Some thoughts for the holiday, PLUS, you buy a used car and the engine blows up....what happens next depends on who sold it to you
About this episode
Lenny Lawson shares personal reflections on the emotional challenges of the holiday season, emphasizing the importance of kindness and connection. He recounts a touching experience of playing music for a friend with terminal illness, highlighting how small gestures can make a significant difference. The episode also delves into a real-life scenario involving a used car sale where the engine fails shortly after purchase, discussing the ethical responsibilities of dealers and the implications of 'as-is' sales. Lenny offers practical advice on vehicle maintenance and the importance of checking oil levels.
Email Lennie at [email protected]
Ford F-150
"...controlling this 5000 pound F-150 with the very bottom of my foot and my toes and the fingers on my left hand."
The Ford F-150 is a large truck that many people use for work or towing. It's popular because it's strong and reliable.
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup truck known for its durability and capability. It's one of the best-selling vehicles in the United States, often used for both work and personal purposes.
Toyota Highlander
"Had a customer that traded in a, what is it, 2022 Toyota Highlander, pretty nice vehicle, had 70,000 miles on it."
The Toyota Highlander is a family SUV that can fit several passengers and has a lot of space for cargo. The 2022 version has modern safety features and is designed for comfort.
The Toyota Highlander is a midsize SUV known for its spacious interior and family-friendly features. The 2022 model includes advanced safety technology and a comfortable ride.
warranty
"So it was out of warranty."
A warranty is like a guarantee from the car maker that they'll fix problems for free if they happen within a certain time. It helps protect you from unexpected repair costs.
A warranty is a promise from the manufacturer to repair or replace parts of a vehicle if they fail within a certain period. It provides peace of mind to the owner regarding potential repair costs.
service records
"And according to the service records on auto check slash car facts, and we call the dealer as well, they didn't miss a beat when it came to automotive service."
Service records are like a report card for a car, showing what repairs and maintenance have been done. They help buyers know if the car has been taken care of.
Service records are documents that track the maintenance and repairs performed on a vehicle. They are important for understanding a car's history and ensuring it has been properly maintained.
automotive service
"And we call the dealer as well, they didn't miss a beat when it came to automotive service."
Automotive service is all the work done to keep a car in good shape, like changing the oil or fixing brakes. It's important for keeping cars safe and reliable.
Automotive service refers to the maintenance and repair work done on vehicles to keep them running smoothly. This can include oil changes, brake inspections, and other routine checks.
Nissan Pathfinder
"Well, they drove to Greenville and traded it on a new Nissan, Nissan Pathfinder, as a matter of fact."
The Nissan Pathfinder is a type of vehicle called an SUV, which stands for Sport Utility Vehicle. It's designed to carry more people and cargo than a regular car and can handle rougher roads.
The Nissan Pathfinder is a midsize SUV known for its spacious interior and off-road capabilities. It has been a popular choice for families and outdoor enthusiasts since its introduction in the early 1980s.
wiper blades
"I think it needed windshield wipers or wiper blades. We replaced those and rotated the tires..."
Wiper blades are the rubber parts that move back and forth on your car's windshield to wipe away rain or snow. They help you see clearly when driving in bad weather.
Wiper blades are essential components of a vehicle's windshield wiper system, designed to clear rain, snow, and debris from the windshield for better visibility. Regular replacement is necessary for optimal performance.
rotated the tires
"...we replaced those and rotated the tires, the tires had good tread..."
Rotating the tires means moving them from one position to another on the car, like switching the front tires to the back. This helps them wear evenly and last longer.
Rotating the tires involves changing their position on the vehicle to ensure even wear and extend their lifespan. It's a crucial maintenance task that helps maintain vehicle handling and performance.
check engine light
"...they took it home two weeks later. They call us and said the vehicle is at Toyota of Knoxville with the check engine light on and it's making a knocking noise in the engine."
The check engine light is a warning light on your car's dashboard that tells you something might be wrong with the engine. It could be a small issue or something more serious, so it's important to get it checked out.
The check engine light is an indicator on a vehicle's dashboard that signals a potential issue with the engine or emissions system. It can indicate various problems, ranging from minor issues to serious engine malfunctions.
knocking noise
"...Toyota Knoxville, after some evaluation, said that it probably needs a new engine. So do you think these folks were happy with Gateway Ford or Gateway Nissan?"
A knocking noise in your car's engine usually means something isn't working right inside. It could be a sign of serious problems, so it's important to have it looked at by a mechanic.
A knocking noise in an engine typically indicates an issue with the engine's internal components, such as worn bearings or improper fuel combustion. This can lead to serious engine damage if not addressed promptly.
Gateway Ford
"...So do you think these folks were happy with Gateway Ford or Gateway Nissan?"
Gateway Ford is a place where you can buy Ford cars. They also help with car repairs and maintenance.
