About this episode
A listener named Bo shares his experience of buying a 1986 Pontiac Firebird in hopes of attracting girls, only to find it garnered more attention from older teachers. Johnny and Richard discuss the misconceptions about cars being a magnet for romantic interest, sharing their own humorous anecdotes about vehicles that have caught attention. They conclude that while cars may not attract the opposite sex as expected, they can still spark interesting conversations and connections. The episode blends nostalgia with insightful commentary on car culture and relationships.
Jonny and Richard answer listeners’ questions about whether old cars make you more attractive, a new car for ageing parents, cars with known faults and how long you tolerate them, and car movie scenes you’d like to recreate.
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Pontiac Firebird
"Following this advice, I bought a red 1986 Pontiac Firebird as I drove through my high school years. You would have looked like somebody from Stranger Things."
The Pontiac Firebird is a sporty car that was popular in the 1980s. It's known for its cool looks and performance, making it a favorite among car enthusiasts and young drivers.
The Pontiac Firebird is a classic American muscle car that was produced from 1967 to 2002. The 1986 model is part of the third generation, known for its sporty design and performance, often associated with the '80s car culture.
Dodge Ram
"A Dodge Ram Dual. A powered motor vehicle."
The Dodge Ram is a big truck that can carry heavy loads. The 'Dual' means it has two wheels on each side at the back, making it more stable when carrying heavy things.
The Dodge Ram is a full-size pickup truck known for its durability and capability. The 'Dual' likely refers to a dual rear wheel configuration, which enhances stability and towing capacity.
Pontiac Transam
"...I have owned a 1986 Pontiac Trans Am, a 1991 Camaro, and a 2008 Pontiac G8."
The Pontiac Trans Am is a sporty car from the 1980s that was known for its speed and cool looks. It was part of a series of cars called the Firebird.
The Pontiac Trans Am is a performance vehicle known for its sporty design and powerful engines, popular in the 1980s. It was part of the Pontiac Firebird lineup and became an iconic muscle car.
Chevrolet Camaro
"...I have owned a 1986 Pontiac Trans Am, a 1991 Camaro, and a 2008 Pontiac G8."
The Chevrolet Camaro is a well-known American muscle car that has been around for many years. The 1991 version is part of a series that is famous for being fast and stylish.
The Chevrolet Camaro is a classic American muscle car that has been in production since 1966. The 1991 model is part of the third generation, known for its performance and sporty styling.
Pontiac G8
"...I have owned a 1986 Pontiac Trans Am, a 1991 Camaro, and a 2008 Pontiac G8."
The Pontiac G8 is a large car that was made in 2008 and 2009. It was popular for its good performance and was based on a car from Australia.
The Pontiac G8 is a full-size sedan that was produced from 2008 to 2009. It was known for its performance and handling, and it was based on the Australian Holden Commodore.
Australian
"...Yeah, that's the Australian one, isn't it?"
When they say 'Australian,' they mean that the Pontiac G8 is based on a car made in Australia. It shows how cars can be made in different countries and still be sold under different brands.
The term 'Australian' in this context refers to the origin of the Pontiac G8, which was based on the Holden Commodore, a car produced in Australia. This connection highlights the global nature of automotive manufacturing.
Vauxhall VXR8
"...n one, isn't it? Yeah, that's what we had as the VXR8. That's right."
The Vauxhall VXR8 is a powerful car that is built for speed and fun driving. It has a big engine that makes it go really fast, and people who love cars often talk about it because it's exciting to drive.
The Vauxhall VXR8 is a high-performance version of the Vauxhall Commodore, designed for enthusiasts who appreciate powerful engines and sporty handling. It features a robust V8 engine and is known for its impressive acceleration and driving dynamics. The VXR8 is often discussed for its unique position in the market as a British muscle car with a strong performance pedigree.
Audi SQ8
"...if you're driving around in a, I don't know, blacked out SQ8. With a boss number plate, obviously, that you think that women are going to swoon after you."
The Audi SQ8 is a fancy SUV that is fast and has a lot of luxury features. It's designed for people who want a sporty drive while still being comfortable.
