Dane Donovan dives deep into the importance of due diligence when purchasing used vehicles, emphasizing the necessity of thorough inspections to avoid costly mistakes. He shares personal anecdotes and advice on how to spot potential issues, particularly with rust and previous damage. The episode also touches on the significance of regular maintenance, including oil checks, and the pitfalls of aftermarket warranties. Listeners are encouraged to be proactive in vehicle care to ensure longevity and safety on the road.
In this episode of the car show, host Dane Donovan dives into the importance of inspecting a used vehicle before purchasing. He shares a personal story about a friend who bought a pre-owned Lexus with a clean Carfax report but still had significant front-end damage. Dane emphasizes the need to go beyond just checking the Carfax report and to have a professional inspection done. He also discusses the risks of buying a vehicle with a turbocharged engine, citing issues with oil consumption and the importance of regular oil checks.
"...I bought a new vehicle and at 17,000 miles, had to check engine light on it, right? So, it happens, right?"
The check engine light is a warning light on your car's dashboard. It means there might be something wrong with the engine, and you should have it checked out.
The check engine light is an indicator on a vehicle's dashboard that signals a problem with the engine or emissions system. It can indicate a range of issues, from minor to serious, and should be diagnosed using an OBD-II scanner.
"...when you get this car, these vehicles on a lift and up in the air. I can tell you, without a doubt..."
A lift is a tool that raises cars up into the air so mechanics can look underneath them. This helps them check for problems that you can't see when the car is on the ground.
A lift is a mechanical device used in auto shops to raise vehicles off the ground, allowing mechanics to inspect the undercarriage and perform repairs more easily. It's essential for thorough vehicle inspections.
"...need to make sure that you protect, and I know that it's a depreciating asset, right? But it's an investment, right? You're spending 30, 40, 50..."
A depreciating asset is something that gets less valuable as time goes on. For cars, this means they are worth less money after you buy them.
A depreciating asset is something that loses value over time. In the context of cars, this means that the vehicle's worth decreases as it ages, which can impact resale value.
"...it's an investment, right? You're spending 30, 40, 50, you know, again, I talked about it last week, you know, the average price of a vehicle today..."
The average price of a vehicle is how much people usually pay for cars. This price can change depending on how many people want to buy cars and other economic factors.
The average price of a vehicle refers to the typical cost consumers pay for new or used cars. This figure can fluctuate based on market conditions, demand, and economic factors.
"...we have these tools, Carfax, great tool, right? You've got the dealership and you can track Carfax is great."
Carfax is a service that gives you a report on a car's history. It tells you if the car has been in accidents or has other issues, helping you make a better buying decision.
Carfax is a vehicle history report service that provides information about a car's past, including accidents, title status, service history, and more. It's a valuable tool for buyers to ensure they are not purchasing a vehicle with hidden problems.
"...with the brine and the rust and the salt and everything like that, it creates and wreaks havoc on your vehicle. Now, this, again, a buddy of mine..."
Rust is what happens to metal when it gets wet and starts to break down. It can make cars look bad and even cause them to fall apart if not taken care of.
Rust is a form of corrosion that occurs when iron or its alloys are exposed to moisture and oxygen, leading to deterioration of the metal. In vehicles, rust can significantly compromise structural integrity and aesthetics, particularly in areas like the body and undercarriage.
"Now, we do it at Donovan's. It's called a used car inspection. You bring it in. We, you know, we get it inspected. We check everything, bumper to bumper, right?"
A used car inspection is when a mechanic checks a second-hand car to see if there are any problems. This is important to make sure you don't buy a car that needs a lot of repairs.
A used car inspection is a thorough evaluation of a pre-owned vehicle to identify any existing issues or potential problems. This process helps buyers make informed decisions and avoid purchasing vehicles that may require costly repairs.
"...maybe it needs tires, maybe it needs brakes, maybe it has a bad suspension part."
Tires are the round rubber parts that touch the road and help the car move. Good tires are important for driving safely and smoothly.