Gateway Ford is a car dealership that sells Ford vehicles. Dealerships like Gateway Ford often provide services such as vehicle sales, maintenance, and repairs.
Gateway Nissan
"...So do you think these folks were happy with Gateway Ford or Gateway Nissan?"
Gateway Nissan is a dealership where you can buy Nissan cars. They also provide services for fixing and maintaining those cars.
Gateway Nissan is a car dealership that specializes in selling Nissan vehicles. Like other dealerships, they offer services including sales, maintenance, and repairs for Nissan cars.
labor
"Well, 5,000 plus. So it's probably going to be close to $6,000. This is what it's going to cost me to fix these people's vehicle."
Labor is the money you pay for the work done by mechanics to fix your car. It's separate from the cost of the parts they need to replace.
Labor refers to the cost of the work performed by mechanics or technicians to repair or replace parts in a vehicle. This cost is usually added on top of the parts cost.
Honda
"Just like a Hyundai or a Mazda or a Ford or a Honda, they're all subject to a failure."
Honda is a popular car brand from Japan known for making reliable vehicles. However, they can still have issues like any other car brand.
Honda is a Japanese automaker recognized for its reliable cars and motorcycles. Despite their reputation for longevity, Hondas can also experience mechanical problems.
Hyundai
"Just like a Hyundai or a Mazda or a Ford or a Honda, they're all subject to a failure."
Hyundai is a car brand from South Korea that makes many different types of vehicles. While they are generally reliable, they can have issues just like any other car.
Hyundai is a South Korean automotive manufacturer that produces a wide range of vehicles. They are known for their value and warranty offerings, but like all cars, they can experience failures.
Mazda
"Just like a Hyundai or a Mazda or a Ford or a Honda, they're all subject to a failure."
Mazda is a car brand from Japan that is known for making fun-to-drive cars. They can also have problems like any other car brand.
Mazda is a Japanese automaker known for its sporty vehicles and innovative technologies, such as the rotary engine. Like all vehicles, Mazdas can experience mechanical issues over time.
coolant
"Make sure you got coolant. And if you hear any kind of a ticking noise or especially a knocking noise, I mean, that's going to be a lower end part of the engine and probably going to have to..."
Coolant is a special liquid that helps keep your car's engine from getting too hot. It circulates through the engine to absorb heat and keep things running smoothly.
Coolant is a fluid used in the cooling system of an engine to regulate temperature and prevent overheating. It's essential for maintaining optimal engine performance and preventing damage.
engine rebuild
"...especially a knocking noise, I mean, that's going to be a lower end part of the engine and probably going to have to have a rebuild, which would cost less than a whole new engine assembly."
An engine rebuild is when a mechanic takes apart your car's engine to fix or replace parts that are worn out. It's a way to make an old engine work like new again without having to buy a whole new engine.
An engine rebuild involves disassembling the engine, inspecting its components, and replacing or repairing parts as necessary to restore it to good working condition. This is often done when the engine has significant wear or damage but is still salvageable.
Chevrolet
"He said, I may not be a Chevrolet guy anymore. Isn't it weird to have your next door neighbor of well, the next door neighbor of a Ford dealer."
Chevrolet, often called Chevy, is a popular car brand in the United States. They make many types of vehicles, from cars to trucks.
Chevrolet is an American automobile brand known for producing a wide range of vehicles, including trucks, SUVs, and sedans. It's a subsidiary of General Motors and has a strong presence in the automotive market.
oil change
"And because he got a free oil change from a dealership in Knoxville, he drove it down there and they changed his oil."
An oil change is when you replace the old oil in a car's engine with new oil. It's important to keep the engine working well and to prevent damage.
An oil change is a routine maintenance procedure where the old engine oil is drained and replaced with new oil. This is essential for keeping the engine lubricated and running smoothly.
dipstick
"He pulls his dipstick out."
A dipstick is a long, thin tool that you pull out of the engine to check how much oil is inside. It helps you know if you need to add more oil.
A dipstick is a tool used to measure the level of oil in an engine. It helps ensure that there is enough oil for proper lubrication and functioning of the engine.
GM
"...or something, and it would be paid for by them through GM or some other company..."
GM stands for General Motors, a big company that makes cars and trucks. They own several brands like Chevrolet and Cadillac, and they sell vehicles all over the world.
GM, or General Motors, is one of the largest automobile manufacturers in the world. It produces a wide range of vehicles under various brands, including Chevrolet, GMC, Buick, and Cadillac.
oil check
"When you get home, park it on level ground, let it get cool, and check your oil. Because it is not uncommon."
Checking your oil means looking at the oil in your car's engine to make sure there's enough and that it's clean. This is important to keep the engine running well.
Checking your oil involves inspecting the oil level and condition in your vehicle's engine. This is crucial for maintaining engine health, as low or dirty oil can lead to serious engine problems.
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