The Miles Driven: Recent Episodes
Miles Goodson
Miles and Sam at The Miles Driven talk cars and automotive news mixed in with the occasional anecdotes from Miles' past in the motor trade. The pair also keep you updated with news and take deep dives into the automotive world whether that be the history, the future, or the present day of cars and the people that make the industry tick. Expect lots of challenges as they muse what can be bought for certain budgets and encourage listeners to join in contemplating what they would buy if given a certain budget or requirement. Electric cars will feature on the podcast as the pair review some of the latest arrivals, however, gearheads and petrol heads will be more than at home here as the pair are ardent manual gearbox fans that still hold out hope there will be decades ahead for those that prefer their propulsion with a touch of sucking, squeezing, banging, and blowing. Listen Today!
The team celebrate episode 100 with a car quiz but before that, they ponder the future of Jaguar Land Rover. Sam talks about a steam train.
The team discuss great engines from the humble small economy cars that move the world, to exotic small cars. Sam talks car shows.
Miles has serviced the Range Rover and it didn't go to plan meanwhile Sam looks at some recent tool purchases by Miles.
The team talk about the latest car news after Sam tells his story of woe after a garage refuge to start an MOT test on his car.
The team discuss the limited run of BMW X5 hydrogen models powering an electric motor and Sam talks about pickup trucks as he considers what he will buy in the future.
The guys talk about car oils and how and why the next generation of electric cars. Porsche is raising prices to help fund its electric future and other manufacturers are set to do the same.
Miles returns from Australia and wonders if some of the Australian speed limits are a little too low considering the size of the country, especially with the added enforcement and wider use of patrol cars. The team have a short chat about the differences in flying window seat in a Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner and a Boeing 777-3ER before questioning whether any hot hatch is better than a Hyundai I30N given its price.
Jaguar Land Rover intends to split their brands in the showroom from the end of 2024 and Volvo has said the new XC30 is designed for the subscription model. Is this a step forward for the brands, or a lost attempt at moving forward?
The team make their picks for the best car in each category from small to large. Options aren't limited to new cars and so there is lots of choice for all.
In this episode, Sam and Miles find that their interest in a particular car is closer than they thought.
This week the team talk about why fun cars are usually found in cheap vehicles that aren't particularly fast, practical or reliable.
Sam forgets this is an automotive podcast and spends the episode discussing planes while Miles talks about car modifications.
The team discuss some bizarre plans by Oxford council that sound more like the film 'The Hunger Games' than a way of reducing pollution. Britain's hopes to lead the way on battery electric cars take a knock as Britvolt looks certain to go out of business.
Miles talks about a recent trip to the British Motor Museum while sam celebrates his latest bit of carpentry.
The team briefly discuss the recent news of a Swiss EV ban before debating whether restoring classics is always worth it and whether all classics should be saved. Sam then runs off on a tangent and talks about his cylinder mower and how it will last 400 years.
In the first podcast of the new year, the team talk about manufacturer subscription services for heated seats and other features. After that, it's Rimac and Binotto leaving Ferrari F1.
No podcast this week but a short Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all of our listeners.
When the team did this a few podcasts ago Sam was the one asking the questions, but how will he do as the contestant as Miles becomes quiz master for an episode
The team discuss what car Sam would buy if he was out looking to buy something right now and whether recycling cars to keep using them is better than building new cars.
Miles tells the story of his Golf GTI. A story Sam knows all too well having spent a considerable amount of time underneath the car trying to repair it.
The team discuss the car that Abarth plans to return to America with, a hot version of the 500e. Sam talks about his trip to Mexico.
Sam has seismic news with the announcement of Miles' latest car purchase and then we have the UK theory test. Can you get enough right answers to pass the test?
The team have a busy episode catching up on news stories they should have seen sooner from the car world including Mitsubishi exiting the UK. We also hear about dogs being as polluting as cars and noise limiters to fine people with noisy exhausts. Miles questions whether London should be EV and hybrid-friendly instead of just EV friendly as a way to help people of all incomes reduce pollution when crawling in traffic.
Sam has another car quiz and Miles discusses the ever-stricter testing of NCAP safety scores and whether cars will soon find it impossible to pass the safety test without being laden with cameras and sensors
The team discuss the new BMW M2 as the last ever BMW M car without a hybrid or electric powertrain. The team then discuss whether eFuels are the future.
The team discuss the Land Rover Discovery. Including a correction to a recent car buyer's guide. Sam celebrates yet another birthday.
The team discuss which generation of the Porsche 911 is the best to buy to today, and they talk about the shortage of truck drivers across the world, Miles thinks poor rest conditions are one of the reasons.
In this weeks car podcast the team discuss whether video games can teach you anything about cars and how to become a better driver. The team also discuss car warranties.
