Let's talk about what just happened with Honda, because this is a big deal and nobody's breaking it down for regular buyers.

Honda — one of the most reliable automakers on the planet — just announced it's canceling three electric vehicles it had been hyping for years. Gone are the Honda 0 SUV, the Honda 0 Sedan, and the Acura RSX. All three were supposed to be their big EV play for the US market. All three are dead before they even hit a showroom floor.

The price tag on this mistake? Up to $15.7 billion in losses — split between this fiscal year and next — making it Honda's first annual loss in 69 years. Electronics Weekly Let that sink in. A company that has been profitable for nearly seven decades just took its biggest L ever chasing EVs.

So what actually happened?

A few things hit at once. Consumer demand for EVs pulled back as buyers showed a clear preference for hybrid vehicles, and the Trump administration eliminated the tax credits that made EVs more affordable. Fox Business On top of that, Honda admitted it simply couldn't compete — their own earnings report stated they were "unable to deliver products that offer value for money better than that of newer EV manufacturers." TechCrunch Translation: Chinese EV makers came in cheaper and better, and Honda couldn't keep up.

What does this mean if you're buying a car right now?

A few things worth knowing as someone shopping in the NY/NJ/CT market:

First, Honda hybrids are about to get a lot of attention. Honda is pivoting hard to hybrids since that's what buyers actually want. Expect more CR-V hybrids, Accord hybrids, and Civic hybrids hitting lots. That's actually great news — Honda makes excellent hybrids and dealers will be motivated to move them.

Second, don't expect a Honda EV deal anytime soon. The Prologue — Honda's only current EV — is also reportedly getting cut. If you were waiting on a Honda EV, that wait just got a lot longer.

Third, use this moment as leverage. When a manufacturer is restructuring and dealers are uncertain about inventory direction, that creates negotiating room. Dealers want to move existing stock and hit targets. This is exactly the kind of market shift I watch for when negotiating on behalf of my clients.

Bottom line — the EV wave is real but the timeline got messy. Hybrids are winning right now and Honda knows it. If you're in the market for a reliable, fuel-efficient car, a Honda hybrid might be your best move in 2026.

And if you need someone to go get you that deal? You know where to find me. 🔑

Let me be real with you — engine repair shops are busier than ever right now, and there's a reason for that.

People are holding onto their cars longer. New car prices are still ridiculous, so instead of trading up, drivers are fixing what they have. That means more high-mileage vehicles on the road, more wear and tear, and more check engine lights getting ignored until they can't be anymore.

Here's the thing though — that little orange light on your dashboard isn't something to side-eye and hope goes away. Modern engines are basically computers on wheels now. Sensors, electronic control units, fuel management systems — when something goes wrong, it usually triggers a code. A good tech can plug in and tell you exactly what's happening before a $200 fix turns into a $2,000 nightmare.

The shops that are thriving right now are the ones investing in real diagnostic equipment and certified techs who actually know how to read the data — not just guess and charge you anyway.

What this means for you as a buyer:

If you're shopping for a used car, get a pre-purchase inspection. Every time. A mechanic can pull codes and catch issues the seller isn't disclosing. I've seen buyers walk into dealerships thinking they're getting a deal on a used vehicle, only to find out later the engine had known issues that weren't disclosed.

And if you already own a car — don't skip your maintenance. The demand for repairs is up partly because people delayed routine service during tough economic times. Regular oil changes, coolant flushes, and diagnostic checks are still the cheapest form of car ownership.

Bottom line: take care of your car, and don't let dealers or repair shops scare you into unnecessary fixes. Know what you need, get a second opinion when something feels off, and never ignore the check engine light.

That's the Miss Car Sales way. 🔑