Back to the mailbag with darn good car questions and answers, PLUS the most influential vehicles of the last 70 years
About this episode
Dive into a lively discussion about the most influential vehicles of the last 70 years, featuring iconic models like the Chevy Corvette, Ford Mustang, and Honda Accord. The host shares personal insights and anecdotes, highlighting how these cars shaped the automotive landscape. Additionally, the episode tackles listener questions about oil changes, warranties, and negotiating car prices, providing practical advice and a dose of humor. It's a blend of nostalgia and valuable tips for anyone navigating the car world.
Email Lennie at [email protected]
Chrysler Cordoba
"...for you, it might have been a Chrysler Cordoba or a Ford Pinto. Maybe that was your first car, so it was the most influential."
The Chrysler Cordoba is a car that was made in the 1970s and 1980s. It was designed to be a comfortable and stylish car for people who wanted something a bit more luxurious.
The Chrysler Cordoba was a personal luxury car produced by Chrysler from 1975 to 1983. It was known for its comfortable interior and distinctive styling, appealing to buyers looking for a more upscale vehicle during that era.
Ford Pinto
"..., it might have been a Chrysler Cordoba or a Ford Pinto. Maybe that was your first car, so it was the mo..."
extended warranty
"...Can I buy a warranty and then get it fixed after? Well, would that be ethical?"
An extended warranty is like extra insurance for your car that helps pay for repairs after the regular warranty runs out. It can save you money if something goes wrong later on.
An extended warranty is a service contract that provides additional coverage for repairs and maintenance beyond the standard warranty period of a vehicle. It can help cover unexpected mechanical issues that arise after the original warranty expires.
adjuster
"they're going to send an adjuster. And the adjuster is an automotive mechanic."
An adjuster is someone who checks to see if a car repair is covered by insurance. They look at the damage and decide if the insurance will pay for it.
An adjuster is a professional who evaluates insurance claims to determine the extent of the insurance company's liability. In automotive claims, they assess damages and repairs needed to make a decision on coverage.
tear down
"they're going to require that the dealership or the repair facility to do a tear down and they're going to look at the parts and they're going to look at the fluid."
A tear down means taking apart a car to see what's wrong with it. Mechanics do this to check for problems and decide how to fix them.
A tear down in automotive terms refers to the process of disassembling a vehicle or its components to inspect for damage or wear. This is often done to diagnose issues or verify claims during warranty evaluations.
fluid
"they're going to look at the parts and they're going to look at the fluid."
Fluid in cars is the liquids that help them run, like oil and coolant. These fluids need to be checked and changed regularly to keep the car working well.
In automotive contexts, fluid refers to various liquids used in vehicles, such as engine oil, transmission fluid, coolant, and brake fluid. Each type of fluid plays a crucial role in the vehicle's operation and maintenance.
Carfax
"...but you didn't turn it into your insurance company. So it doesn't show up on a Carfax, but he can see it. He can see the tape lines where the crappy repair was done."
Carfax is a company that gives you a report about a car's history. It tells you if the car has been in accidents or had other problems, which is helpful when buying a used car.
Carfax is a service that provides vehicle history reports, detailing accidents, title changes, and other important information about a car's past. It's commonly used by buyers to check for any hidden issues before purchasing a used vehicle.
engine ticking
"...the next day, the engine's ticking. There is a ticking noise when it was cold and it was warmed up..."
Engine ticking is a sound that comes from the engine when it's running. It can mean there might be a problem inside the engine that needs to be checked out.
Engine ticking refers to a noise that can indicate problems with engine components, such as worn bearings or valve issues. It's often a sign that something may be wrong and requires further inspection.
1957 Chevy
"Well, you know, my 1957 Chevy that I just bought, the steering wheel is really off kilter."
The 1957 Chevy is a famous classic car that many people love. It's known for its cool design and is often collected by car enthusiasts.
