Our guest: Ivan Drury from Edmunds.com

Discussed: 2020 and 2021 vehicle manufacturing and car sales, end of year car buying, Honda 2022 Civic

Calls and emails:

• buying a 2019 new car
• buying fleet vehicles
• GMC transmissions
• new SUV without 3rd row
• new fun to drive
• wants little truck
• thanks
• audi trouble
• communer car suggetions

Here are the recalls for the week:

 Nearly 51,000 2017-19 Chevrolet Bolt EVs Recalled for Fire Risk – Until the cars have been repaired, NHTSA advises parking them outside and away from homes to avoid the potential spread of a fire. Owners looking to keep track of the investigation’s progress can visit Chevrolet’s dedicated site, call 833-382-4389

You can find out if your car has a past recall by going to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s website: nhtsa.gov/recalls and inputting your VIN number. Or find their SaferCar app.

Consumer Reports gave the label “Never Buy” to 30 used cars. Today, we’re going to caution you about: Mini Coopers. Used car shoppers should basically write off Mini Coopers from the past decade. Consumers Reports named every model between 2007 and 2011 (plus 2015) as way below average in reliability. You can take your pick when it comes to this car’s problems. The laundry list of recalls from the era includes turbocharger failure (2010), slipping clutch (2006 through 2013), exhaust rattle (2011-13), and a defective tailgate (2012). Please consider reading up on the reliability of this car before purchasing it as a used car, suggests Consumer Reports https://www.consumerreports.org/used-cars/used-cars-to-avoid-buying/

https://www.carcomplaints.com/ is another resource for unreliable car lists.        

If you’re interested in reviews of new cars Casey Williams is the automotive correspondent for WFYI in Indianapolis, he’s also on You Tube: AutoCasey. His review this week is on the Chevy Blazer RS, Toyota Camry TRD  https://www.wfyi.org/news/authors/casey-williams

What’s in the news:  Mississippi now has highway signs pointing to the site of a 1977 plane crash that killed some members of the rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd. The state Department of Transportation unveiled exit signs not far from the crash site in a wooded area near Gillsburg, Mississippi from Interstate 55 near McComb and state Highway 568. They help visitors find a remote monument commemorating the crash. The monument was dedicated in 2019, but people have had trouble finding the site. Of the 26 people on the plane, 20 survived. Those killed included singer Ronnie Van Zant and guitarist Steve Gaines. Lynyrd Skynrd is famous for the songs “Free Bird” and “Sweet Home Alabama.”

https://apnews.com/article/alabama-transportation-mississippi-e98ba0cd861dfd10e377936747798cd9

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Have you started your holiday gift shopping? 2020 may be the year to shop online to steer clear of others.

How about:

• Motor Agate https://www.etsy.com/market/motor_agate
• Car branded fragrences https://www.fashionbeans.com/2016/mens-car-brand-fragrances/ or https://www.autoevolution.com/news/you-can-buy-car-branded-cologne-and-perfume-but-should-you-138254.html
• jewerly, gloves, sunglasses, socks, key rings, cellphone accessories for the car, posters
• https://www.caranddriver.com/shopping-advice/a34213007/gift-ideas-car-lovers/
• https://www.bestproducts.com/cars/g2115/gifts-for-car-lovers/?slide=27
• jump starters https://www.amazon.com/Best-Sellers-Automotive-Jump-Starters/zgbs/automotive/318336011

Calls:

• cleaning fabric
• 202
• '68 oldsmobile car and points
• '72 F100 idle control
• mercedes
• points suggestion
• Silverado fuse box

No recalls this week!? You can find out if your car has a past recall by going to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s website: https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls  and inputting your VIN number. Or find their SaferCar app.

Consumer Reports gave the label “Never Buy” to 30 used cars. Today, we’re going to caution you about:The GMC Acadia.

Every GMC vehicle in existence turned up on the list of unreliable cars of the past decade. GMC Acadia SUVs from model years 2007 to 2014 took the dishonor of being worst of the bunch. Consumer Reports said to avoid all eight editions of this truck on the used car market. Major transmission problems, drivetrain issues, and climate system malfunctions plagued Acadia for most of the decade in question.

Please consider reading up on the reliability of this car before purchasing it as a used car, suggests Consumer Reports.https://www.consumerreports.org/used-cars/used-cars-to-avoid-buying/             

https://www.carcomplaints.com/ is another resource for unreliable car lists.     

