Talking Cars (MP3)

This week, we discuss how to protect yourself against the coronavirus when pumping gas. Plus, we share test results on our 2020 Hyundai Sonata, looking at how it stacks up against the heavyweights in the category such as Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, and the Subaru Legacy. We finish the episode with audience questions about whether car buying incentives get better during an economic shakeup (like the coronavirus pandemic), and whether CR engineers use decibel meters when evaluating cabin noise.

 

 

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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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00:56 - How to Stay Safe at the Pump

08:02 - 2020 Hyundai Sonata Test Results

17:49 - Question #1: How to disinfect your car?

18:48 - Question #2: Do car buying incentives get better during an economic shakeup?

24:27 - Question #3: Would it be better to use a decibel meter for cabin noise evaluation?

 

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Coronavirus Resource Hub

https://www.consumerreports.org/coronavirus/coronavirus-covid-19-updates/

 

How to Protect Yourself Against Coronavirus When Pumping Gas

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars-how-to-protect-yourself-against-coronavirus-when-pumping-gas/

 

2019 New York Auto Show: 2020 Hyundai Sonata

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-CL_zbxHhs

 

2018 Hyundai Sonata Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ivwv3EonvPc

 

4K Review: 2018 Toyota Camry Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SpOUrt8sLGE

 

4K Review: 2018 Honda Accord Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZRFEpKCeM9w

 

2020 Subaru Legacy Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oosO1qbA7uw

 

2017 Hyundai Elantra Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m1hxLaQO1Gg

 

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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: 2003CRO_Talking_Cars_Episode_248.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 5:00pm EDT

This week we cover tips on how to keep your car clean during the Coronavirus outbreak. Find out which cleaners work best to kill the virus while preserving the interior of your car. Plus, we discuss our test results of the 2020 Toyota Highlander and answer audience questions about CR Top Picks and the reliability of American made cars.

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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SHOW NOTES:

1:05 - Disinfecting the interior of your car

6:45 - 2020 Toyota Highlander test results

13:37 - Send us your questions at TalkingCars@iCloud.com

13:47 - Question #1: Pierre | Québec, QC; I agree with 90% of your Top Picks cars this year. (The only car I would not buy is the Supra.) But why did you not choose at least one Porsche, Genesis or Mazda in your Top Picks? I personally believe the Genesis G80 and Mazda 3 are really good buys.

18:18 - Question #2: Steve | West Chester, PA; I'd love to buy a car from an American brand, like Ford or Chevrolet. However, my own experience, and your reliability rankings tell me that these cars will typically be much less reliable. Reliability and longevity are the top criteria for me. How can American nameplates have such poor reliability year after year? Why aren't they learning how to do this? They are keeping away those of us who don't want to spend money on repairs or spend our time at the dealership.

20:39 - Question #3: Ray | Henderson, NV; Many of the newest cars, including my Audi A6, have a sport or dynamic drive mode. This seems to increase the RPMs in the vehicle, and I was wondering if it’s safe to keep the car in this mode at all times. Does it affect engine or transmission reliability? Thanks for the service you provide, and shout out to the crew, especially the 2 Mikes!

LINKS:

How to Kill Coronavirus in Your Car Without Damaging Interior Surfaces: https://www.consumerreports.org/tires-car-care/how-to-kill-coronavirus-in-your-car-without-damaging-interior-surfaces/

2020 Toyota Highlander: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/toyota/highlander/2020/overview/

10 Top Picks: Bets Cars of the Year: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars-best-cars-top-picks-2020/

2020 Autos Spotlight: https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/cars/best-cars-suvs-autos-spotlight/index.htm

Direct download: 2003CRO_Talking_Cars_Episode_247.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:49pm EDT

This week we cover a wide range of topics, including comparing Consumer Reports’ ratings across car categories; installing a front-facing child seat in the rear seat of a sports car; why higher-level trim cars come with larger wheels and low profile tires; how CR tests the subject aspects of a tire’s performance, and which would be a better 3-row SUV for a growing family: the Acura MDX, or Mazda CX-9.

 

 

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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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00:39 - Question #1: Are CR’s car ratings comparable across categories?

1:32 - Question #2: Can a from-facing child car seat be installed in the middle seat of a Camaro or a Mustang?

