Talking Cars (MP3)

We just took delivery of the 2019 Cadillac XT4 at the track. We share our first impressions on the luxury subcompact, how it stacks up to others in the class, and wonder who this segment is really trying to appeal to! We also discuss recent engine recalls by Subaru and Toyota, give a not-so-teary eulogy for GM's Book car subscription service, and answer audience questions, including one about dealership business model and high pressure situations with car salespeople.

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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 [email protected] 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 - Subaru and Toyota Recalls

03:25 - GM Suspends: Book by Cadillac

08:11 - 2019 Cadillac XT4

13:02 - Question 1: Choosing Between Scion xB and Mazda3

15:17 - Question 2: Using FCW and AEB in Wintery Conditions

17:49 - Question 3: High Pressure Situations with Salespeople

21:48 - Question 4: Is Blind-Spot Warning Necessary?

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2018 New York Auto Show: 2019 Cadillac XT4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VeqN7zuP344

Subaru and Toyota to Recall 165,000 Vehicles for Engine Issues

https://www.consumerreports.org/car-recalls-defects/subaru-and-toyota-recall-engine-issues-stalling/

Buy, Lease, or Subscribe? Automakers Offer New Approaches to Car Ownership

https://www.consumerreports.org/buying-a-car/buy-lease-or-subscribe-automakers-offer-new-approaches-to-car-ownership/

8 Best Cars for Teen Drivers

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lE6pLbbt428

6 Safety Sensors to Clean on Your Car This Winter

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

2014 Mazda3 first drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAqcc5ykuKY

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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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The all-new Toyota RAV4 is at the track; we share our impressions and discuss how it's stayed on top of the small SUV market. We also talk about CR's push to standardize the terms used to describe safety gear, and how we're including blind-spot warning into our overall score of vehicles. Don't worry, we squeezed in some audience questions too!

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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 [email protected] 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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0:36 - CR's push to standardize safety gear terms

4:40 - Including blind-spot warning in CR car ratings

7:30 - 2019 Toyota RAV4

13:35 - Send us your questions!

14:23 - Question #1: Leasing as a long term test drive?

16:33 - Question #2: Genesis G70 availability

19:00 - Question #3: Is the Mazda CX-9 a reliable choice this year?

19:44 - Question #4: What PHEV should I buy?

VIDEO LINKS

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2018 New York Auto Show: 2019 Toyota RAV4: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N9MJ-sMDdsc

2016 Toyota RAV4 Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gEnMo_G7eM8

2017 Honda CR-V Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CwN2Tl1A5Z4

2018 Toyota Camry Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SpOUrt8sLGE

2019 Genesis G70 Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UDrN5_R3Bu0

2018 Kia Stinger Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z23ztuujxfA

2016 Mazda CX-9 Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5UigcJd7PVY

2017 Mazda CX-5 Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KmTVgcuD2V4

2013 Ford C-MAX First Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9Mw4bC6WZo

2017 Kia Niro Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UA7DkF_I0jA

2017 Hyundai Ioniq Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DeYnvaqVHV0

This week's episode is all about reliability! Each year, Consumer Reports surveys its members about their vehicles to find out how their cars are performing in day to day, real world use. From major engine issues to frustrating infotainment problems, data is collected to find out how vehicles perform over the years. Once we crunch the numbers, we are able to determine which cars and brands are running smoothly, or giving owners constant issues. We go over some of the worst performing cars in our survey, and answer viewer questions about reliability issues they are currently experiencing.

Have a question for our experts? Reach out to us!

From your iOS device, iMessage us at [email protected] 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

For our full reliability coverage, visit CR.org/reliability

SHOW NOTES -------------------------------- :30 - How we compile our reliability data

4:50 - least reliable new cars

9:35 - Tesla Model S reliability

16:50 - Question #1: Reliable vehicle for towing & family

20:10 - Question #2: Replacement for Toyota Camry Hybrid

Honda Clarity Quick Drive: https://youtu.be/e0bUhEmXgNo

Cadillac ATS Quick Drive: https://youtu.be/_WzeCnXgUn4

Tesla Model X Quick Drive: https://youtu.be/7GhvTUDuEds

Honda Odyssey Quick Drive: https://youtu.be/ViCmxjDDLIM

Tesla Model S Quick Drive: https://youtu.be/t9cT_mIff-Q

Tesla Model 3 Quick Drive: https://youtu.be/S0VlwLRJFAo

This week we dig through the backlog of questions from our audience (submitted to [email protected].) We give advice on making smart car buying decisions, whether it's a good idea to change your transmission oil, what kind of car to use when learning to drive a manual, and more!