Tires are the rubber components that provide traction and support for a vehicle. They are crucial for safe driving and handling, and their condition can significantly affect performance.
"...maybe it needs tires, maybe it needs brakes, maybe it has a bad suspension part."
Brakes are what help a car slow down or stop when you press the pedal. They are very important for safety while driving.
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 be done through disc or drum systems.
Term
$2,500
"...it's going to cost me $2,500 to fix this. So can you make these repairs or can you take it off the price of the car?..."
$2,500 is a large amount of money that could be needed for car repairs soon after buying it. It's important to be prepared for such costs.
This amount represents a significant repair cost that can arise shortly after purchasing a vehicle. Buyers should be aware of potential unexpected expenses when acquiring a car.
Term
$50,000
"...nobody wants to spend $50,000 on a car and turn around two weeks later..."
$50,000 is a typical amount someone might pay for a new or nearly new car. It's important to think about how much you'll spend on the car overall, including repairs.
This figure represents a common price point for purchasing a new or lightly used vehicle. Understanding the total cost of ownership, including potential repairs, is crucial for buyers.
"...it had massive amount of front-end damage. And I'm like, so I told her about it."
Front-end damage means that the front part of the car has been hurt, usually from an accident. This can include things like the bumper or hood being damaged.
Front-end damage refers to any damage sustained to the front part of a vehicle, often affecting components like the bumper, hood, and fenders, usually due to a collision.
"if you wreck your vehicle and you got a good buddy of yours that has a body shop and he fixes it..."
A body shop is a place where cars are fixed after they've been in accidents. They repair dents, scratches, and other body damage.
A body shop is a facility that specializes in repairing the body of vehicles after accidents or damage. They handle tasks such as frame straightening, painting, and replacing damaged parts.
"...looked at two F-150s. I had good miles on their prices right and crawled up underneath of them..."
The F-150 is a popular pickup truck made by Ford. It's known for being tough and is often used for hauling things or driving on rough roads.
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup truck known for its durability, versatility, and strong towing capabilities. It is one of the best-selling vehicles in the United States and is often used for both work and personal transportation.
"...both of them, the frame was rusted completely out from the gas tank all the way to trailer hitch..."
The frame is the main structure of a car that holds everything together. If it gets damaged or rusty, it can make the car unsafe to drive.
The frame of a vehicle is its structural backbone, supporting the body and components like the engine and suspension. A compromised frame due to rust or damage can lead to safety issues and affect the vehicle's performance.
"...I know you're a great big fan of the aftermarket warranty. And I know you're a great big fan of Chevrolet Equinoxes too, right?"
An aftermarket warranty is like an insurance policy for your car that helps pay for repairs after the original warranty ends. It's important to read the details because not all warranties cover the same things.
An aftermarket warranty is a service contract that covers repairs and maintenance for a vehicle after the manufacturer's warranty expires. These warranties can vary widely in terms of coverage, cost, and reliability.
"...y. And I know you're a great big fan of Chevrolet Equinoxes too, right? Oh yeah. Yeah. Okay. Well, my mom ..."
The Chevrolet Equinox is a type of car called an SUV, which means it's bigger than a regular car and can hold more people and stuff. It's known for being comfortable and good on gas, making it a popular choice for families.
The Chevrolet Equinox is a compact SUV that has gained popularity for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and good fuel efficiency. It is often discussed for its family-friendly features and versatility, making it a common choice among buyers looking for a practical vehicle.
"...they wanted her oil change records. Yeah. And my mom is, she's religious. She changes the oil every 3000 miles..."
An oil change is when you replace the old oil in your car with new oil. This keeps the engine running smoothly and helps it last longer.
An oil change involves draining old oil from the engine and replacing it with new oil, which is essential for maintaining engine health and performance. Regular oil changes help prevent engine wear and overheating.
"...my uncle did the PCV valve in it and that kind of curbed the oil consumption problem. But it was they got it down to a half the court. Well, motor let's go."
