On this episode of Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, Ron sits down with Ken Miller, President of Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of New Jersey (AASP-NJ) and owner of 821 Collision, for an important conversation about diminished value — the loss in a vehicle’s market value after it has been involved in an accident.
Even when a vehicle is repaired properly, it may still be worth less simply because it now has an accident history. Ron and Ken explain what diminished value means, how insurance companies handle it, and what steps vehicle owners can take to pursue proper reimbursement.
They also discuss the upcoming Northeast Automotive Services Show, the largest regional auto body and mechanical trade show in the country, held each year in New Jersey. The event brings together technicians, shop owners, manufacturers, and industry leaders for training, new technology, and a look at the future of automotive repair.
If you’ve ever wondered how accidents affect your vehicle’s true value — or how the repair industry is evolving — this conversation offers valuable insight from the people who deal with it every day.
Good mechanics aren’t expensive — they’re priceless.
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Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - June 6, 2026 - Hour 2 - The Long Memory of Modern Cars
34:49

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - June 6, 2026 - Hour 1 - Drive It Longer: The New Economics of Car Ownership
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Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - Classic Car Doctor - October 10, 2015 - Hour 2 - You Love Your Car More Than You ThinkFrom the Car Doctor archives — originally aired October 2015. In this classic episode of Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, Ron opens the hour with a thoughtful discussion about the emotional connection we develop with our vehicles—often without realizing just how attached we've become. Whether it's the family car that's been through years of memories or the vehicle that always seems to get us home, cars become more than machines. Ron then helps a caller diagnose cooling system problems on a 2007 Mercury Mountaineer and takes a call from a 2013 Toyota Highlander owner whose wheels were nearly left loose after a routine oil change, leading to an important conversation about trust, quality workmanship, and paying attention after service. Also featured is an interview with Derek Miller from ALLDATA, discussing vehicle repair information, diagnostic resources, and the growing complexity of modern automobiles. Ron rounds out the hour by answering listener emails about choosing the right OBD-II scan tool and diagnosing hesitation and rough idle concerns on a Toyota. A great mix of automotive advice, consumer awareness, and a reminder that our relationship with our cars is often more personal than we think.
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