Ron Ananian dives into various automotive topics, including a lively discussion about the costs of everyday items like bagels and their impact on car maintenance budgets. He answers listener questions, providing practical advice on vehicle reliability, rust issues, and the importance of choosing the right car for different life stages. The episode features a special guest, Matt DeLorenzo, who discusses his new book on Mercedes AMG, shedding light on the brand's racing heritage and performance vehicles. The conversation highlights the blend of luxury and performance that defines AMG.
This week on Ron Ananian The Car Doctor, Ron opens with a story about the “Price of Bagels” — and what a $126 breakfast says about the cost of living, value, and perspective. Then he takes calls from listeners coast-to-coast: Lee from Maine wonders if her rusted 2006 Toyota Camry is worth saving or if it’s time for a newer ride, and Carl from Wisconsin learns how to manage a weak battery and missing voltmeter on his 2024 Nissan Pathfinder.
In the second half of the show, Ron sits down with automotive journalist Matt DeLorenzo, author of Mercedes-AMG, to explore the hidden hot-rod heritage behind Mercedes-Benz — from the birth of AMG to the legendary “Flying Pig” race car and today’s hand-built performance machines.
It’s part car talk, part life lesson — all with that trademark Car Doctor mix of humor, heart, and horsepower.
"Coming up down around the bottom of the hour, Matt DeLorenzo, Matt wrote this really cool book about Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes-Benz AMG. And he's going to explain what AMG stands for."
"...ne and see what's going on with her in a row six Camry. Lee, welcome to the car doctor."
The Toyota Camry is a popular car that many people buy because it's dependable and easy to drive. It's a four-door sedan, which means it has plenty of room for passengers and luggage, making it great for everyday use.
The Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan known for its reliability, comfort, and fuel efficiency. It has been one of the best-selling cars in the United States for decades, making it a staple in the automotive market and a popular choice for families.
"...I was looking at a, um, uh, what is it, uh, shoot 12, 13 for a Ford fusion. Yeah. Ford fusion..."
The Ford Fusion is a type of car that is bigger than a compact car but smaller than an SUV. It has a comfortable interior and is often used for family transportation.
The Ford Fusion is a mid-size sedan that was produced by Ford from 2006 to 2020. It is known for its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and a range of engine options including hybrid variants.
"...Focus, a focus recalls, right? A fusion, a fusion or a focus, Lee."
The Ford Focus is a smaller car that is easy to drive and good on gas. It comes in different styles, like a hatchback or a sedan, making it popular for many drivers.
The Ford Focus is a compact car that has been produced by Ford since 1998. It is known for its agile handling, fuel efficiency, and a variety of body styles including hatchback and sedan.
"...he doesn't know of any defects and it doesn't have any. And then six months goes by and the transmission fails."
The transmission helps your car move by sending power from the engine to the wheels. If it breaks, your car won't work properly and can be expensive to fix.
The transmission is a crucial component of a vehicle that transfers power from the engine to the wheels, allowing the car to move. It can be automatic or manual, and its failure can lead to significant repair costs.
"If you, you know, I'm starting to see some cheap leases out there. Kia comes to mind."
Leasing a car means you pay to use it for a few years instead of buying it. It's often cheaper each month, but you have to return it at the end of the lease.
A lease is a financial agreement where a person pays to use a vehicle for a set period, typically 2-3 years, without owning it. Monthly payments are usually lower than financing a purchase, but there are mileage limits and potential fees for excessive wear.
"Kia comes to mind. I saw one on TV the other day, a Kia something for $199 a month."
Kia is a car company from South Korea that makes different types of cars, often at affordable prices.
Kia is a South Korean automotive manufacturer known for producing a range of vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, and electric cars. They have gained popularity for offering value-oriented vehicles with good warranties.
"...in spring, back in April, I bought a used 2024 Nissan Pathfinder. And we drove it around a little bit..."
The Nissan Pathfinder is a type of SUV that is good for families and outdoor activities. The 2024 version has new technology and safety features that make it a great choice for driving around or going on trips.
The Nissan Pathfinder is a midsize SUV known for its spacious interior and off-road capabilities. The 2024 model features updated technology and safety features, making it a popular choice for families and outdoor enthusiasts.
"...actually a 2001 Buick LeSabre that still runs great..."
The Buick LeSabre is a large car that is comfortable to drive. The 2001 version is known for being reliable and good for long trips.
The Buick LeSabre was a full-size car produced by Buick known for its comfort and reliability. The 2001 model is part of the last generation of LeSabres, which were praised for their spacious interiors and smooth rides.
"And so I came to realize there's no voltmeter on this Nissan Pathfinder. I have no way of monitoring if the alternator's working or anything."
An alternator is a part of the car that makes electricity while the engine is running. It keeps the battery charged and powers things like the lights and radio. If it stops working, the car can have electrical problems.
An alternator is a crucial component in a vehicle that generates electricity to power the electrical systems and recharge the battery while the engine is running. If it fails, the battery will not charge, leading to electrical issues.