The PCV valve helps your car's engine run cleaner by recycling gases that would otherwise escape into the air. It's a small part but plays a big role in keeping the engine efficient and reducing pollution.
The PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) valve is an important component in an engine's emission control system. It helps to reduce harmful emissions by recirculating gases from the crankcase back into the intake manifold for combustion.
"I just bought me a brand new used O4 Ford Ranger. There you go."
The Ford Ranger is a small truck that is popular for its strength and ability to carry loads. The 2004 version is one of the older models.
The Ford Ranger is a compact pickup truck known for its durability and versatility. The 2004 model is part of the third generation, which was produced from 1998 to 2011.
"I didn't realize it was overhead cam until like a week after I bought it."
An overhead cam is a type of engine design where the part that controls the engine's valves is located above the engine's cylinders. This helps the engine run better.
An overhead cam (OHC) engine design places the camshaft above the cylinder head, allowing for more efficient airflow and better performance. This design is common in modern engines.
"it's winter time. You guys out there with four-wheel drive trucks, go spend $25 and get you a tow strap..."
Four-wheel drive means that all four wheels of a vehicle can get power from the engine, which helps it drive better on slippery roads or rough terrain.
Four-wheel drive (4WD) is a drivetrain system that allows all four wheels of a vehicle to receive power from the engine simultaneously, improving traction on slippery or uneven surfaces.
"go spend $25 and get you a tow strap and keep it behind the seat..."
A tow strap is a strong strap that helps pull cars out of trouble, like when they get stuck in the snow or mud. It's handy to have in case of emergencies.
A tow strap is a strong, durable strap used to pull a vehicle that is stuck or disabled. It's essential for off-road driving and can be a lifesaver in emergencies.
"My favorite are the guys in the Porsche Cayenne with the all-wheel drive and they still got the summer tires on them. I pulled one guy out twice"
The Porsche Cayenne is a fancy SUV that can handle different types of roads and weather. It's designed to be both comfortable and sporty.
The Porsche Cayenne is a luxury SUV known for its performance and off-road capabilities. It features all-wheel drive, which enhances traction in various driving conditions.
"...ort. My favorite, my favorite are the guys in the Porsche Cayans with the all-wheel drive and they still got the ..."
The Porsche Cayman is a sporty car that is designed to be really fun to drive. It has a powerful engine and is built to handle well on the road, making it a favorite among people who love fast cars.
The Porsche Cayman is a mid-engine sports car known for its exceptional handling, performance, and sleek design. It is often discussed for its driving dynamics and the prestige associated with the Porsche brand, appealing to enthusiasts who value both speed and style.
"I really did like Kia and Hyundai as a brand. I really did."
Hyundai is a car company from South Korea that makes a variety of cars. They are known for providing good value and quality in their vehicles.
Hyundai is another South Korean automotive manufacturer that offers a wide range of vehicles, known for their value, quality, and innovative technology. They often compete closely with Kia in the market.
"I really did like Kia and Hyundai as a brand. I really did."
Kia is a car company from South Korea that makes affordable cars. They have become popular for their good designs and long warranties.
Kia is a South Korean automotive manufacturer known for producing affordable and reliable vehicles. In recent years, they have gained popularity for their stylish designs and extensive warranty coverage.
"...there is a recall and they are replacing these engines. But this particular gentleman..."
A recall happens when a car company tells people to bring their cars back because there is something wrong that needs to be fixed for safety or reliability.
A recall is when a manufacturer asks owners to return a product due to safety or reliability concerns. In this case, Kia is recalling vehicles to replace faulty engines.
"...rd. You know, I have a, I want to say it's a 2017 Audi Q7 at my shop. It's a 17. It's a little older, less..."
The Audi Q7 is a fancy SUV that has a lot of room inside for people and their things. It's known for being comfortable and having nice features, which makes it a good option for families who want a bit of luxury.
The Audi Q7 is a luxury SUV that offers a spacious interior, advanced technology, and a smooth ride. It is often mentioned for its upscale features and performance, making it a popular choice for those seeking a premium family vehicle.
