Serious repair decisions deserve serious thought and a clear understanding of your options
About this episode
Lenny Lawson shares insights from his recent cruise experience while diving into the complexities of car repairs and decisions. He discusses the challenges of driving a 2026 Honda Accord rental, highlighting issues with its CVT transmission and steering feel. A notable story involves a customer facing a costly engine replacement for his 2013 Ford F-150, weighing the financial implications of repair versus replacement. Lenny emphasizes the importance of understanding vehicle feel and making informed decisions when it comes to car ownership and repairs.
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Honda Accord
"...I found an Avis rental car place and we rented a 2026 Honda Accord. Now it was a base car, wasn't loaded."
The Honda Accord is a well-known car that many people like because it's dependable and has a lot of room inside. The 2026 version has updated features that make it even better.
The Honda Accord is a popular midsize sedan known for its reliability, spacious interior, and fuel efficiency. The 2026 model continues this tradition with modern features and technology, appealing to a wide range of drivers.
CVT transmission
"...that thing has a CVT transmission. That's a continuously variable transmission. And a lot of car companies use those."
A CVT transmission is a special kind of automatic transmission that can change gears smoothly without any noticeable shifts. This helps the car use fuel more efficiently and provides a smoother driving experience.
A CVT, or continuously variable transmission, is a type of automatic transmission that can change seamlessly through a continuous range of effective gear ratios. This allows for smoother acceleration and improved fuel efficiency compared to traditional automatic transmissions with fixed gears.
hypersensitive steering
"...because it was so hypersensitive."
Hypersensitive steering means the steering wheel turns too easily, making it hard to keep the car going straight. You might find yourself constantly adjusting the wheel to stay on track.
Hypersensitive steering refers to a steering system that responds too quickly or too easily to driver inputs, often leading to overcorrection and difficulty in maintaining a straight line. This can be a result of the vehicle's alignment, tire pressure, or the design of the steering system itself.
oversteer
"I call it oversteer the minute you barely fractionally move it. The car starts darting one way or the other."
Oversteer is when the back of the car slides out while turning, making it feel like you're losing control. You have to steer in the opposite direction to correct it.
Oversteer occurs when a car's rear tires lose grip before the front tires, causing the rear to swing out during a turn. This can make the car feel unstable and requires the driver to countersteer to regain control.
understeer
"Now, for example, you compare that to BMW, you don't feel any of that. The steering is there's a little bit more understeer."
Understeer is when the front of the car doesn't turn as much as you want it to, making it feel like you're going straight instead of turning. You have to turn the steering wheel more to get it to turn.
Understeer happens when a car's front tires lose grip, causing the car to continue straight instead of turning as intended. This can make it feel less responsive and requires more steering input to change direction.
road noise
"Another thing, road noise. That has always been my pet peeve with Hondas, is they have so much road noise."
Road noise is the sound you hear inside the car from the tires rolling on the road. If a car has a lot of road noise, it can make the ride less comfortable and more distracting.
Road noise refers to the sound that comes from the tires and the road surface while driving. It can significantly affect the overall driving experience, especially in terms of comfort and cabin quietness.
Toyota Camry
"And into the cabin. Now, if you drive a Toyota Camry or a Nissan Altima or even a Chevy Malibu, you d..."
Nissan Altima
"Now, if you drive a Toyota Camry or a Nissan Altima or even a Chevy Malibu, you don't get that."
The Nissan Altima is a car that many people choose for its comfort and good performance, similar to the Camry.
The Nissan Altima is a midsize sedan that offers a comfortable ride and a variety of engine options, appealing to a broad audience.
Chevy Malibu
"Now, if you drive a Toyota Camry or a Nissan Altima or even a Chevy Malibu, you don't get that."
The Chevy Malibu is a car that many people drive because it is comfortable and has nice features.
The Chevy Malibu is a midsize sedan that combines style, comfort, and technology, making it a popular choice among families and commuters.
Chevrolet
"Now, if you drive a Toyota Camry or a Nissan Altima or even a Chevy Malibu, you don't get that."
Chevrolet is a car company that makes many different types of vehicles, including the Malibu, which is a sedan.
Chevrolet, often referred to as Chevy, is an American automotive brand known for producing a variety of vehicles, including trucks, SUVs, and sedans like the Malibu.
four cylinder engine
"...that's one of the things that I don't like about four cylinder engines"
A four cylinder engine is a type of car engine that has four separate chambers where fuel and air mix and burn. These engines are usually smaller and can save on gas, but they might not sound as powerful as bigger engines.
A four cylinder engine is an internal combustion engine with four cylinders arranged in a line or in a V-shape. These engines are typically smaller and lighter, often found in compact cars, and can provide good fuel efficiency but may lack the power and sound characteristics of larger engines.
exhaust manifold
"...dripping down occasionally on the exhaust manifold or just the hot block of the engine and, you know, it vaporizes."
The exhaust manifold is a part of the engine that helps direct the gases produced when fuel is burned. It connects to the exhaust system and helps the car run smoothly.
The exhaust manifold is a component of the engine that collects exhaust gases from multiple cylinders and directs them to the exhaust outlet. It's typically made of cast iron or stainless steel and is crucial for the engine's efficiency and performance.
full inspection
"...he brought it into the dealership. We did a full inspection. We do a full inspection on every car we found that his vehicle."
A full inspection is when a mechanic checks all parts of a car to make sure everything is working properly. It's like a health check-up for your vehicle.
