Episodes
Aftermarket warranties a bad bet? Good, fresh oil more critical than ever despite advances in engines. VVT, turbos, GDI and low-friction rings are picky. Are new car prices actually out of line relative to the 1980s? Ford, GM, Honda and more backtrack on EV plans.
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Published 11/06/24
Model T. MINI. Beetle. Cybertruck? Iconic products rarely spring from focus groups. Reason #996 not to buy any all-new model. All non-Tesla public charging is still a hot mess. Flight to quality a response to high repair costs & long waits?
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Published 10/13/24
Dealers are eager to maximize what you "qualify for"; That is not your objective. An experienced mechanic is worth consulting before a car purchase. An upgrade can shock you later with high replacement costs.
Published 10/01/24
Bill getting back to form after European week away from shop. Don's trip to Japan's favorite car meetup spot in Yokohama. Simply be being practical & pragmatic, Japan stands in contrast to America's overly indulgent car market. When should you tackle a repair yourself vs when to call an expert.
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Published 08/22/24
Bill's impressions from Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Netherlands, France & UK car scene. Why differing uses dictate car and energy types in America. Warranties profit from irrational fear.
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Published 08/17/24
Average age of cars has gone from 7 years to 12 years since 1984. Owners encounter issues they've never seen. Ram Ramcharger: a locomotive for the highway? Engines like Ford EcoBoost are powerful but complex.
Published 07/25/24
Real investments appreciate. Complexity and regulations conspire to make many vehicles worse. EVs have positives but OEMs struggle to profit. Tesla inks deals with nearly every maker to standardize charging.
Published 07/21/24
Guidance for those curious about automotive careers. OEM Satellite tracking without permission? Layoffs at Dodge Ram Jeep Chrysler.
Published 06/30/24
Dealers are eager to see what you "qualify for". Your task is to satisfy your needs with minimal cost. Flashy new models and features pale quickly when problems arise ...an experienced mechanic can help you choose wisely. Upgraded brakes may come with upgraded profit margins for the dealer's parts department.
Please reply with any factual corrections (or harsh criticism for that matter!)
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Published 05/23/24
Olympus Rally: Racing through our woods since 1973 with a WRC legacy. Taking Silent Generation parents in a self-driving Waymo car. Hydrogen Highway progress in Arizona and California. Etiquette rules at the pump & EV charger.
Published 04/26/24
Real car guys are like real estate investors - savvy, not impulsive. Actual running costs for EV vs petrol in the Pacific Northwest using residential electricity. Japan is only 2% EV. Pragmatism? Honda Prologue a true Honda?
Published 04/20/24
Bill's guidance for those curious about automotive careers. Local families rocked by senseless abuse of traffic laws. Muscle cars banned from meets in Texas. OnStar was caught tracking GM drivers allegedly without permission. Uncertain future leads to layoffs at Stellantis.
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Published 03/25/24
Magnussons get a laughable lowball on their Chevrolet Volt. Trips to Glacier National Park and Japan's automotive heartland. Suzuki, Honda, Toyota, Nissan Kei cars. Tribute 1967 Mustang Terlingua.
Published 03/10/24
Car prices are escalating as fast as repair costs. Does Ram have the ultimate EV truck - carrying its own powerplant? Some carmakers have trouble building proven mechanical components. Vehicle choice legislation.
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Published 02/11/24
Can cars be the biggest money issue in your life (& easiest to solve)? Serious cold weather EV charging issues persist. Cybertruck reveals some serious engineering under its paintless skin. Gasoline proves to be a valuable complement to electricity!
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Published 02/03/24
Pitfalls and pluses of cold weather EV usage. Gasoline proves its irreplaceable benefits. "Free" charging is a negative. Cybertruck appearance distracts from its serious benefits.
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Published 01/25/24
A good diagnosis saves money by avoiding unnecessary repairs & parts. Tesla's NACS & Gigacasting adopted by Toyota. Unless your time is worthless, a reliable car beats a warranty.
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Published 11/18/23
Used cars under $20k becoming rare. Inflation, interest rates and strike combine for higher prices. When a CEO employee makes more in a day than annual worker pay, does it dilute their argument? Opportunity for China and transplants? Should profits go to those who risked their own capital?
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Published 10/28/23
Addressing estimates as a consumer. "Toddler Test" and personal safety during EV charging is a real concern for both women and men. Dave Ramsey furthers confusion about the term "Car Guy".
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Published 10/14/23
GM, Ford and Stellantis vs UAW. Are mandates dooming OEMs? Energy Secretary blocks public chargers for political event. Both frustrating and pleasant charging results.
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All comments & suggestions welcome!
Published 09/23/23
Your mechanic can spot potential problems, but many issues with cars are entirely unpredictable. Interest rates, inflation and production have boosted inventories. How long will it last, and how will prices react? Multiple paths to make EVs palatable - Tesla seems to have a solution. Do Americans rebel when a radical change is imposed upon their lifestyle?
Published 08/26/23
Bill recounts camping trip to Glacier NP; more makeshift RV repairs demanded. Don was treated to amazing hospitality in Japan. Toyota's own museum gives much credit to other OEMs. Japanese practicality takes long-term, strategic approach to electrification. Can US learn pragmatism, too? Cool Mustang Terlingua tribute spotted locally.
Published 08/12/23
Bill's decades of ASE Tech experience meets keyboard warriors online who suggest faulty fixes. Elon Musk hints at reversing course on his distaste for advertising: extortion? Industry is unclear about EV charging and Levels 1,2 & 3. Jeep FC adventure van proposal. Constant mid-year updates affect repairs.
Published 06/24/23