Cool Cars with Chris: Car Talk, Driving Tips & Auto Life

Chris Smith
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Automotive
  • Updated Weekly

Real car talk without the hype. I’m Chris — a lifelong car enthusiast diving into car culture, driving tips, and the real auto life. Each week, we cover car buying, insurance hacks, crazy driving laws, financing, and ownership advice that actually helps you drive smarter. Whether you love JDM, muscle, or daily drivers, this show’s all about real stories, honest tips, and making the road a little cooler. Subscribe and join the ride!

  1. 2d ago

    048 | He Drove My Manual Nissan 370Z for the First Time!

    Courage drives Chris’s manual Nissan 370Z for the first time and shares his honest impressions of the Z’s weighted shifter, clutch feel, VQ engine, exhaust sound, handling and analog sports-car experience. They compare the naturally aspirated 370Z with modern turbocharged performance cars, including the different clutch engagement and power delivery of a Hyundai N. The original plan was a full car swap, but everything changed after a loose suitcase appeared on the freeway and damaged Courage’s front bumper. Chris and Courage break down the freeway road-debris accident, the split-second decision to swerve, possible intercooler damage, repair costs and the insurance process. They also discuss clutch failure warning signs, checking clutch and brake fluid, using AI to research unusual car noises, safely securing luggage for road trips, a rare 1996 Corvette Grand Sport, rising collector-car values and the low-mileage Honda CRX that sold for a shocking price. Hear Courage’s final rating of Chris’s Nissan 370Z and why the manual Z still delivers one of the most connected driving experiences available. Follow Cool Cars with Chris in your favorite podcast app, leave a rating and share the episode with another car enthusiast. Love cars, horsepower, road trips and real automotive conversations? Follow Cool Cars with Chris and Courage for new podcast episodes, YouTube videos, car reviews, event coverage and behind-the-scenes content. 🌐 Cool Cars with Chris Website:https://coolcarswithchris.com ▶️ Cool Cars with Chris on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@CoolCarswithChris619 📸 Cool Cars with Chris on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/cool_cars_with_chris619/ ▶️ Courage — The DriveN Dad on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@TheDriveNDad22 📸 Courage — The DriveN Dad on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thedrivendad22/ 00:00 — He Drove My Manual Nissan 370Z for the First Time01:35 — Recording Live From Courage’s Backyard02:11 — Temecula Traffic and California’s “Smart Freeway”05:00 — Courage’s Nissan 370Z First-Drive Impressions06:15 — Weighted Shifter and Manual Gearbox Feel07:00 — Nissan 370Z Clutch vs. Hyundai N Clutch08:24 — Clutch Failure, Fluid Checks and Warning Signs10:38 — Using AI to Diagnose Car Noises12:19 — Why the Planned Car Swap Fell Apart12:57 — The Freeway Suitcase Crash18:32 — Swerving to Avoid Dangerous Road Debris20:17 — Front-Bumper Damage and Intercooler Risk21:11 — Repair Costs, Insurance and the Next Steps23:03 — How to Secure Luggage for a Road Trip26:01 — What If the Suitcase Was Full of Money?30:18 — Turning Car Damage Into Content33:18 — A Rare 1996 Corvette Grand Sport34:48 — Collector-Car Prices and a $71,000 Honda CRX37:02 — Why Chris Drives the 370Z Without Music37:44 — Courage Gives the Nissan 370Z His Final Rating39:49 — Driven Dad 22 and Closing Thoughts #Nissan370Z #370Z #ManualTransmission #ManualCars #NissanZ #VQ37VHR #VQEngine #SportsCar #CarPodcast #AutomotivePodcast #CarEnthusiast #FirstDrive #CarReview #WeightedShifter #JDMCars #HyundaiN #RoadDebris #CarsAndCoffee #CoolCarsWithChris #DrivenDad22

    048 | He Drove My Manual Nissan 370Z for the First Time!

