About this episode
A lively discussion unfolds as the Car Torque crew dives into the world of fun cars under $20,000. Each host shares their top picks, including classics like the Honda Integra Type S and Subaru WRX, alongside unique suggestions like the G6E Turbo and Alfa Romeo GTV. The episode highlights the balance between performance, reliability, and affordability, with plenty of banter and personal anecdotes about their own car experiences. The quiz segment adds a competitive edge, testing the hosts' automotive knowledge while keeping the atmosphere light and entertaining.
On this episode of Car Torque, Matty is joined by Alam, Ed, David, Jim, Scotty and Rob as they discuss their latest updates and answer the question of what fun cars are there under 20k?
The boys battle it out in the quiz at the end of the show!
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bmw z4
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saab
g6e turbo
hsv
vxr
Subaru STI
"...maybe there's something that Maddie J can recommend. So that's the plans. The STI is sitting there."
The Subaru STI is a sportier version of the Subaru Impreza, designed for better performance and handling. It's known for its powerful engine and ability to drive well in various conditions, making it a favorite among car fans.
The Subaru STI is a high-performance variant of the Subaru Impreza, known for its rally heritage and all-wheel-drive capabilities. It features a turbocharged engine and is popular among car enthusiasts for its performance and handling.
Honda Accord
"Where I'd left the 85 Accord hatch that's a job for when I get back to from magna."
The Honda Accord is a well-known car that many people trust for everyday driving. The 1985 version is one of the earlier models, recognized for being reliable and good on gas.
The Honda Accord is a popular midsize car known for its reliability and practicality. The 1985 model is part of the second generation of the Accord, which was known for its hatchback design and fuel efficiency.
cooling system
"...just be, I don't know, a thermostat air bubble somewhere in the cooling system..."
The cooling system keeps the engine from getting too hot. It uses parts like the radiator and thermostat to make sure everything stays at the right temperature.
The cooling system is a network of components that work together to maintain the engine's temperature. It includes the radiator, thermostat, water pump, and coolant, preventing the engine from overheating.
thermostat
"...just be, I don't know, a thermostat air bubble somewhere in the cooling system..."
A thermostat helps keep the engine from getting too hot or too cold by controlling the flow of coolant. It's like a temperature controller for the engine.
A thermostat is a component in the cooling system that regulates the engine's temperature by controlling the flow of coolant. It opens and closes based on the engine's temperature to maintain optimal operating conditions.
radiator
"...might be a blockage in the radiator. But I don't think it's cooked..."
A radiator helps cool down the engine by taking the hot coolant and cooling it off before sending it back to the engine. It's important for keeping the engine at the right temperature.
The radiator is a key component of the vehicle's cooling system, responsible for dissipating heat from the engine coolant. It allows the coolant to cool down before it circulates back to the engine.
silted up
"...Sometimes the radiators can get all silted up..."
If a radiator is 'silted up', it means dirt or debris has built up inside, which can stop the coolant from flowing properly and make the engine overheat.
When a radiator or cooling system is described as 'silted up', it means that debris or sediment has accumulated, potentially blocking the flow of coolant and reducing the system's efficiency.
Hyundai Venue
"...which is a Hyundai venue. And she's had that probably 3 months now, 2 or 3 months and it had 180 kms on the clock."
The Hyundai Venue is a small SUV that is easy to drive and park. It has good fuel efficiency and comes with modern features that many people find useful.
The Hyundai Venue is a subcompact SUV that offers a blend of practicality and modern features, making it a popular choice for urban drivers. It is known for its compact size, efficient fuel economy, and a range of technology options.
Toyota Camry
"I'm happy driving my Camry thank you very much. I've been driving that in t..."
check engine light
"...the check engine light came on and I went oh great. That doesn't pass road worthy if you've got those warning lights on."
The check engine light is a warning light on your car's dashboard. It means there's something wrong with the engine or the emissions system that needs to be checked.
The check engine light is a warning indicator on a vehicle's dashboard that signals a problem with the engine or emissions system. When illuminated, it indicates that the vehicle's onboard diagnostics have detected an issue that needs attention.
Mercedes-Benz 380 SEL
"The 380 SEL went in for a road worthy check that passed."
The Mercedes-Benz 380 SEL is a large, luxury car made by Mercedes-Benz in the 1980s. It's known for being very comfortable and having a powerful engine.
The Mercedes-Benz 380 SEL is a luxury sedan from the S-Class lineup produced in the 1980s. It features a V8 engine and is known for its comfort and advanced technology for its time.
ball joint
"Yeah he said there's just one ball joint top left that's got a little tear in the boot that I'll replace."