The 1957 Chevy, often referred to as the '57 Chevy, is a classic American car known for its iconic design and popularity in the automotive community. It's celebrated for its style and performance, making it a sought-after vehicle among collectors.
alignment machine
"Well, you're going to have to take it to a dealership or a tire store that has an alignment machine and they're going to have to do it."
An alignment machine checks if your car's wheels are pointing in the right direction. If they're not, it can fix them so your car drives straight and your tires last longer.
An alignment machine is a specialized tool used to measure and adjust the angles of the wheels on a vehicle to ensure they are set to the manufacturer's specifications. Proper alignment helps improve tire wear, handling, and overall vehicle performance.
front wheel drive
"...if it's a front wheel drive car, you haven't done your job by rotating your tires. Because if they if you had been rotating your tires every 5,000 miles..."
Front wheel drive means the car's front wheels are the ones that move it forward. This design helps with control and stability, especially in bad weather.
Front wheel drive (FWD) is a vehicle configuration where the engine's power is directed to the front wheels. This setup typically provides better traction in slippery conditions and is common in many passenger cars.
tire rotation
"...if you had been rotating your tires every 5,000 miles, the fronts and the rears would be worn out at the same rate. So that's on you."
Tire rotation means changing the position of your tires so they wear evenly. This helps them last longer and keeps your car handling well.
Tire rotation is the practice of moving tires from one position on the vehicle to another to ensure even tire wear. This is important for maintaining traction and extending the lifespan of the tires.
tires
"you got brand new tires on the front, the rears are worn, then they're going to want to replace the rears and they're going to deduct that from your appraisal."
Tires are the round rubber parts that help your car move and grip the road. It's important for all tires to be in good shape for safe driving.
Tires are the rubber components that provide traction and support for a vehicle. They are crucial for safety and performance, and having matching tires can improve handling and stability.
Chevrolet 1957
"...cruising around Green County in my red 1957 Chevy. Yeah, it's OK for a Ford dealer to like driving around in a 57 Chevy."
The 1957 Chevrolet is a famous car from the 1950s that many people love. It's known for its cool looks and is a favorite among car collectors.
The 1957 Chevrolet is a classic American car known for its iconic design and popularity among collectors. It is often celebrated for its stylish appearance and performance during the late 1950s.
used vehicle value
"What factors affect used vehicle value, Lenny? OK. Well, I mean, it's mileage, condition and market demand."
Used vehicle value is how much a second-hand car is worth. It can change based on how many miles it has, how well it's been taken care of, and how many people want to buy it.
Used vehicle value refers to the price that a previously owned car can sell for in the market. Factors influencing this value include mileage, condition, and market demand.
market demand
"...condition and market demand. Those are the three things."
Market demand is how many people want to buy a certain type of car. If lots of people want it, the price goes up; if not many people want it, the price goes down.
Market demand refers to how much buyers want a particular vehicle at a given time. High demand can increase a car's value, while low demand can decrease it.
condition
"What people have the hardest time understanding is condition. You know, what does it take a dealer to get a trade in ready to sell?"
Condition is how good or bad a car is. A car that looks nice and runs well is in good condition, while one that is rusty or broken is in bad condition.
Condition refers to the overall state of a vehicle, including its mechanical performance and physical appearance. A well-maintained car will have a higher value compared to one that is in poor condition.
Ford F-600
"Like we just traded for an F 600. That's a Ford truck F 600 with a dump bed on it."
The Ford F-600 is a big truck made by Ford, used for heavy work like hauling materials. It can be customized with different features, like a dump bed for easy unloading.
The Ford F-600 is a heavy-duty truck that is part of Ford's F-Series lineup, designed for commercial use and capable of handling larger loads. It often features a variety of configurations, including options for dump beds and dual rear wheels.
dump bed
"That's a Ford truck F 600 with a dump bed on it. And it looks really good."
A dump bed is a special kind of truck bed that can lift up to dump out whatever is inside, like dirt or rocks. It's handy for construction work.