"...your Audi, your BMW, your Hyundai, your Kia, your Chevy, you need to be checking your oil once..."
BMW is a popular car brand from Germany that makes luxury cars known for being fun to drive and having high-quality interiors.
BMW, or Bayerische Motoren Werke, is a German automaker that produces luxury vehicles and motorcycles, known for their performance and driving dynamics.
"...some cars don't even have dipsticks anymore. Sometimes you have to go through the computer in order to check it..."
A dipstick is a tool that helps you check how much oil is in your car's engine. You pull it out, wipe it clean, and then put it back to see the oil level.
A dipstick is a tool used to measure the level of oil in an engine. It is usually a long, thin metal rod that can be pulled out to check the oil level and condition.
"...you know, and same as, you know, air pressure, I see so many people that are paying..."
Air pressure is how much air is inside your car's tires. Keeping the right amount of air helps your car drive safely and saves fuel.
Air pressure refers to the amount of air in a tire, which is crucial for safe driving and optimal vehicle performance. Proper tire pressure can affect fuel efficiency and tire wear.
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Good afternoon and welcome to the car show on 55KRC.
I'm Dane Donovan, taking your car questions.
The number to call, 513-749-5500.
That number again, 513-749-5500.
I guess I've never really paid attention, but that song, American Pie, I'm Sorry,
if I hurt or offend you, but that is my least favorite song of all time.
I don't know why, I just do not like that song.
Can we cut that out maybe and put another upbeat song?
We can maybe change that up, but hey, I shouldn't say gorgeous Saturday.
It's a typical mid-January Saturday here in Cincinnati.
But again, I'm here every Saturday to take your car questions.
Most Saturdays, majority Saturdays.
Love to hear from you.
Again, the number to call, 513-749-5500.
That number again, 513-749-5500.
Again, the questions can be, we can try to get as technical as you'd like.
The problem with these cars nowadays is you're pulling up schematics and
you're pulling up wiring diagrams and they can get pretty technical, right?
But it can be as simple as, hey, Dane, I have this car this year,
this make, this model, whatever.
What do you think about maintenance wise, right?
It can be as simple, you know, there's no question on this show
that you should ever be like, oh, I'm not going to ask it.
I'm not going to bother.
I'm like, that's what this show is about.
This show is about talking about your vehicle and gaining knowledge and
figuring out what, how to prolong the life of your vehicle, right?
So speaking of which, what I want to focus on today and the topic that I want to talk about is
and I was on the phone with a friend of mine who's looking at purchasing a vehicle, okay?
And this is something that most of you who listen to me on this show,
I always talk about changing your oil.
It is a, oh man, I can go, I can spend hours talking about this.
But the other thing that and something that I'm passionate about is talking about
when you're purchasing a used vehicle, okay?
And this gentleman, again, is a friend of mine looking at purchasing a vehicle,
drove an hour and a half to go look at this, this, this truck.
And, you know, there, you have to in today's world with the cost of cars and vehicles,
you have to do your due diligence, you have to do your homework, okay?
We have so many tools that, you know, that we have access to in order to do research
as far as where that car came from.
Who worked on that car?
What work was done to that car?
You know, we, you know, 20 years ago, you didn't, we didn't have that.
We didn't have those tools.
We didn't have anything like that in order to, we didn't know anything about it.
Now, 20 years ago, the car industry was a lot different.
Today, it is absolutely imperative and important that you make sure that you do
all of your homework on your vehicle.
It's not something that, you know, I understand that it's always exciting
to go out and buy a new car or a used vehicle.
And again, this goes to a new car too, right?
I explained to my buddy that even a new vehicle, I have a new vehicle,
first one I bought of my entire life.
At 40 years old, I bought a new vehicle and at 17,000 miles,
had to check engine light on it, right?
So, it happens, right?
But when you're buying used, it's so important that you get these cars inspected.
Now, and he drove and he did, he did his homework.
He looked at everything and again, you know, of course online,
they're going to take pictures of the inside and the outside, right?