The Audi SQ8 is a high-performance SUV that combines luxury with sporty features. It is part of Audi's Q series and is known for its powerful engine and advanced technology.
front-wheel drive
"...the rights to the front-wheel drive Lotus Elan? Bloody hell, yes. And Kia UK brought two Kia Elans over to Britain..."
Front-wheel drive means that the front wheels of the car are the ones that get the power from the engine. This setup helps the car grip the road better, especially in bad weather.
Front-wheel drive (FWD) is a vehicle configuration where the engine's power is delivered to the front wheels. This layout often provides better traction and handling in various driving conditions.
Lotus Elan
"...en Kia bought the rights to the front-wheel drive Lotus Elan? Bloody hell, yes."
The Lotus Elan is a small, lightweight sports car that was made a long time ago and is famous for being really fun to drive. It’s known for its sharp turns and quick speed, making it a favorite among car lovers.
The Lotus Elan is a classic sports car that was originally produced in the 1960s and is known for its lightweight design and agile handling. It has a cult following due to its innovative engineering and is often celebrated as one of the best handling cars of its time. The Elan is frequently mentioned in automotive discussions for its influence on sports car design and its enduring legacy.
Volkswagen Beetle
"I think what I get with mine, I get more people wanting to chat to me in my old Beetle. And that's the car that does tend to strike up more."
The Volkswagen Beetle is a small, unique-looking car that many people recognize. It's famous for its round shape and has been popular for many years.
The Volkswagen Beetle is a classic compact car known for its distinctive rounded shape and rear-engine layout. It has a long history and is often associated with the counterculture movement of the 1960s.
Suzuki Vitara
"My folks are in their seven tears and they've got a Suzuki Vitara manual and they're looking for something auto and easier to hoon about town in brackets."
The Suzuki Vitara is a small SUV that is good for both city driving and off-road adventures. It's known for being reliable and easy to handle.
The Suzuki Vitara is a compact SUV known for its versatility and off-road capabilities. It has been popular in various markets for its practicality and relatively affordable price.
hybrid
"...they are electric curious, probably more hybrid as they have residual silly range concerns."
A hybrid car uses both a gas engine and an electric motor to run. This helps save fuel and is better for the environment than regular cars that only use gas.
A hybrid vehicle combines a traditional internal combustion engine with an electric propulsion system. This setup aims to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions compared to conventional vehicles.
Toyota RAV4
"...this has RAV4 in all over it. It needs to be more than five years old if you don't want loads of bings and bongs."
The Toyota RAV4 is a small SUV that many people use for everyday driving. It's known for being dependable and good for families.
The Toyota RAV4 is a compact SUV known for its reliability and practicality. It's popular among families and individuals looking for a versatile vehicle that can handle various driving conditions.
Honda Crvs
"And the similar kindred spirit, the CRV Honda, the thing about the CRVs as well and the RAVs is they're high up, but they don't have the kind of heavy, don't have the bulk of a real 4x4 big SUV."
The Honda CR-V is another popular small SUV like the RAV4. It is known for being roomy and reliable, and it also comes with different engine options.
The Honda CR-V is a compact SUV that competes with the Toyota RAV4. It is known for its spacious interior, reliability, and fuel efficiency, available in various engine types.
Dodge Spirit
"...e RAV4 is a good choice. And the similar kindred spirit, the CRV Honda, the thing about the CRVs as well ..."
The Dodge Spirit is a regular family car that was popular in the 1990s. It’s known for being a good, reliable choice for people who needed a car to get around without spending too much money.
The Dodge Spirit is a mid-size sedan that was produced during the late 1980s and 1990s, known for its practicality and affordability. It was part of Dodge's lineup aimed at families and individuals looking for a reliable daily driver. The Spirit is often discussed in the context of its role in the evolution of American sedans during that era.
Suzuki Ignis
"Why don't they stick with a Suzuki and get an Ignis?"
The Suzuki Ignis is a small SUV that is easy to drive and park, making it a good choice for city living. It's known for being practical and has a distinctive look.
The Suzuki Ignis is a compact crossover SUV known for its small size and practicality. It offers a unique design and is often appreciated for its maneuverability in urban settings.
Honda N-Box
"What would you get? A Honda N1, N-Box or whatever they call it?"
