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 …

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 m…

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 …

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…

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: Instagram Facebook YouTube Work with LeeAnn: Course: The No BS Guide to Buying a Car Car …

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…

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 th…

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 provin…

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 …

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…

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: Instagram Facebook YouTube Work with Le…

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 g…

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 o…

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 servi…

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 sh…

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 …

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 C…

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 …

In this episode of "The Straight Shift", The Car Chick talks with special guest, Lindsey Easterling of Easterling Family Law, about the most common problems people encounter during and after a divorce. Who gets the cars in a divorce? What if you can't afford the car payments? How do you preserve your credit? How do you get the car retitled in your …

In this episode of "The Straight Shift", The Car Chick talks about how to save money when ordering a car. Most dealers say you have to pay full sticker price if you order a car - not true! The Car Chick gives away her secrets on how to negotiate the price, even if you custom order a car, so you can still get a great deal. You can view a full list o…

In this episode of "The Straight Shift", The Car Chick talks about how to name your car, and WHY you even should. She shares the long history of naming vehicles, as well as her personal reasons for why everyone should name their car. She also shares her personal methodology for deciding on the perfect name for your car that she has used to name her…

In this episode of "The Straight Shift", The Car Chick talks about 7 new vehicles (all SUVs) making their debut for the 2021 model year, including the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime, the 2021 Toyota Venza, the 2021 Kia Seltos, the 2021 Genesis GV80, the 2021 Chevy Trailblazer and the 2021 Ford Bronco and Bronco Sport. You can view a full list of resources …

In this episode of "The Straight Shift", The Car Chick discusses 5 of her biggest car shopping pet peeves that will cost you valuable time and money. If these things annoy HER, you know they will drive you crazy. Worse, they can cost you to lose thousands of dollars when buying a car. So tune in to learn how to avoid these car shopping frustrations…

In this episode of "The Straight Shift", The Car Chick talks with automotive writer and educator Chaya Milchtein, the Mechanic Shop Femme, about how to know if a mechanic is lying to you, how to buy a used car and car care classes for teens and young adults. You can view a full list of resources and episode transcripts here. Connect with LeeAnn: In…

In this episode of "The Straight Shift", The Car Chick dishes out some tough reality checks about buying classic and vintage cars. She talks about what to buy, what NOT to buy, what to look out for, where to buy them, and how avoid being killed by your spouse for buying one. You can view a full list of resources and episode transcripts here. Connec…

What can (and does) happen to your car when it just "sits" for extended periods of time? How do you store it properly, so it doesn't cost you an arm and a leg when you are ready to drive it again? Tune into this episode of "The Straight Shift" to learn the most common problems that occur when cars are stored improperly, even for a few weeks, and ho…

Let's face it - boys like their toys. In this episode of "The Straight Shift", The Car Chick shares her picks for the best cars, trucks and SUVS for dad, in honor of Father's Day, including the fully redesigned 2020 Corvette Stingray! You can view a full list of resources and episode transcripts here. Connect with LeeAnn: Instagram Facebook YouTube…

In this episode of "The Straight Shift", The Car Chick gives you the scoop on the upcoming, fully redesigned 2021 Toyota Sienna minivan. Why is this minivan a game changer? Why does it look like something out of the Jetsons? Is it really a hybrid? What first ever feature will make parents' lives easier? And why is The Car Chick so excited about a m…

In this episode of "The Straight Shift", The Car Chick explains what your car's VIN number means and how to decode it to discover hidden information about your vehicle. Did you know that some VINs contain real words? The 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid's VIN spells out "FART"! Yeah, we laughed too. You can view a full list of resources and episode transcrip…

In this episode of "The Straight Shift", The Car Chick gives her top picks for the best cars for moms that are NOT a minivan, including the Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride, Subaru Ascent, 2020 Toyota Highlander, Audi Q7, Subaru Foreser, Mazda X-5, Toyota RAV4, and Hyundai Santa Fe. You can view a full list of resources and episode transcripts here.…

In this episode of "The Straight Shift", The Car Chick answers YOUR car questions, including - is NOW a good time to buy a car during coronavirus? Is it safe to drive with the check engine light on? Why are my tires slipping? You can view a full list of resources and episode transcripts here. Connect with LeeAnn: Instagram Facebook YouTube Work wit…

In this episode of "The Straight Shift", The Car Chick talks about how to stay home and stay safe and still buy a car during Coronavirus. She also talks with auto detailing expert, John Stephens (a.k.a. Swirl Killer) of Carolinas Finest Detailing, about how to clean and sanitize your car. You can view a full list of resources and episode transcript…

In this episode of "The Straight Shift", The Car Chick talks about how the Coronavirus outbreak is affecting the US automotive industry now, and how it may impact it over the next several months. What is the impact to the availability of cars, trucks, SUVs, minivans, and hybrids as well as the availability of car parts? How will new car and used ca…

