honest answers about everything automotive. We would greatly appreciate it if you would take a moment and tell a friend about the show.

Recent additions to our affiliate family include:

  • KLXX 1270 AM Bismark-Madan North Dakota
    • Saturday 5p to 6p CT (Replay)
  • KKTK AM 1400/FM 97.1 in Texarkana, TX
    • Saturday: 12 noon to 3 pm CT (Replay)
  • KQEW 102.3 FM in Fordyce, Arkansas
    • Saturday  5PM - 8PM CT (Replay)

Most of our listeners tell us that they never thought they would look forward to a show about cars.  You may have friends or relatives who feel the same way in the cities below, please make them aware.

WBAP 93.3

Here are the DFW markets the show airs in, times, and stations, and don't forget you can now listen to WBAP on the FM dial at 93.3 FM!

  • Dallas, TX:  WBAP 820 AM/93.3 FM/99.5 HD 2, Saturday 9am to 11am Central
  • Dallas, TX:  KRLD 1080 AM, Saturday 2pm to 4pm Central (replay)
  • Granbury, TX:  KPIR 1420 AM, Saturday 11am to 2pm Central 

  • Listen to the WBAP Podcast (up every Tuesday)→

 Closing Message From Jerry Reynolds

Thank you for reading this edition of the Car Pro Weekly, recommending it to your friends and family, and for listening to the Car Pro Radio Show. 

We hope you found it to be informative and entertaining. Remember we're always here for you at www.carpro.com.

Until next week, stay safe, don't drink and drive, remember our Troops and public safety officers, and may God Bless.

Sincerely.

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