The team talk about the new Astra GSe and the Toyota Supra. Miles then hijacks the podcast to tell his story of woe when his flight home was cancelled and he and his wife were left a long way home
Sam hosts his own gameshow with a car quiz after dubbing himself the quizmaster (at least for cars). Miles hesitates on the answers (as you'd expect).
Miles has been reading a book on car history and wonders if car design is doomed to mould into one and then thinks he has an excellent suggestion for a car everyone should buy now - Sam disagrees.
In this bonus episode in remembrance of Her majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s life and reign, Miles and Sam discuss the long and distinguished list of cars that the late Queen owned and drove. From Bentley to Audi, BMW to Maybach, join us for a chat about the cars of the Monarchy, and as always, our opinions on the collection.
Miles asks Sam if he would buy a Jaguar after the recent Jaguar XJ buyer's guide opened up a question about whether we are losing great cars. Miles then questions used car values.
Today the team talk exclusively about superchargers from how they work to why they aren't commonly used in Europe but still have a strong presence in the American domestic performance market
Miles is struggling to be enthusiastic about electric hot hatchbacks, the guys then talk about the Toyota Yaris hybrid after a drive, and once again question is hybrid the answer?
Miles is convinced he finally has a good game for Sam and listener questions return. Before that the team do an F1 update.
Miles talks about the latest MG roadster which is creeping closer to reality and Sam does a short F1 update
In a slight detour from regular service, Sam explains the machinery he works with and how it is powered. Miles follows up with a motor trader story from his time in the trade.
Miles and Sam question whether car subscriptions for features like Navigation or heated seats are the future or a flash-in-the-pan idea. VW gets a new boss which could mean more concentration on e-fuels.
The last Saturday podcast for the summer as the team slow down the schedule but don't worry, the Tuesday Podcast will be release as normal. Sam arrives prepared with a car quiz that he thinks will only take twenty minutes and then remembers it is Miles answering the questions, in the end it takes over an hour, but its good fun along the way.
Miles has the idea of a car quiz naming manufacturers from A-Z, then forgets hall the names of car brands. Sam has a bit more luck.
Miles talks about finance to give a better view of what is and how to understand it. Sam announces that the arrival of the new Civic Type R is almost upon us.
Sam talks about digestive biscuits on these weeks automotive podcast, and the oddity of glitter lorries operating in the hot weather. Miles tries to understand why Wales wants a 20mph speed limit.
Sam starts the podcast with a quiz of would you rather leaving Miles with a few tough car choices and Miles talks about the Mazda CX-60 and whether Diesel engines are gone forever.
The team return after a series of audio troubles that still don't seem to have been completely remedied. Sam talks about Bezos' boat that is going to be cut in half to move it promising it is automotive related. The story of the never ending trouble fixing the Vauxhall Astra brakes is finally told.
It's just Miles this week after an audio failure knocked out both the Tuesday and Saturday podcast. Miles rounds up the car news including a new Lada, A Toyota recall and a new MG.
The team starts with an F1 quiz about the lap records of the V10 and the hybrid era. Miles questions whether instead of buying new cars we should overhaul old cars with manufacturer support to extend the life of old vehicles.
Miles has an EV quiz for Sam and the team discusses whether there is a more harmonious way for all road users to go about their business without recording every mistake we make and attempting to get people in trouble.
The team have the weekend off but Miles gives you a car fact as thank you for listening to The Miles Driven
Miles talks about tire pollution as worrying new figures show that tires are thousands of times worse for particulate pollution than exhausts. Sam discusses the Polestar 3 and the team talk about the future of the show as the 50th episode looms ahead.
The team discuss their trip to look at a supercharged R53 Mini and Sam tells the story of his trip to Amsterdam. There is also the Lync&co o1 and lots of cars charging.
The team talk about how to review a car while considering its value and why some cars are fast or luxurious despite having much better cars for more money. Sam talks about the Ineos Grenadier.
Sam talks about the new Land Rover Defender 130 before the team discusses which three cars they would choose to restore themselves Miles makes his apology for disregarding the Alfa Romeo Sam suggested in a previous podcast after finding out it was a lot more special than he thought.
A recent query from a friend has Miles wanting to explain to casual fans the difference between Formula 1 and Formula 3. Also with the Nissan GTR now gone from UK showrooms, Miles discusses his drive in one and why they were so special.
The team discuss three hot hatches that are not a Golf GTI for less than £5000. Miles is thinking of buying a diesel as the team question if there is still a future for the compression engine.
Miles recalls his first car and the adventure of getting it through its first MOT and Sam is Mr Skeptical about a flying taxi port in Coventry. The team also talk about distracted drivers and new speeding data.