"So, so, so related to that, should I be concerned about disconnecting the battery? Because the battery that it came with is, is losing power rather quickly."
Disconnecting the battery means taking the cables off the battery to stop it from providing power. This is usually done when you need to fix something in the car or replace the battery safely.
Disconnecting the battery refers to the process of removing the battery terminals from the battery itself, often done for maintenance or safety reasons. It's important to follow proper procedures to avoid electrical issues or damage to the vehicle's electronics.
"...I have, I think it's the Optima, I'm going to embarrass myself as the DS400, their latest battery maintainer. Really cool little tool, right?"
Optima makes batteries that are popular among car enthusiasts because they last longer and perform better than regular batteries.
Optima is a well-known brand that specializes in high-performance automotive batteries. Their products are often favored for their durability and reliability, especially in demanding conditions.
"...if you have to disconnect the battery and you don't have a memory saver, then just be aware when you go to reconnect..."
A memory saver helps keep your car's settings safe when you take the battery out. It makes sure things like your radio stations and car settings don't get lost.
A memory saver is a device used to maintain the electrical system's memory when a car battery is disconnected. It helps retain settings for things like radio presets and engine control unit (ECU) configurations.
"But you think about Mercedes-Benz, you know, in the F1 formula series in, you know, Mercedes"
Formula 1 is a type of car racing that features very fast cars and takes place on special tracks. It's one of the most popular and prestigious racing series in the world.
Formula 1, often abbreviated as F1, is the highest class of international auto racing for single-seater formula racing cars. It features a series of races known as Grands Prix, held on various circuits around the world.
"...we need a book to buy for our favorite, you know, car enthusiast, Mercedes AMG. It's going to be available in November."
Mercedes-AMG is a special division of Mercedes-Benz that makes faster and sportier cars. They take regular Mercedes models and add more power and better handling to make them more fun to drive.
Mercedes-AMG is a performance and tuning subsidiary of Mercedes-Benz, known for producing high-performance versions of Mercedes vehicles. They focus on enhancing power, handling, and overall driving experience.
"...orts car that actually competes with the Porsche 911. And in your book, when you wrote this, Matt, fo..."
The Porsche 911 is a high-performance sports car that many people admire for its speed and style. It's designed to be fun to drive, and it has a unique shape that makes it stand out on the road.
The Porsche 911 is a legendary sports car that has been in production since the early 1960s. Known for its distinctive design and rear-engine layout, it combines performance with everyday usability, making it a favorite among car enthusiasts.
"...sary of Dodge. I did a book on Corvettes. I did a Mustang book. So I've been writing again, sort of across..."
The Ford Mustang is a classic American car known for its speed and cool looks. It's a two-door car that many people love for its powerful engine and sporty feel.
The Ford Mustang is an iconic American muscle car that first debuted in 1964. It is celebrated for its powerful engines, sporty design, and cultural significance, often symbolizing freedom and performance in American automotive history.
"... want to do an AMG book. They had done a book on BMW M, which is somewhat analogous to AMG. You know, P..."
The BMW M Coupe is a sporty version of a regular BMW car that people love for its speed and handling. It has a unique look and is often considered a fun car to drive.
The BMW M Coupe (E36) is a high-performance variant of the BMW 3 Series, known for its sporty design and powerful engine. Produced in the late 1990s, it has become a sought-after classic among enthusiasts for its unique styling and driving dynamics.
"It's one of its class at Le Mans, one at Daytona 24."
Daytona 24 is another long car race that lasts for 24 hours, held in Daytona, Florida. It's a big event in sports car racing.
The Daytona 24, officially known as the Rolex 24 at Daytona, is a 24-hour sports car race held annually at Daytona International Speedway in Florida. It is part of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and is known for its high-speed competition.
"he formed his own company called HWA, his initials, Hans Werner Offrecht. And he actually builds a lot of the privateer GT racing cars for Mercedes."
HWA is a company that builds racing cars, started by a person named Hans Werner Offrecht. They help teams that want to race Mercedes cars.
HWA AG is a company founded by Hans Werner Offrecht, known for building racing cars, particularly for privateer teams in GT racing. The company has a strong connection to Mercedes-Benz and has contributed to their motorsport efforts.
"They tried to run that spa in 1969 in a 24 hour race."
A 24 hour race is a long car race that lasts for a whole day. Teams take turns driving to see who can go the farthest in that time.
A 24 hour race is a type of endurance racing where teams of drivers compete to cover the most distance in a car over a 24-hour period. It tests both the vehicle's durability and the drivers' stamina.
"they bought a wrecked SEL with the 6.2 liter V8 and it punched it out to 6.8 liters."
A 6.2 liter V8 is a type of engine that has eight cylinders and is very powerful. It's often found in fast cars and makes a loud noise when running.
The 6.2 liter V8 engine is a powerful engine configuration that provides high performance and torque, commonly used in various high-performance vehicles. It was known for its robust design and sound.
"the crowd loved it and actually they finished second overall of Ford Capri one."
The Ford Capri is a sporty car that was made a long time ago. It was liked for its good looks and how fun it was to drive.