The Honda N-Box is a small car designed for city driving. It's known for having a lot of room inside, even though it's compact on the outside.
The Honda N-Box is a popular kei car in Japan known for its spacious interior and boxy design, making it practical for urban driving and parking.
Suzuki Hustler
"Suzuki Hustler. It turns out they do need the space."
The Suzuki Hustler is a small, fun-looking car that's easy to drive in the city. It has a tall shape, which gives you a good view of the road.
The Suzuki Hustler is a kei car that combines a compact size with a quirky design, offering a high seating position and practicality for city use.
Toyota Alphard
"What about an Alphard?"
The Toyota Alphard is a large, comfortable van that many families in Japan use. It's known for being very spacious and has a lot of nice features inside.
The Toyota Alphard is a luxury minivan popular in Japan, known for its spacious interior and high-end features, making it ideal for families and executive transport.
JDM imports
"Because I think what we're zooming in on here is JDM imports. They're always automatic."
JDM means Japanese Domestic Market, which includes cars made specifically for Japan. People often import these cars because they can have special features or styles not found in cars sold elsewhere.
JDM stands for Japanese Domestic Market, referring to vehicles that are manufactured for sale in Japan. JDM imports are often sought after for their unique features and performance characteristics that may not be available in other markets.
Porsche 997
"...the amount of water I dumped out of the tail light on my old Porsche 997."
The Porsche 997 is a version of the famous 911 sports car made between 2004 and 2012. It combines modern features with the classic look of the 911, making it popular among car enthusiasts.
The Porsche 997 is the fifth generation of the iconic 911 sports car, produced from 2004 to 2012. It is known for its blend of modern technology and classic design, offering a range of powerful engines and refined handling.
1.9 TDI PD engine
"Joe goes on to say the car in question is a 2006 mark five with the famously bulletproof 1.9 TDI PD engine in it."
The 1.9 TDI PD engine is a type of diesel engine that is known for being very reliable and fuel-efficient. It's commonly found in various Volkswagen models.
The 1.9 TDI PD (Pumpe Düse) engine is a turbocharged diesel engine known for its reliability and efficiency. It features unit injectors that provide precise fuel delivery, contributing to its performance.
Volkswagen Golf
"...one of the best things I've ever bought, despite a long list of known faults that I'm learning are apparently common to this generation of golf."
The Volkswagen Golf is a small car that many people use for everyday driving. It's known for being reliable and good for families or individuals.
The Volkswagen Golf is a compact car that has been popular for decades, known for its practicality and performance. It's often praised for its versatility as a daily driver.
common faults
"...despite a long list of known faults that I'm learning are apparently common to this generation of golf."
Common faults are problems that many people have with the same type of car. If a lot of owners report the same issue, it's considered a common fault.
Common faults refer to issues or problems that frequently occur in a specific model or generation of a vehicle. These can include mechanical failures, electrical issues, or design flaws that many owners experience.
Mark V
"It sounds like the forums, all of these are known faults, common in the Mark V. That sounds like you've bought the worst example of the Mark."
Mark V is a specific version of the Volkswagen Golf, made between 2003 and 2009. Some owners report similar problems with these cars, which can be helpful to know if you're considering buying one.
The Mark V refers to the fifth generation of the Volkswagen Golf, produced from 2003 to 2009. It is known for its blend of practicality and performance, but like any model, it has its share of common faults reported by owners.
electric windows
"...he utterly hates electric windows. He's actively trying to find cars with wind down windows because he just feels that him and electric windows are dead to one another."
Electric windows are the kind that go up and down automatically when you press a button. They're easier to use than the old style, which required you to turn a handle to open or close the window.
Electric windows are powered by a motor that allows the driver or passengers to raise and lower the windows with the push of a button, rather than manually cranking a handle. They are common in modern vehicles but can sometimes fail due to electrical issues.
wind down windows
"...he utterly hates electric windows. He's actively trying to find cars with wind down windows because he just feels that him and electric windows are dead to one another."
Wind down windows are the old-fashioned kind that you have to turn a handle to open or close. They don't use electricity, so they're simpler but require more effort to use.
Wind down windows, also known as manual windows, are operated by a hand crank or lever that physically moves the window up and down. They were more common in older vehicles before the advent of electric windows.