  2. 6d ago

    047 | NASCAR San Diego at Coronado: Project Cars & a Jimmie Johnson Connection

    NASCAR came to San Diego, and Courage was there to experience the action at Naval Base Coronado. In this episode of Cool Cars with Chris, Chris and Courage recap the NASCAR San Diego race weekend, including the Coronado road course, ferry transportation, base security, packed crowds, loud V8 engines and the challenges drivers faced on a rough temporary track. They also compare NASCAR road-course racing with traditional oval racing and discuss brakes, tires, crashes, barrier repairs and the intense sound of stock cars in person. Chris also shares his unexpected Jimmie Johnson connection, revealing that he attended the same high school as the NASCAR champion. Later, the conversation shifts to project cars, including Courage’s Nissan 300ZX and his search for an affordable fourth-generation Chevrolet Camaro Z28. They discuss LT1 and LS engines, the “catfish” Camaro, buying damaged vehicles, setting a realistic project-car budget and searching Craigslist, OfferUp and Facebook Marketplace for cheap cars. Follow for More Love cars, horsepower, road trips and real automotive conversations? Follow Cool Cars with Chris and Courage for new podcast episodes, YouTube videos, car reviews, event coverage and behind-the-scenes content. 🌐 Cool Cars with Chris Website:https://coolcarswithchris.com ▶️ Cool Cars with Chris on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@CoolCarswithChris619 📸 Cool Cars with Chris on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/cool_cars_with_chris619/ ▶️ Courage — The DriveN Dad on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@TheDriveNDad22 📸 Courage — The DriveN Dad on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thedrivendad22/ 00:00 AI smart highways and Southern California traffic03:32 Driving through Temecula and Murrieta08:03 I-15 traffic and the San Diego commute10:23 Are cheaper homes worth a longer commute?12:20 Commuter car spotting and Hyundai headquarters15:23 NASCAR comes to San Diego and Coronado16:15 Base security, parking and taking the ferry17:37 Victory Lane and the race-day experience20:08 Watching NASCAR on the Coronado road course23:50 NASCAR noise, AirPods and hearing protection27:23 V8 engines, turbo V6s and electric NASCAR30:27 Brakes, bumps and road-course racing33:33 Crashes, barrier repairs and track problems35:12 Chris’s Jimmie Johnson connection38:03 Could NASCAR return to San Diego?38:38 Coronado traffic, housing and Silver Strand45:14 Road-course NASCAR versus oval racing47:28 What makes a car a project car?49:00 Courage’s Nissan 300ZX project-car story50:30 Searching for a Chevrolet Camaro Z2856:00 Evaluating damage and negotiating a project car1:00:14 Barn finds and cheap-car dreams1:05:20 Craigslist, OfferUp and Facebook Marketplace1:06:33 Google+, YouTube and abandoned technology1:08:46 What if YouTube charged creators to upload?1:10:37 Creator milestones and trillion-dollar wealth1:13:42 Where to follow The Driven Dad 221:14:08 Final thoughts: Be safe and drive legal #NASCAR #NASCARSanDiego #NavalBaseCoronado #Coronado #JimmieJohnson #ProjectCars #CamaroZ28 #ChevyCamaro #Nissan300ZX #CarPodcast #AutomotivePodcast #CarCulture #ClassicCars #MuscleCars #RoadCourseRacing #StockCarRacing #SouthernCaliforniaCars #SanDiegoCars #LT1 #CoolCarsWithChris