The Ford Capri is a classic sports coupe that was produced from 1969 to 1986, known for its stylish design and performance. It was popular in Europe and often associated with the '60s and '70s car culture.
"... were racing a couple of other V8 cars. It was a Camaro that had sat on the pole and a Mustang in the rac..."
The Chevrolet Camaro is a sporty car that many people associate with speed and racing. It has a bold design and is built to be fun to drive, often seen as a rival to the Ford Mustang.
The Chevrolet Camaro is another classic American muscle car that competes directly with the Ford Mustang. Known for its aggressive styling and powerful engine options, the Camaro has a strong following among performance car enthusiasts.
"...they made an F1 engine into a Mercedes and it was a hand-built prototype car or some kind of... Yeah, they did a hypercar for the streets..."
The Mercedes-AMG One is a super-fast car that uses technology from Formula 1 racing. It's designed for the street but has incredible performance.
The Mercedes-AMG One is a hypercar that incorporates Formula 1 technology into a street-legal vehicle. It features a hybrid powertrain and advanced aerodynamics.
"...by filling out the paperwork at home and schedule express pickup or home delivery? Done. When it comes to ..."
The Chevrolet Express is a big van that can carry a lot of people or cargo. It's often used by businesses to transport goods or by families who need extra space for trips.
The Chevrolet Express is a full-size van designed for commercial use and passenger transport. Known for its spacious interior and robust performance, it is often used by businesses for deliveries and by families for road trips.
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You know, we were, I was thinking about that bagel recall conversation thing that I was
talking about last week and the week before and the price of bagels.
And you know, by the way, for the record today, today's bagel run because there's a seminar
going on that I was trying to help get started.
And they purchased a half a dozen bagels, a half a dozen muffins, two cups of Joe, you
know, not Joe, the big things of coffee where it holds 10 cups of coffee, two 10-cup containers
of coffee, a quart of milk, lunch for one of the guys and a bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich.
And they spent $126.
And you just, where does it, you know, how it's just, it's mind boggling.
But I started thinking about what Danny and I spend every week in the shop.
And then I'll get going, I promise.
What we spend every, you know, every day Danny and I have, we have breakfast, you know, 10 o'clock.
And then we go out to the local bagel guy and we, you know, I don't know, 10, 12 bucks.
I started adding it up.
If we spend $12 a day, some days it's more, some days it's less.
We spend $12 a day times five days times 52 weeks.
We spend $3,200 a year just on a quick breakfast sandwich.
And, you know, what's everybody else spending?
Because I see the same people at the bagel store every day.
But nobody complains about the price of bagels.
Nothing against bagels, but let's keep it equal, right?
That's my whole point.
Let's, let's keep an equal footing.
Anyway, yes, this is the car doctor, not the, the bagel hotline, 8555609900.
Coming up down around the bottom of the hour, Matt DeLorenzo, Matt wrote this really cool
book about Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes-Benz AMG.
And he's going to explain what AMG stands for.
And I'm not going to really try to because I'll butcher it.
But it's all about the Mercedes-Benz hot rod division and how Mercedes-Benz decided
to go racing so many years ago and what it's become today.
So it's a really great conversation.
You're going to enjoy it.
But right now let's go talk to Lee up in Maine and see what's going on with her
in a row six Camry.
Lee, welcome to the car doctor.
How can I help?
Well, good talking to you.
Um, I have, uh, my 2006 Camry and it has, it's just my mechanic told me that it was
all rusted and I think he's being cautious to, uh, work on it.
Right.
Afraid that something else might go wrong.
And he, uh, I have a small leak.
He said it was quite small because he had a hard time finding it, but he
starts digging, uh, apparently the fluid is also flushing back to going back to
other parts of the car and where it's all rusted.
My question to you is that I've been looking for a car and I'm 82 years old.
So God only knows how long I'll be driving.
I'm still, yeah, my reflexes are pretty good.
But, um, I have, I was looking at a, um, uh, what is it, uh, shoot 12, 13 for a Ford
fusion.
Yeah.
Ford fusion.
Focus, a focus recalls, right?
A fusion, a fusion or a focus, Lee.
A fusion, a fusion.
Okay.
And a 2014 has 35,000 miles and he wants 9,000 and, um, he said it was his
mother's and then his mother died and now the dad was driving it.
So it looks clean and what have you.
He has covered the bottom for, uh, with, uh, what was it, bro?
Diesel oil, I never heard of that.
And another thing too is, um, uh, I'm kind of leery.
I mean, it's very reasonable.
The price is very reasonable.
It was 35,000 miles, but it's, uh, I'm 82 years old and that, you know, I'm
not working anymore.
Right.
And, uh, so I would like your opinion.
So you don't need the surprise, right?
You don't need the what if because you have to play, you have to play
what if with this Carly.
All right.
Let's say you get it for nine grand and it's a great car and it's wonderful
and it's everything he claims it is.
And, you know, he, he doesn't know of any defects and it doesn't have any.
And then six months goes by and the transmission fails.
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