If you’re interested in reviews of new cars Casey Williams is the automotive correspondent for WFYI in Indianapolis, he’s also on You Tube: AutoCasey. His review this week is on the 2020 BMW X5 M https://www.wfyi.org/news/authors/casey-williams

What’s in the news: A recent survey found nearly half of Americans (47%) plan to travel for Thanksgiving this year, which is down 21 percentage points from 2019. Of those not traveling, more than half (59%) said COVID-19 impacted their plans. The majority of Thanksgiving travelers (72%) will travel by car to their destination, with most trips happening close to home. https://www.cars.com/articles/nearly-half-of-americans-plan-to-travel-for-thanksgiving-72-by-car-429833/

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/travel-during-covid19.html

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What’s in the news: an auto shop in Dania Beach, Florida lifted the hood of a mustang to investigate a check engine light. They found a 10-foot-long Burmese python in the engine compartment. Florida Fish and Wildlife were called in to remove the animal.

https://amp.cnn.com/cnn/2020/10/30/us/florida-mustang-snake-trnd/index.html

Discussions:

• Right to Repair https://massrighttorepair.org/
• "Car Shield" https://carshield.com/protection-plans/
• Driving in the left lane: The new law specifies drivers should only use the left lane for passing, unless the right lane is closed, is in disrepair or is otherwise impassable. Drivers could also use the left lane for a left-hand turn or left exit.
• spark plugs
• '97 Jeep
• Lincoln Crown Victoria
• expensive mode actuator
• transmission fluid in the oil
• how to service your vehicle
• can't get recall fixed
• transmission fluid in the gas
• black smoke
• what's the best truck http://autocorrect.mpbonline.org/episodes/auto-correct-trucks

Here are the recalls for the week:

Toyota Expands Fuel Pump Recall to 3.3 Million Vehicles: Dealers will replace the fuel pump for free. We’ll have the list of all these vehicles on the info page for this show.

94,000 Audi Q7s from 2018-20 are Recalled for Roof Pillar Padding- Dealers will replace the deformation element on the C-pillars for free

350,000 2013-2017 Ford Explorers from 2013-2017 are Recalled for Possible Suspension Fracture

194,000 2018-2020 Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC Vehicles from 2018-2020 are Recalled for Transmission Issue

You can find out if your car has a past recall by going to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s website: https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls and inputting your VIN number. Or find their SaferCar app.

Consumer Reports gave the label “Never Buy” to 30 used cars. Today, we’re going to caution you about:

VW Tiguan: Volkswagen had a tough run early in the decade when it came to making reliable cars. In the case of the VW Tiguan, the SUV flunked the test in 2011 and 2013. For those four model years, Tiguan was far below average for reliability due to engine problems, electrical work, and power equipment. The 2012 model was only marginally better.

Please consider reading up on the reliability of this car before purchasing it as a used car, suggests Consumer Reports.           https://www.consumerreports.org/used-cars/used-cars-to-avoid-buying/         

https://www.carcomplaints.com/ is another resource for unreliable car lists.     

If you’re interested in reviews of new cars Casey Williams is the automotive correspondent for WFYI in Indianapolis, he’s also on You Tube: AutoCasey. His review this week is on the 2020 Cadillac CT4-V, Subaru WRX STi https://www.wfyi.org/news/authors/casey-williams

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Recalls this week:

3,100 2020 Toyota Highlanders Recalled for Side Airbag Interference:  Dealers will resolve the issue by inspecting the front seats and replacing the seat trim covers, as necessary, for free. The recall is expected to begin Dec. 13. Owners with further questions can call the automaker at 888-270-9371, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s vehicle-safety hotline at 888-327-4236 or visit its website to check their vehicle identification number and learn more.

You can find out if your car has a past recall by going to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration’s website: https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls and inputting your VIN number.

Consumer Reports gave the label “Never Buy” to 30 used cars. Today, we’re going to caution you about: The Dodge Challenger

If you’re looking for a cool car, today’s Challenger is almost as appealing as cars from the classic era. However, you will have to sacrifice big on reliability if you choose a model from earlier this decade. According to Consumer Reports, Challengers from 2015 are among the least reliable cars around due to problems with body finish and power equipment. An earlier study pointed to the 2013 and 2014 model years as well.

Please consider reading up on the reliability of this car before purchasing it as a used car, suggests Consumer Reports. https://www.motorbiscuit.com/used-cars-consumer-reports-gave-the-never-buy-label/  

https://www.carcomplaints.com/ Car Complaints dot com is another resource for unreliable car lists.          