    047 | NASCAR San Diego at Coronado: Project Cars & a Jimmie Johnson Connection

  3. Jul 27

    046 | Genesis Magma GT Explained: Hyundai’s Supercar, KDM Cars & the Future of N

    Could the Genesis Magma GT become Hyundai’s first true supercar? In this episode of Cool Cars with Chris, Chris and Courage discuss the rise of KDM cars, the future of Hyundai N, and how Genesis is trying to compete with established performance and luxury brands. They break down the Magma GT’s possible V8-hybrid powertrain, mid-engine design, pricing, production potential, and whether buyers would choose it over a Corvette, Porsche, Ferrari, or Lamborghini. The conversation also covers the Elantra N, Veloster N, Genesis Coupe, Kia performance cars, exotic-car depreciation, Hyundai reliability, and why Korean performance cars are becoming more popular with enthusiasts. Would you buy a Genesis supercar? Follow for More Love cars, horsepower, road trips and real automotive conversations? Follow Cool Cars with Chris and Courage for new podcast episodes, YouTube videos, car reviews, event coverage and behind-the-scenes content. 🌐 Cool Cars with Chris Website:https://coolcarswithchris.com ▶️ Cool Cars with Chris on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CoolCarswithChris619 📸 Cool Cars with Chris on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/cool_cars_with_chris619/ ▶️ Courage — The DriveN Dad on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@TheDriveNDad22 📸 Courage — The DriveN Dad on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thedrivendad22/ 00:00 San Diego Fair food and annual traditions 05:20 Dream backyards, barbecues and a pretend swimming pool 07:10 Hyundai Elantra road trip and rear-seat A/C struggles 09:06 La Jolla Cars & Coffee and daily-driven exotics 11:18 Should you drive an exotic or protect its value? 13:51 Becoming a Hyundai and KDM car fan 16:02 Mazda RX-8 rotary engines and CD-ROM nostalgia 19:50 The Hyundai, Kia and Genesis relationship 24:27 Genesis Coupe, G80 V8 and Korean performance cars 28:11 Are modern luxury-car interiors becoming too similar? 31:45 What KDM means and why Korean cars are growing 36:34 Genesis Magma GT supercar discussion 38:18 Possible V8-hybrid powertrain and design influences 40:19 Racing, homologation and production possibilities 41:37 Magma GT interior, gauges and unusual shifter 52:21 Possible pricing for the Genesis Magma GT 54:13 Genesis vs. Corvette, Porsche and exotic cars 58:28 Can Genesis become a respected luxury-performance brand? 62:10 German repair costs and Hyundai reliability 64:18 How long can Hyundai performance cars last? 66:12 Elantra N, Veloster N and the need for a Sonata N 68:19 Hyundai N, N Line, Kia GT and Genesis Magma explained 73:41 Would Courage buy another Hyundai? 78:15 Why the Elantra N has personal meaning 79:23 The Driven Dad 22 and closing thoughts #GenesisMagmaGT #GenesisMotors #HyundaiN #KDM #KoreanCars #HyundaiPerformance #GenesisSupercar #ElantraN #VelosterN #GenesisCoupe #KiaPerformance #CarPodcast #AutomotivePodcast #PerformanceCars #Supercars #CarEnthusiast #FutureCars #HybridSupercar #CarCulture #CoolCarsWithChris

    046 | Genesis Magma GT Explained: Hyundai’s Supercar, KDM Cars & the Future of N

  4. Jul 23

    045 | Are Manual Transmissions Dying? The Best Stick-Shift Cars to Buy

    Are manual transmissions disappearing—or are they becoming more desirable than ever? Chris is joined by Courage from The Driven Dad for a full conversation about learning to drive stick, teaching beginners how to use a clutch and why manual cars create a driving experience that even the fastest modern automatic cannot completely replace. Chris shares stories from learning in a bare-bones Mitsubishi Mighty Max, owning manual Ford, Mercury and Nissan vehicles, and returning to a six-speed Nissan Z after years of driving an automatic truck. Courage explains how he teaches first-time manual drivers, including a simple clutch-control exercise that can help beginners get moving without immediately burning up the clutch. They also discuss why manuals went from being the inexpensive “standard” transmission to a rare enthusiast option, whether driving stick still makes sense in heavy traffic and how modern paddle-shift, dual-clutch and 10-speed automatic transmissions have changed the argument. Later, Chris and Courage explore some of the new and used manual cars enthusiasts should consider, including the Nissan Z, Mazda Miata, Toyota GR86, Ford Mustang, Pontiac Solstice, Saturn Sky, Camaro, Firebird, Jaguar F-Type, BMW M3, Dodge Viper, Hyundai Elantra N, Nissan 350Z and Nissan 370Z. The conversation wraps up with a bigger question: Do drivers really need more screens, apps and electronic features—or do they need a car that is simply fun to drive? In this episode: • How Chris and Courage learned to drive manual• The secret to understanding clutch engagement• Teaching a beginner without destroying your clutch• Why fewer people know how to drive stick• Could manual-driving lessons become a side hustle?• Manual versus automatic transmissions in daily traffic• New cars that still offer a manual transmission• Affordable used performance cars with stick shifts• Why modern automatics are faster but sometimes less engaging• The appeal of analog sports cars• Why the 350Z and 370Z remain popular enthusiast choices• Driving experience versus technology and luxury features Follow for More Love cars, horsepower, road trips and real automotive conversations? Follow Cool Cars with Chris and Courage for new podcast episodes, YouTube videos, car reviews, event coverage and behind-the-scenes content. 🌐 Cool Cars with Chris Website:https://coolcarswithchris.com ▶️ Cool Cars with Chris on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@CoolCarswithChris619 📸 Cool Cars with Chris on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/cool_cars_with_chris619/ ▶️ Courage — The DriveN Dad on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@TheDriveNDad22 📸 Courage — The DriveN Dad on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thedrivendad22/ 00:00 Welcome and social media talk03:51 Are manual transmissions dying?04:12 Learning to drive stick10:01 Chris’s history with manual cars16:00 Valet drivers and stick shifts19:31 Teaching beginners to drive manual22:12 Manual-driving lessons as a side hustle26:05 Manual versus automatic transmissions33:08 New cars still available with manuals39:06 Modern automatics and paddle shifters44:51 Finding and selling a manual Nissan Z48:12 Affordable used manual sports cars57:34 Technology versus driving experience1:05:32 Elantra N and modern enthusiast cars1:12:54 Are the 350Z and 370Z still good buys?1:17:46 The Driven Dad and closing thoughts #ManualTransmission #StickShift #SaveTheManuals #ManualCars #CarPodcast #AutomotivePodcast #CarEnthusiast #SportsCars #PerformanceCars #NissanZ #Nissan370Z #Nissan350Z #MazdaMiata #ToyotaGR86 #FordMustang #HyundaiElantraN #ManualVsAutomatic #HowToDriveStick #AnalogCars #CoolCarsWithChris

