Talking Cars (SD)

Become a member at https://CR.org/joinviaYT to find out how each vehicle we purchase performs in our tests.

What's the difference between all-season and all-weather tires? How are they different from winter tires? And do I need to bother if my car has all-wheel drive? On this episode, we explain the differences between each of these types of tires, which conditions they work best in, and offer Consumer Reports buying advice on how to make sure you're prepared for driving in icy, snowy weather. We also discuss the rising average price of a new car, and what role advanced safety features play in making vehicles more expensive.

SHOW NOTES:

:44 - what's the difference between each type of tire?

7:33 - how we test winter tires

12:25 - the best time to buy winter tires

15:04 - audience question: driving fatalities are up, why aren't advanced safety features helping?

LINKS:

Best Winter Tires from CR's Tests: https://www.consumerreports.org/winter-snow-tire/best-winter-snow-tires-a1191260310/

Best All-Season Tires: https://www.consumerreports.org/tires/best-all-season-tires-a9794563815/

Make Sure Your Tires Have Enough Tread for a Snowy Winter: https://www.consumerreports.org/tires/make-sure-your-tires-have-enough-tread-for-winter-a6082176624/

Check out https://www.CR.org for the latest reviews, tips, and recommendations and subscribe to our YouTube Channel: http://bit.ly/1Nlb1Ez 

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Become a member at https://CR.org/joinviaYT to find out how this car performs in our tests.

This week we cover everything you need to know about buying a used car. Our experts discuss the finer points of financing, vehicle selection, inspection and overall reliability based on Consumer Reports’ latest data. We also answer an audience question about a rebuilt vehicle title and if it’s a safe bet when buying a second-hand vehicle. 

SHOW NOTES:

0:00 - Intro 

0:39 - Welcome Steve Elek!

2:02 - State of the used car market

6:13 - Financing options

7:47 - How to buy a used car now

18:11 - Research vehicle reliability

21:37 - Question: What’s a rebuilt vehicle title and is it a safe bet when buying a used car?

LINKS:

How To Buy a Used Car: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/buying-a-car/how-to-buy-a-used-car-a5221672417/

Best Used SUVs, Sedans, and Small Cars According to Consumer Reports: https://www.consumerreports.org/used-cars/best-used-cars-by-price-a1306944688/

Used Car Marketplace: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-prices-used-car-inventory/

Guide to Car Reliability & Owner Satisfaction: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/guide-to-car-reliability-owner-satisfaction-a9213219653/

Become a member at https://CR.org/joinviaYT to find out how this car performs in our tests.

On this episode, we share our first impressions of the redesigned 2023 Lexus RX. We discuss how it drives, new safety features like active driver monitoring, and the updated powertrain. We also debate the perceived color of the RX we rented from Lexus and answer an audience question that begs, “What’s the deal with voice controls?”

SHOW NOTES:

0:00 - Introduction

0:15 - 2023 Lexus RX 500h

4:14 - Debating the RX’s color 

6:30 - Driving dynamics

10:36 - Vehicle controls 

14:30 - Active Driving Assist Systems

23:54  - Question: “What’s the deal with voice controls?”

LINKS:

2023 Lexus RX Gets New Safety Features and Four-Cylinder Engines: https://www.consumerreports.org/suvs/2023-lexus-rx-review-a9838921352/

Hot, New Electric Cars That Are Coming Soon: https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/hot-new-electric-cars-are-coming-soon-a1000197429/

We recently published the results of a nationally representative survey of over 8,000 people, asking their opinions about EVs, and what concerns they have about purchasing one. Consumer Reports Senior Policy Analyst Chris Harto joins us to break down the findings, explain why the survey gives us a more representative data of the country as a whole, and reveal more surprising findings.

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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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00:00 - Introduction

00:12 - Survey Introduction

01:33 - EV Survey Results

03:32 - Interest in EVs

04:20 - Financial Concerns

07:01 - EV Reliability

08:13 - Benefits of EV Infrastructure

09:05 - Charging Process 

10:03 - EV Landscape in 5-10 Years

11:09 - EV Buyer Demographic 

11:54 - Variety of Electrified Vehicles

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More Americans Would Buy an Electric Vehicle, and Some Consumers Would Use Low-Carbon Fuels, Survey Shows

https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/interest-in-electric-vehicles-and-low-carbon-fuels-survey-a8457332578/

Hot, New Electric Cars That Are Coming Soon

https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/hot-new-electric-cars-are-coming-soon-a1000197429/

Smarter: Things People Wished They’d Known Before Buying an EV

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/smarter-things-people-wished-theyd-known-before-buying-an-ev-a5564226363/

Automakers Are Adding Electric Vehicles to Their Lineups. Here’s What’s Coming

https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/why-electric-cars-may-soon-flood-the-us-market-a9006292675/

Can Electric Vehicle Owners Rely on DC Fast Charging

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/can-electric-vehicle-owners-rely-on-dc-fast-charging-a7004735945/

Guide to Car Safety

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars-guide-to-car-safety/

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To find out how products scored in CR’s rigorous lab tests—and to access our comprehensive ratings for items you use every day—become a member. CR is a mission-driven, independent, nonprofit organization. Join now at https://www.CR.org/join

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:

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Become a member at https://CR.org/joinviaYT to find out how this car performs in our tests.

