Cars The Podcast

Aftermarket support and community knowledge should factor into your choice of vehicle. We also cover the mods that provide the biggest gains for the buck when travelling off the beaten path.

Bill and Don go over several unintentional habits that can cause major repairs. Also, will the new Hummer EV be a true offroad tool, or just clever marketing?

Bill and Don detail the alleged 316mph production car speed record (331mph max) set by Washington State constructor SSC North America in Richland. Also covered, the need or desire for a new engine for your car or truck: Consult and experienced tech to determine whether repairing, modifying or swapping is the optimal solution.

Bill and Don provide some guidance for the upcoming dark, wet and cold conditions

No Crank vs No Start, Rattle vs Clunk, Intermittent vs Constant, Oil Leak vs Consumption: Be clear about symptoms to help your shop help you.

Thorough communication is the key to getting exactly what you want from your Technician or Service Department. You'll both avoid frustration and expense by understanding what's needed. Bill and Don briefly also cover how much extra you can save by selling your old car privately, and discuss the viability of EV charging stations for the onslaught of electric and electrified vehicles (Mustang Mach E...

ASE Mechanic, Jeeper and PHEV owner Bill gives his initial take on the potential and acceptance of Jeep's new Plug-in hybrid Wrangler 4XE. Will it sacrifice the old-school Jeep romance and trail skills for competence and complication? 

Don's home studio under evacuation orders. Bill keeps a wary eye on fires near his business and home. Both compare surprising revelations learned through ownership of their own range-extended EV's.

Bill and Don cover universal guidelines to use when looking for your next ride. The expected glut of lease returns didn't pan out as COVID-19 has people hoarding good used cars.

The make, model and year of your vehicle will affect the cost and continued supply of parts; pandemics will, too. Some manufacturers are notorious for supporting older cars; others, not so much

Bill and Don discuss Plug-in ownership now that Don succumbed. Tesla soars ever higher through a stock split. Have we reached peak EV hype? ...We still love ICE! Reach out to us!  carsthepodcast@gmail.com

Car decisions can have a greater impact than housing on your total budget. We discuss the pitfalls of trusting Video Virtuosos, Forum Friends, and Website Wizards with your car's issues.

Bill and Don return from summer hiatus with road stories and auto industry happenings.

Bill and Don provide a real-world checklist for buyers with limited skills and tools. You can quickly rule out unacceptable cars and focus your time, energy and money on the right vehicle. 

The fallacy of "Initial Quality" awards revealed. Also, are parts breaking when accessing others? ...Brittle plastics and hard-to-access engine bays contribute to this plague. 

Longtime Jeeper Bill gives respect to the new Ford Bronco. Will GM ever respond? Acolytes and fanboys of all stripes ignore their own favorite brands' flaws. As always, Don and Bill discuss the many layers of a car's cost beyond just MPG and MSRP.

Bill and Don humblebrag about living in the automotive mecca of the Mt Rainier region. The highs and lows of Honda, Hyundai and Kia history are also debated.

Bill's Overland Van idea and V8 swaps; Don wonders how a company can make brilliant cars, yet repeatedly misread the market.

Bill and Don opine on various brands' highs and lows through the years. Consideration is given to mechanical virtue, repair ease, adherence to brand values and mission creep.

Doug and Don Swier grill their dad on Father's Day about entrepreneurship, old cars and new ideas. A crackling campfire on the Mason Lake shoreline completes the audio. 

Bill and Don discuss carmakers who veered from their stronghold, and their steps to regain prominence. 

Bill and Don pontificate about various carmakers who confused their customers or annoyed the people who fix their cars  

Don interviews Bill on his early mechanical aptitude, path into the industry, business ownership, and ongoing education in an ever-changing field

Bill and Don discuss newfound appreciation for older, proven systems, as well as the necessity to adapt to advancing technology

Doug and Don Swier Interview uncle Dick Swier, retired WSP Captain (Aviation) on Flying, Family and travelling the West