If you’re interested in reviews of new cars Casey Williams is the automotive correspondent for WFYI in Indianapolis, he’s also on You Tube: AutoCasey. His review this week is on the 2020 Corvette Convertible and the new Electric Hummer.

Our general election is Tuesday, Nov 3rd. Next Tuesday. Curbside voting is available for those that cannot leave their vehicle; have trouble entering a polling location; or have symptoms of COVID-19. Please keep in mind this process may take longer and requires two election workers. If you can vote by absentee or in-person at your polling place, the Secretary of State’s Office encourages you to do so. https://www.sos.ms.gov/content/documents/elections/COVID%20Elections%20FAQs.pdf

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Allison Walker, The Lady Auto Mechanic, talks about judging a car show and answers listeners' questions. .    https://www.facebook.com/theladyautomechanic78/   https://www.instagram.com/the_lady_auto_mechanic/         https://twitter.com/TheLadyAutoMech

Calls:

• headliner
• car that isn't driven much
• check engine light
• fuel pump
• brake rotors
• manual suspension
• mixing oils
• engine light

Here are the recalls for the week:

2020-2021 Buick, Cadillac and Chevrolet Cars and SUVs:  Dealers will replace the electronic brake boost module for free.

You can find out if your car has a past recall by going to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s website: https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls  and inputting your VIN number. Or find their SaferCar app.

Consumer Reports gave the label “Never Buy” to 30 used cars. Today, we’re going to caution you about: the 2014 Audi A4 After 2011, the Audi A4 showed steady improvement in reliability ratings, especially in the engine and electrical system. Prior to these upgrades, A4 was a troubled car. Consumer Reports called out the 2009 and 2010 editions as used cars to avoid, but ’07 and ’08 are right there with them. In the current decade, steer clear of the 2014 model. Please consider reading up on the reliability of this car before purchasing it as a used car, suggests Consumer Reports. https://www.consumerreports.org/used-cars/used-cars-to-avoid-buying/

https://www.carcomplaints.com/ is another resource for unreliable car lists.     

If you’re interested in reviews of new cars Casey Williams is the automotive correspondent for WFYI, he’s also on You Tube: AutoCasey. His review this week is on the 2021 Kia Seltos  https://www.wfyi.org/news/authors/casey-williams

GMC Hummer Edition 1 Will Be Ultra-Loaded and Cost $112,595

https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a34428107/2022-gmc-hummer-edition-1-priced/#:~:text=Production%20of%20the%202022%20GMC,will%20also%20arrive%20in%202023.

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SUPPORT Mississippi Public Broadcasting, please. Here's the link: GIVING

What do you need to check:

1. Gas
2. The Oil
3. The Tire Pressure
4. The Brakes
5. Brake Fluid
6. The Power Steering Fluid
7. Wheel Alignment
8. The Antifreeze or Coolant
9. The Tire Treads
10. The Air Filter
11. The Transmission Fluid
12. The Lights – All of Them

Our expert is: ASE Certified Mechanic - Allison Walker, The Lady Auto Mechanic on Facebook and Instagram and Twitter

Allison will be a judge at the upcoming EuroFest Car Show Oct 16th and 17th, 2020

Here are the recalls for the week:

2019-2020 Jeep Wrangler, Gladiator and Ram 1500, 2500: Dealers will replace the front seat belt retractors for free.

You can find out if your car has a past recall by going to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s website: https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls  and inputting your VIN number. Or find their SaferCar app.

Consumer Reports gave the label “Never Buy” to 30 used cars. Today, we’re going to caution you about: Any Chevy Traverse from model years 2009 to 2011 and 2013 is suspect. Climate systems and suspension came up continually in the list of malfunctions. Please consider reading up on the reliability of this car before purchasing it as a used car, suggests Consumer Reports. Car Complaints.com is another resource for unreliable car lists.  

If you’re interested in reviews of new cars Casey Williams is the automotive correspondent for WFYI, a public radio station in Indianapolis. He is on YouTube: AutoCasey His review this week is on the 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLE63 S

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Are you decorating your vehicle for Halloween? Are you going to a Trunk-Or Treat?

• no blue lights while driving
• no red lights while driving
• no alternating flashing headlights while driving
• attach decorations securely
• wax or spot wax your car before applying "cling" decorations to paint

Discussed:

• car won't accelerate
• oil swapping
• check engine light

Cruising The Coast 2020 https://cruisinthecoast.com/schedule/

Collinsville Drag Racing https://www.facebook.com/thebattlefielddragstrip/

EuroFest Ridgeland http://www.euro-fest.net/ridgeland/ October 16 - 17, 2020

Websites with car decorations:

https://www.aceable.com/blog/24-ways-to-deck-your-car-out-for-halloween/

https://www.delish.com/holiday-recipes/halloween/g3647/trunk-or-treat-ideas/

Here are the recalls for the week:

Mercedes-Benz USA and its parent automaker, Daimler AG, will pay more than $2 billion to settle allegations of emissions cheating on diesel-powered vehicles, including sedans, SUVs and vans.