    045 | Are Manual Transmissions Dying? The Best Stick-Shift Cars to Buy

  5. Jul 20

    044 | What Really Counts as a Car Mod? Elantra N Performance, Negative Equity & California Car Culture

    In this episode of Cool Cars with Chris, Chris and Courage dive into Hyundai Elantra N modifications, Southern California Cars & Coffee culture, underrated performance cars, and the question every enthusiast debates: what really counts as a car mod? From rear diffusers, underglow, wheels, wraps, exhausts, turbos, and tunes to stickers and license plate frames, they break down the line between personalization and true modification. The conversation also covers Hyundai N performance, the possibility of a Genesis or Hyundai sports car, retired police cars, Mercury Marauders, rising Toyota 4Runner values, used SUV depreciation, car loan negative equity, leasing versus financing, California car modification and smog laws, and the growing impact of AI-generated automotive videos, fake podcasts, and online car content. Follow for More Love cars, horsepower, road trips and real automotive conversations? Follow Cool Cars with Chris and Courage for new podcast episodes, YouTube videos, car reviews, event coverage and behind-the-scenes content. 🌐 Cool Cars with Chris Website:https://coolcarswithchris.com ▶️ Cool Cars with Chris on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@CoolCarswithChris619 📸 Cool Cars with Chris on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/cool_cars_with_chris619/ ▶️ Courage — The DriveN Dad on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@TheDriveNDad22 📸 Courage — The DriveN Dad on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thedrivendad22/ 00:00 Welcome to Cool Cars with Chris01:00 Beach Trips, Family Cars and Keeping Sand Out03:24 The Costco Sports-Car Challenge07:19 Courage’s Difficult Rear-Diffuser Installation09:52 Cars & Coffee and the Struggle to Wake Up Early13:40 The Growing Southern California Car Scene16:36 Balancing Cars, Content, Work and Family18:20 Who Actually Goes to Cars & Coffee?20:05 Night Car Meets, Takeovers and Underglow22:19 Creating Hyundai Elantra N Modification Videos24:08 Why the Elantra N Is More Than an Appearance Package26:19 Discovering the Elantra N Through Turo28:41 Could Hyundai Build a Corvette Competitor?30:24 Bright Car Colors Versus Blending In31:25 Speed Traps and Unmarked Police Vehicles34:13 Buying Retired Police Cars38:41 Underrated Performance Cars and the Mercury Marauder40:22 Why Old Toyota 4Runners Cost So Much43:23 Choosing a Used SUV for Road Trips44:07 Depreciated SUVs, Range Rovers and Infiniti QX80s45:30 The Danger of Rolling Negative Equity Into a Car Loan46:43 When Financing or Leasing a Car Makes Sense48:29 Leasing a Mercedes Versus Using Uber Black51:25 Listener Question: What Counts as a Car Mod?53:01 Do Stickers and License Plate Frames Count as Mods?54:28 Wraps, Wheels and Changing a Car From Stock58:00 Reversible Mods Versus Serious Modifications1:00:03 Turbos, Tunes and California Modification Laws1:02:10 AI-Generated Videos Are Getting Harder to Spot1:04:13 Fake Podcasts and AI-Created Automotive Content1:06:11 Viral AI Videos and Internet Trends1:08:04 More Listener Questions and California Smog Rules1:09:28 Volkswagen Passat, Sport Sedans and DSG Transmissions1:12:17 Closing and Where to Follow the Show #CoolCarsWithChris #CarPodcast #CarMods #CarModification #HyundaiElantraN #HyundaiN #PerformanceCars #CarCulture #CarsAndCoffee #SouthernCaliforniaCars #ModifiedCars #CarEnthusiast #UnderratedCars #Toyota4Runner #MercuryMarauder #CarBuyingTips #NegativeEquity #CarFinancing #CaliforniaCarLaws #AutomotivePodcast

