Autolitics is an independent publication about automotive design, user experience, and the future of transportation. It started as a simple conviction: cars are products, and they deserve to be evaluated like products.
Not through lap times or spec sheets. Not through manufacturer press releases or enthusiast tribalism. Through design thinking, systems analysis, and honest assessment of how vehicles actually perform as owned objects in people’s real lives.
The automotive world has plenty of coverage. What it has less of is writing that treats design and UX as the serious analytical lenses they are — and that takes seriously the gap between how cars are marketed and how they’re actually experienced.
That’s what Autolitics is trying to do.
Autolitics Studio
Over time, something became obvious. Most people buying a car — often spending $40,000 to $80,000 — have no structured way to make that decision well. The research is fragmented. The dealership is incentivized against them. The review ecosystem is largely built for enthusiasts, not buyers. And the decision itself involves an overwhelming mix of financial, practical, emotional, and technological considerations that most people navigate only once every five to ten years.
Autolitics Studio exists to change that.
Studio is an independent vehicle advisory service. No commissions. No dealership affiliations. No referral fees. Just structured, expert guidance designed to help buyers make confident decisions before the dealership defines the conversation for them.
There are two ways to work with Studio:
The Strategic Car Buyer Guide — $149
A complete self-serve framework for independent buyers. Not a PDF — a guided dashboard workspace with staged curriculum, interactive tools, and everything you need to approach a purchase with clarity. Includes the Vehicle Decision Engine, Out-the-Door Price Checker, Test Drive Scorecard, Dealer Offer Comparison tools, and a Vehicle Library covering 200+ nameplates. One-time payment, lifetime access.
Core Advisory — $850
For buyers who don’t want to navigate this alone, Core Advisory is a structured 1:1 engagement covering the full decision arc — from defining what you actually need to making a confident final call. The process begins with an in-depth discovery session, then moves through a personalized vehicle shortlist, ownership cost analysis, test drive evaluation, and offer guidance. Optional Negotiation Support (+$250) is available during active dealership discussions.
How It All Connects
Autolitics — Editorial analysis, design critique, and industry perspective.
Autolitics Studio — Independent advisory for car buyers. The philosophy, made actionable.
Autolitics on Substack — Deeper essays, client stories, and ongoing exploration of automotive UX and industry dynamics.
Autolitics is produced by Ricki Muñoz, a UX leader and product strategist based in Oakland, California.