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Listeners Questions 2026 Part 1

Listeners Questions 2026 Part 1

Car Torque with Matty J Feb 04, 2026 106 min
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About this episode

Listeners dive into a lively discussion filled with personal anecdotes and humorous banter about coping with the extreme heat in Melbourne. The crew shares their experiences of working from home, air conditioning preferences, and the quirks of their vehicles. Notable moments include a recap of a gathering celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Mercedes Benz W123, where one host recounts meeting fellow enthusiasts and sharing stories. The episode also teases an upcoming quiz themed around Australian cars, promising an engaging mix of trivia and camaraderie.

Technical Too Afraid to Ask
Car

RA40 Silica

"And it was this like pale yellow RA 40 silica. Oh, get out. It was so cool. It was such a cool car."

The RA40 Silica is a type of car made by Toyota. It's known for being sporty and fun to drive, and many people like it for its unique look.

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Volkswagen Rabbit
Alexander-93 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Volkswagen Rabbit

"That happened when they driving it. My rabbit convertible when I had that. It was a very sunny..."

The Volkswagen Rabbit is a small car that is fun to drive and has a lot of space inside. It's a good choice for people who want something practical and enjoyable.

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Mercedes-Benz W123
Diego Delso (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Mercedes-Benz W123

"I did go up over the long weekend to Canberra to the 50th anniversary of the Mercedes Benz W123 launch in Australia. So that was sort of various activities over sort of Friday night, Saturday, Sunday, a little bit of Monday morning."

The Mercedes-Benz W123 is a car model that was made from 1976 to 1985. It's known for being very reliable and comfortable, which is why many people still love it today.

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Concept

cars and coffee

"some friends and I went to the Sunday morning cars and coffee. Then there was leading into show and shine of just W123s."

Cars and coffee is a casual event where people with interesting cars come together to show them off and chat with other car lovers. It's a fun way to see different types of cars and meet new friends.

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Concept

show and shine

"Then there was leading into show and shine of just W123s. And then there was a breakfast on the Monday morning we went to."

A show and shine is an event where people show off their cars to others. It's like a car show where the cars are judged on how clean and nice they look.

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Term

oil pressure

"Temp was good, oil pressure good. You know, just, it just hummed."

Oil pressure tells us how well the oil is circulating in the engine. Good oil pressure means the engine is getting the lubrication it needs to run smoothly and not wear out quickly.

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Term

fuel economy

"...on the way back, I measured the fuel economy and, uh, it was 11.4 liters per hundred, which I thought was remarkably good."

Fuel economy tells you how far a car can go on a certain amount of fuel. If a car uses less fuel to go the same distance, it has better fuel economy.

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Honda Z360
Source: Photographed at the Bay State Antique Automobile Club's July 10, 2005 show at the Endicott Estate in Dedham, MA by User:Sfoskett (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Car

Honda Z360

"...it ended up with a 40,000 mile Honda Z360 engine. And the big difference with the Zs to the ends was that it's got a fully synchronized gearbox."

The Honda Z360 is a tiny car made by Honda in the late 1960s. It's known for being light and easy to handle, which makes it enjoyable to drive.

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Part

ball joints

"...booked in next tomorrow week for I have new tie rod ends and new ball joints to go in it and an exhaust."

Ball joints are parts that connect your car's suspension to its wheels. They help the wheels move up and down and keep the car stable while driving.

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Part

tie rod ends

"...booked in next tomorrow week for I have new tie rod ends and new ball joints to go in it and an exhaust."

Tie rod ends are parts that help your car's wheels turn when you steer. They connect the steering system to the wheels, making it easier to drive in the direction you want.

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Part

exhaust

"...booked in next tomorrow week for I have new tie rod ends and new ball joints to go in it and an exhaust."

The exhaust system helps get rid of gases from the engine and makes sure your car runs quietly. It's important for keeping the car working well and reducing pollution.