    044 | What Really Counts as a Car Mod? Elantra N Performance, Negative Equity & California Car Culture

  6. Jul 16

    043 | RAM TRX Is Back With 777 HP — Are Street Trucks Making a Comeback?

    In this episode of Cool Cars with Chris, Chris and Courage discuss the reported return of the RAM TRX with 777 horsepower and whether high-performance street trucks are making a major comeback. They revisit legendary models like the RAM SRT-10, the original supercharged Ford F-150 Lightning, and the Toyota Tacoma X-Runner, while also exploring SRT, Scat Pack trucks, and the future of American V8 performance. The conversation covers the ultra-limited Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing, rising gas prices, expensive truck fill-ups, fuel-pump maintenance, towing costs, Uber driving, electric vehicles, and the Ford Mustang Mach-E. Later, the guys dive into Cars and Coffee culture, Corvette-owner stereotypes, why enthusiasts should drive their sports cars, and the growing value of clean, unmodified Nissan 350Zs. They also compare the 350Z and 370Z, discuss high-mileage 370Z ownership, analog sports cars, BMW and Mercedes-Benz luxury appeal, and whether the Alfa Romeo Giulia delivers a more exciting enthusiast experience. In this episode The reported 777-horsepower RAM TRX returnRAM SRT-10 and Viper-powered trucksThe original Ford F-150 LightningAre street trucks making a comeback?Toyota Tacoma X-Runner and performance-truck conceptsCadillac CT5-V Blackwing pricing and exclusivityThe disappearance of American V8 sedansGas prices and expensive truck fill-upsThe half-tank fuel-pump debateTowing costs and track-day expensesUber driving, EVs and the Mustang Mach-ECars and Coffee cultureWhy enthusiasts should drive their carsAre clean Nissan 350Zs becoming collectible?Nissan 350Z versus 370ZHigh-mileage 370Z ownershipPerformance cars versus luxury badgesAlfa Romeo Giulia versus BMW and Mercedes-Benz Follow for More Love cars, horsepower, road trips and real automotive conversations? Follow Cool Cars with Chris and Courage for new podcast episodes, YouTube videos, car reviews, event coverage and behind-the-scenes content. 🌐 Cool Cars with Chris Website:https://coolcarswithchris.com ▶️ Cool Cars with Chris on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@CoolCarswithChris619 📸 Cool Cars with Chris on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/cool_cars_with_chris619/ ▶️ Courage — The DriveN Dad on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@TheDriveNDad22 📸 Courage — The DriveN Dad on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thedrivendad22/ 00:00 Welcome Back: Weather, San Diego and a Wild Dallas Trip 03:54 Dodge RAM or RAM? The Brand and Its Truck Innovations 06:49 What Is RAM Planning Next? 09:03 The RAM TRX Returns With 777 Horsepower 09:53 RAM SRT-10, the Original Ford Lightning and Viper Power 12:44 SRT, Scat Pack and the Return of the Street Truck 13:48 Toyota Tacoma X-Runner and Lowered Performance Trucks 17:58 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing and American V8 Performance 23:44 Gas Prices, Fuel Pumps and the Half-Tank Rule 28:33 Trucking Costs, Uber Drivers and the Mustang Mach-E 32:10 Car Dealerships and Buying the Right Vehicle for the Job 36:54 Blackwings, Corvettes and Cars and Coffee Culture 39:24 Why Car People Love Sharing Their Stories 42:08 Track Days, Towing Costs and Driving the Cars You Own 48:24 Are Clean Nissan 350Zs Becoming Collectible? 50:40 Nissan 350Z vs. 370Z 53:29 Older Z Cars, Reliability and Analog Driving 55:07 Living With a High-Mileage 370Z and Its Quirks 1:00:04 Performance Cars vs. Luxury Badges 1:02:43 Alfa Romeo Giulia vs. BMW and Mercedes-Benz 1:04:37 Driven Dad 22 Update and Closing #RAMTRX #RAMTRX777HP #PerformanceTrucks #StreetTrucks #RAMSRT10 #FordLightning #CadillacBlackwing #CT5VBlackwing #Nissan350Z #Nissan370Z #CarPodcast #AutomotivePodcast #CarCulture #CoolCarsWithChris #TheDriveNDad

    043 | RAM TRX Is Back With 777 HP — Are Street Trucks Making a Comeback?

