Shows
My Car Guru PodcastThere could be a mistake on your car title that could be a BIG PROBLEMSend us a textAlong with an important car title warning, I dive into the things that retail buyers crave and the things they detest. If you own a small business, or know someone who does, you might want to listen and pass it on........It would be your good deed for the day.Email Lennie at lennielawson2020@gmail.com
2023-03-0822 minMy Car Guru Podcast"BEE ALERT...ARRIVE UNHURT".....how to see "the scam" before you are "the victim"Send us a textWe used to see this sign on the interstate....BEE ALERT, ARRIVE UNHURT.....My son actually thought there were bee hives that we needed to avoid. It was really just a call to stay on your toes....something that I had to do the other day when I received a cashiers check for an item I was selling....it was a strange experience and a fake check. But the good news.... I suspected it from the beginning.Listen and learn how to keep from getting scammedEmail L...
2023-03-0721 minMy Car Guru PodcastVintage car auctions are not for the faint of heart...or for those who are "light in the wallet"Send us a textI am back....back from the Amelia Island Concours d Elegance (a big ass car show) and the Gooding vintage car auction, where they sold a grand total of $72 million worth of cars....two of which were purchased by me. Come on....ride with meEmail Lennie at lennielawson2020@gmail.com
2023-03-0721 minMy Car Guru PodcastIf you're thinking about buying a classic car to restore....DON'T!!!Send us a text99.9% of the classic cars that I have bought (and that is well into the hundreds at this point) were from owners who never got a around to finishing them. The reasons: lack of time, lack of money and lack of total commitment to the project.It's so exciting..... at the beginning, and then reality sets in. Listen to a few great examples and solid advice from someone who has "been there and done that" more times than even he can count.Email Lennie at lennielawson2020@gmail.c...
2023-03-0122 minMy Car Guru PodcastThings every car buyer should, or should not do, after they buy their new carSend us a textWhen you get a new car, you should want to protect it, and most people do just that until the NEW wears off. However, there are some solutions.....there are a few things you can do to help preserve the resale value of your car even if you become negligent in your responsibilities of ownership.Listen to this episode to educate yourself and your loved ones on the subject of "asset protection" (the asset being your car)Email Lennie at lennielawson2020@gmail.com
2023-02-2823 minMy Car Guru PodcastHow to find enough money and save enough money to pay for a Hawaiian Cruise for 2Send us a textThere's just something wonderful and mysterious about "found money"....it's money that you once had but lost or forgot about, or money that you never had, but luckily found.... and then there's money that you asked for (like a discount) and only got BECAUSE you asked for it.This episode is all about "found money" and how to get more of it by simply askingEmail Lennie at lennielawson2020@gmail.com
2023-02-2721 minMy Car Guru PodcastYou can get more of what you want when you AREN'T AN ASSSend us a textEveryone screws up...we forget to do "this or that". But somethings "this or that" can cost thousands and a lot of heart ache.When it happens to your car, it can make you CarLife a whole lot more difficult.Here is how you handle it when things go wrong.Email Lennie at lennielawson2020@gmail.com
2023-02-2423 minMy Car Guru PodcastMiscellaneous automotive observations, controversies and chastisementsSend us a textI just have a lot on my mind, and in this episode, it just comes out of me.Email Lennie at lennielawson2020@gmail.com
2023-02-2420 minMy Car Guru PodcastBe on guard.....a crook wants your private information and a car salesman may be an accompliceSend us a textI almost bought a 4 foot tall pink flamingo the other day. It was made of metal and could be used as a great prank for my friend's and neighbor's front yards. I didn't, however, because I just knew someone would steal it.Someone wants to steal something from you that is a lot more valuable that a 4 foot tall pink flamingo, and it is....your Social Security number and date of birth. When you buy a car, they ask you for this info and a whole lot more. In t...
2023-02-2221 minMy Car Guru PodcastA Confessional: I just drove 300 miles without touching the steering wheelSend us a textI have never been a fan of automated driving. I did not trust the technology or the software engineer who programmed it.....I do now. I drove over 300 miles this past weekend, and other than a few minor adjustments, I never touched the steering wheel. That was a revelation for me......and quite fun!Come ride along and I'll tell you about my experience and what you can expect from self-driving technology in the future.Email Lennie at lennielawson2020@gmail.com
2023-02-2121 minMy Car Guru PodcastExpectations, Reality and the Moments of Truth that make or break a businessSend us a textWhen we go into a business, like a restaurant or a car dealership, we have expectations.....they are either exceeded, met or we end up disappointed. Many businesses are clueless as to why customers defect....it's because they fail at certain points on the transaction....I call them "Moments OF Truth". Listen and learn how to be a "helpful" customer and a better business owner, whichever the case may be.Email Lennie at lennielawson2020@gmail.com
2023-02-0922 minMy Car Guru PodcastShould you buy a "certified used car?" ....Only if you like POMSend us a textPeace Of Mind: it's a wonderful thing to have, but sometimes, you simply have to pay for it. Certified used cars and trucks provide used car buyers with peace of mind, but you have to make sure exactly WHO is certifying it, what benefits come with certification and how much extra is it going to cost.Listen and learn why buying a Certified Used Car may be your best decision.Email Lennie at lennielawson2020@gmail.com
2023-02-0823 minMy Car Guru Podcast"I was in a fender bender and now my insurance company wants to total my car!"Send us a textIt happens....you wreck your car, and even though it seems like a minor repair, your insurance company wants to total your car rather than pay to have it fixed. Unfortunately for you, you owe more on your car than the insurance company is willing to pay.This scenario is very common today because cars have become so expensive to repair. One thing every car owner needs to do is read and understand the limits of their insurance policy and consider buying GAP Insurance to protect ag...