• Sprinter: 2010-16 Sprinter six-cylinder, 2014-16 Sprinter four-cylinder
• E-Class: 2011-13 E350 Bluetec, 2014-16 E250 Bluetec
• GL-Class: 2009 GL320 Bluetec, 2010-16 GL350 Bluetec
• GLK-Class: 2013-15 GLK250 Bluetec
• M/GLE Class: 2009 ML320 Bluetec, 2010-14 ML350 Bluetec, 2015 ML250 Bluetec, 2016 GLE300d
• 3R-Class: 2009 R320 Bluetec, 2010-12 R350 Bluetec
• S-Class: 2012-13 S350 Bluetec

If you own a passenger vehicle, call Mercedes-Benz USA’s customer assistance line at 800-367-6372. Sprinter owners, meanwhile, can call 877-762-8267.

A 17th death has been linked to faulty Takata airbag inflators. An Associated Press report published April 1 pegged Honda with the highest rate of Takata inflators repaired among 16 companies tracked, with 88.8% of recalled units fixed at the time. By contrast, last-place Mercedes-Benz had just 40.1% of recalled inflators fixed.

You can find out if your car has a past recall by going to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s website: https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls  and inputting your VIN number. Or find their SaferCar app.

Consumer Reports gave the label “Never Buy” to 30 used cars. Today, we’re going to caution you about: BMW 5 series vehicles manufactured for the 2008 and 2012 model years. In November 2016, 5 Series models from 2011 and 2012 were recalled for potential fuel leaks and stalling issues. Electrical systems and power equipment also figured prominently in low reliability scores.

Please consider reading up on the reliability of this car before purchasing it as a used car, suggests Consumer Reports.

https://www.consumerreports.org/used-cars/used-cars-to-avoid-buying/

https://www.carcomplaints.com/ is another resource for unreliable car lists.   

If you’re interested in reviews of new cars check out Casey Williams with WFYI and on YouTube as @AutoCasey. His review this week is on the 2020 Dodge Charger Hellcat Widebody https://www.wfyi.org/news/authors/casey-williams

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When can you use aftermarket parts and when should you use OEM (original equipment manufacturer) parts? Allison suggests if it is a critical part on your vehicle - it makes it run or drive - use OEM - which can be bought at the dealer or at an auto parts store. Listen for more information!

Find Allison Walker, The Lady Auto Mechanic here:  https://www.facebook.com/theladyautomechanic78/ https://www.instagram.com/the_lady_auto_mechanic/ https://twitter.com/TheLadyAutoMech https://www.automotivegroup.biz/contactus.htm

Find Que Moore here: https://www.automotivegroup.biz/contactus.htm https://www.facebook.com/OnQueCustoms/?ref=page_internal

For more information on OEM check here: https://www.edmunds.com/car-maintenance/aftermarket-versus-manufacturer-car-parts.html

To file a Better Business Bureau Complaint: https://www.bbb.org/consumer-complaints/file-a-complaint/get-started

Here are the recalls for the week:

2020-21 Genesis G70, Kia Stinger: Dealers will inspect and repair the fuel pump assembly jet nozzle for free.

2017-2020 Honda Ridgeline: Dealers will install tethers onto any Honda Genuine Accessory tonneau cover to prevent panel separation and apply warning labels. Additionally, an updated accessory user’s information manual will be provided. Both will be done for free.

2020 Ford Mustang: Dealers will replace the brake pedal bracket assembly for free.

2020 Ford Expedition: Dealers will replace the seat belt buckle for free.

2020 Nissan Altima, Leaf and Maxima: Dealers will replace the back window glass for free.

2019 Ford Super Duty: Dealers will inspect the front axle wheel yoke weld location. If the weld is found to be inaccurately located, the axle assembly will be replaced for free.

2020-2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport: Dealers will apply the correct labels and update the instrument cluster software, respectively, for free.

Approximately 620,000 model-year 2020 Ford Edge, Escape, Expedition and Explorer SUVs; Ford F-150, Super Duty F-250 and F-350, and Ranger pickup trucks; Mustang coupes; Transit vans; and Lincoln Corsair and Nautilus SUVs: Dealers will replace the rearview camera for free.