Chrysler 300C
"He used to have a cries of 300C touring, so the diesel one, the lovely Mercedes E-Class based thing."
The Chrysler 300C is a large, comfortable car that looks stylish and has a powerful engine. The diesel version is known for being fuel-efficient.
The Chrysler 300C is a full-size luxury sedan known for its bold styling and spacious interior. The diesel variant offers improved fuel efficiency and torque.
Mercedes-Benz Eclass
"So that's the thing. He used to have a cries of 300C touring, so the diesel one, the lovely Mercedes E-Class based thing. V60's are really good. Very much enjoyed that car. Best diesel engine I've ever owned."
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is a fancy car that many people like because it's comfortable and has a lot of cool features. It's been around for a long time and is known for being safe and reliable, which makes it a good choice for families or anyone who wants a nice ride.
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is a line of executive cars known for their luxury, comfort, and advanced technology. It has been a significant model in the Mercedes lineup since its introduction in the 1990s, often praised for its performance and safety features. The E-Class is frequently discussed for its blend of practicality and prestige, making it a popular choice among professionals and families alike.
Volvo V60
"V60's are really good. Very much enjoyed that car. Best diesel engine I've ever owned."
The Volvo V60 is a smaller car that is safe and comfortable to drive. It has a good reputation for being reliable, especially with its diesel engine.
The Volvo V60 is a compact executive car known for its safety features, stylish design, and comfortable ride. It is available with various engine options, including diesel.
ball joints
"You'd go, yep, ball joints are wearing and drop links, yep."
Ball joints are round parts that help the wheels turn and move up and down. If they wear out, it can affect how the car drives.
Ball joints are spherical bearings that connect the control arms to the steering knuckles in a vehicle's suspension system. They allow for smooth movement and are critical for proper steering and handling.
warp disc brakes
"They both had warp disc brakes and I put new discs on them and about two years later I had warp discs because apparently they're just made of cheese."
Warped disc brakes happen when the flat parts that help stop the car become uneven. This can make the car shake when you press the brakes.
Warped disc brakes occur when the brake rotors become uneven, often due to excessive heat or wear. This can lead to vibrations when braking and reduced braking performance.
Smart Roadster
"Smart Roadster of mine. Smart Roadster Brabus is probably the best example I can give of a car I own where forums are everything."
The Smart Roadster Brabus is a small, sporty car that is modified by a company called Brabus to make it faster and look better. It's designed for fun driving in a compact package.
The Smart Roadster Brabus is a sporty variant of the Smart Roadster, known for its compact size and agile handling. Brabus is a well-known aftermarket tuner that enhances performance and styling for Smart vehicles.
Toyota MR2
"the one I always think of is the Mark III Toyota MR2, which I've considered buying a few times. But you go to where the enthusiasts are..."
The Toyota MR2 is a small sports car that has its engine located in the middle, which helps with handling. The Mark III is the third version of this car, made from 1999 to 2007.
The Toyota MR2 is a mid-engine sports car that was produced in three generations from 1984 to 2007. The Mark III, also known as the W30, was produced from 1999 to 2007 and is known for its compact size and agile handling.
pre-cat
"the engine will explode because of that known thing where it ingests its own pre-cat."
A pre-cat is a part of the car's exhaust system that helps reduce pollution. Sometimes, problems can occur if the engine takes in parts of this component, which can cause serious damage.
A pre-cat, or pre-catalytic converter, is an emissions control device located before the main catalytic converter in the exhaust system. In some vehicles, issues can arise if the engine ingests material from the pre-cat, leading to engine damage.
Buick Rendezvous
"As in... Rendezvous, Spag. Rendezvous, yeah."
The Buick Rendezvous is a family-friendly SUV that was made in the early 2000s. It has a lot of space inside for passengers and their stuff, making it a good option for people who need a practical vehicle.
The Buick Rendezvous is a mid-size crossover SUV that was produced in the early 2000s, known for its spacious interior and family-friendly features. It combines the comfort of a car with the utility of an SUV, making it a popular choice for families. The Rendezvous is often mentioned for its unique design and the role it played in the early crossover market.
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