2023-02-0623 minMy Car Guru PodcastThe most classic (and meaningful) cars of all time....and a few dudsSend us a textI'm a car guy. I live and breathe CARS. Especially old ones. I love the history of the automobile because it is so intertwined with the history and growth of our great country. So what are the the greatest and most influential cars of the last 100 years?Listen and find out.Email Lennie at lennielawson2020@gmail.com
2023-02-0223 minMy Car Guru PodcastYou have a new teen driver....now what?Send us a textIt's a scary moment....the moment your teen driver takes off on their first solo drive. I remember that feeling and I also remember everything that led up to that moment.Too many parents give their kids what they want...and when the teenager is getting their first car, getting what they want may be the biggest mistake you ever make. Email Lennie at lennielawson2020@gmail.com
2023-02-0221 minMy Car Guru PodcastWhy do you have bad credit? Ask your mother.....but I can help you fix it.Send us a textIn this episode, I reveal an amazing discovery of mine and an amazing cure for your troublesome credit issues (assuming you have some)Email Lennie at lennielawson2020@gmail.com
2023-01-3122 minMy Car Guru PodcastBack to Basics: things that can get YOU and YOUR CAR in troubleSend us a textWe all ignore signs...stop signs, yield signs, billboard signs...there are simply too many signs to keep up with. However, there are signs, signals and warnings you must heed when your car is "talking" to you.In this "Back to the Basics" episode, the GURU covers the key things you can do to stay out of trouble with your budget and your car.Email Lennie at lennielawson2020@gmail.com
2023-01-2524 minMy Car Guru PodcastDoing the right thing is never the wrong thing to doSend us a textWhen we get taken advantage of by a business, or when things just don't go right, we want them to fix it. Sometimes they can't give us exactly what we expect, but they have to do something if they expect us to ever come back. Some business owners just don't get that concept."Don't tell me what you can't do...tell me what you will do"--that has always been my philosophy when dealing with customers. If you own a business and deal with the public, this podcast is for you...
2023-01-2423 minMy Car Guru Podcast"The rebates went up by $2000 two days after I bought my truck...and I'm pissed off"Send us a textThere are a lot of misconceptions about how rebates and incentives on new vehicles work. When the rebates come out, or simply increase, folks who bought just before the increase will often go ballistic and spew all kinds of hate toward the salesman or dealer.Don't blame the dealer...and this episode will tell you why and other ways to protect your pocketbook when buying a new vehicle.Email Lennie at lennielawson2020@gmail.com
2023-01-2423 minMy Car Guru PodcastI loved my mechanic, but he got arrested! Now what?Send us a textMost people just don't know who to trust when it comes to car repair. If they've had a good experience with a mechanic, then they typically stick with them. The problem is that many mechanics move around a lot...from business to business. They are chasing a larger paycheck like most folks these days. So how do you know where you should go to get your car repaired?Listen and learn from a Car GuruEmail Lennie at lennielawson2020@gmail.com
2023-01-2421 minMy Car Guru Podcast"Ma'am, your car looks rougher than a night in jail, but your kids sure are well behaved"Send us a textWe always want to be nice...but sometimes its hard.Why don't folks take care of their stuff? Is it just the "throw-away, disposable mentality" that exists in society today? Maybe so....but your car is an ASSET, not a blender or a rechargeable power tool....so don't treat it like one. ASSETS are things that, if taken care off, can actually retain value, and in some cases, increase in value, but not if you don't do your part.Email Lennie at lennielawson2020@gmail.co...
2023-01-1722 minMy Car Guru PodcastI'm really not sorry for going to Hawaii....but I'm a little sorry I didn't stay there.Send us a textSometimes, even a car Guru, who also happens to be a real, live new car dealer, has to take a break.....this was a big a__ break.I took my bride of 45 years to Hawaii for a 7-day cruise around the islands, and other than the 9 hour flight from Atlanta to Honolulu, it was fantastic. In this epic episode, the Car Guru takes takes you on a virtual vacation to Hawaii. Listen and escape with a GuruEmail Lennie at lennielawson2020@gmail.com
2023-01-1722 minMy Car Guru PodcastMy first car was a Chevy Vega....and you thought you had it badSend us a textIn this episode, learn about some of the most famous car brands that are no more...and why. I love cars, but I didn't love the Vega or the Pinto, and especially not the Gremlin or the Pacer. Most of us can look back and name cars we didn't like (or were ashamed to be seen in)...like a Pontiac Aztec. Oh well, live moves on. While these brands are no longer with us, they did leave a mark and the auto industry learned many lessons from them.
2023-01-1721 minMy Car Guru PodcastI am the "barometer" of the economy...at least in the grocery storeSend us a textI must admit ( and I'm not bragging) that I can be a popular guy in the grocery store. There's a simple reason for this popularity.... a lot of people in my small town know that I am a car dealer and if you want to know how the economy is....ask a car dealer.I also get asked a lot of the same questions over and over again...especially when it comes to how to take care of a car. It's not rocket science, but it must be to a lot...
2023-01-1723 minMy Car Guru PodcastIt's a new season of the CAR GURU with more miscellaneous ramblings of a car nutSend us a textIt's been a tough few weeks here in GURU land. The cold weather wreaked havoc on my businesses sprinkler systems and forced me into a reconstructive mode. No, I'm not transitioning....I'm just repositioning some water lines and some of my priorities when it comes to restoring and selling cars and there's some good lessons in here for you as well.Email Lennie at lennielawson2020@gmail.com
2023-01-0422 minMy Car Guru PodcastThe New Years Resolution ShowSend us a textI developed the great habit of setting New Years resolutions many years ago...a lot of people set them, but few achieve them. I am one of the latter. BUT, at least those of us who fail do take the time to step back, take a hard good look at our lives and identify the things that we need to change.....that alone is a good thing. Email Lennie at lennielawson2020@gmail.com
2023-01-0421 minMy Car Guru PodcastDriving your LEMON through the showroom window is the wrong answerSend us a textA "problem car" can be a nightmare for the car owner. Life becomes less predictable when your transportation is unreliable. It screws up your CAR LIFE.A car is considered a LEMON in Federal and State law ONLY under certain circumstances. As a consumer, knowing what to do and how to do it is the key to solving the problem and getting your CAR LIFE back. Listen and learn from a real, live new car dealer who tells it like it is.Email Lennie at lennielawson2020@gm...
