Fri, 28 February 2020
This week is an all-questions episode, where we answer as many audience questions as possible. Topics include recommending a vehicle to a first-time car buyer moving to the U.S. from Switzerland; what is the future of tire-pressure monitoring systems; can the higher price tag of a Corolla Hybrid be made back pretty quickly with fuel savings vs. the regular Corolla; why fender-benders are getting pricier to repair; and we end by giving advice about which vehicles are best-suited to elderly drivers.
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Have a question for our experts? Leave a comment on this episode, or reach out to us directly!
From your iOS device, iMessage us at TalkingCars@icloud.com to send a photo, video, or text directly to the Talking Cars team!
We love to feature our viewers on the show, so submit video questions at https://www.consumerreports.org/cars-talking-cars/
Subscribe to Talking Cars on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Jr8wJRJyN9v8T6LC1fQQ6
SHOW NOTES ----------------------------------- 01:07 - Question #1: What are some tips for buying a car for the first time? 06:22 - Question #2: What is the future of TPMS? 10:42 - Question #3: Is Mazda Miata a viable option for a daily commuter car? 13:10 - Question #4: can the higher price tag of a Corolla Hybrid be made back pretty quickly with fuel savings vs. the regular Corolla? 15:55 - Question #5: Is it smart to wait a year on purchasing a newly redesign model? 18:05 - Question #6: Why do newer cars have a higher repair price? 19:50 - Question #7: Which 3-row hybrid or electric luxury SUV is best suited for a family? 23:44 - Question #8: Which tires are best suited for climates with fluctuating temperatures? 25:42 - Question #9: What are the top rated vehicles for senior drivers?
---------------------------------- The Hidden Cost of Car Safety Features https://www.consumerreports.org/car-repair/the-hidden-cost-of-car-safety-features/
The 25 New Cars for Senior Drivers https://www.consumerreports.org/elderly-driving/top-25-new-cars-for-senior-drivers/
2015 Lexus NX Review https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BtJ-m-rI3K8
2018 Lexus RX350L Quick Drive https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pTrmC8jw57o
4K Review: 2018 Audi Q5 Quick Drive https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dRuYN4SQx4s
4K Review: 2018 BMW X3 Quick Drive https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ogONHegJwXk
2014 Honda Accord Hybrid review https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TywnfIheZ-k
2019 Kia Sorento Quick Drive https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K01h_FPkmkQ
2020 Kia Soul Quick Drive https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9mEQcbgync
Redesigned Mazda MX-5 Keeps Miata Magic Going https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O908JUXgiwk
4K Review: 2017 Mazda CX-5 Quick Drive https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KmTVgcuD2V4
2016 Volvo XC90 Quick Drive https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jyQWKK3nUlw
Chrysler Pacifica Redefines the Minivan https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACuDfSHfh2I
2013 Subaru BRZ first look https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jnSnRgRUopE
2019 Subaru Forester Quick Drive https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dymKOcVk7Iw
2016 Tesla Model X Quick Drive https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7GhvTUDuEds
2019 Toyota Avalon Quick Drive https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GsYrBRbjUok
2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback Quick Drive https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pV_57znwZsA
----------------------------------- Check out http://www.ConsumerReports.org for the latest reviews, tips, and recommendations and subscribe to our YouTube Channel: http://bit.ly/1Nlb1Ez
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Thu, 20 February 2020
We’ve completed testing the 2020 Ford Escape Hybrid. Find out how this version of the small SUV tops the traditionally powered Escape in our tests. We also break down how we rate the best and worst vehicles and brands for CR’s 2020 Autos Spotlight, clear up some confusion about EV ownership and answer your questions. Check out https://www.ConsumerReports.org for the latest reviews, tips, and recommendations and subscribe to our YouTube Channel: http://bit.ly/1Nlb1Ez Follow Us on Social: Facebook: http://on.fb.me/1IQ2w5q Twitter: http://bit.ly/1Yf5Fh2 Pinterest: http://bit.ly/1P37mM9 Instagram: http://bit.ly/1I49Bzo SHOW NOTES: 0:57 - CR Autos Spotlight 6:37 - Common questions about EV ownership 11:37 - 2020 Ford Escape Hybrid test results 14:34 - Send us your questions at TalkingCars@icloud.com 14:40 - Question #1: Are CR’s testing methods biased when it comes to non-conventional gear selectors? 19:06 - Question #2: How will trademarks affect CR’s push to standardize the naming conventions of standard advanced safety equipment? 20:38 - Question #3: How much should passenger side impact test results affect a decision to buy a vehicle? 22:44 - We’re hiring an Automotive Engineer at our Test Track! Apply here: https://jobs-consumers.icims.com/jobs/3265/automotive-engineer/job LINKS: 2020 CR Autos Spotlight: https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/cars/best-cars-suvs-autos-spotlight/index.htm Hybrid/EV Buying Guide: https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/cars/hybrids-evs/buying-guide/index.htm Electric Car FAQs: https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/2010/10/electric-car-faqs/index.htm 2020 Ford Escape: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/ford/escape/2020/overview Ford Escape Vehicle Page: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/ford/escape/ We’re hiring an Automotive Engineer at our Test Track! Apply here: https://jobs-consumers.icims.com/jobs/3265/automotive-engineer/job |
Fri, 14 February 2020
#242: 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB First Impressions; Replacing Run-Flats with Standard Tires | Talking Cars #242
We just purchased the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB250 for our test program, and discuss its driving characteristics, controls, and where this compact SUV fits into the Mercedes lineup. We also dip into our mail bag and answer questions about replacing run-flats with regular tires, recommend a compact luxury sport sedan for city driving in Canada, and suggest a CUV (crossover utility vehicle) that is capable of fitting 3 child seats in the second row.