But it's a whole nother story when you get this car,
these vehicles on a lift and up in the air.
I can tell you, without a doubt, almost with 99% accuracy, that I can tell you
if that car came from Canada, New York, Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh, Maine,
something like that.
I can tell you that because there's going to be more rust on that thing,
tremendous amount of rust on these things.
And, you know, when you need to make sure that you protect,
and I know that it's a depreciating asset, right?
But it's an investment, right?
You're spending 30, 40, 50, you know, again, I talked about it last week,
you know, the average price of a vehicle today,
it's the highest it's ever been ever in the history of our country,
the average price of a vehicle is $50,000.
That's a lot of money.
And whether you're buying a brand new vehicle or you're buying a used vehicle,
$50,000, you want to make sure that you get the most and best life out of that vehicle,
right?
And you got to make sure that you get your wife to work or your kids to work,
or school, not work yet.
My son, he's actually in studio with me.
And I'm going to put him to work here soon too.
But, you know, you want to make sure you get the kids to school.
You know, it is a device that you need in order to, you know, get to work, make money.
You know, so you want to make sure that if you're spending that type of money,
that you're not buying somebody else's problems.
And again, we have these tools, Carfax, great tool, right?
You've got the dealership and you can track Carfax is great.
We use it, everything that we do goes back to Carfax.
It's a great tool to use.
And I would ask everybody when you're purchasing a vehicle,
make sure you get that Carfax reports.
Most dealerships will grant you access to that.
Print out the Carfax and you can read it all.
Now, I'm not necessarily too concerned about, oh, I had a fender bender.
The bumper was replaced or it had a minor, minor damage.
It had a dent or the door was painted.
Okay, that's fine.
But the more important thing is you need to focus on where the car came from.
And again, the farther north that that vehicle came from, the worse you're going to be.
Okay, it's just, unfortunately, with the brine and the rust and the salt and everything like that,
it creates and wreaks havoc on your vehicle.
Now, this, again, a buddy of mine, he's looking at this truck,
not only did it have a tremendous amount of rust and it's only four years old,
but then they tried to mask the rust by painting it.
And you could clearly see that they did that.
And what they do is it just, obviously, that's how they, when they,
when they buy these things in auction or whatnot, they just try to push them through,
paint it, look, oh, it looks great.
And most people would just go, oh, yeah, everything looks great.
But this gentleman sent me the photos.
I looked at them and I could, you could already see the rust had bubbled up
and then they just spray painted it.
Well, the other problem is, is now you've just encapsulated it, right?
So the salt and the water get in there and it can't breathe.
They can't, you know, so it just rusts quicker.
And, you know, I understand that pretty much anywhere in this country,
you're not going to get away from it, but limit yourself, limit that risk, right?
So when you're, again, when you're looking at purchasing one of these vehicles,
you get that car fact report and you find out where that car came from.
You find out the history.
That is almost on every single car.
If they don't have a car fact report on a vehicle, then you run.
Okay. You got to make sure that when you're going out and you're buying these vehicles
and spending 30, 40, 50, $80,000, you want to make sure that you're not buying somebody else's
problems. It's rampant. I see it every single day.
And it's so important that you get these things inspected.
Now, we do it at Donovan's. It's called a used car inspection. You bring it in.
We, you know, we get it inspected. We check everything, bumper to bumper, right?
And it, two things. One, we potentially protect you from buying a rust bucket and having more
problems. Number two, if we do find problems with it, maybe it needs tires, maybe it needs brakes,
maybe it has a bad suspension part. We're going to look at that.
We're going to give you a list of the repairs that it needs. And then you can take it back
to the dealer. It gives you the leverage, the upper hands that, hey, listen, you want $50,000
for this vehicle, but unfortunately it needs four tires, four brakes and a, and a bearing.
