Car Talk #2525: Husband Wrecks Car, Oil Leaks, and CV Joint Issues

Rant Against Speed and Horsepower

• 💡 The speaker expresses frustration with the automotive industry's emphasis on horsepower and speed, citing Lexus and Toyota advertisements that promote rapid acceleration.
• ⚠️ The promotion of speed is seen as dangerous and morally unconscionable, as it contributes to accidents and fatalities.
• 🚫 A call for a boycott against Toyota and Mercedes-Benz products is made due to their focus on faster cars.

Car Trouble: Burnt Popcorn Smell

• 🚗 A caller describes a burnt popcorn smell coming from her 1996 Dodge Stratus's exhaust after short trips.
• 🔍 The hosts suggest the smell is likely originating from the engine compartment due to a small oil leak dripping onto the exhaust system, rather than the tailpipe itself.
• 🛠️ Recommended solutions include checking for leaks from the oil pressure switch or valve cover gasket, or having a mechanic inspect the engine.

Car Trouble: Clicking and Shaking Front End

• 🚗 A caller with an 1989 Volkswagen Golf experiences intermittent clicking and violent shaking of the front end while driving.
• ⚙️ The hosts diagnose this as a potential issue with a bad constant velocity (CV) joint, where a broken ball bearing can momentarily impede wheel rotation, causing the shaking.
• 💰 The suggested repair involves replacing one of the axles with a rebuilt or used one, with an estimated cost in the hundreds of dollars.

Range Rover Purchase Regret

• 🤦 A caller recounts impulsively buying a 1989 Range Rover wagon while pregnant, despite her husband's preference for a more reliable Jeep.
• 💸 The purchase led to significant unexpected expenses, including a new alternator, speedometer, and electrical chip, totaling over $2,400 in four months, on top of the initial $16,500 purchase price.
• ⚖️ The hosts advise a compromise: set a timeframe and budget for further repairs, and if exceeded, trade in the vehicle at a loss, acknowledging the emotional purchase decision.

Mazda 626 Collision and Repair Issues

• 💥 A caller's 1997 Mazda 626 DX was significantly damaged when her husband was involved in a multi-car accident.
• 🔧 Despite extensive repairs costing around $10,000, the car was returned with a visibly crooked front end and a persistent pull to the right, even after multiple alignment attempts.
• ⚖️ The hosts suggest the caller inform the insurance company and consider legal action against the repair shop if the issues are not resolved.

Puzzler: Frank's Children

• ❓ A neighbor states he has five children and half of them are boys.
• 💡 The solution lies in the fact that the neighbor has five children, and if half were boys, it would imply a fractional number of children, which is impossible. The statement is a trick of wording.