Attack of the Toyota lovers...a story about a simple Facebook post that goes a little awry
About this episode
A simple Facebook post about local vehicle sales ignites a passionate debate among car enthusiasts, particularly Toyota fans. Lenny Lawson shares his experience of being attacked online for suggesting that no car brand is perfect, including Toyota. He discusses the complexities of car ownership, the importance of maintenance, and the often-overlooked customer service aspects in the automotive industry. With anecdotes from his dealership experiences, Lenny emphasizes the need for grace and understanding in customer interactions, while also reflecting on the challenges of social media communication.
Email Lennie at [email protected]
trade cycle
"...the average person trades cars every, well, I don't know what it's been skewed because things have gotten so expensive, but you know, somewhere between 36 and 48 months, that's the average trade cycle now, I'm assuming."
The trade cycle is how long people usually keep their cars before getting a new one. Many people change their cars every few years.
The trade cycle refers to the average time period that a person keeps a vehicle before trading it in for a new one. This cycle can be influenced by factors such as vehicle depreciation, warranty expiration, and personal preferences.
warranty
"...a lot of people trade before it runs out of warranty."
A warranty is a promise from the car maker that they'll fix certain problems for free if they happen within a specific time. It's like insurance for your car for a little while after you buy it.
A warranty is a guarantee provided by the manufacturer or dealer that covers certain repairs or replacements for a specified period. It ensures that if something goes wrong with the vehicle, the owner can have it fixed at no additional cost within the warranty period.
recalls
"...but I also know about all the recalls and all the engines that they've had to replace..."
A recall is when a car company finds a problem with their cars and asks owners to bring them in to fix it for free. It's important for keeping cars safe.
Recalls occur when a manufacturer identifies a safety or performance issue in a vehicle and requires owners to bring their cars in for repairs or replacements at no cost. This is an important aspect of vehicle safety and reliability.
Toyota Tundras
"...and all the engines that they've had to replace in Camry's and in Tundra's..."
The Tundra is a truck made by Toyota that is built to be tough. Like other cars, it can have issues that Toyota sometimes needs to fix for free.
The Toyota Tundra is a full-size pickup truck known for its durability and capability. Similar to the Camry, it has also experienced recalls for certain engine problems in specific model years.
Toyota Camrys
"an image, but I also know about all the recalls and all the engines that they've had to replace in Camry's and in Tundra's and, you know, there's just no bulletproof automotive brand. And you know why?"
parts
"...dog on it, they're complicated. 30,000 parts in the average car."
Parts are the different pieces that make up a car. There are many of them, and they all work together to make the car run.
The term 'parts' refers to the various components that make up a vehicle. An average car contains around 30,000 parts, which include everything from the engine to the electrical systems, contributing to the complexity of modern vehicles.
push button start
"...whether it's a push button start or when we have to turn the key on, everything has to work flawlessly and none of them do, none of them."
A push button start lets you start your car by just pressing a button instead of using a key. It's a newer feature that makes starting the car easier.
A push button start is a feature in modern vehicles that allows the driver to start the engine by pressing a button instead of using a traditional key. This technology enhances convenience and can improve vehicle security.
Subaru
"...I was even attacked by somebody who has a Subaru. They said, I wouldn't buy anything but a Subaru, well good, you know, buy a Subaru."
Subaru is another car company that makes vehicles known for their all-wheel drive, which helps with traction in tough conditions. They are popular among people who like outdoor activities.
Subaru is an automotive brand known for its all-wheel drive vehicles and rugged designs, often appealing to outdoor enthusiasts. They have a reputation for safety and reliability.
maintenance
"...It's how you buy it and do you take care of it because that's what matters."
Maintenance means taking care of your car so it runs well and lasts a long time. This includes things like changing the oil and checking the tires.
Maintenance refers to the regular care and servicing of a vehicle to ensure it operates efficiently and lasts longer. This includes tasks like oil changes, tire rotations, and inspections.
Chevrolet Vega
"...Even a Chevrolet Vega or a Pinto, you remember that stuff?"
The Chevrolet Vega is a small car that was made in the 1970s. It was popular for being light and easy to drive, but some people had problems with it breaking down.
The Chevrolet Vega was a subcompact car produced by Chevrolet from 1970 to 1977. It was known for its innovative design and lightweight construction, but it also faced criticism for reliability issues.
Chevrolet Chevette
"...I had a guy one time that had 176,000 miles on a Chevy Chevette."
The Chevrolet Chevette is a small, affordable car that was made from the late 1970s to the late 1980s. It was known for being economical and easy to maintain.
The Chevrolet Chevette was a subcompact car produced from 1976 to 1987. It was known for its affordability and practicality, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious buyers.
horsepower
"It had probably, I'm going to guess, 60 horsepower and it couldn't be safe..."
Horsepower is a way to measure how powerful an engine is. The more horsepower a car has, the faster it can go and the more work it can do.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement for power, commonly used to describe the output of engines. In cars, it indicates how much work the engine can do over time.
Jeep Wrangler
"...et's see, I wouldn't buy a Jeep, you know, a Jeep Wrangler, but I understand why people do."
The Jeep Wrangler is a type of vehicle that is great for driving on rough roads and trails. People like it because it can go almost anywhere, and it has a cool, tough look that many find appealing.
The Jeep Wrangler is a compact SUV known for its rugged off-road capabilities and iconic design. It has a strong following among outdoor enthusiasts and is often discussed for its versatility and ability to handle tough terrains, making it a symbol of adventure and freedom.
Nissan Altima
"You know, I told the story the other day about a lady that bought a new Nissan Altima and it had some spots in the paint on one of the doors."
The Nissan Altima is a type of car that is often used by families because it's spacious and gets good gas mileage.
The Nissan Altima is a mid-size sedan known for its comfortable ride and fuel efficiency. It's a popular choice among families and commuters.
Nissan Titan
"This guy said, I tried to trade my 2011 Nissan Titan there and you guys didn't want it. And I didn't respond, you know, some, some comments you just can't respond to."
The Nissan Titan is a big truck made by Nissan, designed for heavy-duty work like towing and carrying heavy loads. It's known for being strong and reliable.
The Nissan Titan is a full-size pickup truck known for its robust performance and towing capabilities. It was first introduced in 2003 and has undergone several updates since then, including enhancements in technology and comfort.
high miles
"...even with very high miles, I mean, I traded for a truck the other day that had 340,000 miles on it."
'High miles' means that a car has been driven a lot, usually more than 100,000 miles. This can affect how much the car is worth and how reliable it is.
'High miles' refers to a vehicle that has accumulated a significant number of miles on the odometer, often impacting its resale value and perceived reliability. Generally, vehicles with over 100,000 miles are considered to have high mileage.
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