05:25 -  Question #3: Why do higher trim cars come with large wheels and low profile tires?

08:04 - Question #4: Why does CR give higher ratings for cars with advanced safety features?

13:12 - Question #5: Please help a growing family choose a 3-row crossover, Mazda CX-9 or Acura MDX

16:32 - Question #6: How does CR grade the more subjective aspects of a tire?

20:00 - Question #7: Is it better to buy or lease an electric vehicle?

23:16 - Question #8: Please recommend an EV or plug-in hybrid with advanced safety features?

30:39 - Question #9: Is a 2014 Lexus ES300h a reliable replacement for a 2014 Toyota Camry and provide a bump in luxury?

 

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Electric Cars 101: The Answers to All Your EV Questions

https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/electric-cars-101-the-answers-to-all-your-ev-questions/

 

How Consumer Reports Tests Cars

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars-how-consumer-reports-tests-cars/

 

Cars With Advanced Safety Systems

https://www.consumerreports.org/car-safety/cars-with-advanced-safety-systems/

 

2016 BMW 7 Series Quick Drive

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

 

4K Review: 2018 Honda Accord Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZRFEpKCeM9w

 

Proper Top-Tether Installation Helps Keep Kids Safer in Child Car Seats

https://www.consumerreports.org/car-seats/proper-top-tether-installation-helps-keep-kids-safer-in-child-car-seats/

 

4K Review: 2017 Acura MDX Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFD-X6g9erM

 

2018 LA Auto Show: 2019 Audi E-Tron

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uBV9nrd6_mo

 

2016 Chevrolet Camaro Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i9-XNq6f88M

 

What You Need to Know About Installing a Child Car Seat in the Rear Center Seat

https://www.consumerreports.org/car-seats/car-seats-and-rear-center-seat-installations/

 

4K Review: 2018 Subaru Crosstrek Quick Drive

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

 

2018 Hyundai Kona Quick Drive

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

 

2019 Lexus ES Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8j-HUfjUwEI

 

4K Review: 2016 Mazda CX-9 Quick Drive

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

 

2017 Kia Niro Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UA7DkF_I0jA

 

2018 Nissan Leaf Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PBAB7sZj0Fo

 

2017 Toyota Prius Prime Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQt6L1celr4

 

2015 Ford Mustang Review

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

 

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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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Pinterest: http://bit.ly/1P37mM9

Instagram: http://bit.ly/1I49Bzo

Google+: http://bit.ly/1Md3gfQ

Direct download: 2003CRO_Talking_Cars_Episode_246.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:48pm EDT

Consumer Reports has rented a 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, and we give our first impressions on this 2-row midsize SUV, compare it to the regular Atlas, as well as other 5-seat SUVs. With the cancellation of the Geneva Auto Show due to the outbreak of the coronavirus, we discuss the future of auto shows worldwide, and whether they make practical sense for manufacturers anymore. We also answer audience questions about how CR car experts are able to retain information to compare different vehicle generations, if a manufacturer's warranty will transfer with the sale of a used car, and why the world of LED, HID, and halogen headlights seems more confusing than ever.

 

 

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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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00:58 - Coronavirus Affecting Auto Shows

06:12 - 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport First Impressions

13:00 - Question #1: How are CR car experts able to retain information to compare different vehicle generations?

16:58 - Question #2: Does the manufacturer's warranty transfer with the sale of a used car?

20:58 - Question #3: What is a safe driving position?

23:41 - Question #4: why the world of LED, HID, and halogen headlights seems more confusing than ever?

 

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Highlights From the 2020 Geneva Motor Show

https://www.consumerreports.org/automotive-industry/geneva-motor-show-highlights/

 

2019 LA Auto Show: 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Niy-WZzl3zQ

 

4K Review: 2018 Volkswagen Atlas Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CYG_5qJZXqw

 

2019 Volkswagen Arteon Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gKYkg3Jw8HQ

 

2019 Honda Passport Quick Drive

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

 

ADB Headlights Could Make Roads Safer, But Only If They’re Approved for U.S. Cars

https://www.consumerreports.org/headlights/adaptive-driving-beam-adb-smart-headlights-could-make-roads-safer/

 

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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

Direct download: 2003CRO_Talking_Cars_Episode_245.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 5:00pm EDT

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