2022-12-2824 minMy Car Guru PodcastFreak your mechanic out! Listen and learn the basics how your car engine actually worksSend us a textNobody likes to be shamed by an auto mechanic, or a smart a__ salesman. Listen to this episode, and in under 23 minutes, you will learn everything you need to know about how your engine works.Email Lennie at lennielawson2020@gmail.com
2022-12-2723 minMy Car Guru Podcast"I'm stranded, it's freezing and my car won't start!"....how to avoid uttering these wordsSend us a textWinter is upon us in a big way. Are you ready? More importantly....is your car or truck ready??This podcast could save your life....literally.....and freezing is no way to go. Find out the things you really need to pay attention to regarding winter prep for your car and about how your ability to stop your car is dependent on what you know about brakes......and when I'm done with you, you will know a lot more than you did.Lennie...
2022-12-2222 minMy Car Guru PodcastWhich came first....The automobile or the hamburger?Send us a textIn this Platinum, Christmas, New Year, Extravaganza Podcast (wow!), the CAR GURU, Lennie Lawson, explains how the automobile, perfected in the 20th century, created and transformed just about everything that we now know, use and take for granted in the modern world. In addition, there are tips that could save your butt when transferring ownership of a car.That's a lot of content to squeeze in about 22 minutes....but he did it.Email Lennie at lennielawson2020@gmail.com
2022-12-2121 minMy Car Guru PodcastThe future of the car business....REVEALED!Send us a textI do have a crystal ball. I also know how to use it. My crystal ball is limited however....it only sees the future of the automobile and how it will affect our future CAR LIFE. From Electric cars to self-driving technology......from the fate of internal combustion engines to cars with no steering wheels....The Car GURU takes on the auto industry and government regulators that are doing their best to screw up everything that is good with modern transportation.Email Lennie at lennielawson2020@gmail.co...
2022-12-2022 minMy Car Guru PodcastCan't justify buying a new car? Then buy a used car...but listen to this before you buy.Send us a textWhere to buy a pre-owned car and from whom? That is the question....A lot of people say CARMAX, or Carvana, or Billy Bob's Used Car Emporium.....but the best place to buy a used car is where they sell new cars and take trade ins.In this episode, the GURU lifts the veil on the used car business and provides some insider information on used cars, certified used cars and how to stay in control of the deal.Email Lennie at lennielawson2020@gmail.com
2022-12-2022 minMy Car Guru PodcastChristmas gift ideas for your car lover from the GURUSend us a textSometimes it's an uphill battle trying to decide what to buy for some people for Christmas. If they are a car lover, listen to this episode and it will be a lot easier.Car lovers love things that help them take care of their car, keep it looking new or make it look unique and special. You just can't go wrong with a cool tool.In this episode, the CAR GURU sheds some light on great gifts for the car lover....and just in time for Amazon delivery to...
2022-12-1322 minMy Car Guru PodcastCar Deal Junk Fees: How to sniff them out and avoid paying the worst of themSend us a textIn the "sellers" car market that has existed the last two years, JUNK FEES have proliferated...and the Federal Trade Commission has noticed.Window sticker add-ons, last minute surprises, hidden charges and worthless "protection packages" have driven up the cost of buying new cars for the average consumer. The sad part is, if you aren't paying close attention, some car dealers will just slide some junk fees and products into your monthly payment and you won't even realize it. In this episode, I outline the things you nee...
2022-12-1322 minMy Car Guru PodcastHow to be "screwed-proof" when buying, trading or selling a used vehicleSend us a textBuying a used car can be hazardous to your health...and your financial health. The stress of buying a car is bad enough already. The stress of owning a bad car, or having been deceived, is even worse.In this very important broadcast, Lennie lays down the law on buying, selling and trading a used car. Listen, and then pass it on.Good things become great things when we pass them on.The CAR GURUEmail Lennie at lennielawson2020@gmail...
2022-12-0823 minMy Car Guru PodcastIgnorance is not bliss....it's expensive unless you have a GURU on your sideSend us a textYour car is the most important thing (device, tool, appliance) that you own. If it doesn't work OR you pay more than you should to acquire it, then you either had no advice or bad advice during your decision making process.Listen to this episode and learn why you need a car guru, why I decided to become an EV (electric vehicle) dealer (reluctantly) and how failing to change your timing belt in time can ruin your car life BIG TIME.Listen and...
2022-12-0723 minMy Car Guru PodcastThe Top 10 things a greedy mechanic doesn't want you to knowSend us a textIt's a love-hate relationship....you and your mechanic, that is.He knows there are 10 simple things you can do to prevent the most common and expensive car repairs from happening. But, he knows that most people won't listen, and he loves making money because of it. You hate to hear the bad news...he loves to deliver it......see...LOVE-HATE.Listen to this podcast, because HE doesn't want you to....Email Lennie at lennielawson2020@gmail.com
2022-11-2923 minMy Car Guru PodcastThe Thanksgiving Special: Gratitude vs. ThankfulnessSend us a textI saw a bumper sticker the other day that read "I'm Blessed"You hear that a lot, but lately, it strikes me a little differently... because how do you know if you are "Blessed", and who "Blessed" you? Will you feel blessed when tragedy strikes? Why did you get blessed and others didn't? And most important of all, how do you even define the word?So in the spirit of Thanksgiving, I decided to dive into the "blessing" discussion by looking at two key...
2022-11-2322 minMy Car Guru PodcastThe FTC is going after car dealer lies, distortions and rip-offs?...FINALLY!!Send us a textThe FTC should change its name. They could still use the same three letters, they would just mean something different....The FEDERAL TRUTH COMMISSION instead of the Federal TRADE Commission.Just imagine if every business claim was true....you could actually grow your hair back. You could make those wrinkles disappear forever. You could buy a new car for $199 per month!Wouldn't that be great?Listen to this episode and find out how the new FTC rules could help you on your next car purchase....
