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Ask Us Anything: Part 4 — The Carmudgeon Show with Jason Cammisa & Derek Tam-Scott — Ep. 199

Ask Us Anything: Part 4 — The Carmudgeon Show with Jason Cammisa & Derek Tam-Scott — Ep. 199

The Carmudgeon Show Aug 04, 2025 51 min
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About this episode

Jason Cammisa and Derek Tam-Scott dive into a lively Q&A session, tackling a variety of automotive topics. They discuss everything from the quirks of the Opel Manta to the merits of the GR86 as a fun new car. The duo shares personal anecdotes about past cars, debates the value of modern versus classic vehicles, and reflects on the cultural perceptions of cars like the Nissan Altima. With humor and insight, they explore what makes certain cars special and the challenges of car ownership, all while keeping the conversation engaging and entertaining.

Technical Too Afraid to Ask
Toyota Ae86
TTTNIS (CC0)
Car

Toyota Ae86

"... everyone listening at home. First question. From AE86 Racer. We're going to do this whole episode with ..."

The Toyota Corolla is a small car that's very popular because it's easy to drive and doesn't break down often. Many people choose it because it's affordable and gets good gas mileage.

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Opel Manta
Calreyn88 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Opel Manta

"...the ultimate white trash car is a Manta. And there was actually a movie about this..."

The Opel Manta is a car that was made in Germany a long time ago. It was popular for being sporty and fun to drive, especially among younger people.

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Volkswagen Scirocco
Stefan Brending (2eight) (CC BY-SA 3.0 de)
Car

Volkswagen Scirocco

"...the number two total, like total dirt back car, Shorako..."

The Volkswagen Scirocco is a sporty car that has been around since the 1970s. It's known for looking cool and being fun to drive, making it popular among car fans.

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Company

Hagerty Insurance

"...the point being that Haggerty has agreed value insurance. And you agree on the value of your car..."

Hagerty Insurance is a company that provides insurance for classic cars. They help you agree on how much your car is worth before something happens to it.

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Concept

agreed value insurance

"...Haggerty has agreed value insurance. And you agree on the value of your car..."

Agreed value insurance means you and the insurance company decide how much your car is worth. If something happens to your car, you get that agreed amount back.

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Concept

Demolition Derby

"...just for the purpose of competing. Demolition Derby-ing, which is what Ultima is doing anyway..."

A Demolition Derby is a fun event where people drive cars and crash them into each other. The last car that can still move wins the game.

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Shelby Cobra
Spurzem - Lothar Spurzem (CC BY-SA 2.0 de)
Car

Shelby Cobra

"...mpract... I mean, look, cost no object, 9.11st T. Cobra replica. Technically, that's new. God, you're goo..."

The Shelby Cobra is a classic sports car that's famous for being very fast and light. It's loved by car fans for its history in racing and its cool design.

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Toyota GR86
DestinationFearFan (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Toyota GR86

"...in which case it would probably just be a GR86. Yeah."

The Toyota GR86 is a fun sports car that is designed for driving enthusiasts. It's light and handles well, making it enjoyable to drive.

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Toyota Gr Corollas
TTTNIS (CC0)
Car

Toyota Gr Corollas

"...the end is exploding on GR Corolla's and then Toyota saying, well, you did 80 miles an hour, and therefore you're at fault."

The Toyota GR Corolla is a sportier version of the regular Corolla. It has a powerful engine and all-wheel drive, making it fun to drive.

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BMW M5 (E28)
Vauxford (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

BMW M5 (E28)

"If we had to choose a classic, you're probably going to choose an E28M5, aren't you?"

The BMW M5 (E28) is a special version of the 5 Series that is designed for performance. It's loved by car fans for its speed and handling, making it a classic car choice.

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BMW E39
Dinkun Chen (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

BMW E39

"...f you had to choose which classic M chassis up to E39, E46 generation? Just the chassis?"

The BMW 5 Series is a fancy car that's known for being fun to drive and very comfortable. It's a good choice for people who want a mix of luxury and sporty performance.

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BMW E46
Dinkun Chen (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

BMW E46

"... had to choose which classic M chassis up to E39, E46 generation? Just the chassis?"
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BMW E36M3
MB-one (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

BMW E36M3

"I was thinking about E36M3 also. That's exactly what my answer was going to be."

