Sat, 30 May 2020
This week we discuss our test results of the 2020 Nissan Versa subcompact sedan. We also share feedback from our audience about preferences for in-car navigation: do more drivers like built-in nav systems, or mobile phone apps for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, like Waze and Google Maps? And we discuss whether a vehicle's ride height can affect passenger safety, reliability differences between the Kia Telluride and Toyota Highlander, and do older airbags have an expiration date.
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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 -----------------------------------
00:33 - Audience Feedback on In-car Navigation System Preference 09:32 - 2020 Nissan Versa Test Results 16:13 - Question #1: What is a good, comfortable, 4-seat convertible? 22:12 - Question #2: Do older car airbags expire and do they need any special inspection or maintenance? 23:47 - Question #3: Between the Toyota Highlander and Kia Telluride which SUV has better reliability? 25:48 - Question #4: Does the vehicle's ride height affect passenger safety?
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Coronavirus Resource Hub https://www.consumerreports.org/coronavirus/coronavirus-covid-19-updates/
2020 Nissan Versa https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/nissan/versa/2020/overview
2014 Nissan Versa Note quick take https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dcWFDkkBPis
2019 LA Auto Show: 2020 Nissan Sentra https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NBEZrQIPgDQ
2019 New York Auto Show: 2020 Hyundai Venue https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vg_FiOaMc0Y
Audi A5 Convertible: Review https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZtIubiEiv2w
2018 Jeep Wrangler Quick Drive https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CgzS0ubSgPM
2015 Ford Mustang Review https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lKpFSLHLmdM
2019 New York Auto Show: 2020 Toyota Highlander https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hfQ7Kq-pflc
2020 Kia Telluride Quick Drive https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eBNhy1Putrs
2018 LA Auto Show: 2020 Hyundai Palisade https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uFbbBDcCYYg
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Fri, 22 May 2020
This week we share our test results of the 2020 Buick Encore GX and compare how this 3-cylinder SUV stacks up to its competitors in the Luxury segment. We talk about the virtual unveiling of the 2021 Toyota Sienna and Venza, both of which will only be available with a hybrid powertrain. Also, we discuss the rebates some car insurers are offering due to the reduced number of drivers on the road during the coronavirus pandemic, and wrap up the episode with audience questions.
----------------------------------- 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 ----------------------------------- 00:46 - Car Insurance Rebates During Coronavirus Crisis 07:12 - 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid Unveiled 13:24 - 2021 Toyota Venza Hybrid Unveiled 17:19 - 2020 Buick Encore GX Test Results 23:52 - Question #1: Why did the 2017 Buick Regal’s reliability drop and what are the issues? 26:39 - Question #2: Are automakers phasing out built in navigation systems? 32:17 - Question #3: Why two virtually identical vehicles, Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade, have different frontal crash test scores?
---------------------------------- Car Insurers Are Giving Customers Breaks Due to Coronavirus. We Got the Details for You
Coronavirus Resource Hub https://www.consumerreports.org/coronavirus/coronavirus-covid-19-updates/
Preview: 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid Is Versatile and Curvaceous https://www.consumerreports.org/minivans/2021-toyota-sienna-review/
Preview: 2021 Toyota Venza Hybrid Packs Safety and Convenience Tech https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/2021-toyota-venza-hybrid-review/
2019 LA Auto Show: 2020 Buick Encore GX https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QqCbD4SRB9Q
2013 Buick Encore first drive https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kNGg_A_VlOg
Toyota Venza review https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VAV6MdAv8LQ
2014 Buick Regal Review https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tD3uqAl_MBY
2020 Kia Telluride Quick Drive https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eBNhy1Putrs
2018 LA Auto Show: 2020 Hyundai Palisade https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uFbbBDcCYYg
NHTSA Crash Calculator https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=NHTSA-2019-0088-0021
----------------------------------- 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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Mon, 18 May 2020
This week we talk about the test results of the 2020 Nissan Sentra and the progression of this compact sedan throughout its existence. We share what precautions CR is taking in order to continue its auto test program during the COVID-19 pandemic. Also, we answer questions about swapping your car's stock infotainment system for an aftermarket in order to gain Apple CarPlay, and whether there are any advantages to summer tires.
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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 -----------------------------------
00:30 - How CR is continuing to test cars during the coronavirus pandemic 06:46 - 2020 Nissan Sentra Test Results 11:57 - Question #1: Why did the Jeep Grand Cherokee go from unrecommended to CR recommended? 14:34 - Question #2: What is a good, fun to drive, manual stick shift car under 5K? 17:57 - Question #3: Is it possible to upgrade the original infotainment system with an after market unit in order to gain Apple CarPlay? 23:20 - Question #4: Which car would be a good replacement for the Forester’s all-wheel drive and the fuel economy of the Toyota Prius? 26:27 - Question #5: What are the advantages to summer tires on an economy vehicle?