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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 [email protected] 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

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

00:48 - Question 1: Whether to change transmission oil?

02:31 - Question 2: Subaru Impreza hatchback reliability data?

04:09 - Question 3: How much life to expect from a Honda CR-V?

05:47 - Question 4: Is buying a 2008 Pontiac G8 GT a good idea?

07:25 - Question 5: Choosing all-weather tires

09:55 - Question 6: Less than average predicted reliability on 2019 Mazda CX-9?

11:52 - Question 7: Which one to buy: Volvo S60, Audi S4, BMW 340i?

14:27 - Question 8: Best car for learning to drive stick shift?

16:47 - Question 9: Why we use the desk mics?

17:23 - Question 10: Which Plug-in Hybrid is best?

19:34 - Question 11: why it seems European cars get better mileage than American?

20:10 - Question 12: How is Toyota's new 8-speed transmission?

22:22 - Question 13: Good vehicle for the Wyoming weather?

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4k Review: 2017 Subaru Impreza Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5bze9pGvsiY

2017 Honda CR-v Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CwN2Tl1A5Z4

2012 Honda CR-V review

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pcZ-KdWzcyM

Pontiac G8 Review

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d96mQzxKiFA

New All-Weather Tires Outperform Some Snow Tires

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

4K Review: 2016 Mazda CX-9 Quick Drive

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

2015 Volvo S60 Review

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

2017 Audio A4 Quick Drive

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

2017 BMW 330i Quick Drive

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

4K Review: 2017 Honda Clarity Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e0bUhEmXgNo

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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:

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This week we discuss our findings regarding the recent reports of Honda CR-V drivers experiencing gasoline leaking into and diluting the engine oil, and what you should do if you are having the same problem. Next, we give our first impressions of the all-new 2019 Nissan Altima, and how it stacks up in the already declining compact sedan segment. We also answer audience questions about automatic transmission driving habits, and safety concerns of over-the-air vehicle software updates.

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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 [email protected] 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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0:22 - Honda CR-V Oil/Fuel Discussion

0:38 - Viewer Question: Honda CR-V still OK to buy?

6:33 - @ the Track: 2019 Nissan Altima

10:05 - Send us your questions! [email protected]

10:29 - Video Question #1: Should you shift an automatic transmission to Neutral when stopped?

12:41 - Video Question #2: Are over-the-air updates safe?

16:08 - Viewer Question #3: Why should I want an SUV?

We explain why General Motor's Super Cruise, Tesla's Autopilot, Nissan's ProPILOT Assist, and Volvo's Pilot Assist are not self-driving systems, but how each can be used safely, and which ones Consumer Reports finds perform best. We also answer questions about transmissions system additives, and whether the Subaru Forester is the best choice for people with an active lifestyle.

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

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 [email protected] 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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01:37 Automated Driving System Rankings

14:11 Question 1: Benefits of Self-Driving Systems

16:20 Question 2: How to save a transmission

17:58 Question 3: Weekend Trips Car

20:07 Question 4: Replacing 2015 Toyota Camry

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Cadillac Tops Tesla in Consumer Reports' First Ranking of Automated Driving Systems

https://www.consumerreports.org/autonomous-driving/cadillac-tops-tesla-in-automated-systems-ranking/

2019 Subaru Forester Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dymKOcVk7Iw

2017 Volkswagen Alltrack Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nFwfm63Ts1k

Face-Off: Subaru Outback vs. Volkswagen Alltrack

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ylXqZce8XQ

2017 Honda CR-V Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CwN2Tl1A5Z4

2017 Mazda CX-5 Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KmTVgcuD2V4

2016 Toyota RAV4 Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gEnMo_G7eM8

2018 Honda Accord Quick Drive

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

2018 Toyota Camry Quick Drive

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

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

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:

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Google+: http://bit.ly/1Md3gfQ

This week, we give our first impressions of the new Subaru Outback - does it maintain the legacy of the high utility (but low excitement) SUV? We also discuss the recent announcements of mobile map apps Waze and Google Maps debuting on Apple CarPlay, as well as Amazon's new Alexa Auto device. Lastly, we answer audience questions about our test results on the Acura RDX, why all dashboards are black these days, and which we would choose as a work truck: the Chevrolet Colorado or the Toyota Tacoma.