2022-11-2123 minMy Car Guru PodcastI've got a name for you and your bad driving habit....yeah YOU!Send us a textMy mom told me not to call people mean names. So I don't. But in this episode I do use semi-hurtful names to describe folks with terrible driving habits that cause me, you and most other excellent, responsible drivers some serious stress related anxiety. (I admit it...I'm guilty of a few....ARE YOU?)Email Lennie at lennielawson2020@gmail.com
2022-11-2124 minMy Car Guru PodcastI finally ordered my new ELECTRIC TRUCK.....and here is how it's done....by a GURUSend us a textAccording to the Ford Motor Company, about two million of you fine folks are going to go electric in 2025....they hope you will go electric in the all new Ford F150 Lightning truck for the Mach E Mustang SUV. I reserved one of these electron-eating machines in July 2022...that cost me $100. Yesterday, Ford notified me that it was time to order my truck and kindly send them $500 more as a deposit (I didn't tell them I was a Ford dealer, but you think they would know that???)Anyway, in t...
2022-11-1624 minMy Car Guru PodcastWhat does buying a car and buying a mattress have in common?Send us a textThis episode is full of it....I mean full of car information and cool analogies. Like why buying a mattress and buying a car is a similar experience in more ways than one. And what's so special about the Shelby name? Nothing, unless you love Mustangs.Email Lennie at lennielawson2020@gmail.com
2022-11-1523 minMy Car Guru PodcastSalesmanship 101---what to sell before you ask for the moneySend us a textI have trained a lot of people how to sell...not just cars, but anything. In truth, everyone sells something. They sell an idea to someone they live with or work with. They sell themselves during a job interview. They sell a girl on the idea of going on a first date. They sell their kids on the value of being responsible. WE ARE ALL SALESPEOPLE AT ONE TIME OR ANOTHERThe problem with most people is they are selling the wrong thing first...they try to cl...
2022-11-1522 minMy Car Guru PodcastThe plight of the "ignorant car buyer"Send us a textThe root word of "ignorant" is "ignore". I'm "ignorant" about a lot of things like calculus, electricity, plumbing, nuclear physics......But too many car buyers ignore the really important aspects of a car deal. They don't understand what the unscrupulous salesperson is actually up to when they switch the buyers focus to the monthly payment, and the innocent ends up getting ripped off.The dictionary defines ignorant as: "lacking knowledge, information, or awareness of a particular thing."The favorite prey (as i...
2022-11-0322 minMy Car Guru PodcastHow to not loose your A__, PLUS the value of knowing the right peopleSend us a textI know...catchy title, but it really sums up this broadcast. One of the fastest ways to lose everything is to be under-insured when it comes to liability coverage. In this episode, Lennie provides you an easy answer to sleeping better and not worrying about getting sued. Plus, learn the secret power behind relationships with the people who can make your CAR-LIFE run a lot better.Email Lennie at lennielawson2020@gmail.com
2022-11-0222 minMy Car Guru PodcastShocking truths about going electricSend us a textElectric vehicles....they are all the automotive industry wants to talk about these days. Automakers have bought into the GREEN mindset "hook, line and sinker". Going EV involves many changes to your budget, your lifestyle, how you travel and, in some cases, becoming more dependent (and vulnerable) to government regulation. Who controls electric rates?....government and quasi-government agencies....not independent companies. Who controls the light switch? THEY DO.In this episode, Lennie delves in to the cost of going EV. Listen, learn and pass it on....
2022-11-0222 minMy Car Guru PodcastThe top ten most important MUST HAVE FEATURES for your next carSend us a textEveryone has an opinion, and a few other things, and this is mine. There are certain features of the modern automobile that are indispensable......to me. You probably have your own list, but maybe there is a feature on my list you haven't thought about that could change your life forever! (well, that may be a stretch, but you get the point)Listen and learn about features that the Car Guru, and maybe you, can't live without.Email Lennie at lennielawson2020@gmail.com
2022-10-3123 minMy Car Guru PodcastDon't learn about TOTAL COST TO OWN a new car until it's too lateSend us a textWe all have to learn how to "protect our flanks"----They teach that in military school, but they need to teach the concept to all students in every school."Protecting your flank" is all about being prepared, thinking ahead and understanding the possibilities--positive and negative. Too many people buy cars before they find out the total cost to own it, including fuel costs, insurance costs, maintenance costs, reliability issues and more. This is an episode for the folks who prefer to just "wing it" and hope for the best, ev...
2022-10-3123 minMy Car Guru PodcastAnswers to common car questions that start with WHEN, WHAT AND HOW?Send us a text"When should I trade cars?""When is the best time of year to buy a new car?""How often should I change my oil or have a front-end alignment?""How can you tell if a salesman or mechanic is lying to you?"These are just a few of the many car-related questions I get asked quite often, either through emails and text messages from listeners to the "MyCarGuru" daily radio show, or out in the showroom of my new car dealership. In this episode, I answer s...
2022-10-2621 minMy Car Guru PodcastAvoid car title and ownership nightmares with these helpful CAR GURU tipsSend us a textI've seen too many people lose lots of money because they did not understand how to properly handle these car titling scenarios:1. You bought a car but the title still shows a lien (a loan against it)2. You lost the original title and need a new one3. You sold a car several years ago and now you are being sued because it was involved in a serious accident4. You gave a car to a relative and now they are stuck paying sales tax5. You traded your car...
2022-10-2522 minMy Car Guru PodcastCritical items that everyone should have in their car at all times...and yes...it includes duct tapeSend us a textQuite frankly, there are a lot of things I see in peoples cars (since I do own and operate a car dealership) that I wish I could UN-SEE....but it seems that the "erase feature" in my brain only works on things I am supposed to remember.That being said, there are several very important items that everyone who owns and operates a car should remember to have in their car at all times....and especially with a few items for when the temperatures drop.In this p...