And it's going to cost me $2,500 to fix this. So can you make these repairs or can you take
it off the price of the car? It gives you the upper hand, right? Nobody wants to spend $50,000
on a car and turn around two weeks later, the brakes are grinding and, and I'm, and you're
bringing it to me and I'm like, Hey, this thing needs $2,500 with work, right? Then, you know,
your stomach just sinks and you're like, man, I just spent $50,000 on this vehicle and now I
got to put $25 app, you know, $2,500 into it or whatever, whatever the cost may be.
You know, it's something that would really, really, you know, you don't want, nobody wants to buy
a new or used vehicle and their stomach just sinks after weeks of, of, you know, having it,
you know, you've got this high of like great, you know, I got this new car or this new lightly
used car and then you bring it to me and I just ruined your, you know, I just rained on your parade.
I hate doing that. But, you know, unfortunately that's, that's the profession. It's something that
you just, it's my responsibility to tell you and give you my honest opinion on, on what to do and
what it's going to cost to make sure that the car is fixed and, and keep it, keep you and your loved
ones and your family safe and on the road. And so it's absolutely so important going in 2026,
if you're buying a vehicle, used vehicle, please, please get it inspected. Now, in this
particular case, again, this gentleman was an hour and a half away, not practical that he could
drive it all the way back to Cincinnati. I inspected it and drive it all the way back, right?
So in that case, you find a reputable, if there's a vehicle that you absolutely have to have,
you want it, everything looks good, I still would recommend that you get it inspected.
And if you're not, if it's out of town, okay, you find a reputable shop and you get a second
opinion and just say, Hey, listen, can you inspect this vehicle and make sure that it's a good vehicle?
Because all he, all this gentleman did was send me photos and I'm like, there's too much rust
on that thing. I wouldn't buy it. If it was me, I wouldn't buy it. And, you know, it's important.
And there's so many people that come to us and say, Hey, do you do any type of vehicle inspection
before? Absolutely. Anybody that listens to the show and anybody they possibly can tell you,
if you're buying a used vehicle, it is absolutely worth every dime that you get it inspected,
whether it has a great clean car fax or not. So I got a great story for you. I'm taking your phone
calls a number to call 513-749-5500 that number again, 513-749-5500. Stay tuned. I've got a great
example of even if it has a clean car fax report, why you need to get it, still need to get it
inspected. So coming up, we have OP, you're listening to the car. Support for the show comes from
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with high free cash flow to semiconductor suppliers growing revenue over 20% year over year. You can
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So on 55KRC, the talk station. This is 55KRC, an iHeart radio station.
Your car isn't just a machine, it's your daily partner. And with new cars becoming more expensive
than ever, smart maintenance for your current vehicle just makes sense. Hi, I'm Dane Donovan,
third generation owner at Donovan's Auto and Tire Center. That's why at Donovan's,
we give you everything you need and nothing you don't. Honest expert service to keep your car
running longer. Donovan's Auto and Tire Center, Cincinnati's honest choice for auto repair since
1958. Three locations in Blue Ash, Pleasant Ridge and our new location near Xavier, Donovan's Auto
Foreign. Find yours at DonovanTire.com. The place for Brian Thomas in the morning, 55KRC,
the talk station. Taking your car questions, the number to call 513-749-5500, 513-749-5500.
Real quick, as I stated in the first day, first segment, we have OP coming up. But
a real quick story, as I stated that you want to get it inspected, right? So I had a vehicle,
it was a Lexus, it was a pre-owned certified Lexus. I think it had like, it was low, it was like
13,000, 20,000 miles, right? And great customer, still is a great customer. She brought it in.
And they're like, ma'am, it's pre-owned certified. And she's like, I'm going to have my mechanic
look at. So at the time, I was still in the back, I was still working. So anyways, in the back,
I'm always working. My guys always say I don't, but I do. But I looked at it, checked it all over,
and it had massive amount of front and damage. And I'm like, so I told her about it.