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

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 [email protected] 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

We've finished testing the 2019 Subaru Ascent, and let you know how it stacks up against competitors like the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, and Mazda CX-9. We also discuss the unveiling of the all-electric Audi E-Tron SUV, as well as startup automaker Lucid securing $1 billion in funding. And as always, we answer your questions, this week about CR buying and testing unpopular cars, our most coveted advanced safety gear, and what car you should buy once you pay off your student loans!

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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 [email protected] 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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1:11 - Lucid Motors receives $1 Billion in funding

1:50 - Audi announces the E-Tron

6:10 - Subaru Ascent test results

11:17 - We have a question for you!

12:29 - Video Question #1: Level 1 vs. Level 2 EV charging

16:31 - Video Question #2: Sporty sedan shopping for $40K CAN

19:40 - Question #3: Test Car Triage

23:28 - Question #4: Which safety options to purchase for a new driver

VIDEO LINKS

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2019 Subaru Ascent Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tCgPso_jBDk

2016 Honda Pilot Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EhJBb143fho

2017 Toyota Highlander Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ic5Obebxcv8

2016 Mazda CX-9 Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5UigcJd7PVY

2017 Chevrolet Bolt Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tIYG0NR42LU

2016 Chevrolet Volt Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D3sa7OT3PhU

Electric Car Range Face-Off: Chevy Bolt vs. Tesla Model S 75D: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cx7Tg7QNvFg

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

2018 Tesla Model 3 Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S0VlwLRJFAo

2018 Mazda6 Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dANxqmrKcnc

2016 Infiniti Q50 Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qpcRtwZjkJE

With Hurricane Florence affecting much of the Carolinas and mid-Atlantic region of the US, we discuss how to prepare your vehicle for a natural disaster. We also give our first impressions of the 2019 Lexus UX, and how it stacks up against stiff competition in the compact luxury SUV segment. We also answer questions from our audience about the proper way to break-in your vehicle, whether you can use regular gas in your 'premium recommended' car, and advise a young driver about their first automotive purchase.

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

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 [email protected] 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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00:05 How to Prepare Your Car in a Hurricane

06:20 2019 Lexus UX

11:36 Question 1: Break-in Period for a New Car

14:15 Question 2: Required vs. Recommended Fuel Grade

16:30 Question 3: First Automotive Purchase Advice for Teens

20:37 Question 4: All-new Model vs. Redesign Year, When to Buy

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2019 Lexus UX Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V0eKMW9wvKA

Storm & Emergency Preparedness

https://www.consumerreports.org/emergency-preparedness/storm-and-emergency-guide/

How to Prepare Your Home for a Storm

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zYJnWkQ4aC0

Flooded Cars: How to Spot One Before You Buy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LT-WtAltmK8

Disaster Prep: A Simple Way To Make Sure You Recover Your Stuff

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oIw2tJ5u4Pc

5 Tips to Keep Your Portable Generator Ready

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

Lost Power? What You Should Do

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8L-jnqKFPZc

Home generator advice

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RBoaoApId5c

4K Review: 2018 Volkswagen Atlas Quick Drive

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

2017 Volkswagen Alltrack Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nFwfm63Ts1k

2015 Subaru Outback and Legacy

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

Face-Off: Subaru Outback vs. Volkswagen Alltrack

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ylXqZce8XQ

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

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

We've purchased the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado for our test program. Hear our first impressions of the popular pickup and where we think it stands in the ongoing truck war. Mercedes-Benz introduces its first all-electric vehicle, the EQC; and we answer viewer questions about hybrids and the best used car for a new teen driver.

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

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 [email protected] 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

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

0:40 - Mercedes-Benz introduces the EQC

6:18 - Viewer Question: What is eTorque?

7:47 - 2019 Chevrolet Silverado

13:42 - Viewer Video Question #1: Are all-weather tires good enough for Winter driving in New England?

17:10 - Viewer Question #2: Used car for a teen, with a budget ok $10K

20:37- Viewer Question #3: What's better in stop-and-go driving, hybrids or EVs?

VIDEO LINKS

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2018 Detroit Auto Show: 2019 Chevrolet Silverado - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5E1EjYfXFs

2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o255jI5MTf0

New All-Weather Tires Outperform Some Snow Tires: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JfEcVZvQEA

Toyota Prius V Review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AE-pE3bXhAk

2016 Toyota RAV4 Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gEnMo_G7eM8

2017 Toyota Highlander Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ic5Obebxcv8

2017 Subaru Impreza Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5bze9pGvsiY

2013 Subaru Legacy Sneak Peak: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7LqIRAHsD4