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Grand Prix
MercurySable99 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Grand Prix

"...The Grand Prix started and is driving beautifully. No further problems."

The Pontiac Grand Prix is a type of car made by Pontiac. It's known for being sporty and comfortable, making it a popular choice for many drivers.

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Term

patina

"It's certainly got a lot of patina in the bodywork. So wouldn't matter to have a mat that's a bit rough."

Patina is the look that happens to a car's surface over time, showing signs of age or wear. It can make a car look more interesting or classic.

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Part

steering wheel

"And also the steering wheel in that car is out of a very, very low mile November blue and 600 originally."

The steering wheel is what you hold to turn the car. Different cars have different styles of steering wheels that can feel different to use.

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Ford Falcon
GTHO (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Car

Ford Falcon

"It's not too bad for a Falcon than the normally I was looking at him today. A lot of them got, you know, 180, 300,000 on them and things like that."

The Ford Falcon is a type of car made by Ford. It's known for being dependable and many of them can last a long time, even with a lot of miles on them.

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Car

Mercedes-Benz C63

"So had the transmission done on his C63 and had all the, yeah, all changed done to it and everything else."

The C63 is a fast and sporty car made by Mercedes-Benz. It's designed for people who want a luxury car that can also go really fast and handle well.

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Term

eight-speed transmission

"I think it's an eight speed to C63. Okay."

An eight-speed transmission helps a car change gears more smoothly and can save on gas. It has eight different settings for how fast the car can go, making it better for driving.

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Term

tire rotation

"So you should, I should now swap the fronts to the rears and the rears to the front. Just to kind of even out the wear a little bit."

Tire rotation means changing the position of your tires on your car. It helps them wear evenly so they last longer and your car drives better.

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Term

balance

"Just say, Hey, can you just give me a rotate and balance?"

Balancing tires means making sure they spin evenly when your car is moving. This helps your car drive smoothly and keeps the tires from wearing out too quickly.

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Brand

Bridgestone

"I feel there is in some cases, like some of the Bridgestons do offer the, the rotate and balance in some cases, but obviously you're buying like $400 ties off them at that point."

Bridgestone makes tires for cars and trucks. They are a popular brand and are known for making good quality tires that perform well.

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Toyota MR2
TTTNIS (CC0)
Car

Toyota MR2

"your MR2. So I was spoiled right on that night, which was really, really cool."

The Toyota MR2 is a small sports car made by Toyota that is known for being fun to drive. It has the engine located in the middle of the car, which helps with handling and speed.

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Mitsubishi Magna
OSX (Public domain)
Car

Mitsubishi Magna

"In a positive step, I finally got the magna back. And it's, we went to the cruise, did all that."

The Mitsubishi Magna is a car made by Mitsubishi that was popular in Australia. It's known for being comfortable and having a lot of space inside, making it a good choice for families.

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Term

transmission service

"...I've had a transmission service like eight times. It has never driven like this before..."

A transmission service is when a mechanic checks and changes the fluid in your car's transmission. This helps keep the transmission working well and can prevent problems later on.

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Term

additive

"...I know what's happened. And they put the wrong floor in. So I then had to put an additive in."

An additive is something you mix into a liquid, like oil, to make it work better. It can help protect the parts of your car and keep everything running smoothly.

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Term

CVT

"...the first two hundreds to have the CVT."

A CVT, or Continuously Variable Transmission, is a special kind of automatic transmission that can change gears smoothly without any noticeable shifts. This helps the car accelerate more smoothly and can save on fuel.

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Toyota A90
Dietmar Rabich (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Toyota A90

"When I came to your garage, I left, I left a little screwdriver flathead that's got a like a 90 degree angle. I have it."

The Toyota Supra is a fast sports car that many people love for its speed and style. It's popular among car fans because it can be modified to go even faster.

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GMC Typhoon
_salguod (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Car

GMC Typhoon

"...do I do with cars? I drive the Fiesta, drive the Typhoon, drive the Laser. Now, I did have in the Foreste..."