  7. Jul 13

    042 | I Took Dad’s Fox Body 5.0! Double-Decker Cars & Mexican GTRs

    This week on Cool Cars with Chris, Chris and Courage are talking Fox Body Mustangs, demolition derby madness, double-decker cars, E85 fuel, oil-burning engines, Datsun finds, and the legendary “Mexican GTR.” Chris kicks things off with a story from back in the day: the time he secretly took his dad’s Fox Body 5.0 Mustang for a weekend joyride. Beach runs, friends in the car, racing a Z31 Nissan 300ZX, and trying to cover his tracks before dad checked the mileage — what could possibly go wrong? Then Courage recaps a packed car weekend, including a big Temecula car show with everything from classics and rat rods to JDM cars, supercars, and an Arizona iced tea-themed Subaru STI. After that, things get wild with a trip to a Perris demolition derby, featuring dirt track racing, trailer races, and the unforgettable double-decker derby cars — one driver on the gas, another on the steering wheel, and a whole lot of trust involved. The conversation also dives into classic car myths and garage talk, including whether sugar in the gas tank really kills an engine, old-school YouTube car torture experiments, running E85 fuel, Ford 5.0 Coyote oil consumption, VQ engines that burn oil, cylinder deactivation, and what happens when cars are pushed way past their limits. To wrap it up, Chris and Courage talk about hidden Datsun 240Z finds, engine swap ideas for old Datsun pickups, EcoBoost swaps, Coyote swaps, and the ultimate sleeper truck: the Coyote-powered F-150, also known as the Mexican GTR. If you love car stories, Mustang talk, sleeper builds, JDM cars, demolition derby chaos, and real car-guy conversations, this episode is for you. Website: https://coolcarswithchris.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CoolCarswithChris619Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cool_cars_with_chris619/ Courage’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheDriveNDad22Courage’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedrivendad22/ 00:00 🏁 Intro: Fox Body 5.0, double-decker cars & Mexican GTRs01:10 🎙️ Welcome to Cool Cars with Chris01:49 🔑 Chris takes dad’s Fox Body 5.0 Mustang04:41 🚗 Temecula car fest and the Arizona STI07:34 💥 Perris demolition derby night09:32 🤯 Double-decker derby cars explained13:27 🛻 Trailer races and dirt track chaos20:55 ⛽ Sugar in the gas tank and car myths22:32 🔥 Car torture experiments and engine abuse25:19 🌽 E85 fuel, flex fuel trucks and gas prices29:03 🛢️ Ford 5.0 Coyote and VQ oil-burning problems32:24 ⚙️ Cylinder deactivation and V6 Camaro stories38:12 👀 Datsun pickups, a hidden 240Z and swap ideas43:11 🇲🇽 What is a Mexican GTR?49:16 🙌 Wrap-up with Courage from Driven Dad 22 Chris and Courage talk Fox Body 5.0 Mustang memories, Ford Mustang joyrides, a Z31 Nissan 300ZX street-race story, Temecula car show highlights, a wild Perris demolition derby with double-decker derby cars, trailer racing, E85 fuel, Ford 5.0 Coyote oil consumption, VQ engine problems, Datsun 240Z spotting, engine swap ideas, Coyote F-150 sleeper trucks, and the legendary Mexican GTR in this fun car podcast episode of Cool Cars with Chris. #CoolCarsWithChris #FoxBodyMustang #FoxBody #FivePointOh #FordMustang #MustangGT #CoyoteF150 #MexicanGTR #SleeperTruck #FordF150 #CoyoteEngine #DemolitionDerby #DoubleDeckerCars #PerrisDemolitionDerby #TrailerRacing #TemeculaCarShow #Datsun240Z #Nissan300ZX #E85Fuel #CarPodcast