And here to come, you know, of course, Carfax shows no accident, right? But the dealership
had wrecked this vehicle. At some point, somebody wrecked it did, I think, I want to say,
$20,000, $30,000 damage to the front end of this vehicle. But they were selling it as
pre-owned certified. And it wasn't on Carfax. It wasn't on the Carfax report because the dealership
wrecked it and the dealership fixed it. So she took it back and I'm like, hey, this thing's been
wrecked. I don't think you should buy it. It takes it back. And they actually admitted to it, like,
oh yeah, it has been wrecked. We're going to take it off as pre-owned certified.
So I mean, even if it's pre-owned certified, and even if it's not on the Carfax, if you wreck your
vehicle and you got a good buddy of yours that has a body shop and he fixes it and you pay him
cash underneath, it's not going to be on the Carfax report. So you still have, just because it
doesn't say it on the Carfax report, doesn't mean you still don't get it. You still need to get it
inspected. So when I say I mentioned Carfax, but at the same time, you still need to have it inspected
because you never know if Bob, the backdoor mechanic, decided that he was going to slap
a new bumper on it and have it painted and do a horrible job at it. You don't want that. So it's
still important that you get inspected by a technician, a certified technician, and make
sure that you protect the money that you're about to spend on a vehicle. So it's important.
So all right, again, taking your phone calls and we're going to call 513-749-5500. Let's go to
the phones. We have Opie. Hey, Opie, welcome to the car show. How can I help?
Well, that story right there is proof. There are three kinds of people you don't trust.
Lawyers, politicians, and car salesmen.
Yeah, well, yeah, I mean, and you was talking about the rust and that pre-owned thing.
I went and looked, I went to one of the major conglomerates in the Cincinnati metro area
and looked at two F-150s. I had good miles on their prices right and crawled up underneath of them
while the guy was trying to show me all the cup holders in the heated seats and all that crap
they don't care about. Right. And both of them, the frame was rusted completely out
from the gas tank all the way to trailer hitch. Yep. And the thing is you walk up to them and
they looked, the bodies were good, but underneath, man, they were rusted all the pieces.
So just because it said a rep, you know, dealership crawling underneath of it with a flashlight.
And if I go to it, if I go to a car lot, if they won't let me put it up on the rack,
I won't even look at it. I would run. Yeah. I get right back in your vehicle and just go on.
Yeah. Then that's the thing. You know, I, so, well, they told me, they told me they had them
both of them on the rack. One was no six, one was no eight. And believe not, yo, it was rusted
worse than the other six. They told me they had on the rack. I said, ain't no way you had this
thing on the rack because lift points right in front of the spring shackle or the front spring
hanger. And if you had put the rack foot on there, it would have gone right through the frame.
This thing ain't never been, it ain't never been up in the air. And so I just, I just turned
around and run from that. But another one here, I know you're, I know you're a great big fan of
the aftermarket warranty. And I know you're a great big fan of Chevrolet Equinoxes too, right?
Oh yeah. Yeah. Okay. Well, my mom bought a Chevy Equinox. With an aftermarket warranty?
Well, I told her not to buy the car. And I told her not to buy the warranty. And my daughter
told her the same thing. She's a mechanic. And well, then motor let go here a while back. So
she's fighting with the warranty company. And of course, they got to tear the warranty company
has to place, tear the engine, pull the engine out, tear it and tear it down. To prove what failed,
correct? Then, then, then on top of this, then they wanted her oil change records.
Yeah. And my mom is, she's religious. She changes the oil every 3000 miles. If it gets
out, if it, if it's 3000 or 10 miles, she starts panicking. That's good. But the other thing is,
she only drives like 10 miles a week. I mean, I'm being facetious here. But the thing with
oil every week. So you stop and check the gas and fill it up with oil on Friday.
And well, my uncle, my uncle did the PCV valve in it and that kind of curbed the
oil consumption problem. But it was they got it down to a half the court. Well, motor let's go.
Oh, then the warranty company, she's fighting back and forth with them and my mom's real passive.
And I'm like, no, you just call them up and say, this is what's going to happen and make it happen.
And well, long story short, I ended up calling my brother-in-law's brother-in-law who was an attorney.