The GMC Typhoon is a fast SUV that was made a long time ago. It's special because it can go really fast and has a sporty feel.

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Term

manual transmission

"...the best car to learn a manual as a beginner. So he's just learned how to drive a manual..."

A manual transmission is a system in cars that lets you change gears yourself instead of the car doing it automatically. It usually involves using a clutch pedal and a stick to shift gears.

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Ford Ranger
Alexander-93 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Ford Ranger

"A road. A road ranger. A road ranger."

The Ford Ranger is a sturdy truck that can carry things in its bed and drive on rough roads. It's a good option for people who need a vehicle for work or outdoor activities.

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Toyota Corolla
TTTNIS (CC0)
Car

Toyota Corolla

"No, no. So I, I think I had one lesson in a Corolla, which I do value that because the, the trainer,..."

The Toyota Corolla is a small car that many people use because it's easy to drive and doesn't break down often. It's a great choice for new drivers or anyone looking for a dependable vehicle.

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Honda Civic
MercurySable99 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Honda Civic

"...drove was actually like a 2006 or something Honda Civic. And the clutch, I remember this because I, beca..."

The Honda Civic is a small car that people like because it's reliable and fun to drive. It's a good choice for anyone looking for a car that won't cost too much to keep running.

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Mazda 2
TTTNIS (CC0)
Car

Mazda 2

"...d stuff. So I think something low-powered like a Mazda 2 or a Yaris or actually, I would suggest not a Ya..."

The Mazda 2 is a small car that is easy to drive and saves gas. It's a great option for city driving and for people who want something compact.

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Term

double clutch

"That didn't have second gear because you have to double clutch into second because there was no synchromesh on second."

Double clutching is a way of shifting gears in a car that helps the engine and transmission work together better. It's especially important in older cars that don't have modern features to help with shifting.

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

Ferrari F40

"...you learn a manual on? You say something like an F40 or something. No, I won't."

The Ferrari F40 is a super-fast sports car that many people dream of owning. It's famous for being one of the best cars ever made and looks really cool.

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Ford Anglia
Bull-Doser (Public domain)
Car

Ford Anglia

"Actually, it was a Ford Anglia. My car."

The Ford Anglia is a small car made by Ford in the UK from the late 1950s to the late 1960s. It's known for its unique look and was a common car on British roads at that time.

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Nissan Exo
Bull-Doser (Public domain)
Car

Nissan Exo

"...just bought a manual car, which was my Nissan Exo. Oh, sick."

The Nissan Exo is a car made by Nissan that is known for having a manual transmission, which means you can change gears yourself instead of the car doing it automatically.

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Hyundai Elantra
Crisco 1492 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Hyundai Elantra

"... to go down the instructor route and he had an 06 Elantra where the, I found it very hard to find the buyi..."

The Hyundai Elantra is a small car that is easy on the wallet and gets good gas mileage. It's a smart choice for anyone looking for a reliable vehicle without spending too much.

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Volvo 240
Calreyn88 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Volvo 240

"...s. Because if you just had, if they made a Volvo 240 now, it would be just a giant brick on wheels. L..."

The Volvo 240 is an older car that is famous for being very safe and lasting a long time. It has a unique shape that many people remember.

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Kia Sportage
Vauxford (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Kia Sportage

"...you, Honda Tucson and the, what's the key of the sportage, you know, the new sportages, even the headlights..."

The Kia Sportage is a small SUV that has a lot of space for people and their stuff. It's a good choice for families and is usually not too expensive.

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Chevrolet Silverado
Bull-Doser (Public domain)
Car

Chevrolet Silverado

"Yeah. I mean, ignoring dual-carbs and Silverados for a second, because for some reason they get a..."

The Chevrolet Silverado is a big truck that can carry heavy loads and is great for work. Many people like it because it's tough and can handle rough conditions.