2022-10-2422 minMy Car Guru PodcastThe 5 questions you should NEVER answerSend us a textMost salespeople at car dealerships are well-trained. They know what questions to ask in order to maximize two things: the NUMBER of cars they sell AND the PROFIT they make on each one.If you are car shopping at a very aggressive, high pressure dealership and you answer any of these five questions in the wrong way, you will end up paying too much for the car....guaranteed. In this episode, Lennie lets listeners in on the secret (but effective) tactics that many unscrupulous salespeople use...
2022-10-2123 minMy Car Guru PodcastThis is why I thank God everyday for the opportunity He gives me to help others.Send us a textI'll admit it....I have a relatively small platform to do my thing as a CAR GURU. I have a new car dealership with 65 employees, a radio show that reaches several thousand folks a day and a podcast that reaches out even further. But I learned a long time ago the value and importance of "helping just one".......If I can help just one person with a financial decision, one person with a life decision or one person just looking for comfort or some positivity in their life, then that is...
2022-10-1922 minMy Car Guru PodcastTo TINT or not to TINT, that is the question.....Send us a textI'll admit it....I've never had the windows tinted on any car I have ever owned. What the factory does has always been enough for me. Plus, If I need to flip somebody off, I want them to be able to see me do it. (just kidding)The truth is.... I'm old and in the minority on this issue...and thank goodness.Window tinting is a hot and growing business and definitely has value to the folks who can't live without it. Quite frankly, there's a lot more u...
2022-10-1821 minMy Car Guru PodcastThose who don't appreciate history, ARE HISTORY!Send us a textThis podcast is a reflection of the past.I just saw a name on Facebook that I haven't seen in 50 years. He was one of my brother's best friends, so I had to reach out to him and get reacquainted. I do that periodically...reach back in time to get reacquainted with history, including the car business.We have come a long way since Henry and his Model T (models A through Z were failures) and thank goodness our past was full of inventors, engineers and business-minded folks who...
2022-10-1722 minMy Car Guru PodcastHow to become a HERO with a LEGO car and a childSend us a textOur time is the most precious gift we can give to someone else. Spending time with my grandchildren can often be exasperating, but when we work on a project together and actually build something, a connection is formed that can last a lifetime....that's why I got into building LEGO cars.In addition to this familia advice, I talk about how car-tech may be making our car-life more complicated and how to navigate around a pushy car salesman....all that and more just for you.Email Lennie at ...
2022-10-1322 minMy Car Guru PodcastThe Car Guru Top 10.....the BEST to drive and BEST just to look atSend us a textWe know, "opinions are like a_____, everyone has one", but in this episode, Lennie digs deep into automotive history and his driving experiences to pick his 10BEST vehicles to drive....(and he's driven them all).....And, as bonus offer, he includes the 10BEST vehicles of all time just to sit and look at. If you love cars, check out his list and then let him know what you think and what your favorites are. Email lennie at lennielawson2020@gmail.com Email Lennie at lennielawson2020@gmail.com
2022-10-1322 minMy Car Guru Podcast"The car wreck ended my sons life, but epilepsy killed him"Send us a textOn January 18, 2011, our lives changed forever. My son, Leonard Blaine Lawson, Jr. (Blaine), was killed in a car accident. He was 27 years young.Nothing in life has impacted me or my family more than that loss, but our mission as a family has always been to seek a ways to use our tragedy to help others....doing so was part of our healing process.Blaine had epilepsy, and in this story about a vibrant, loving, athletic, handsome young man, I want to encourage people to look at epilepsy for...
2022-10-1022 minMy Car Guru PodcastThe three biggest mistakes car owners make (well...maybe 3 1/2)Send us a textIn this episode, Lennie gives money saving advice to car owners....including when they get the "warranty offer of a lifetime" in the mail. In addition, Lennie has narrowed down some key habits of car owners that cost them the most money on maintenance and repairs.Call this the "car-savings account" episode, because it will save you thousands if you listen, and change your habitsEmail Lennie at lennielawson2020@gmail.com
2022-10-1023 minMy Car Guru PodcastShould you pull out of the stock market and buy the old car of your dreams?Send us a textThe short answer to that question is "maybe", but probably not. Especially if the car requires restoration. The truth is, most restoration intentions are never fulfilled. Life gets in the way and most well intentioned "restorers" never really have the stamina to make it to the finish line....plus they usually run out of money first.In this episode, Lennie offers some "not-so-common" sense on buying old cars, whether doing it for an investment, to make a quick buck or just for nostalgia sake. Anyone of those reasons may b...
2022-10-0523 minMy Car Guru Podcast"Tommy Boy" is not the president of Ford Motor Company...but his first cousin isSend us a textIt's true....the actor who portrayed Tommy Boy, a Chippendale's Dancer and Matt Foley (who lived in a van down by the river) on Saturday Night Live IS NOT the CEO of Ford...No, Chris Farley is not...but his cousin Jim Farley is. (You could win a trivia quiz with that little tidbit). In this episode, Lennie discusses even more relevant trivia and provides insight on getting a good deal on a car when good deals are few and far between. "Sometimes, asking for a discount is a waste of b...
2022-10-0422 minMy Car Guru PodcastHave more fun....increase your carbon footprint GUILT FREE!Send us a textThe liberal media machine loves to talk about "carbon footprints" these days. I guess a good definition for a "carbon footprint" would be the amount of carbon dioxide you emit, and carbon-based fuels you burn, while doing what you do....like driving a car, heating your home or flying your private jet to Monaco.I'm NOT going to do my share when it comes to carbon emissions, and I'm not sorry about it. I probably only have about 20-25 more decent years on this planet, and beyond that, I've got no...