---------------------------------- Coronavirus Resource Hub https://www.consumerreports.org/coronavirus/coronavirus-covid-19-updates/
2019 LA Auto Show: 2020 Nissan Sentra https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NBEZrQIPgDQ
2016 Nissan Sentra https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q68KKwGabLY
2019 Jeep Cherokee Quick Drive https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FG5cR-Twhns
2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee first drive https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EH_XMu6QVLc
Mazda MX-5 Miata Review https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kRYTex1fo20
2014 Mazda3 first drive https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAqcc5ykuKY
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
4K Review: 2017 Mazda CX-5 Quick Drive https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KmTVgcuD2V4
----------------------------------- 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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Fri, 8 May 2020
On this week's episode we discuss the results of CR's new survey which asked drivers nationwide what improvements they would desire on their vehicles. We share our full road test results of the all-new 2021 Kia Seltos. We also answer audience questions about whether or not there is a difference in build quality of a specific vehicle model built in different countries, and if drivers are being more reckless because there are fewer drivers on the road.
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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 -----------------------------------
00:40 - CR’s Fuel Economy Study Results 05:11 - 2021 Kia Seltos Road Test Results 11:58 - Question #1: Is it possible to upgrade the UConnect infotainment system on the 2018 Jeep Cherokee to get Apple CarPlay? 16:07 - Question #2: Is there a difference in build quality depending on which plant or country a car was manufactured in? 18:25 - Question #3: What is a good car for a new grad under 12K? 23:48 - Question #4: Does it seem that people are driving much faster with fewer cars on the road during the coronavirus lockdown?
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Drivers Have a Strong Interest in Fuel Economy, Despite Low Gas Prices
Coronavirus Resource Hub https://www.consumerreports.org/coronavirus/coronavirus-covid-19-updates/
2019 LA Auto Show: 2021 Kia Seltos https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DzEQGzQ1WwM
2018 Hyundai Kona Quick Drive https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2YcFRHiHP2E
2020 Kia Soul Quick Drive https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9mEQcbgync
4K Review: 2017 Nissan Rogue Sport Quick Drive https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5bXt8xd8H5Y
4K Review: 2018 Subaru Crosstrek Quick Drive https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4J005E_TMeY
Volkswagen Golf Review https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rB1n2IgAtT0
2014 Mazda3 first drive https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAqcc5ykuKY
2013 Mazda CX-5 review https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BtIXKw4tvSo
2006-2012 Toyota RAV4 review https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z5G5tAKz_94
2009-2014 Honda Fit review https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7W-Ba5Vm3U
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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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Fri, 1 May 2020
This week we share our test results of the all-new 2020 Mazda CX-30, and talk about where this compact SUV fits in the Mazda lineup. Jen Stockburger shares her personal experience purchasing a new vehicle and how the process is different due to social distancing. Also, we discuss vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication and what the future might look like for vehicle communication. We wrap up with audience questions including whether adding fuel stabilizer might affect your car's emissions, and whether or not all the new advanced safety systems might drive down insurance premiums due to less accidents.
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Video version: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/talking-cars-hq/id630839767?mt=2
Audio version: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/talking-cars-mp3/id630831189?mt=2
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 -----------------------------------
00:30 - Jen Stockburger Car Buying Experience 05:28 - V2X (Vehicle-to-evedrything) Communication Update 11:45 - 2020 Mazda CX-30 Test Results 19:56 - Question #1: What is a good, sporty, and under 10k replacement for a Subaru Legacy? 25:29 - Question #2: Can adding fuel stabilizer to your vehicles gas tank affect its emissions? 26:34 - Question #3: How well did the Hyundai Sonata’s headlights perform in CR’s tests? 29:06 - Question #4: Could advanced safety gear on new vehicles reduce car crashes by such amount that it might drive down the cost of insurance premiums?
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Auto Industry Pledges V2X Expansion, but Only If FCC Protects Airwaves
Vehicle-to-vehicle communication can prevent crashes
Coronavirus Is Pushing Car Dealerships Into Online Sales and Home Delivery
How to Buy a Car From Home and Spend Less Time at the Dealership
Some Automakers Are Offering Car Lease Extensions Amid Coronavirus Pandemic
Coronavirus Resource Hub https://www.consumerreports.org/coronavirus/coronavirus-covid-19-updates/
First Drive: Small, Seductive 2020 Mazda CX-30 SUV https://www.consumerreports.org/suvs/2020-mazda-cx-30-review/
Mazda CX-3 Brings Premium Feel to Subcompact SUVs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DhELDDGnong
4K Review: 2017 Mazda CX-5 Quick Drive https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KmTVgcuD2V4
2018 LA Auto Show: 2019 Mazda3 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iRfZ-oO3qpM
2018 Mazda6 Quick Drive https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dANxqmrKcnc
Infiniti G37 Review https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tOpuKjX96wk
2009-2010 Audi A4 Review https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bTiCeFAmOww
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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 |