The BMW M3 (E36) is a sporty version of the 3 Series that is known for being fun to drive and affordable compared to other performance cars. It's a popular choice among car enthusiasts.

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Volkswagen Mark 1 Cabriolet
Dietmar Rabich (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Volkswagen Mark 1 Cabriolet

"is $7,000 too much to put into a Mark 1 VW cabriolay?"

The Volkswagen Mark 1 Cabriolet is a classic convertible car that was made from the 1980s to the early 1990s. It's popular for being fun to drive and having a stylish look.

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Term

Mark 1

"...what car can you identify that is more fun than my Mark 1 VW cabriolay? Okay."

Mark 1 is the name for the first version of the Volkswagen Golf, which is a popular small car. It has a unique shape and many fans who love it.

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Term

alignment

"Okay, purchasing the car tires alignment damage repair and maintenance. I don't know if damage should be part of this because that was like paintwork..."

Alignment is about making sure the wheels of a car are straight and pointing in the right direction. If they're not, it can cause uneven tire wear and make the car harder to steer.

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Term

paint damage

"...because that was like paintwork because I wrapped the car for road and track for an article. And then it did some paint damage on the way out."

Paint damage is when the outer layer of a car gets scratched or chipped, making it look less nice. It can happen from things like rocks hitting the car or from accidents.

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Volkswagen Jetta
Alexander Migl (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Volkswagen Jetta

"...a 2024 Jetta GLI and hasn't done the lower bushing insert. The wheel hop on the crap stock tires..."

The Jetta GLI is a sportier version of the regular Jetta, designed for people who want a fun driving experience. The 2024 model has upgrades that make it faster and more responsive.

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Term

wheel hop

"So wheel hop is not an issue. That's actually not true."

Wheel hop happens when the tires of a car bounce up and down instead of gripping the road properly, which can make it harder to accelerate smoothly.

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Volkswagen Golf GTI
Johann Jaritz (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Volkswagen Golf GTI

"... think the problem with the VW, other stuff, like GTI and GLI, is that they put soft mounts in for NVH ..."

The Volkswagen Golf GTI is a small car that's really fun to drive and has a lot of space inside. It's popular among people who like sporty cars but still need something practical.

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Mazda Miata
Yaktatel (Public domain)
Car

Mazda Miata

"Wayne Train 9-1-4 says, is Miata still the answer NA versus ND2?"

The Mazda MX-5 Miata is a small sports car that is very fun to drive. NA and ND2 are different versions of this car, with NA being the first version and ND2 being a newer version.

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Term

NA

"I mean, there's a sort of charm to the old car experience to have an NA where I get pop-up headlights and it's the original one."

NA means naturally aspirated, which is a type of engine that gets air from the atmosphere without any extra help from turbochargers or superchargers. This makes the engine feel smooth and responsive when you drive.

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Term

pop-up headlights

"I mean, there's a sort of charm to the old car experience to have an NA where I get pop-up headlights and it's the original one."

Pop-up headlights are lights that can hide away inside the car when they're not needed. They pop up when you turn them on, which makes the car look cool and sporty.

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Term

ND

"But I think the ND is one of the rare modern cars that loses far less in the transition to modern cars than it gained in terms of speed, performance, safety, all the rest of the stuff."

ND is the name for the latest version of the Mazda MX-5 Miata, a small sports car that is fun to drive and light on its feet. It has modern features but still feels like the classic Miatas.

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Term

electric turbos

"This is electric turbos."

Electric turbos are a new kind of turbocharger that uses electricity to help it spin faster. This means the engine can respond quicker and feel more powerful without the usual delay.

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Porsche 911
David Villarreal Fernández (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Car

Porsche 911

"that goes in between the engine and the gearbox. Which reminds me, we are supposed to be driving a Vaughn in 9-11 soon. It's a company called Vaughn and that I did an article on years and years ago."

The Porsche 911 is a famous sports car that's known for being very fast and fun to drive. It's also recognized for its unique shape and high-quality build.

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Term

turbo lag

"...and without turbo lag. Or you could downsize the engine and still maintain performance."

Turbo lag is the time it takes for a turbocharger to start working after you press the gas pedal. It can make a car feel slow at first, even if it has a powerful engine.

