Exclusive CR discount for Talking Cars listeners at cr.org/jointalkingcars

Purchasing a used car is an excellent way to save money, with over 36 million pre-owned vehicles sold in the U.S. in 2023 alone, more than doubling new car purchases. Our experts at CR have meticulously analyzed exclusive test and survey data to pinpoint the best pre-owned cars across different price ranges, helping consumers make informed decisions for a better shopping experience. In this week's episode, we explore the standout features of CR's new Used Car Buying Guide, offer tips for navigating the used car market, and address audience questions about CR's approach to vehicle software updates and mid-generation refreshes—detailing how significant an update must be to warrant review or reassessment.

SHOW NOTES:

0:00 - Intro

2:20 - CR Used Car Hub

3:00 - How to start shopping for a used car

8:34 - What makes a CR Recommended used vehicle?

11:00 - Best used car brands

13:35 - Used car Top Picks

16:27 - What are vehicle model years and generations?

18:35 - What is a certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicle?

22:51 - Audience questions

23:10 - Question #1, Irv from Normal, IL: How does CR react to rapidly changing technology like over-the-air vehicle software updates?

26:47 - Question #2, Jonathan from Phoenix, AZ: How does CR account for vehicle changes that happen later in a vehicle model year?

LINKS:

Submit a question to Talking Cars: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/cars-driving/talking-cars-podcast-archive-a1439738009/

CR Used Cars Hub: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/used/

CR Used Car Ratings & Reliability: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/types/used/ratings-reliability/

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

CR Used Car Buying Guide: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/used/buying-guide/

See our car ratings and reviews at: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

This week, we discuss the 2024 Honda Prologue. It's Honda's first mainstream electric vehicle, made possible through a collaboration between Honda and General Motors. The Prologue shares much of its architecture with the Chevrolet Blazer EV. We cover the differences between the two electric SUVs and debate whether the Prologue is better than the Blazer. Plus, we answer questions about how to buy a car and what's going on with our Fisker Ocean test car. 

SHOW NOTES:

0:00 - Intro

0:17 - Welcome Maddie McCarty

1:56 - 2024 Honda Prologue Overview

3:01 - Platform and styling

3:51 - EV Range and charge times

8:40 - Access, driving position, seat comfort

11:29 - Controls and interfaces

16:15 - Driving

18:37 - Noise

20:30 - Safety features

26:00 - Would you buy a Honda Prologue or a Chevy Blazer EV?

30:08 - Submit a question to Talking Cars

30:51 - Audience Question #1: Will CR continue to test the Fisker Ocean?

32:41- Audience Question #2: Buying advice: What used, late-model SUV is comparable to the Audi Q5?

LINKS:

Submit a question to Talking Cars: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/cars-driving/talking-cars-podcast-archive-a1439738009/

2024 Honda Prologue: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/honda/prologue/2024/overview/

2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/chevrolet/blazer-ev/2024/overview/

First Drive: 2024 Honda Prologue SUV Is a Chevrolet Blazer EV in Honda Clothing: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/2024-honda-prologue-review-a8015429336/

Preview: 2024 Acura ZDX Is the Automaker’s First All-Electric Vehicle: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/2024-acura-zdx-review-a1783124536/

First Drive: 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV Is a Bumpy Ride: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/2024-chevrolet-blazer-ev-review-a1328332871/