Sam has been out on track in supercars and a passenger hot lap in the Vauxhall (Holden) Monaro on track. The team discuss whether a driving experience on track is worth the money and ponders recession-proof cars.
Sam takes charge of the podcast briefly before admitting he hasn't seen many James Bond films but still has a favourite car. The team discuss the recent announcement of Porsche and Audi joining F1 and the Ford F150 lightning and the new Bentley Bentayga EWB.
The team discuss recent proposals for noise fines to be issued to any cars breaching a specified limit and Miles makes Sam guess the best selling cars in countries across the world, but who is the best seller overall?
Miles is keen to talk about inflation and what we should expect with prices and interest rates. First, the team discuss a drive of the new Hyundai Bayon and some time spent with a BMW 1-Series. Miles tried to explain why washing a car will tell you more about it than just looking over it.
Sam hijacks the podcast introduction to finally talk about the Goupil G4 and Miles is miserable after missing out on the order book for the Toyota GR86. The team get a listener question about the Lotus Eletre and wonder if crash testing is making our cars more or less dangerous.
Miles makes Sam hold his head in his hands as he lists the crashed cars in need of repair that he has been looking at. A listener question gets the team discussing cars for £300 a month and ends in a disagreement of what car to suggest.
Miles is keen to talk about a recent nighttime drive to an airport and Sam wonders if he has enough money to buy a Mitsubishi. The team discuss the word Tire, or Tyre, depending on where you listen to us and both are shocked at the price of a Ford Galaxy. However, at least they aren't playing hide and seek with their price list... Mitsubishi.
The team discuss E5 fuel vs.E10 fuel for emissions, power, and cost before talking about a drive of the Maserati Quattroporte.
Miles discusses whether European muscle cars still exist and decides that the best one of all wasn't actually European. Sam talks about affordable cars and sensible budgets from stop-gap cars to runarounds.
The team got together for a bonus episode commentating live on the 2022 Emilia-Romagna Sprint Race.
Sam talks about the BMW iX and manages to do a calculation including rugby players and postcrete. Miles talks about whether a luxury car really suits electrifications as most luxury items are purchased on what they can do, not what they will do.
The team answer some listener questions and then discuss the cars on our Instagram page. Miles talks about the best hot hatchback that hasn't got a recognisable badge on the front.
The team talk everything Range Rover from the classic to the brand new L460 model. Sam debates when the Evoque and the Velar can really be considered part of the brand and Miles convinces himself all roads lead to a Supercharged L322 Range Rover.
The team talk about cars they should have bought but let them slip out of their hands. Sam talks about some of the worst car purchases he has seen Miles make and the guys ask Toyota to bring the GR Corolla to Europe.
The team discuss their recent test of a fully electric van and whether it was up to the job. Miles finds a cheap BMW 320si as Sam discusses its merits after giving an F1 update.
We answer a listener's query as he shops for an E92 M3 and then discuss whether Le Mans would and could ever host a race with EVs only. Le Mans has been the first for many things including ABD and seatbelts but could battery power be a step too far for them to implement?
Miles questions whether electricity companies can really stack up when tasked with providing the service and energy we need for our future demands whilst grumbling about his own experience with an electricity supplier. Sam talks about the impacts of car enthusiasts and tuners sometimes having unintended negative consequences and how some tuners still seem intent with removing emissions controls instead of finding more power in other ways.
The team shortlist plug-in hybrid vehicles for a range of budgets and discover that their expectations may be a little short compared to the sticker price. Miles suggests a non-plug-in hybrid and Sam contemplates whether there are any vehicles that he would consider good value in the lineup
The team discusses recent news events from Ford's internal split to vehicle shipping before turning their attention to which manufacturer has had the greatest impact on cars. The shortlisted brands all brought something to the automotive world. This is one you won't want to miss.
Best manual gearbox? Irrational hatred of a car? Evo vs Impreza? And more... We held onto a few questions that we thought you would all like to hear our answers. Sam thinks he has a better answer for the best extreme offroader and Miles struggles to disagree... for once.
Porsche are not only looking at ways to move battery technology forward but they are also funding E-fuels as a way to keep combustion engine alive and part of the energy mix with a vastly reduced environmental impact. The team discusses the new Fiesta ST and the iterations that have preceded it.
BMW have announced their intention to keep developing Petrol and Diesel technology with one eye on the future and an ever-changing landscape of what may be needed in the future. We talk about hybrid and importantly the fuel these engines burn. We also have a listener question to answer and our review of the Mazda 3.
Miles and Sam discuss the ever-increasing cost of motoring whether it be at the pumps or charges for using certain roads. Is there an answer that is fair for all? The team tries and find out.