    042 | I Took Dad’s Fox Body 5.0! Double-Decker Cars & Mexican GTRs

  8. Jul 6

    041 | How Jesse Jackson Is Redefining Auto Repair with Mango Automotive

    In this episode of Cool Cars with Chris, Chris sits down with Jesse Jackson, co-founder of Mango Automotive, to discuss how she's redefining auto repair through customer experience, innovative business practices, and a fresh approach to an industry that has remained largely unchanged for decades. Jesse shares her journey from the software industry into automotive repair, the story behind the Mango Automotive brand, and how the company grew from a single repair shop in 2021 to eight locations across New Mexico, Arizona, and Texas. The conversation explores the unique "Pink Wall Effect," why customer trust matters in auto repair, the importance of creating a welcoming environment for all drivers, and how women are helping shape the future of the automotive industry. Chris and Jesse also discuss technician training, ASE certifications, shop acquisitions, employee development, vehicle maintenance, extended warranties, customer service, and the realities of operating a growing multi-location automotive business. Whether you're a car enthusiast, automotive professional, entrepreneur, repair shop owner, or simply someone looking to better understand vehicle maintenance and the auto repair industry, this episode offers valuable insights into one of the most important businesses keeping drivers on the road. Topics Covered: • How Jesse Jackson founded Mango Automotive• Growing from one repair shop to eight locations• The story behind the Mango Automotive name• The Pink Wall Effect and customer experience• Women in automotive repair• Hiring and training automotive technicians• ASE certifications and technician development• Auto repair shop acquisitions and business growth• Building company culture and employee retention• The economics of running an automotive repair business• Vehicle maintenance and preventative service• Extended warranties and common misconceptions• The most expensive automotive repairs• Customer trust and transparency in auto repair• Managing multiple locations and scaling operations• The future of the automotive repair industry Guest:Jesse JacksonCo-Founder, Mango Automotive Connect with Mango Automotive:https://www.mangoautomotive.com/ #AutoRepair #AutomotiveRepair #CarMaintenance #VehicleMaintenance #AutomotiveIndustry #MangoAutomotive #JesseJackson #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusiness #WomenInAutomotive 00:00 Introduction 00:26 What Is Mango Automotive? 00:55 Starting Mango Automotive in 2021 01:09 Why the Name "Mango Automotive"? 02:09 Redefining the Auto Repair Experience 03:04 The Pink Wall Effect 04:14 Women in the Auto Repair Industry 05:59 What Vehicles Does Mango Automotive Service? 07:10 From Software Executive to Auto Repair Entrepreneur 08:41 Hiring and Training Automotive Technicians 10:17 Learning to Drive a Manual Transmission 12:25 What Happens to Abandoned Vehicles? 14:24 Growing Mango Automotive to Eight Locations 15:16 How Auto Repair Shop Acquisitions Work 16:42 Same-Day Service and Shop Capacity 17:42 Customer Transportation and Lyft Services 18:46 The Most Expensive Automotive Repairs 19:48 Extended Warranties and Repair Challenges 23:25 Rising Vehicle Ownership and Repair Costs 25:02 The Economics of Running an Auto Repair Business 27:01 Mango Automotive's Most Successful Shop 28:59 Growing a Newly Acquired Repair Shop 31:09 Keeping Employees During Ownership Changes 33:03 Helping Auto Shop Owners Retire 35:35 Alternatives to Selling a Repair Shop 37:51 Competition in the Auto Repair Industry 39:09 Friendly Sign Wars Between Repair Shops 43:12 Managing Eight Shops and Seven Kids 45:47 Leadership, Hiring, and Company Culture 47:46 Mango University and Employee Development 48:42 Expansion Plans and California Growth 50:42 Vehicle Safety Inspections and Customer Trust 54:20 Car Maintenance Advice for Every Driver 55:22 Where to Find Mango Automotive 56:29 Episode Wrap-Up

    041 | How Jesse Jackson Is Redefining Auto Repair with Mango Automotive
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About

Real car talk without the hype. I’m Chris — a lifelong car enthusiast diving into car culture, driving tips, and the real auto life. Each week, we cover car buying, insurance hacks, crazy driving laws, financing, and ownership advice that actually helps you drive smarter. Whether you love JDM, muscle, or daily drivers, this show’s all about real stories, honest tips, and making the road a little cooler. Subscribe and join the ride!

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