Talking Cars (MP3)

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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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

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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?

 

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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

 

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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

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Google+: http://bit.ly/1Md3gfQ

Direct download: 2002CRO_Talking_Cars_Episode_244.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 5:00pm EDT

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

Direct download: 2002CRO_Talking_Cars_Episode_243.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm EDT

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

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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?

 

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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

Direct download: 2002CRO_Talking_Cars_Episode_242.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 12:00pm EDT

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/

https://www.centerforpetsafety.org/

Direct download: 2002CRO_Talking_Cars_Episode_241_2.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 1:38pm EDT

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