In this episode of "The Straight Shift", The Car Chick talks about the most ridiculous, crazy and downright stupid traffic laws that are still on the books in many states across the US. Including, how to legally drive with a gorilla in your car. You can view a full list of resources and episode transcripts here. Connect with LeeAnn: Instagram Faceb…

In this episode of "The Straight Shift", The Car Chick talks about the difference between women and men in the car buying process. Using deeply researched industry data, she shares statistics on the different ways in which women and men approach car research, buying decisions and deal negotiations. What brands of vehicles are more popular with men …

In this episode of "The Straight Shift", The Car Chick talks about how those new, online-only and car "vending machine" dealerships really work, the pros and cons of their car buying experience, and the risks of buying a used car completely sight unseen. You can view a full list of resources and episode transcripts here. Connect with LeeAnn: Instag…

In this episode of "The Straight Shift", The Car Chick talks about the best (and most economical) ways to protect the interior and exterior of your car from environmental hazards like salt, tree sap, bird poop and your own children. You can view a full list of resources and episode transcripts here. Connect with LeeAnn: Instagram Facebook YouTube W…

In this episode of "The Straight Shift", The Car Chick helps you save money on car repairs and maintenance and extend the life of your vehicle by identifying 7 weird things your car wishes you knew that are costing you money. You can view a full list of resources and episode transcripts here. Connect with LeeAnn: Instagram Facebook YouTube Work wit…

On this episode of "The Straight Shift", The Car Chick interviews exclusive guest, Santa Claus, and reveals the top-secret details about his mysterious new sleigh! You can view a full list of resources and episode transcripts here. Connect with LeeAnn: Instagram Facebook YouTube Work with LeeAnn: Course: The No BS Guide to Buying a Car Car Buying S…

In this episode of "The Straight Shift", The Car Chick talks about the newly launched Tesla Cybertruck, an new all-electric pickup truck, and how it REALLY did in a drag race against a Porsche 911 and a tug-of-war contest with a Ford F-150. You can view a full list of resources and episode transcripts here. Connect with LeeAnn: Instagram Facebook Y…

In this episode of "The Straight Shift", The Car Chick talks about 3 effects that electric vehicles will have on the US economy that may not be good. Will you be affected? The Car Chick also shares some fun experiences from the 2019 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, including filming the season 1 finale of her TV show, "Rust Rescue". (Stream the full season …

In this episode of "The Straight Shift", The Car Chick reveals the 7 biggest lies that car dealers and salesmen will tell you in order to close the sale! You can view a full list of resources and episode transcripts here. Connect with LeeAnn: Instagram Facebook YouTube Work with LeeAnn: Course: The No BS Guide to Buying a Car Car Buying Service…

In this episode of "The Straight Shift", The Car Chick talks about 7 exciting new and redesigned SUVs that are hitting the market for the 2020 model year, including the 2020 Hyundai Palisade (and Kia Telluride), the 2020 Hyundai Venue, the 2020 Audi Q8, the 2019 and 2020 BMW X7, the 2020 Mercedes-Benz EQC as well as the fully redesigned 2020 Toyota…

In this episode of "The Straight Shift", The Car Chick breaks down exactly how new car incentives really work. What are the different types of new car incentives, such as rebates, low APRs and leasing incentives? How do know which incentives you qualify for? Is it better to take the rebate or the low APR? And how can new car incentives be used to m…

In this episode of "The Straight Shift", The Car Chick talks about different ways to get out of a car lease. Whether you are in the middle of the lease or at the end, whether you are over your miles or just can't make the payments, you may have more options than you think! You can view a full list of resources and episode transcripts here. Connect …

Holy exploding sunroofs, Batman! In this episode of "The Straight Shift", The Car Chick talks about the crazy phenomenon of exploding sunroofs. It's NOT just an urban myth! It's a real safety concern that has plagued over 200 different make and model vehicles around the globe. And it's getting WAY WORSE! Tune into find out why and to learn if YOUR …

In this episode of "The Straight Shift", The Car Chick explains how Certified Pre-Owned programs work, how they different among the different car brands, how much they cost, who has the best (and worst) CPO programs, and is it worth it to buy a Certified Pre-Owned car. You can view a full list of resources and episode transcripts here. Connect with…

In this episode of "The Straight Shift", The Car Chick talks about extended car warranties. What are the different types of extended car warranties? How do extended car warranties work? What should you look for and what questions should you ask when buying an extended warranty? How do you avoid extended car warranty scams? And, most importantly, ar…

In this episode of "The Straight Shift", The Car Chick explains the ins and outs of New Car Warranties - what's covered, what's NOT covered, and how to avoid, well... VOIDING your car's factory warranty. You can view a full list of resources and episode transcripts here. Connect with LeeAnn: Instagram Facebook YouTube Work with LeeAnn: Course: The …

In this episode of "The Straight Shift", The Car Chick talks all about recalls. What constitutes a recall on a car? How are recalls issued? How do you know if your car has an open recall? What should you do if there is a recall on your car? She also tells the truth about two of the largest and most expensive recalls in history. You can view a full …