The New Value Playbook: Cheap Chinese EVs, Dodge Charger Daytona review, Salvage Titled Cars and the Home Ownership Trap

Drop me a text and let me know what you think of this episode!

Want a clear view of where mobility and money intersect right now? We dive into how Chinese carmakers are lining up to enter the U.S. through joint ventures, Canadian quotas, and Mexican assembly—and why that strategy echoes the Japanese and Korean playbook that reshaped the market decades ago. The core story is affordability: a massive gap below $25K that Chinese brands are ready to fill with high-quality, feature-rich EVs, potentially under familiar badges. We unpack what that means for IP sharing, tariffs, and whether legacy automakers can turn this wave into a two-way learning advantage.

Then we strap into the 2026 Dodge Charger Daytona EV to separate hype from hardware. With dual motors, 630 hp, and a 670-hp power shot, the Daytona blends muscle with a grand-touring vibe, delivering tight build quality, confident handling, and a surprisingly practical hatch. We talk tech, comfort, and the few misses—most notably a 270-mile range—so you know exactly who this car serves today and what upgrades might matter tomorrow.

Price pressure also reshapes the used market. We explain why some dealers now sell branded or salvage-title vehicles as insurers total cars for electronics-heavy repairs, not just big crashes. You’ll hear about the risks a test drive won’t reveal, how inconsistent state standards magnify uncertainty, and what questions to ask before you chase a “deal” that could turn into cascading sensor and safety issues. Finally, we connect the dots to housing: the rise in underwater mortgages across Sun Belt cities, how thin down payments and post-frenzy price shifts lock owners in place, and practical steps if you’re stuck—keep paying, don’t rush to sell, and protect liquidity.

If you care about where value, safety, and performance meet, this conversation gives you the context to buy smarter—whether that’s your next EV, a used car under $15K, or the decision to ride out a choppy housing market. Enjoy the ride, share this with someone shopping right now, and subscribe for more straight talk on mobility insights. Got a take or a question we should tackle next? Text 872-222-9793 or email [e-mail]. Leave us a review to help more listeners find our show.

Support the show

Be sure to tell your friends to tune in to The TechMobility Podcast!