A dump bed is a type of truck bed that can be raised to allow the contents to be dumped out easily. This feature is particularly useful for transporting loose materials like gravel or sand.
rocker panel
"the tires are worn out and it's got a dent in the left rocker panel. So, you know, when we appraise that vehicle..."
The rocker panel is the part of a car that runs along the bottom, between the front and back wheels. It helps keep the car strong and protects it from damage.
The rocker panel is a part of a vehicle's body located between the front and rear wheel wells, typically at the bottom of the car. It helps protect the vehicle from road debris and contributes to its structural integrity.
pre-owned car
"No, people want to buy a pre-owned car."
A pre-owned car is just another way to say a used car, meaning it has been owned by someone else before. They usually cost less than brand new cars.
A pre-owned car, often referred to as a used car, is a vehicle that has had one or more previous owners. These cars can vary widely in condition and price, and they are typically less expensive than new cars.
Chevrolet Corvette
"The first one I picked early, well, really mid 50s Chevy Corvette. There's just no doubt the impact that the Corvette has had..."
The Chevrolet Corvette is a famous sports car that started being made in the 1950s. It's known for its speed and unique design, and it has changed how cars are made in America.
The Chevrolet Corvette is an iconic American sports car that debuted in the early 1950s. It has significantly influenced automotive design and performance standards in the industry.
Ford Falcon
"Second vehicle I picked is kind of a surprise is the Ford Falcon. Now, that was the predecessor to so many other vehicles that are smaller..."
The Ford Falcon is a smaller car that Ford made in the 1960s. It was important because it helped create many other affordable cars that families could buy.
The Ford Falcon was a compact car produced by Ford in the 1960s. It served as a precursor to many smaller vehicles and played a key role in the evolution of affordable family cars.
Honda Accord
"Like, OK, so let's say the Honda Accord is now a big car. The smaller version wasn't available back in the late 50s and early 60s."
The Honda Accord is a well-known car that many people like because it's reliable and good for families. It's been a favorite in America for a long time.
The Honda Accord is a popular midsize car known for its reliability and practicality. It has been one of the best-selling cars in the United States for many years.
Honda Civic
"But see, in modern times, you had the Accord and then you have the Civic."
The Honda Civic is a smaller car that many people use because it's good on gas and not too expensive. It's been around since the 1970s and is very popular.
The Honda Civic is a compact car that has been in production since the early 1970s. It's known for its fuel efficiency and has a strong reputation for being affordable and reliable.
unibody construction
"Because it was a unibody constructed vehicle. It didn't have a frame. The body was the frame. And that was new stuff back in the early 60s, late 50s."
Unibody construction means the car's body and frame are one piece instead of two separate parts. This makes the car lighter and stronger, which was a new idea back in the 1960s.
Unibody construction refers to a vehicle design where the body and frame are integrated into a single structure, enhancing strength and reducing weight. This design was innovative in the late 1950s and early 1960s, changing how cars were built.
Ford Mustang
"Well, I have to say the Mustang 1964 and a half or 1965 Mustang, what a success."
The 1964 Ford Mustang is a famous car that started a new type of sporty, affordable vehicle called a pony car. It became really popular because it looked good and was fun to drive.
The 1964 Ford Mustang is often credited as a trendsetter in the automotive industry, marking the beginning of the pony car class. Its combination of style, performance, and affordability made it immensely popular and a cultural icon.
Chevrolet Camaro
"...hey never canceled it like Chevrolet did with the Camaro. Now, the Mustangs hung in there and it created ..."
The Chevrolet Camaro is a sporty car that many people love for its speed and cool design. It's been around for a long time and is often compared to another popular car called the Ford Mustang.
The Chevrolet Camaro is a classic American muscle car, first introduced in 1966. Known for its powerful performance and aggressive styling, it has become a symbol of American automotive culture and is often discussed in the context of its rivalry with the Ford Mustang.