You can find out if your car has a past recall by going to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s website: https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls  and inputting your VIN number. Or find their SaferCar app.

Consumer Reports Gave the 'Never Buy' Label to 30 Used Cars. we’re going to caution you about: the PT Cruiser

Over the three years between 2006 to 2008, a PT Cruiser was a terrible choice if you wanted a reliable car. As a rule, Chrysler Group vehicles of the pre-recession era should be carefully inspected before you buy one.

Please consider reading up on the reliability of this car before purchasing it as a used car, suggests Consumer Reports https://www.consumerreports.org/used-cars/used-cars-to-avoid-buying/

 https://www.carcomplaints.com/ is another resource for unreliable car lists.

If you’re interested in reviews of new cars Casey Williams is the automotive correspondent for WFYI, a public radio station in Indianapolis. He has reviewed cars and covered the auto industry for 25 years. His review this week is on the 2020 Chevy Corvette https://www.wfyi.org/news/authors/casey-williams

What’s in the news:

https://jalopnik.com/try-this-the-next-time-a-car-dealer-twists-your-arm-to-1845155972?utm_source=jalopnik_newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2020-09-24

When you go to buy a car at a dealer, when you speak with the finance department, if they try to sell you something and you know you are not interested . . . as soon as the pitch happens, just say, “No thanks, I’m not interested”. If the finance manager tries to sell you something again say: “I don’t mean to interrupt you, but I am only interested in buying the car and not any other products. If you can move through the paperwork quickly and get me out of here, I will give you a good score on your survey.” Survey results are VERY important to car dealers.

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What's a lock actuator? Learn along with us and hear more automotive issues on this podcast.

Que Moore from On Que Customs https://www.facebook.com/OnQueCustoms/?ref=page_internal

and Automotive Group is our mechanic for the day. https://www.automotivegroup.biz/contactus.htm

Calls:

• actuator in door
• blend actuator
• clicking door lock
• key fob
• lost fob
• air actuator
• key chip suggestion
• viper unit
• cv joint

Here are the recalls for the week:

2020-2021 BMW X5, X6 and X7: Dealers will inspect the headlights and replace them, as necessary, for free.

2020 Volkswagen Passat: Dealers will replace the passenger frontal airbag for free.

You can find out if your car has a past recall by going to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s website: https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls  and inputting your VIN number. Or find their SaferCar app.

We week had a call last week from a listener who said a dealer refused to repair a recall. Here’s what the NHTSA has to say:

 If a dealer refuses to repair your vehicle in accordance with the recall letter, you should notify the manufacturer immediately. You can also file a complaint with NHTSA at www.safercar.gov  and provide as many details as possible, including the name of the dealership and any personnel involved.

Vehicle Recalls: Frequently Asked Questions -  SaferCar.gov  https://www.safercar.gov/staticfiles/rulemaking/pdf/Recalls-FAQ.pdf

Consumer Reports rounded up the poorest used models of the past decade. Today, we’re going to caution you about: the 2013 and 2014 Nissan Pathfinders. There were over 150,000 Pathfinders sold. This group ranks among the worst in reliability and should be avoided by used car shoppers. Pathfinders from 2013 alone racked up nine separate recalls ranging from brake issues to airbag failure. Meanwhile, 2014 models made the 10 worst list.

Please consider reading up on the reliability of this car before purchasing it as a used car, suggests Consumer Reports. https://www.consumerreports.org/used-cars/used-cars-to-avoid-buying/  

Carcomplaints.com is another resource for unreliable car lists.

If you’re interested in reviews of new cars Casey Williams is the automotive correspondent for WFYI, a public radio station in Indianapolis. He has reviewed cars and covered the auto industry for 25 years. His review this week is on the 2020 Ford Transit Crew, F-250 Diesel. https://www.wfyi.org/news/authors/casey-williams

Driving in the rain tips: https://www.statefarm.com/simple-insights/auto-and-vehicles/5-tips-to-remember-for-driving-safely-in-the-rain

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Guest expert Quenten "Que" Moore from On Cue Customs (website) and Automotive Group (website)

There are 6 fluids in your car to check:

1. Engine Oil
2. Coolant
3. Power steering
4. Brake fluid
5. Transmission fluid
6. Windshield wiper fluid

Calls received:

• ac compressor
• rodents in car
• air compressor
• oil leak
• transmission
• air compressor
• alignment
• instrument cluster
• oil leak
• check engine - car cuts off
• recall expired

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