Sam talks about the Mars Rover and its mission to destroy parts of its own wheels. The team then discusses Tesla and whether the car brand is marching ahead because of its products or being lifted up by online support from people that are financially incentivized.
The team ponders a handful of classic vehicles including ones that are now considered historic and so except from road tax and MOT. Sam talks about the last hurrah of the Focus ST before its replacement arrives.
In this final episode of the F1 special Miles and Sam take a moment to look ahead and consider which teams are best geared up to take advantage as the new regulations take shape. They also give their predictions for the world champion and who they are hoping will surprise them this season. (Audio warning, you may hear wind noise throughout this episode as it was recorded whilst storm Eunice passed over the UK).
The team concentrate on the off-season in part two of the F1 special, whilst also covering the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and the fallout from the last lap the crowned a new world champion. After the 2022 cars have just been released and there are lots to talk about before the latest on the driver's moves and the team principal changes. (Audio warning, you may hear wind noise throughout this episode as it was recorded whilst storm Eunice passed over the UK).
The team goes over the 2021 season and looks at which teams and drivers performed best and discusses the stand-out races of the season. There is also a farewell to both Alfa Romeo drivers, Kimi Raikkonen and Antonio Giovinazzi.
The team takes a look at the new Nissan Z car and questions why it won't be released in the UK. Then it's onto car auctions, everything eBay, to the big physical auction houses and the growing number of online auction companies, What to do, how to budget, and who to speak to.
Each day we edge closer to the day that new car showrooms no longer contain engines that fire to life and breathe. Of the many cars still out there what are the ones that you should consider one last time, from the GR Yaris to the Audi RS3, these cars all have something special and unique about them, but they are sadly not long for this world, get them while you can!
In this packed episode, the team talks about new car price inflation and what could be driving it, and the UK government's plan of road tax by the mile. First though they report on the AMR22 as it is launched and the first glimpse of what an actual '22 F1 car will look like rather than a CGI render. They also review the MK7/MK7.5 Golf GTI and question whether it is better to buy a nearly new previous generation over the MK8.
Sam gets confused and decides and talks about hybrids whilst Miles discusses the best-used cars that are all pure EV's with a couple of curious exceptions. The team also debates the recent desire for manufacturers to fit 'vegan' leather.
The team discusses two British manufacturers that have teased their new supercars. Sam wonders whether they are true to their 'bloke in a shed' roots and questions how much longer it will be until the new TVR actually arrives in the driveways of eager customers.
The team picks a 5 car garage, all the way down to a 1 car garage to look at the best all-rounder they can buy and how they would stretch a. budget between new and used cars to make a dream car garage. They also discuss the last ever V12 powered BMW.
The team discuss the Land Rover defender 90,110, and the expected 130 models before turning their attention to everything fast and Japanese. There has been a host of special cars from Japan andrSam tries to keep Miles from talking too much about the Civic Type R.
In the second part of the episode, the team talks about American cars that have been sold in Europe and whether it was worth them being made in right-hand drive with some corkers reaching UK shores and some damp squibs. Miles starts to become interested in a particular flop in a used Cadillac before he learns it is in the highest road tax band.
In this two-part episode, the team first discusses the new Aston Martin DBX with its claim of being the 'fastest luxury SUV' in the world and turn their attention to the amendments made to the UK's highway code. Finally, in the second part of the episode the team talks about American cars that have been sold in Europe and specifically the ones sold in the UK in Right Hand Drive, there have been some crackers and some flops. Miles starts to become interested in a particular flop in a used Cadillac before he learns it is in the highest road tax band.
The team talk about the new Mercedes E-Class and then play car bingo with the Stellantis group before discussing the recent comments of the CEO. (@themilesdriven or themilesdriven.com)
There's a new Polo GTI! or at least a facelifted one. The guys try to discern it from a Golf and question whether with 211bhp and an ever-growing chassis the Polo may actually be the hot pick at Volkswagen. Then a UK/USA talk of pickup trucks, Sam talks about the best he has driven and worked with in the UK including the ubiquitous Toyota Hilux. Miles is keen to discuss his drives in big American trucks such as the F150 and Dodge Ram.
Miles and Sam are back with another show and this time they are discussing what cars you can buy that are interesting, quick, and somewhat sensible for £10,000. Sam covers the hot hatches that he believes you should buy whilst Miles considers the coupes and saloons in the price bracket with his fear of top tax bracket cars it should make for an interesting one.
A new electric car seems to appear every week but the SEAT Born claims to be a new type, the first 'Hot Hatch' electric car. Sam and Miles discuss the claim before Sam talks about his Mazda woes.
Sam and Miles discuss the used car market as Miles muses over the idea of a cheap Volvo with a zero tax bracket. The guys then discuss car prices in general and Sam claims nothing fun can be bought at a reasonable price anymore.