Chevrolet Silverado
"Yeah, I know, Silverado is a great truck and Ram trucks are OK. And GMC's are fine."
The Chevrolet Silverado is another popular full-size pickup truck, known for being powerful and good for work or towing.
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup truck known for its strong performance and capability, competing directly with the Ford F-Series.
Toyota Tundras
"You know, Toyota Tundras are OK. The engine doesn't blow up."
The Toyota Tundra is a big pickup truck that is known for being reliable and good for off-road driving.
The Toyota Tundra is a full-size pickup truck known for its reliability and off-road capability, often favored for its durability.
Datsun 240Z
"How about the Datsun 240Z? You know, it was just a beautiful car."
The Datsun 240Z is a classic sports car that many people love for its beautiful design and good performance.
The Datsun 240Z is a classic sports car known for its sleek design and performance, often celebrated for its role in making sports cars accessible.
Dodge Intrepid
"...I've got to mention several real quickly, Chrysler Mini Vans, Mazda Miata, believe it or not, the Dodge Intrepid,..."
The Dodge Intrepid is a large car that was made in the 1990s and early 2000s. It was designed to be spacious and comfortable for families.
The Dodge Intrepid was a full-size sedan produced in the 1990s and early 2000s, known for its cab-forward design which maximized interior space. It was part of Dodge's lineup aimed at family and fleet markets.
Dodge Viper
"...r dodging or the Chrysler Corporation, the Dodge Viper, really the first true competitor for the Chevy C..."
The Dodge Viper is a super-fast sports car that looks really cool and has a big engine. It's known for being very powerful and is loved by car enthusiasts.
The Dodge Viper is a high-performance sports car that was produced from 1992 to 2017. Known for its powerful V10 engine and striking design, it has become an iconic vehicle in the American sports car landscape, often celebrated for its raw performance.
Chevrolet Suburban
"...er, the Ford Edge, the Mini Cooper, the Chevrolet Suburban, the Ford Explorer, the Toyota RAV4 and most rec..."
Ford Edge
"...c job in most cases. The Jeep Wrangler, the Ford Edge, the Mini Cooper, the Chevrolet Suburban, the Fo..."
The Ford Edge is a type of SUV, which means it's a bigger car that can carry more people and stuff. It's known for being comfortable and having lots of tech features, making it a good choice for families.
The Ford Edge is a midsize crossover SUV that has been in production since 2006. It offers a comfortable ride, spacious interior, and a range of technology features, making it a popular choice for families and individuals alike.
Jeep Wrangler
"... they do a fantastic job in most cases. The Jeep Wrangler, the Ford Edge, the Mini Cooper, the Chevrolet Su..."
Toyota RAV4
"...hevrolet Suburban, the Ford Explorer, the Toyota RAV4 and most recently, the Ford Maverick. You know, ..."
The Toyota RAV4 is a small SUV that people like because it's reliable and good on gas. It's a great option for those who need a car that can handle everyday tasks and trips.
The Toyota RAV4 is a compact SUV that has been a leader in its segment since its introduction in 1994. Renowned for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and practicality, it appeals to a wide range of drivers looking for a versatile vehicle.
Ford Maverick
"...orer, the Toyota RAV4 and most recently, the Ford Maverick. You know, most of these vehicles were unlike an..."
Ford Explorer
"...he Mini Cooper, the Chevrolet Suburban, the Ford Explorer, the Toyota RAV4 and most recently, the Ford Mave..."
Mazda Miata
"... created a whole new segment just like the Mazda Miata or the Ford Edge. You know, the Ford Edge was on..."
Mazda is a car company from Japan that makes fun-to-drive cars. One of their most famous models is the Mazda Miata, which is known for being small and sporty.
Mazda is a Japanese automaker known for producing vehicles that emphasize driving enjoyment and innovative design. The brand has gained a reputation for its sporty models, such as the Mazda Miata, which has a dedicated fan base.
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