2022-10-0422 minMy Car Guru PodcastGetting "cancelled" is a good thing, especially when it puts money in your pocketSend us a text"There's oil and gas in them there hills"...at least that's what my daddy told me when he instructed me to start paying property taxes on 1200 acres of land in West Virginia. Apparently, his relatives sold the land but kept the mineral rights, and maybe, just maybe, the gusher will happen."In the mean time, there's a lot of real money sitting out there that is yours to claim...but only if you remember to claim it".In this episode, Lennie explains cancellations of after-sale products and how to...
2022-09-2921 minMy Car Guru Podcast"Honey...what's that noise coming from my rear end?"...."Dear, please rephrase that question"Send us a textAll jokes aside, your ears are your best defense against a major automotive repair bill, but if you are not listening, your next call could be to the towing company. In the episode, Lennie discusses two money saving, and "car-life" enhancing strategies for every car owner:1. How to listen to your car AND common things to listen for in order to prevent huge repair bills....and as a special bonus.....2. How to make sure you get...
2022-09-2724 minMy Car Guru Podcast"Yes...I know my nose is running, but I don't have Covid!"Send us a textI wasn't feeling well. I had a slight cough, body aches and the sniffles...."Have you had a covid test?", the strange lady in the elevator asked as she looked at me with disdain. "No, I have not....have you?", I replied, slightly insulted by the questionShe replied, "NO! I'm not the one coughing in the elevator..."Maybe someday, we won't have to deal with this crap, and a cold will just be...a cold, but in the mean time, we just have to deal with i...
2022-09-2621 minMy Car Guru PodcastConvicted felons need not applySend us a textJust like any business, the auto business requires certain fundamental skills, knowledge and experience in order for a dealer to be successful....and liking cars is not one of them. Some of the most successful car dealers in the country could care less about cars. They care about people (customers and employees), they know what it takes to make a business successful and they have the capital ($$$$$) to fund the operations...and it takes a lot of capital.In this episode, Lennie talks about the auto industry, what it...
2022-09-2623 minMy Car Guru Podcast"Glamping" at MargaritavilleSend us a textIn this episode, Lennie and the family are headed to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee to go "Glamping".....better known as Glamorous Camping. The Margaritaville RV Resort is his destination, but he wants to be safe and get to watch Tennessee beat Florida.......So, towing considerations are on his mind as well as answering some serious questions from car buyers about avoiding some common car buying mistakes. It's five o'clock somewhere....so listen in and enjoy riding with Lennie, The Car GURUEmail Lennie at lennielawson2020@gmail.com
2022-09-2622 minMy Car Guru PodcastLiving with loss: Loss of mind, loss of money and loss in generalSend us a text"One day I figured something out. After suffering through everything from minor setbacks to the loss of a child, I came to the conclusion that a big part of living is learning to live with loss""We lose our youth. Some of us lose our cognitive abilities, some find ingenious ways to throw away money and lose homes, cars, investments, and ultimately, their lifestyle""Life is about loss...AND....about how to overcome loss and keep on moving forward". --Lennie LawsonIn this episode, Lennie ta...
2022-09-2122 minMy Car Guru PodcastThe Great Deception: "I'm so sorry about my deceptive advertising....but at least it worked"Send us a text"Oh what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive"...Sir Walter Scott.Traditional dealer advertising is loaded with half-truths and outright falsehoods. Unfortunately, these practices have endured because they work. The most important thing a buyer can do is to not fall for the wrong things....fall for a beautiful car that fits your lifestyle AND NOT for a false promise. In this episode, Lennie lays out the most frequently used "deceptive phrases", what they really mean and how they can be used to...
2022-09-2024 minMy Car Guru PodcastHere is my 100%, GUARANTEED STRATEGY to never pay too much for a new carSend us a textEthics matter...but they don't to a lot of people in the car business, especially the ones in the high pressure sales departments at a lot of dealerships today. There is a strategy that will defeat even the worst "bandits" in our industry.In this priceless episode, The Car Guru explains how to WIN in the negotiation game and keep the wolves at bay. Some (not all) just want your money and their commission and could care less if they ever see you again.....many hope they won't.The...
2022-09-1522 minMy Car Guru PodcastThe Myth of Excellence....and why it's OK not to be great at everythingSend us a textI read a book several years ago titled "The Myth of Excellence" written by Fred Crawford and Ryan Mathews. At that time, I was struggling during a difficult period in the car business and was trying to figure out how I could change my business plan to differentiate it from my competitors. Everyone advertised "price, price, price" and the customers just weren't responding. This book opened my eyes to perspectives and possibilities that I had never considered...that I didn't have to compete just on price.
2022-09-1524 minMy Car Guru PodcastThe best sale I ever made was not to my girlfriend......Send us a textLennie has sold a lot of cars.....well over 75,000 over his career as a car dealer. Most of his sales were to strangers, who later became friends and repeat customers. But none of that would have happened if he had taken a lot of shortcuts, not been reliable and/or not bothered to follow-up when he had a new opportunity.The number one reason salespeople fail is because they fail to follow-up. The number two reason is because they see sales as a "part-time job" and...
2022-09-1422 minMy Car Guru PodcastCrow is a meal best eaten in publicSend us a text"Occasionally, I am wrong....but, I am a big boy and I am willing to eat my crow in public.""I thought Ford was out to get their dealers and turn them into dinosaurs.""But...I was wrong, and it took an incredible experience in Las Vegas to find out the truth."----Lennie Lawson, The Car GuruIn this episode, Lennie talks about the future of the car business and the truth about electric vehicle adoption and...
2022-09-1424 minMy Car Guru Podcast"My car is a LEMON".....and other good reasons you need to understand warrantiesSend us a textFew things are more frustrating than owning a problem car. We rely on our cars for so much in modern society, that when they break, our lives breakdown too. The purpose of this episode is to make sure you know what your rights are when it comes to problem vehicles and to make sure you understand the limitations of different kinds of warranties and service contracts. Email Lennie at lennielawson2020@gmail.com
2022-09-0721 minMy Car Guru PodcastIf you want more money for your trade in...THEN ACT LIKE IT!Send us a textToo many car buyers settle for TOO LITTLE. One of the reasons for that is that they don't treat their car with the respect that a seller should. If you were putting your car in the front yard with a "For Sale" sign in it, wouldn't you wash it first? Well....why don't customers do that when they try to trade at a new car dealership?In this episode, Lennie provides advice that could mean thousands of dollars in YOUR POCKET just by taking care of a few things your car...
