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Cars The Podcast

Cars The Podcast
Author: Don Swier and Bill Magnusson
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© Donald B Swier 2019
Description
From the shadows of Mt Rainier, Bill Magnusson and Don Swier help you get the most value from your 2nd biggest asset. Fuel agnostic, whether ICE or electric; join us as we cover the industry, car culture and tips on how to buy and maintain.
173 Episodes
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After 6 years of podcasting, we took a long summer break here in the shadows of Mt Rainier. Look forward to new topics & full episodes soon. We want to hear from YOU at CarsThePodcast@gmail.com We want to cover topics you'd love discussed!
We love to hear from you! CarsThePodcast@gmail.com. We'd love your suggestions for future topics. Please take time to rate & review at Apple Podcasts!
We'd love to have your review or rating at Apple Podcasts! Snowcats produced by DeLorean (and good ol' diesel fuel) are keeping our phones working! Ford CEO Jim Farley praises the Chinese Xiaomi SU7 that he drove for months. ...He can't be labeled a Grosse Pointe Myopian! Ford reveals plans for EREVs like many other markets are preparing. What if a Range Extender (in an optional mode) was a roaring V8 or a screaming Hyabusa engine being stressed with a load and software-enabled "gears" to emulate a conventional ICE? We'd love to hear from you! Topic ideas, corrections or questions.... CarsThePodcast@gmail.com
Fatality rates vary widely among different classes of car. Lowering your expectations can yield an extra million dollars in a few decades. Bill's 7 hour job to replace a $1.98 part: common nowadays. We love to hear from you! CarsThePodcast@gmail.com Questions? Criticisms? We can take it! We'd love your rating and/or review at Apple Podcasts.
Alix Brothers puts Auto Industry at #1 for disruption this year. Lead time for new plants is 5 years....is DC aware of that? Leno buys cars that impress him, not the Hoi polloi. Reasons why small CUVs like RAV4 & Rogue have stolen sales crowns worldwide. Jeep Cherokee OTA takeover a decade ago still has ripples today,
Listeners from Djibouti to Iceland to Jakarta: Bill's customer squeezing every mile & dollar from aging Sienna, but even Toyota can have teething problems with new engine. Subaru slow evolution of same platform scores a Conumer Reports #1 reliability rank. A cheap used car won't fundamentally worsen your life, but a cheap neighborhood will. Get a pre-purchase inspection tp avoid expen$$ive hidden problems. Corrections? Rant? Raves? Topic ideas you'd like to hear? ...send 'em all our way to: CarsThePodcast@gmail.com
Basic knowledge of cars can save $$. Trivia not trivial. V8 swaps can be a grunty & fun fix for an old Jeep. Griot's hosts Corvairs, Skylines, Panhard, Lucid, VW & more. Regulations making cars disposable & costly. Was there a sweet spot in technology & reliability 20 years ago? Jalal Salihi engineered GM's first modern EV in the early 60's.
Snowcats produced by DeLorean (and diesel fuel) are keeping our phones working! Fuel choice is important even for cell towers. Ford's CEO Jim Farley praises the Chinese Xiaomi SU7 he drove for months. Ford also admits EREVs are more useful & profitable than EVs for America. What if a range extender engine was a spine-tingling V8 or rev-happy Hyabusa alllowed to rev under load using creative software, and an optional "sound mode" to attract gearheads like us?
How will Nissan cope now that Honda merger called off? Scout and Honda plan to introduce direct sales channel for new brands as Tesla has proven successful. Reducing order complexity helps buyers and producers.
Bill getting back to form after Europe trip. Don's trip to Japan for family and visiting Daikoku, Honda, Suzuki, Nissan & Yamaha: pragmatism & perfection on display. When is it best to quit a DIY procedure and visit a real technician? We love to hear from you! CarsThePodcast@gmail.com Rant, Rave or just say hello!
Listeners from Djibouti to Jakarta. Bill's customer squeezing every mile from reliable Sienna, but even Toyota can have teething problems with new engine. Lesson for buyers? Subaru slow evolution of same platform scores Consumer Reports #1 reliability rank. A cheap used car won't fundamentally worsen your life, but a cheap neighborhood will. Get a pre-purchase inspection to avoid expen$$ive hidden problems. Corrections? Rants? Raves? .....doesn't matter! We love to hear from you! CarsThePodcast@gmail.com
Can a late pivot to EREV save Mopar and inject missing soul? Disposable cars and flawed parts are frustrating the process of repairing. Chinese cars like Buick Envision, Lincoln Nautilus and Polestar are sneakily creeping into the US market. Driving an EREV 100 miles with no motor oil is fine? Aftermarket adapters are not safe.
Fatality rate per vehicle has little to do with safety ratings. Cheap Hyundai & costly Tesla, Porsche and Corvette are notable. Unintentional damage by owners is costly. Why driving habits will cost $$. Pocket $940k in savings with one decision. Why oil changes are more important than they were 25 years ago. Send an e-mail to enter Cars The Podcast sticker pack contest! carsthepodcast@gmail.com We love to hear from you. Both ideas for discussion & criticisms welcome! Please 5-star rate & review us at Apple Podcasts
Bill sees the unintended consequences of relying on sensors. Chinese parts and cars infiltrating. Scout blazes trail with ICE generator option, and 80% opt for it. Toyota rocky road to success today. Could a revvy, loud, lopey V-twin serve as generator in a roadster to instill soul and emotion?
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. We love to hear from you! CarsThePodcast@gmail.com
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? We love to hear from you! CarsThePodcast@gmail.com Topic ideas, questions and criticism all welcome!
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.
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. We love to hear from listeners! Comments, critiques & corrections welcomed. CarsThePodcast@gmail.com
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. We love to hear from you! CarsThePodcast@gmail.com comments, sugggestions, corrections!
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.