A full inspection typically involves a comprehensive check of a vehicle's systems and components, including the engine, brakes, suspension, and electrical systems. This process helps identify any potential issues before they become serious problems.
brakes
"...We do a full inspection on every car we found that his vehicle. We found that his brakes were worn to the point"
Brakes are what help a car slow down or stop. They need to be checked regularly because they can wear out and might need to be replaced to keep the car safe.
Brakes are essential components of a vehicle that allow it to slow down or stop. They work by applying friction to the wheels, which can wear down over time and require regular maintenance or replacement.
oil leak
"...spend that money for the to fix an oil leak. And we noticed also that the engine was ticking just a little bit."
An oil leak is when oil escapes from the engine, which can cause problems if not fixed. It's important to keep the engine oil at the right level to avoid damage.
An oil leak refers to the escape of engine oil from the engine's lubrication system. This can lead to low oil levels, which may cause engine damage if not addressed promptly.
knocking
"...sounds like his engine is going to come out of the vehicle. It is knocking badly. He's really close to an independent shop."
Knocking is a loud noise you might hear from an engine when something is wrong. It usually means that the engine isn't working properly and could be in trouble.
Knocking refers to a knocking noise that can occur in an engine, often indicating a serious issue such as detonation or a problem with the engine's internal components. This sound can be a sign of improper combustion or mechanical failure.
Ford F150
"Now, this is a a 2013 Ford F-150 with just under 200,000 miles on it."
The 2013 Ford F-150 is a big truck that can be used for work or personal use. It's known for being tough and can carry a lot of weight.
The 2013 Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup truck known for its durability and versatility. It offers various engine options and configurations to suit different needs, making it a popular choice among truck enthusiasts.
crank
"when it broke, it went through the through the crank and all the bearings were messed up..."
The crank is a part of the engine that helps it move. If it gets broken, the engine can have big problems.
The crank, or crankshaft, is a crucial engine component that converts the linear motion of the pistons into rotational motion, powering the vehicle. Damage to the crank can lead to severe engine issues.
200,000 miles
"You've got a 2013 truck with just under 200,000 miles on it."
When a car has 200,000 miles on it, it means it has been driven a lot. Cars with this many miles might need more repairs and may not last as long as newer cars.
In automotive terms, 200,000 miles is often considered a significant milestone for a vehicle, indicating it has been driven extensively. Vehicles that reach this mileage may require more maintenance and repairs compared to those with lower mileage.
$11,000 repair cost
"And they say you need to spend $11,000 to fix it."
If a repair costs $11,000, it means fixing the truck will be very expensive. This amount can make people think about whether it's worth fixing the truck or buying a new one instead.
A repair cost of $11,000 is a substantial amount, often indicating major repairs are needed, such as engine replacement or extensive bodywork. This cost can be a deciding factor for owners considering whether to repair or replace their vehicle.
used engine
"We can get a used engine, which would be about $6,000."
A used engine is an engine that has been taken from another car and is being sold to replace a broken one. It's usually cheaper than a new engine, but you don't always know how well it works.
A used engine refers to an engine that has been previously installed in another vehicle and is being sold for reuse. It can be a cost-effective option for repairs, but may come with unknown wear and tear.
remanufactured engine
"We can be a remanufactured engine, and that'll be about $8,000. He said, no, I want a brand new engine from Ford in a crate."
A remanufactured engine is an old engine that has been fixed up and made like new again. It's usually cheaper than buying a brand new engine, but it still works well.
A remanufactured engine is a used engine that has been disassembled, cleaned, repaired, and rebuilt to meet or exceed original specifications. This process often includes replacing worn-out parts and ensuring the engine is in good working condition, making it a cost-effective alternative to buying a new engine.
Gateway Ford
"He ordered the engine from us here at Gateway Ford. We took the engine over to them and they installed a brand new Ford engine in his truck."
Gateway Ford is a place where people can buy Ford cars and get them fixed. They have the right parts and trained workers to help with repairs.
Gateway Ford is likely a local dealership or automotive service provider that specializes in selling Ford vehicles and parts, as well as providing maintenance and repair services. Dealerships like Gateway Ford often have access to genuine parts and factory-trained technicians.
Ford truck
"...they installed a brand new Ford engine in his truck. And I said, I won't say his name, but I said, why did you do that?"
A Ford truck is a type of pickup truck made by the Ford company. They are strong and can be used for many different tasks, like carrying heavy loads or towing.
The term 'Ford truck' typically refers to a range of pickup trucks manufactured by Ford, such as the F-150, F-250, and others. These trucks are known for their durability, performance, and versatility, making them popular choices for both work and personal use.
air conditioning
"...the rear differential, the transfer case, the air conditioning,..."
The air conditioning system keeps the inside of your car cool and comfortable when it's hot outside.
The air conditioning system in a vehicle provides cooling and dehumidification for passenger comfort. It is an important feature, especially in hot climates.
warranty
"...the engine's fine. It's under warranty, but nothing else is."
A warranty is a promise from the company that they'll fix or replace something if it breaks within a certain time. It gives you peace of mind about your purchase.
A warranty is a guarantee provided by the manufacturer or seller that a product will perform as expected for a certain period. If it fails, the company will repair or replace it at no cost to the owner.
remanufactured transmission
"...replace it with a remanufactured transmission, you're probably three, four, $5,000, depending on the source."
A remanufactured transmission is an old transmission that has been repaired and rebuilt to work like new. It's a way to save money compared to buying a brand new one.
A remanufactured transmission is a used transmission that has been disassembled, cleaned, and rebuilt to meet or exceed original specifications. This process often includes replacing worn parts and ensuring the unit is in good working order before resale.
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