2022-09-0723 minMy Car Guru Podcast"I'm not acting entitled! I'M THE D___ CUSTOMER!"Send us a textJust who do you thing you are? Well, when you are paying the repair bill or getting warranty service, you are the most important person in the world to that business....at least at that particular moment. YOU are the customer...and If you aren't treated right, you will defect.Just what are you entitled to? In this episode, Lennie discusses what happens, vs what should happen, when you go in for service, whether it's a new car dealership or an independent repair shop...or any business for that m...
2022-09-0722 minMy Car Guru PodcastYour best defense against expensive auto repairs is a good set of EARS.Send us a textLearning to listen....its always been a problem of mine. Just ask my wife. But something that I have always listened to (and never intentionally ignore) is my transportation. Yes...I listen to the sounds my car or truck is making because I know that abnormal sounds can strand me by the side of the road and cost me a lot of money....even if I do own a car dealership.In this episode, I discuss CAR SOUNDS that you should listen for and what they probably mean.
2022-09-0723 minMy Car Guru PodcastThe most popular cars in the last 100 years were not always the best sellers...but some of them CHANGED US!Send us a textFrom Ransom Olds to Henry Ford....from John DeLorean to Lee Iacocca....the men behind the cars of the last 100 years turned ideas into a new realities for American drivers. Sometimes, their new creations led to societal changes beyond any reasonable expectations.The Model T started out as an appliance you could buy from a catalog and became a symbol of freedom and personal mobility. The Mustang changed the way Americans look at a car and changed the driving culture in a myriad of ways.In this episode, Lennie...
2022-09-0523 minMy Car Guru PodcastWarning!: Automatic car washes are Fast, Convenient and AWFUL for the finish on your carSend us a textWith a little money and moderate effort, you can protect the paint on your car and keep it beautiful for several years, OR you can spend a lot of money and keep it looking new forever. In this episode, Lennie discusses paint protection products and the value of OEM (original equipment manufactured) parts. He also explains the downside of using an automatic car wash.Exciting stuff....(maybe not)...but it is something every car owner needs to know.Email Lennie at lennielawson2020@gmail.com
2022-09-0223 minMy Car Guru PodcastCar Trading Horror story: "I traded my car, but my previous car loan was never paid off"Send us a textIt happens....You still owe money on your current car and you go trade it for a new one. After 30 happy days in your new car, you get a delinquency notice from the bank where you financed....the old car! Now you have TWO car payments to make.....what happened?In this episode, Lennie discusses how to protect yourself from a dishonest dealer who doesn't payoff trade-in loans.....this is a common problem which can be prevented if you follow these simple instructions.Email Lennie at lennielawson2020@gmail...
2022-08-2922 minMy Car Guru Podcast"Smarty Pants" or "Seasoned Veteran".....When you have car questions...choose wiselySend us a textA lot of people do podcasts...some actually know what they are talking about. Lennie Lawson is an actual new car dealer with a twist...he tells it like it is. In the world we live in, there is no substitute for experience and the ability to network and form lasting relationships with people who can help us, whether it's a plumber, a lawyer or a car dealer. In this episode, Lennie talks about how he became a Car Guru and how you can, and should, develop a dependable so...
2022-08-2622 minMy Car Guru Podcast"Pardon me sir...but you eat like a pig"....and other observations from a frustrated employerSend us a textWhat the heck happened? Where did things like "common courtesy", "proper etiquette", "chivalry" and normal, everyday "manners" go?? What about planning for the future, setting life and financial goals, saving money??As an employer (and an addicted observer of human behavior) I find it very frustrating to have so many people apply for jobs in my business that have no clue about these things. They wear cut-offs and flip flops to a job interview. They work for the "money" and that's it...no loyalty, no real commitment to...
2022-08-1821 minMy Car Guru PodcastQuick sand, bear traps and other ways a dishonest car dealer can get you.Send us a textA little extra knowledge about car dealer games and tricks can save you thousands of dollars.....that's right...THOUSANDS. And every $1000 you save drops your car payment $25-$30 per month. The Federal Trade Commission has recently passed some new rules for car dealers with regards to deceptive advertising and predatory auto financing practices.....but it may come too late to help you.In this podcast, a real-live new car dealer tells you what to look out for the next time you shop for, and buy a new or used ca...
2022-08-1823 minMy Car Guru PodcastWhy does your credit matter??? Because it's horrible...and here's what to do about itSend us a textYour credit score represents an opportunity OR and obstacle....it's totally your choice. Too many people fall victim to a bad credit score when it is their bad habits and poor judgement that is causing it. In this episode, Lennie explains how credit impacts the "freedom to choose" and the "ability to pay" for the things we want to buy.Where does the Beacon Score come from? How does it affect my rate? What can I do to fix my low score and get back on track?Learn the...
2022-08-1523 minMy Car Guru PodcastAnd you thought buying a car from a dealer was dangerous...watch out for your neighborSend us a textI have bought and sold more cars that most humans alive or dead...when you do what I do for over 44 years, that is not an outrageous claim to make. What is even more outrageous is how often innocent people make terrible car buying decisions when they avoid the dealer and buy from an individual.In this episode, Lennie offers some very important advice on how to keep from getting screwed on a car deal when you buy from an individual, whether online or in-person.Email Lennie at l...