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Ferrari 308 GT4
Sherwin (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Ferrari 308 GT4

"...I do regret selling the 308 GT4. That's definitely true..."

The Ferrari 308 GT4 is a sports car made by Ferrari that has a unique design and a powerful V8 engine. It was produced in the 1970s and is considered a classic.

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Porsche 718 Cayman GT4
Matti Blume (CC BY-SA)
Car

Porsche 718 Cayman GT4

"Experience, yeah. So I do regret selling the 308 GT4. That's definitely true."

The Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 is a sporty car that's designed for people who love to drive fast and enjoy sharp turns. It's known for being very responsive and fun on the road.

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Datsun 240Z
Calreyn88 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Datsun 240Z

"...I regret selling my 240Z especially, because you saw the car recently..."

The Datsun 240Z is a classic sports car made by Nissan in the early 1970s. It's known for being fast and stylish, and many people love it for its great value.

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Term

G50 transmission

"And it's a super rare car to have that transmission with that turbo look body."

The G50 transmission is a type of manual gearbox used in some Porsche cars. It's known for being easy to shift and is popular among drivers who like to control their car's speed and power.

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Porsche 911 GT3
Matti Blume (CC BY-SA)
Car

Porsche 911 GT3

"...on't know if I would buy a 996 over a 911 ST or a GT3. Or a GT3."

The Porsche 911 GT3 is a super-fast version of the 911 that's made for racing but can still be driven on regular roads. It's loved by car fans for how well it handles and performs.

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Ford Raptor R
Ovejochurro (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Ford Raptor R

"...this is the Raptor R. Yeah."

The Ford Raptor R is a special version of a pickup truck made for off-roading. It's built to handle tough terrain and has a strong engine for better performance.

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Concept

pickup trucks

"My assumption is pickup trucks. Oh, yeah."

Pickup trucks are a type of vehicle that has a big open space in the back for carrying things. They are often used for work or outdoor activities.

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Concept

SUV

"...in terms of trucks, like also including SUVs that are real, if they're authentically an SUV..."

An SUV stands for Sport Utility Vehicle. It's a type of car that is bigger than a regular car and can drive on rough roads as well as smooth ones.

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Ford F-100
W. Bulach (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Ford F-100

"A 1966 Ford F-100 that was like a six cylinder with a..."

The Ford F-100 is a type of pickup truck made by Ford. The 1966 version is popular among collectors and is known for its classic look and strong build.

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Dodge Ram
Mr.choppers (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Car

Dodge Ram

"...mins turbo diesel with manual, which means it's a Dodge Ram from the 90s or... I, in the last month, have ren..."

The Dodge Ram is a big truck that's built to handle tough jobs and carry heavy loads. It's popular among people who need a strong vehicle for work or play.

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Ford F150S
UltraTech66 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Ford F150S

"That's a 24 valve Cummins turbo diesel with manual, which means it's a Dodge Ram from the 90s or... I, in the last month, have rented two F-150s from Enterprise. The first one was so gross, they gave me a partial refund when I returned it"

The Ford F-150 is a popular pickup truck that many people use for work and everyday driving. It's known for being strong and able to carry heavy loads.

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Part

10-speed automatic

"And it was a five-liter V8 with the 10-speed automatic..."

A 10-speed automatic transmission is a system that helps the car change gears automatically. It makes driving easier and can help save gas.

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Part

5-liter V8

"And it was a five-liter V8 with the 10-speed automatic..."

A 5-liter V8 engine is a powerful type of engine that helps the truck go fast and carry heavy things. It's known for making a lot of noise when it runs.

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Term

RPM

"But to have a 7,000 RPM screaming and I mean it was fucking loud V8..."

RPM tells you how fast the engine is spinning. The higher the number, the faster the engine is going, which usually means more power.

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Nissan Altima
LukaCali (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Nissan Altima

"Can I have a specific car? This Altima or this F-150. I'm like, F-150."

The Nissan Altima is a comfortable car that's good for everyday driving and is popular among families. It's known for being reliable and getting good gas mileage.

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Toyota Prius
TTTNIS (CC0)
Car

Toyota Prius

"...Because I can not only hit a pothole, I can hit a Prius while hitting a pothole and won't bend a rim or n..."