They called the war. He cut, he got a hold of the warranty company and threatened to take him to
court. And so what they did instead of fixing her truck, which it was completely everything was
covered according to all the fine print, they ended up refunded, they refunded her money for
what she paid for the warranty. Now she's still on the hook to get this thing put back together.
Yep. So first of all, listen to your issue. You got a brother-in-law with a brother-in-law that
is an attorney. That always helps, doesn't it?
It always helps. I just figured I'd pass that one along because I know you're two favorite things
is aftermarket warranties and give equinoxes. Yeah, they are, yeah. And Key is in Hyundai's,
man. Those things just absolutely just drink oil. It's like... Oh, by our key and you new motor.
I just bought me a brand new used O4 Ford Ranger. There you go. And it's got 200...
Is it a three liter or... What size engine?
4-0. 4-0. Oh, those things were great.
4-0. And I didn't realize it was overhead cam until like a week after I bought it. I just,
as a 4-0, I bought it in the dark and I needed the truck. So it's got 275,000 miles on it.
We've got a, it's got a Jasper motor and transmission and it's got 80,000 miles on it.
And I changed my old 3,000 miles regardless and it does not use a drop of oil between changes.
I'm a second oil change since I've had it. I've changed you all twice since I've had it.
Yeah. I mean, that's the thing and you know, I talk about that all the time and
you know, those vehicles back in those days never burned oil. And you know, I'm even like,
you know, as I stated at the beginning of the show, you know, I have a new vehicle,
I still check it just to make sure and you know, knock on wood. It's not, but some of these cars,
I mean, my office manager that works for us, you know, her son's car has 30,000 miles and
she goes, hey, it's making this ticking noise and I'm like, have him check the oil. It sounds
like it's knocking 30,000 miles. Can you imagine buying a new, when he bought it, it was only one
year old, you know, and then I told you the story. I told you the story. But the guy I worked with,
the certified pre-owned Subaru is it locked up because it didn't have no oil in it. You know,
and they wouldn't change the oil. I know. I know. I check mine. I'm off on Friday. So on Friday
morning before I leave, while the truck's been sitting there overnight, Friday morning,
I open the hood up and I check the oil cold and I check it every Friday morning. And I,
and this thing, it, it, it don't use it. It don't use a drop of oil. And one other tip,
it's winter time. You guys out there with four-wheel drive trucks, go spend $25 and get you a tow
strap and keep it behind the seat. And so when you see that soccer mom in the minivan with three kids
in it, that slid off in the ditch and you got a strap and you can pull her out and she ain't
got to wait till Wednesday for triple A to come and pull her out. And besides what you can make it,
you can make a few bucks yanking idiots out of the ditch.
My favorite are guys in port. My favorite, my favorite are the guys in the Porsche Cayans
with the all-wheel drive and they still got the summer tires on them. I pulled one guy out twice
this last snow we had. I made 150 bucks off of him. That $25 tow strap was the best investment I
ever made. Yes, it is. You've definitely made your money back 10-fold. So, all right. Well,
I appreciate the phone call. You have a great weekend, buddy. All right, you too, man. Thanks for
the show. Yeah, absolutely. Take care. All right. Again, taking your phone calls, phone lines are
wide open. Get you right in the number to call 513-749-5500. That number again, 513-749-5500.
You'll listen to the car show on 55K RC, the talk station. Do you have a truck, camper, RV,
or a trailer that needs body repair? If so, call Frank's Heavy Truck Collision Repair.
Located just off I-75 at Route 63, it's convenient to both Cincinnati and Dayton.
With over 30 years of experience, including insurance work and fleet work, Frank's knows
the most important things are quality work and customer satisfaction. Frank's Heavy Truck
Collision Repair prides themselves in doing the job right and getting your vehicle back on the road.
Call 513-829-9030. 829-9030. It's Glenn Beck, weekday mornings at 9-06 on 55K RC, the talk station.
Welcome back. Taking your car questions, the number to call 513-749-5500. That number again,
513-749-5500. Wind chills at zero. My youngest son does this all the time. My youngest son,
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