Talking Cars (MP3)

Our 2019 Subaru Ascent is at the track and we talk about the company's re-entry into the three-row SUV segment. Plus, we share stories about our most regrettable car decisions from the past. And as always, we answer your questions on car buying and our dream daily 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

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00:47 Our Favorite Automotive Mistakes

10:03 2019 Subaru Ascent

15:06 Question #1: Our Dream Daily Driver

20:16 Question #2: What to replace a VW GTI with that is better?

23:23 Question #3: What to replace a VW GTI with that's more practical, reliable, and less costly?

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2019 Subaru Ascent Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tCgPso_jBDk

 

2015 Volkswagen GTI first drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PVL-IczHyl8

 

VW Golf R vs. Golf GTI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2uLwY-A35ko

 

4K Review: 2018 Subaru Crosstrek Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4J005E_TMeY

 

2015 Honda Fit review

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tJwKgKunkAQ

 

Audi A3/S3 at the Detroit Auto Show

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RA_Jp7TtTjo

 

2015 Audi A3 Review

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0fy_kUWXpi0

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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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Direct download: 1807CRO_Talking_Cars_Episode_161.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 12:04pm EDT

Time is running out to grab the enticing $7,500 federal tax credit for vehicles from Tesla and General Motors. What should a buyer do to take advantage of the program while it lasts? We'll share our road test results on the 2018 Lexus LS 500, and wrap the episode by answering questions on all-wheel drive systems, auto stop/start technology, and electronic shifter designs.

 

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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00:27 Car News: Federal EV Tax Credit

 

04:34 At The Track: 2018 Lexus LS 500

 

10:35 Question 1:  Auto Stop/Start System Starter Reliability

 

13:24 Question 2: CR Scoring System

 

15:54 Question 3: Are AWD/4WD Systems Effective?

 

18:54 Question 4: Strange Shifter Designs

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4K Review: 2018 Lexus LS Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOALhUeztwQ

 

2017 Genesis G90 Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MNfH3yG9v0s

 

2018 Tesla Model3 Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S0VlwLRJFAo

 

4K Review: 2016 Tesla Model S Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t9cT_mIff-Q

 

2016 Tesla Model X Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7GhvTUDuEds

 

2017 Chevrolet Bolt Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tIYG0NR42LU

 

2016 Chevrolet Volt Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D3sa7OT3PhU

 

2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Review

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ojfBQEZ8jo

 

Audi A8 Review

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j6WQBF-WLHw

 

2016 BMW 7 Series Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CyL8s6BosIc

 

Do you really need all-wheel drive?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iXjzYbpt9Ow

-----------------------------------

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

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Direct download: 1807CRO_Talking_Cars_Episode_160.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 2:33pm EDT

Mitsubishi will begin to offer drivers perks if they opt to share their driving data. We discuss if the tradeoff is worth it. The 2019 Nissan Kicks joins our test fleet and we share our impressions. Plus, audience questions on transmissions and safety equipment. 

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Subscribe to Talking Cars on Apple Podcasts!


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

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0:40 - Mitsubishi Driver Incentives

4:07 - The dangers of kids in hot cars

7:50 - Rear Seat Reminders

8:45 - 2019 Nissan Kicks

13:57 - Audience Question

14:03 - Question #1, Hyundai dual-clutch transmission replacement

16:19 - Question #2, Mandating safety features on all cars

19:45 - Question #3, Why is blind-spot warning an premium option on some cars?

 

VIDEO LINKS

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2017 LA Auto Show: 2019 Nissan Kicks: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XMMf0LCj7sU

2018 Hyundai Kona Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2YcFRHiHP2E

2018 Ford EcoSport Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWKT__mDwJk

2011 Nissan Juke First Look: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qURRHzI7NPc

2015 Chevrolet Trax Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=et4MC_m-DR8

2017 Hyundai Elantra Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m1hxLaQO1Gg

Kids Left In Hot Cars: How It Could Happen to You: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WIqyE0vj60M

Direct download: 1807CRO_Talking_Cars_Episode_159.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:10pm EDT

We’re celebrating the Fourth of July this week with an all questions episode! We cover everything from car buying advice, infotainment systems, our seat comfort rating and three-row SUVs. Plus, we reach back into our archives to answer a question about a 27-year-old car.

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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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00:53 Question 1: Hyundai Kona vs Nissan Kicks

04:08 Question 2: Fun to drive car under 50K

07:31 Question 3: Our seat comfort ratings

13:01 Question 4: 3rd-row SUVs

15:42 Question 5: Volster N

17:52 Question 6: Infotainment system ratings

23:21 Question 7: 1991 Dodge Daytona

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2018 Detroit Auto Show: 2019 Acura RDX Gains Advanced Safety and More Power

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwDUhPCbio4

 

2017 LA Auto Show: 2018 Nissan Kicks

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XMMf0LCj7sU

 

2011 Nissan Juke First Look

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qURRHzI7NPc

 

2018 Hyundai Kona Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2YcFRHiHP2E

 

4K Review: 2018 Toyota C-HR Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XrjNttCsy84

 

2015 Subaru WRX

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hksUMXuW3VM

 

2014 BMW s Series Review

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5d2y06Kh5LQ

 

2017 Honda Civic Si Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JyKF6jsVIug

 

2017 Audi A4 Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=khXQj4tCxxI

 

2017 BMW 330i Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-o99R0RgD8

 

Ford Mustang Road Test

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=56tQtp0W1GA

 

2013 Subaru BRZ First Look

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jnSnRgRUopE

 

2015 Volvo S60 Review

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tCGNZZd2hVc

 

4K Review: 2016 Mazda CX-9 Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5UigcJd7PVY

 

2013 Ford Focus ST First Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rvLM9Zd44AI

 

2017 Chevrolet Bolt Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tIYG0NR42LU

 

2016 BMW X1 Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJUVyOdihAs

 

2015 Lincoln Navigator Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=urtqsciasPM

-----------------------------------

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

Direct download: 1806CRO_Talking_Cars_Episode_158.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 12:00pm EDT

The great road trip is a seminal part of American life, whether it's with your family or people you just met. Hear three people tell their stories, along with expert advice from Consumer Reports that'll make your road trip even better.

Direct download: 1806CR_Podcast_S01_E03_Road_Trips.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:58am EDT

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