The Toyota Prius is a car that uses both gas and electricity to drive, which helps it save a lot of fuel. It's popular among people who want to be environmentally friendly.

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Term

EcoBoost

"And then I just got an EcoBoost, a 2.7 base, base, base, base..."

EcoBoost is a type of engine made by Ford that helps the truck use less gas while still being powerful.

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Ford Flex
HJUdall (CC0)
Car

Ford Flex

"...ension and the fact that it's convertible and the flex. And the chassis flex."

The Ford Flex is a roomy SUV that's designed to carry families and their stuff comfortably. Its unusual shape makes it stand out from other SUVs.

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Volvo C30
OSX (Public domain)
Car

Volvo C30

"...cars are a 2002 TJ and an all-wheel drive swapped Volvo C30. Long road trip driver, yes."

The Volvo C30 is a small car with a cool design that's both fun to drive and safe. It's a good option for people who want something different from typical compact cars.

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Volkswagen Egolf
Dinkun Chen (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Volkswagen Egolf

"...ew York City is, look, maybe he's got a different eGolf. No."

The Volkswagen e-Golf is an electric car that's similar to the regular Golf but runs on electricity instead of gas. It's a good choice for people who want to save on fuel and help the environment.

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Volvo 264S
Kroelleboelle (Public domain)
Car

Volvo 264S

"... you know, the other thing you could say is like, 264s is not that many, but the fact of the matter is t..."

The Volvo 264 is a classic car that's known for being safe and comfortable to drive. It's appreciated for its unique style and history.

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Porsche 928
Matti Blume (CC BY-SA)
Car

Porsche 928

"...00 cars total in the United States, including the 928 and the 968 and the 964. So, you know, maybe it i..."

The Porsche 928 is a stylish sports car that was made to be both fast and comfortable for long drives. It's different because the engine is in the front instead of the back like many other Porsches.

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Audi S3
Calreyn88 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Audi S3

"... was to put it into three, which then put it into S3. So a sport mode."

The Audi S3 is a small, sporty car that's fun to drive and has a lot of luxury features. It's a great choice for people who want a mix of performance and comfort.

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Car

Alfa 164S

"What about you? Uh, 164S. I had just bought a shitter on Brage trailer."

The Alfa Romeo 164 is a stylish car that's known for being fun to drive and having a luxurious feel. It's a unique choice for those who want something different.

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Chevrolet C8
Matti Blume (CC BY-SA)
Car

Chevrolet C8

"Okay. Why does the C8 Corvette get so much hate in a world of 135,000 o..."

The Chevrolet Corvette is a classic American sports car that's known for being very fast and having a cool design. It's popular among car enthusiasts and has been around for a long time.

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Ferrari Ff
Ben (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Car

Ferrari Ff

"...hen it was made. On this topic, I might put forth Ferrari FF. It's maybe not that understated,"

The Ferrari FF is a fancy sports car that can drive on all four wheels, making it good for different types of weather. It's also designed to have more space inside for passengers and luggage.

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Alfa Romeo Tonale
Matti Blume (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Alfa Romeo Tonale

"So there is no actual alpha. I mean, Tonale is the same, the only you're buying today. I don'..."

The Alfa Romeo Tonale is a stylish small SUV that's made for people who want a mix of good looks and practicality. It's a newer option for those looking for something different.

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Lexus LFA
MrWalkr (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Lexus LFA

"LFA? I would try an LFA with that configuration. For ..."

The Lexus LFA is a very special and rare sports car that's known for being extremely fast and having a unique engine sound. It's a favorite among car collectors.

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Ferrari F40
Alexander Migl (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Ferrari F40

"Oh, yeah. That car as a manual was like a budget F40. It was an F40 for 10% of the cost."

The Ferrari F40 is a super-fast car that's famous for being one of the best sports cars ever made. It's loved by car collectors and fans for its powerful engine and unique look.

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Ferrari 599 GTO
Calreyn88 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Ferrari 599 GTO

"Rower? 599 GTO, maybe. I mean, I know the regular 599 manuals ga..."

The Ferrari 599 GTO is a super-fast sports car that's built for performance and racing. It's very exclusive and loved by car enthusiasts for its power and design.

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