The Avants Podcast

Have you ever considered what life would be like if you weren't into cars? Can you imagine just walking out to your driveway and only caring that the thing in the driveway got you from point to point efficiently and safely? Yeah we can't either. We discuss the idea of how to convert those people in your life to the dark side with us. Also, does anyone know actually want the new EV Charger? Anyone? We can't find a single person who actually does and we're genuinely curious if any of you do. Give us some good reasons to check it out! Speaking of the worst of the worst, we explored Doug Demuro's Doug Score list to see the best and the worst. What is the worst car you've ever driven? https://www.dougdemuro.com/dougscore

This week we welcome Automotive Instructor at Clackamas Community College, Wryann Van Riper! Wryann tells us about how he went from the industry to teaching, his many very cool project cars, his love for flying, and how you put a motorcycle engine in your classic Mini! 

Now that Dan is able to mostly breathe again, we regroup for the new year to encourage you to get out there and drive! Dan crawled through the Arizona mountains in the BRaptor, Nick finished the prep on his Ranger Raptor and picked up a new toy, and we have a ton of fresh Avants events coming up to get you excited for 2025!

If you didn't get a Porsche GT3RS for Christmas like some of the Avants members, maybe you got a battery powered one. If so, we recommend some Lithium batteries. We already planned our next Moab trip, Nick mods his Ranger Raptor, Dan gets ready to mod the F150 Raptor, and more automotive news. 

If you're still looking for that very last minute gift, an Avants membership never fails! 

Toyotas highly anticipated new 4Runner has finally launched on the Toyota website! People were so excited that the traffic crashed the configurator. We talk about the new 4Runner, the not-so-shameful minivan, and naming your car. 

Are you all ready for Christmas this year? Didn't think so, but we've got your back! We've got some great last minute recommendations for all budgets for the car enthusiast in your life. None of these links are affiliate links; this is just the stuff we love that we think make great gifts. 

$50 and Under 

$100 and Under

$200 and Under-

$200 and Over: 

Nick's windshield remains a blurry mess, the death (or rebirth?) of Jaguar conversation continues, the poor man's stethoscope reveals a potential engine issues on the Ranger Raptor for Nick, Nick's still talking about Moab, Liberty Walk molests a Miura, and we need to open an Avants in SLC.

We're getting ready for our upcoming Gift Guide episode and we would love to hear from you! What's on your list this year? Let us know!  

This week we discuss what is without a doubt the single worst rebrand in automotive history, Black Friday deals, diving for Porsche parts, how not to clean your glass, and more!

Megan Zalud is back with in the studio this week to catch up! She gives us the scoop on SEMA, Nick talks about his awesome experience with Ranger Raptor Assault, there’s a new Bronco Raptor at Dan’s house, and Dan gives you the inside track on how tell if that Black Friday deal is actually a deal or just a scam to make you feel better.

A special shoutout to Emy Kissick for winning the Mazda Spec MX-5 Shootout!

It's about time Ramon joined us in the studio! Ramon Antonio is the Portland Coordinator for Avants and he joins us this week to talk about his love for all things on wheels, including the unpowered kind. Ramon talks about his brand StillPour, his tow driving work in San Francisco, and his abundance of cars he has owned. 

Follow Ramon here!

https://www.instagram.com/stillpour

https://www.instagram.com/stories/antonioautogarage