2022-08-1523 minMy Car Guru PodcastYour "car-life"....the oversized role our transportation has in our daily lifeSend us a textWhen you have car trouble, or otherwise unreliable transportation, it puts a giant kink in your everyday life. Lennie has some helpful information to insure your car-life stays on track, even when the odds seem like they against you.....it helps to have a Car Guru on your side.Email Lennie at lennielawson2020@gmail.com
2022-08-1522 minMy Car Guru PodcastWhy is buying a car so hard? Because you don't know the right things to saySend us a textLennie Lawson has been in the car business since 1978 (when he had "big hair" and bell bottoms) so he knows what buyers face when they go car shopping. There are simple reasons why buying a car is so stressful and most of it is the fault of car dealers. In this episode, Lennie gives some very helpful tips to take control of the car buying experience and make buying a car a lot more fun....like it should be.Email Lennie at lennielawson2020@gmail.com
2022-08-1523 minMy Car Guru PodcastKeep it COOL...or suffer the consequencesSend us a textIn this episode, Lennie talks "Four-Wheel Fundamentals" and how you don't have to be a mechanic to understand how the cooling system works on your vehicle and just how important it is to the life and longevity of your engine.Should you have the system "flushed"? How often? By whom?....Lennie has the answers in this episode of MY CAR GURUEmail Lennie at lennielawson2020@gmail.com
2022-08-0421 minMy Car Guru Podcast"FINAL NOTICE!", "Time is running out!" and other automotive warnings that are total BSSend us a textSomeone is always trying to get something from somebody else. That's one of the many downfalls of living in the age of multi-media scams. Whether by letter, postcard, email, infomercial or robocalls, one of the worst scams involves the sale of extended warranties (service contracts) on cars. Lennie takes the fear and uncertainty out of everything automotive and today he tackles warranty solicitations and the dealership finance office. Learn what to avoid and how to know if there is any real value in all of those after sale products.E...
2022-08-0323 minMy Car Guru PodcastThe "demise" of the new car dealer....fact, fiction or just "wishful thinking" by the mediaSend us a textI like most new car dealers....partly because I AM ONE and because most are good, honest businessmen and women trying to run a business. BUT, there are some bandits out there and they give all car dealers a bad name. Sometimes it's just some bad characters who work for good dealers (there are bad apples in every bunch). So, what is an innocent car shopper to do?Some pundits are calling for the end of the current dealer/factory model and going to direct sales like Tesla.
2022-08-0221 minMy Car Guru PodcastMiscellaneous ramblings of a car nutSend us a textI'll admit it...occasionally, my podcasts are like surfing...I go where the waves take me. In this edition I discuss the difference between a car show and a concours, some classic car auto auction stories (with the rich and famous) and the dealer franchise system that is currently under threat. Come on...let's go for a rideEmail Lennie at lennielawson2020@gmail.com
2022-07-2723 minMy Car Guru PodcastWreck your car? You need a body shop....but make sure you listen to this show firstSend us a textWhen you wreck your car, your insurance company is supposed to pay for repairs that return your car to its "pre-collision state", right? Well it doesn't always work out that way. Your vehicle value and condition can drop significantly unless you ask the right questions and know what to look for. In this podcast, Lennie provides vital points for anyone dealing with body damage and paint repairs. Listen, learn and pass it on. Anyone who wrecks their car needs to listen to this BEFORE they hand their car over to a b...
2022-07-2723 minMy Car Guru PodcastA little bit of basic car knowledge can save your car and save your wallet..listen and learnSend us a textToo many people know far too little about their cars and the basic operation. (it's really not that boring) A little bit of knowledge can help you protect your automotive investment and save you money when you take it to the shop. Lennie begins a series of Podcasts about how to keep from getting ripped off by unscrupulous repair shop operators and mechanics who often rely on the ignorance of car owners to make more money.Email Lennie at lennielawson2020@gmail.com
2022-07-2724 minMy Car Guru PodcastHow much is TOO MUCH to pay for a new car?Send us a textIt's scary out there in "car-buying land". Dealers are charging more, but customers are paying more. How much is too much? Lennie gives some insight into "car-flation" (He made that term up) and how to avoid some of the traps car buyers step into and what you can do when the dealers tries to "getcha". Listen up and save.....what else you gotta do for the next 23 minutes?Email Lennie at lennielawson2020@gmail.com
2022-07-2523 minMy Car Guru PodcastThe safe ways to buy a used carSend us a textBuying a used car is fraught with hazards and pitfalls, but not if you know what to look for and how to “really” protect yourself. In this show from the archives, Lennie shares some of his 44 years worth of experience as a dealer so you can protect your money and your sanity. Email Lennie at lennielawson2020@gmail.com
2022-07-2422 minMy Car Guru PodcastInnovation can lead to some interesting placesSend us a textInnovation is what drives progress, or that’s what some folks would like us to think. Wouldn’t it be great if the innovators would just find something else to do? In this episode, Lennie offers up some leadership advice, some nostalgia and some reflection on the “electric car” revolution we find ourselves struggling to comprehend. Email Lennie at lennielawson2020@gmail.com
2022-07-2421 minMy Car Guru PodcastWhat to do when the car dealer screws upSend us a textEveryone knows what bad service feels like and looks like....What do you do when you get your own taste of bad service? Lennie has some pointers that may help and also the best plan of action for dealing with it when it happens to you.Email Lennie at lennielawson2020@gmail.com
2022-07-2123 minMy Car Guru PodcastUnsafe drivers BEWARE....Lennie is calling you outSend us a textLennie almost got CREAMED by a man running a red light yesterday....so he is on a mission: to ID the top causes of auto accidents and offer some tips to avoid them.Email Lennie at lennielawson2020@gmail.com
2022-07-2123 minMy Car Guru PodcastLightning has struck...the all New Ford F150 LightningSend us a textLennie gives his driving impressions of the all new Ford F150 LightningEmail Lennie at lennielawson2020@gmail.com
2022-07-1922 min
My Car Guru PodcastThe responsible car ownerSend us a textMost people don’t know anything about their car and how it truly operates. Getting to know your car is easy as long as you have a Car Guru to guide you….and that Guru is MEEmail Lennie at lennielawson2020@gmail.com
2022-07-1923 min