A ball joint is a part of the car's suspension that helps the wheels move up and down and turn. It's like a ball-and-socket joint in your body, allowing for movement in different directions.
A ball joint is a crucial component in a vehicle's suspension system, allowing for smooth movement and articulation between the suspension and the wheel assembly. It acts as a pivot point, enabling the wheels to move up and down while also allowing for steering movement.
boot
"...that's got a little tear in the boot that I'll replace. But he goes other than that it's pretty good."
A boot is a cover that protects important parts of the car from dirt and water. If it gets torn, it can cause problems for the part it covers.
In automotive terms, a boot refers to a protective cover that shields components like ball joints or CV joints from dirt, debris, and moisture. A damaged boot can lead to premature wear and failure of the joint it protects.
lifter
"Whether it's a sticky lifter or a rocker or the oil feed lines that feed the lifters I'm not sure."
Lifters help control the engine's valves. If they get stuck, they can cause noise and affect how the engine runs.
Lifters are components in an engine that transfer the motion from the camshaft to the pushrods or rocker arms, allowing for the opening and closing of the engine's valves. Sticky lifters can lead to performance issues and ticking noises.
rocker
"Whether it's a sticky lifter or a rocker or the oil feed lines that feed the lifters I'm not sure."
Rocker arms help open and close the engine's valves, which is important for the engine to work properly. If they don't function well, it can cause issues.
Rocker arms are components that pivot to open and close the engine's valves. They are activated by the lifters and play a crucial role in the engine's valve timing and operation.
oil feed lines
"...or a rocker or the oil feed lines that feed the lifters I'm not sure."
Oil feed lines carry oil to different parts of the engine to keep them lubricated. If these lines are blocked, it can cause engine parts to wear out quickly.
Oil feed lines are tubes that deliver engine oil to various components, including lifters and rocker arms, ensuring they are lubricated and function smoothly. Blocked or damaged oil feed lines can lead to serious engine problems.
Mitsubishi Mirage
"What else? I bought a Mirage 03"
The Mitsubishi Mirage is a small, budget-friendly car that is easy on gas. The 2003 version is one of the earlier models of this type of car.
The Mitsubishi Mirage is a subcompact car known for its affordability and fuel efficiency. The 2003 model is part of the first generation of this vehicle, which was introduced in the early 1980s and has undergone various updates over the years.
Honda Jazz
"...I was also happy buying a Honda Jazz same year..."
The Honda Jazz is a small car that is great for driving around town. It has a lot of space inside for passengers and cargo, making it a smart choice for everyday use.
The Honda Jazz is a subcompact car known for its practicality, spacious interior, and fuel efficiency. It's often praised for its versatility, making it a popular choice for city driving and small families.
manual transmission
"in a manual 1.5 VTI so that's the good spec"
A manual transmission is a type of car gearbox where you have to change the gears yourself using a stick and a pedal. It gives you more control over how the car drives.
A manual transmission is a type of gearbox that requires the driver to manually shift gears using a clutch pedal and gear stick. It often provides more control over the vehicle's performance compared to automatic transmissions.
Mitsubishi Pajero
"...and that's that Pajero the new old Pajero"
The Mitsubishi Pajero is a type of SUV that is good for driving on rough terrain. It's known for being tough and reliable, making it a favorite for off-road adventures.
The Mitsubishi Pajero is a mid-size SUV known for its off-road capabilities and rugged design. It has been popular in various markets for its versatility and reliability.
shocks
"...so shocks all round some rear control arm bushes..."
Shocks help keep your car stable and comfortable by absorbing bumps from the road.
Shocks, or shock absorbers, are components of a vehicle's suspension system that dampen the impact of road irregularities, providing a smoother ride and better handling.
rear control arm bushes
"...some rear control arm bushes a windscreen polish the headlights..."
These bushes help keep the rear wheels aligned and reduce noise and vibrations when driving.
Rear control arm bushes are rubber or polyurethane components that connect the control arms to the vehicle's chassis, allowing for controlled movement and reducing vibrations.
oil pressure switch
"...and an oil oil pressure switch was leaking..."
This switch helps ensure your engine has enough oil pressure to run properly and warns you if there's a problem.
An oil pressure switch is a sensor that monitors the oil pressure in an engine and triggers a warning light if the pressure drops below a certain level, indicating potential engine problems.
Ford Transit
"...so Ford keep me give me regular updates every week about me transit and the buyback..."
The Ford Transit is a large van that can be used for transporting goods or people. It's popular for businesses and families because of its size and comfort.
