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