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Hyundai Ioniq 6
Calreyn88 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Hyundai Ioniq 6

"... how you and I do that, but then they also do the Ioniq 6. Yeah."

The Hyundai Ioniq 6 is a new electric car that doesn't use gas. It's designed to be stylish and has lots of cool tech features.

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Ford Taurus
Dinkun Chen (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Ford Taurus

"...elly bean, which was like the, um, the first Ford Taurus, which is still a square box in a lot of ways, w..."

The Ford Taurus is a big car that has a lot of room inside for families. It was very popular in the past because it was comfortable and easy to drive.

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Chery Tiggo 7 Pro
Rutger van der Maar (CC BY 2.0)
Car

Chery Tiggo 7 Pro

"She asks, should I buy the Cherry Tiggo seven pro? It's almost half the price of a brand new RAV four. I currently own a RAV four, but I want to update this."

The Chery Tiggo 7 Pro is a small SUV made by a Chinese company called Chery. It's cheaper than some other SUVs, like the Toyota RAV4, but you might wonder if it's as reliable.

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Land Rover Range Rover
Alexander Migl (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Land Rover Range Rover

"...you squint, my goodness, it's a dead ringer for a Range Rover sport, you know. Take the badges off and like, I..."

The Land Rover Range Rover is a fancy SUV that can drive on tough terrain but also has a lot of nice features inside. People like it for its luxury and ability to go anywhere.

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Toyota RAV4
TTTNIS (CC0)
Car

Toyota RAV4

"...you could do the same comparison with a GLC and a RAV4. And then you're talking about again, maybe 50 g..."

The Toyota RAV4 is a small SUV that has a lot of room for people and their gear. It's a popular choice for families because it's reliable and good for trips.

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Mercedes-Benz GLC
Vauxford (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Mercedes-Benz GLC

"...e. Well, you could do the same comparison with a GLC and a RAV4. And then you're talking about again,..."

The Mercedes-Benz GLC is a small luxury SUV that is comfortable and has lots of high-tech features. It's a good choice for people who want a fancy car that can still handle everyday driving.

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Ford Territory
User3204 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Ford Territory

"...Ford Foreman's vehicles made a FPV version of the Ford territory. What was it called?"

The Ford Territory is a medium-sized SUV made for people in China. It's built to be comfortable and useful for families living in cities.

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Ford Orion
Calreyn88 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Ford Orion

"It's in the name. Question number two, the TRD Orion. It's actually, it's, it's auto corrected to the..."

The Ford Orion is a small car that was made a long time ago. It's known for being affordable and good for people who need a simple, reliable vehicle.

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Mercedes-Benz SL
Matti Blume (CC BY-SA)
Car

Mercedes-Benz SL

"Jim. One was SL. That's correct."

The Mercedes-Benz SL is a fancy convertible car that can change from a closed roof to an open one. It's known for being stylish and comfortable to drive.

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Holden Commodore
NZ Car Freak (CC BY 2.0)
Car

Holden Commodore

"...our full Luxo spec. Question number three, which Holden Commodore model featured its first fuel injection system? ..."

Holden is a car brand from Australia that makes different types of cars. It's well-known in Australia and has a long history of making popular vehicles.

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Nissan Pulsar
LukaCali (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Nissan Pulsar

"Chad. Was it a N12 Pulsar? Not an N12 Pulsar."

The Nissan Pulsar is a small car that has been around for many years. It's popular because it's reliable and easy to drive.

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Dodge Charger
Ermell (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Dodge Charger

"... for two points. What are the years the Chrysler Charger was built in Australia?"

The Dodge Charger is a big car that looks sporty and can go really fast. Many people like it because it has a lot of power and a cool design.

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Acura CL
IFCAR (Public domain)
Car

Acura CL

"Yeah. I can still go doing CL charges with the, with the CL nose on them. When..."

The Acura CL is a fancy two-door car that was made a while ago. It's known for looking good and being comfortable to drive.

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33 cars featured

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