The Ford Transit is a versatile van known for its spacious interior and practicality, often used for commercial purposes and as a family vehicle.
tyres
"he's got to get new tyres... brakes, road wearbys before it..."
Tyres are the round rubber parts on cars that help them move and grip the road.
Tyres are the rubber components that provide traction and support for vehicles, crucial for safe driving and handling.
Subaru WRX
"...my second choice is the WRX..."
The Subaru WRX is a fast car that's great for driving on different types of roads. It's known for its ability to handle well in bad weather because it has all-wheel drive, which helps it grip the road better.
The Subaru WRX is a high-performance version of the Subaru Impreza, known for its rally heritage and all-wheel-drive capabilities. It has become a favorite among car enthusiasts for its sporty handling and turbocharged engine.
Nissan 300 ZX
"...'ll be quick first one honourable mention is the 300 ZX yeah that's that's"
Toyota Altezza
"...and then my last one is the Toyota Altezza..."
The Toyota Altezza is a sporty car that was made by Toyota. It looks good and is fun to drive, and it was sold in some places as a Lexus under a different name.
The Toyota Altezza is a compact executive car that was produced by Toyota from 1998 to 2005. It is known for its sporty design and performance, and it was also sold as the Lexus IS in some markets.
Lexus IS200
"...Lexus IS200... it is but with a far better engine"
The Lexus IS200 is a luxury car that is small and designed for comfort and performance. It was made by Lexus, which is a part of Toyota, and is known for being reliable.
The Lexus IS200 is a compact executive car that was produced by Lexus, the luxury division of Toyota, from 1998 to 2005. It is known for its smooth ride and reliable performance.
3SGE
"it's a 3SGE but like really over work don't talk codes to me what is it"
The 3SGE is a specific type of engine made by Toyota. It's a four-cylinder engine that is known for being powerful and is used in some of their sports cars.
The 3SGE is a 2.0-liter inline-four engine produced by Toyota, known for its performance in various models, particularly in the Toyota Celica and MR2. It features a DOHC design and is part of the larger Toyota S engine family.
Mazda MX-5
"...can you get an ND for $20,000 that is the latest shape of MX-5..."
The Mazda MX-5 is a small sports car that's really fun to drive. The ND is the latest version that started being made in 2015, and it has some new features and a fresh look.
The Mazda MX-5, also known as the Miata, is a lightweight two-seater sports car known for its agile handling and fun driving experience. The ND generation refers to the model produced from 2015 onwards, featuring modern styling and improved technology.
BMW 1 Series
"[2637.2s] in the one series hatch [2645.3s] one series rear wheel drive they ever did"
The BMW 1 Series is a small car made by BMW, known for being fun to drive. It has a rear-wheel drive layout, which means the back wheels get the power from the engine, making it handle differently than front-wheel drive cars.
The BMW 1 Series is a compact car that has been produced in various body styles, including hatchback and sedan. The mention of it being rear-wheel drive refers to its unique handling characteristics, especially in the context of compact cars, making it more engaging to drive.
Daewoo Statesman
"so whether it's a ute or a sedan or a statesman with the V8 any of those platforms you can"
V8
"...or a statesman with the V8 any of those platforms you can sort of take your pick but SS means one thing and that is V8..."
A V8 is a type of engine that has eight cylinders arranged in a V shape. It's known for being powerful and is often found in larger cars and trucks.
A V8 engine is an eight-cylinder engine configuration where the cylinders are arranged in a V shape. This design allows for a more compact engine while providing high power output, making it popular in performance and luxury vehicles.
Aston Martin DB5
"...l the auction lots and there was an Aston Martin DB5 DB6"
Volkswagen I
"transaxle yeah they actually built it for Volkswagen I heard somewhere"
Porsche 928
"that's correct for the 928 and it evolved into the 944 that is absolutely s..."
Porsche Boxster
"Rob actually this one it's a 98 Boxster in Ocean Blue"
Ford Rangers
"with other rangers sorry Rob that wasn't it"
Suzuki Jimny
"on a Suzuki Jimny Jungle Green manual GLX"
Hyundai i30
"in between an i30 and an i20 but with the i20 1.6"
Hyundai i20
"in between an i30 and an i20 but with the i20 1.6"
Renault Wind
"he likes getting his hair in the wind well it is time for the quiz"
Opel Astra
"...they are trying to get bits for that but it's an Astra running gear it is"
Mitsubishi Galants
"...ill the mid 90s actually was selling magners and galants and things you know with a factory"
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