----------------------------------- Take our survey here: CR.org/TalkingCarsSurvey
Have a question for our experts? Leave a comment on this episode, or reach out to us directly!
From your iOS device, iMessage us at TalkingCars@icloud.com to send a photo, video, or text directly to the Talking Cars team!
We love to feature our viewers on the show, so submit video questions at https://www.consumerreports.org/cars-talking-cars/
Subscribe to Talking Cars on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Jr8wJRJyN9v8T6LC1fQQ6
SHOW NOTES ----------------------------------- 01:00 - 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB First Impressions 11:39 - Question #1: What to know when switching from run-flats to regular tires? 15:31 - Question #2: What is a good luxury compact sport sedan for city driving? 19:00 - Question #3: Which CUV is capable of fitting 3 child seats across in the second row?
---------------------------------- First Drive: 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB Delivers Practical Luxury https://www.consumerreports.org/suvs/2020-mercedes-benz-glb-review/
2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC Quick Drive https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o255jI5MTf0
2013 Mercedes-Benz GLk350 quick take https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7eZWQzM6mQE
2014 BMW 2 Series Review https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5d2y06Kh5LQ
2019 Genesis G70 Quick Drive https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UDrN5_R3Bu0
2015 Audi A3 Review https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0fy_kUWXpi0
2017 Audi A4 Quick Drive https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=khXQj4tCxxI
2020 Kia Telluride Quick Drive https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eBNhy1Putrs
2020 Subaru Legacy Quick Drive https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oosO1qbA7uw
2018 LA Auto Show: 2020 Hyundai Palisade https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uFbbBDcCYYg
2020 Subaru Outback Quick Drive https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ovW5kMBdLB0
----------------------------------- Check out http://www.ConsumerReports.org for the latest reviews, tips, and recommendations and subscribe to our YouTube Channel: http://bit.ly/1Nlb1Ez
Follow Us on Social: Facebook: http://on.fb.me/1IQ2w5q Twitter: http://bit.ly/1Yf5Fh2 Pinterest: http://bit.ly/1P37mM9 Instagram: http://bit.ly/1I49Bzo Google+: http://bit.ly/1Md3gfQ |
Fri, 7 February 2020
We bought the all-new Cadillac CT5 for our test program and share our first impressions. Find out if we think this sports sedan has what it takes to challenge European competitors. Plus, we recap Super Bowl car ads that caught our attention and answer audience questions about traveling with pets and how vehicles earn a CR Recommendation. Check out https://www.ConsumerReports.org for the latest reviews, tips, and recommendations and subscribe to our YouTube Channel: http://bit.ly/1Nlb1Ez Follow Us on Social: Facebook: http://on.fb.me/1IQ2w5q Twitter: http://bit.ly/1Yf5Fh2 Pinterest: http://bit.ly/1P37mM9 Instagram: http://bit.ly/1I49Bzo SHOW NOTES: 0:52 - Super Bowl Car commercials 1:13 - Genesis GV80 commercial 4:26 - Hyundai Sonata Smart Park Commercial 7:28 - GMC Hummer Commercial 10:38 - Cadillac CT5 First Impressions 18:50 - Question #1: Why does CR recommend all-new/redesigned model vehicles? 21:40 - Question #2: Will updating an Audi Q5 TDI (VW settlement) introduce problems to an otherwise ‘perfect’ car? 23:39 - Question #3: What are the pros/cons of buying a used EV (specifically, BMW i3)? 25:46 - Question #4: What’s the best practice for safely traveling with pets? LINKS: Track Science: Tesla P85D vs. Challenger Hellcat: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CCbEAttZTtA 2019 New York Auto Show: 2020 Cadillac CT5: https://www.consumerreports.org/video/view/cars/news/6027187340001/2019-new-york-auto-show--2020-cadillac-ct5/ Which Car Brands Make the Best Vehicles?: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars-driving/which-car-brands-make-the-best-vehicles/ |