Become a member at https://CR.org/joinviaYT to find out how each vehicle we purchase performs in our tests.

What's the difference between all-season and all-weather tires? How are they different from winter tires? And do I need to bother if my car has all-wheel drive? On this episode, we explain the differences between each of these types of tires, which conditions they work best in, and offer Consumer Reports buying advice on how to make sure you're prepared for driving in icy, snowy weather. We also discuss the rising average price of a new car, and what role advanced safety features play in making vehicles more expensive.

SHOW NOTES:

:44 - what's the difference between each type of tire?

7:33 - how we test winter tires

12:25 - the best time to buy winter tires

15:04 - audience question: driving fatalities are up, why aren't advanced safety features helping?

LINKS:

Best Winter Tires from CR's Tests: https://www.consumerreports.org/winter-snow-tire/best-winter-snow-tires-a1191260310/

Best All-Season Tires: https://www.consumerreports.org/tires/best-all-season-tires-a9794563815/

Make Sure Your Tires Have Enough Tread for a Snowy Winter: https://www.consumerreports.org/tires/make-sure-your-tires-have-enough-tread-for-winter-a6082176624/

Check out https://www.CR.org for the latest reviews, tips, and recommendations and subscribe to our YouTube Channel: http://bit.ly/1Nlb1Ez 

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Become a member at https://CR.org/joinviaYT to find out how this car performs in our tests.

 

This week we cover everything you need to know about buying a used car. Our experts discuss the finer points of financing, vehicle selection, inspection and overall reliability based on Consumer Reports’ latest data. We also answer an audience question about a rebuilt vehicle title and if it’s a safe bet when buying a second-hand vehicle. 

SHOW NOTES:

0:00 - Intro 

0:39 - Welcome Steve Elek!

2:02 - State of the used car market

6:13 - Financing options

7:47 - How to buy a used car now

18:11 - Research vehicle reliability

21:37 - Question: What’s a rebuilt vehicle title and is it a safe bet when buying a used car?

LINKS:

How To Buy a Used Car: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/buying-a-car/how-to-buy-a-used-car-a5221672417/

Best Used SUVs, Sedans, and Small Cars According to Consumer Reports: https://www.consumerreports.org/used-cars/best-used-cars-by-price-a1306944688/

Used Car Marketplace: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-prices-used-car-inventory/

Guide to Car Reliability & Owner Satisfaction: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/guide-to-car-reliability-owner-satisfaction-a9213219653/

Become a member at https://CR.org/joinviaYT to find out how this car performs in our tests.

On this episode, we share our first impressions of the redesigned 2023 Lexus RX. We discuss how it drives, new safety features like active driver monitoring, and the updated powertrain. We also debate the perceived color of the RX we rented from Lexus and answer an audience question that begs, “What’s the deal with voice controls?”

SHOW NOTES:

0:00 - Introduction

0:15 - 2023 Lexus RX 500h

4:14 - Debating the RX’s color 

6:30 - Driving dynamics

10:36 - Vehicle controls 

14:30 - Active Driving Assist Systems

23:54  - Question: “What’s the deal with voice controls?”

LINKS:

2023 Lexus RX Gets New Safety Features and Four-Cylinder Engines: https://www.consumerreports.org/suvs/2023-lexus-rx-review-a9838921352/

Hot, New Electric Cars That Are Coming Soon: https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/hot-new-electric-cars-are-coming-soon-a1000197429/

We recently published the results of a nationally representative survey of over 8,000 people, asking their opinions about EVs, and what concerns they have about purchasing one. Consumer Reports Senior Policy Analyst Chris Harto joins us to break down the findings, explain why the survey gives us a more representative data of the country as a whole, and reveal more surprising findings.

 

 

 

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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

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00:00 - Introduction

00:12 - Survey Introduction

01:33 - EV Survey Results

03:32 - Interest in EVs

04:20 - Financial Concerns

07:01 - EV Reliability

08:13 - Benefits of EV Infrastructure

09:05 - Charging Process 

10:03 - EV Landscape in 5-10 Years

11:09 - EV Buyer Demographic 

11:54 - Variety of Electrified Vehicles

 

 

 

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More Americans Would Buy an Electric Vehicle, and Some Consumers Would Use Low-Carbon Fuels, Survey Shows

https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/interest-in-electric-vehicles-and-low-carbon-fuels-survey-a8457332578/

 

Hot, New Electric Cars That Are Coming Soon

https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/hot-new-electric-cars-are-coming-soon-a1000197429/

 

Smarter: Things People Wished They’d Known Before Buying an EV

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/smarter-things-people-wished-theyd-known-before-buying-an-ev-a5564226363/

 

Automakers Are Adding Electric Vehicles to Their Lineups. Here’s What’s Coming

https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/why-electric-cars-may-soon-flood-the-us-market-a9006292675/

 

Can Electric Vehicle Owners Rely on DC Fast Charging

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/can-electric-vehicle-owners-rely-on-dc-fast-charging-a7004735945/

 

Guide to Car Safety

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars-guide-to-car-safety/

 

 

 

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To find out how products scored in CR’s rigorous lab tests—and to access our comprehensive ratings for items you use every day—become a member. CR is a mission-driven, independent, nonprofit organization. Join now at https://www.CR.org/join

 

Check out https://www.ConsumerReports.org for the latest reviews, tips, and recommendations and subscribe to our YouTube Channel: http://bit.ly/1Nlb1Ez 

 

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Become a member at https://CR.org/joinviaYT to find out how this car performs in our tests.

This week we share our first impressions of the 2023 Kia Niro. We discuss the Niro’s hybrid and electric powertrains, its promising fuel economy estimates and how the 2023 redesign seems more like a refresh. We also answer an audience question about vehicle service— and whether it's better to visit a dealer or an independent repair shop. 

SHOW NOTES:

0:00-15:30 - 2023 Kia Niro 1

5:31 - Question: Is it a good idea to bring a vehicle to an independent repair shop for routine maintenance?

LINKS:

Kia Niro: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/kia/niro/

Kia Niro 2017-2022 Quick Drive: https://www.consumerreports.org/video/view/cars/auto-test-track/5353578766001/kia-niro-2017-2022-quick-drive/

Hot, New Electric Cars That Are Coming Soon: https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/hot-new-electric-cars-are-coming-soon-a1000197429/

Used Hybrid Sedans and Hatchbacks With the Best Fuel Economy: https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/used-hybrid-sedans-and-hatchbacks-with-best-fuel-economy-a2840918797/