Cars The Podcast

Used Car Buyer Inspection Tips

Bill's Volt Studio

Bill and Don on winnowing the field

Practical advice for used car shoppers in the COVID era

Before you leave your shelter-in-place, distinguish your needs from your wants.

Advice for your next used car: Before you leave quarantine

Determine your needs before you head out and make a hasty choice

Social Distancing with Off Road Essentials

Don relies on Bill's decades of Off Road Jeep experience to compile a list of necessities.

Seattle Pandemics, Bonney Lake Polemics

Bill Magnusson and Don Swier report from the front line of America's version of COVID-19, and its impact on transportation.

When to give up on a daily driver. Practical financial advice for your garage

Bill and Don discuss when to determine it's best to swap out your daily driver.

CorollaVirus and Recalls

From the American epicenter of The Pandemic, we offer useless advice on health, but a useful distinction between recalls, TSB's and warranty issues

Unfiltered Opinions on Filters and Pinions

Keep your assets clean and healthy.

Experience and Wisdom

When having your ride worked on, it's beneficial to pick a tech who's been down the path a few times

First, Do No Harm: Technicians and Docs Agree

A proper and thorough diagnosis is the best money spent on repair.

Puget Sound Water Torture

Avoid water damage, whether it's your own car, or one you plan to buy.

Coolant: Silent Killer for Your Car?

Bill Magnusson and Don Swier discuss how neglected coolant can eat an engine from within

Siesta Fiesta

Diagnosing Demystified

The history of "what's wrong with my car?!"

Mexico to Maxi Snow

Bill's adventures in Puerto Vallarta and in the fresh snow near Mt Rainier. We also follow up on fluids that will preserve your car in the new year.

2020 Resolutions for your Ride

Resolve to amend some items on your vehicle that, if neglected, can destroy your car.

Detour Episode: Carol Swier Northwest Perspective

A unique perspective from someone who witnessed the changes in the travel, the lifestyle and the lives in this region for 8 decades.

Wintertime Car Tips

Some clever tips for seeing where you're going in dicey weather, and safely getting there, too.

Noise and Shudder

Some common audible irritants from your car, and what to do about them

CyberTroll to HyperMile

Give up on an old ride, never pick a fight with a Rocket Man, and getting sufficiently efficient

Diesel or No Diesel

Food for thought on whether modern Diesel engines are worth consideration

Smiles Per Gallon

Past, present and future of fuel efficiency

Detour Podcast: Three Trailheads Talking. Can Car Guys be nature lovers, too?

Joined by guest Doug Swier, Bill and Don explain why the Pacific Northwest keeps attracting outdoor enthusiasts from around the globe. Doug and Don cover road trips to climb volcanoes in Oregon and Washington, while Bill tops the discussion with a Mt Rainier ascent.

Guest Electrical Engineer Doug Swier amps up the discussion on EVs and plug-in hybrids

Veteran professional engineer provides insight for Bill and Don on the pros and cons of using electricity to propel today's vehicles. We briefly cover energy costs and incentives, limitations and home energy generation.