This week we share our first impressions of the 2023 Kia Niro. We discuss the Niro’s hybrid and electric powertrains, its promising fuel economy estimates and how the 2023 redesign seems more like a refresh. We also answer an audience question about vehicle service— and whether it's better to visit a dealer or an independent repair shop. 

SHOW NOTES:

0:00-15:30 - 2023 Kia Niro 1

5:31 - Question: Is it a good idea to bring a vehicle to an independent repair shop for routine maintenance?

LINKS:

Kia Niro: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/kia/niro/

Kia Niro 2017-2022 Quick Drive: https://www.consumerreports.org/video/view/cars/auto-test-track/5353578766001/kia-niro-2017-2022-quick-drive/

Hot, New Electric Cars That Are Coming Soon: https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/hot-new-electric-cars-are-coming-soon-a1000197429/

Used Hybrid Sedans and Hatchbacks With the Best Fuel Economy: https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/used-hybrid-sedans-and-hatchbacks-with-best-fuel-economy-a2840918797/ 

We just purchased a 2023 Subaru BRZ for the Consumer Reports test fleet, and stacked it up in a head-to-head comparison with our tested Toyota GR86. While both of these cars (created in a partnership between Toyota and Subaru) are identical in many ways, there are a few critical differences in how they perform. Which came out on top? Our experts share which one they'd choose, as well as discuss the important differences between all-weather, all-season, and snow tires.

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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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00:00 - Introduction

00:14 - Head-to_Head Comparison: 2023 Subaru BRZ vs. Toyota GR86

18:14 - Question: Between all-weather, all-season, and snow tires which are best suited for Northeast winter driving?

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First Drive: Redesigned 2022 Subaru BRZ Proves Nimble and Fun

https://www.consumerreports.org/sports-cars/2022-subaru-brz-review-a6225692747/

First Drive: The 2022 Toyota GR86 Sports Car Thrills

https://www.consumerreports.org/sports-cars/2022-toyota-gr86-review-a7782593291/

2023 Subaru BRZ

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/subaru/brz/2023/overview/

2022 Toyota 86

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/toyota/86/2022/overview/

Best Winter/Snow Tires From Consumer Reports’ Tests

https://www.consumerreports.org/winter-snow-tire/best-winter-snow-tires-a1191260310/

Consumer Reports Tire Selector

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/tires/

Guide to Car Safety

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars-guide-to-car-safety/

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To find out how products scored in CR’s rigorous lab tests—and to access our comprehensive ratings for items you use every day—become a member. CR is a mission-driven, independent, nonprofit organization. Join now at https://www.CR.org/join

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:

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The all-new Q4 e-tron is Audi's third EV model, and we share our first impressions of its driving characteristics, tech-heavy interior, whether the 240 miles range will be enough for most drivers, and how it compares to the Tesla Model Y, Genesis GV60, and Ford Mustang Mach-E. We also share some important tips to avoid buying a car that has been in a flood.

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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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00:00 - Introduction

00:15 - First Impressions: 2022 Audi Q4 e-tron Quattro

16:07 - Question: Is it dangerous to own an electric car in a flood prone area? 

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Audi Electrifies Its Compact SUV Lineup with the Q4 E-Tron and Q4 E-Tron Sportback

https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/2022-audi-q4-e-tron-and-q4-e-tron-sportback-preview-a6031104485/

Which EVs Qualify for the New Electric Vehicle Tax Credit? It’s Complicated.

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/electric-vehicles-that-qualify-for-new-ev-tax-credit-a9310530660/

Electric Cars and Plug-In Hybrids That Qualify for Tax Credits Under the Inflation Reduction Act

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/electric-cars-plug-in-hybrids-that-qualify-for-tax-credits-a7820795671/

What to Do If Your Car Is Damaged in a Storm

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-repair-maintenance/what-to-do-if-your-car-is-damaged-in-a-storm-a2750790060/

Beware a Flood of Flooded Cars

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/buying-a-car/beware-a-flood-of-flooded-cars-a1195019046/

Why Flooded-Out Cars Are Likely Total Losses

https://www.consumerreports.org/money/car-insurance/why-flooded-out-cars-are-likely-total-losses-a9926753411/

Guide to Car Safety

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars-guide-to-car-safety/

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

To find out how products scored in CR’s rigorous lab tests—and to access our comprehensive ratings for items you use every day—become a member. CR is a mission-driven, independent, nonprofit organization. Join now at https://www.CR.org/join

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:

TikTok: https://bit.ly/3BVzGR9

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Pinterest: http://bit.ly/1P37mM9

This week we explain how the Inflation Reduction Act has changed the federal EV tax credit for new EV and plug-in hybrids; how miles per gallon is converted for electric vehicles into MPGe; should anyone really care about how many gears a transmission has; and is it necessary to ever service your car’s transmission?

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

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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00:00 - Introduction

00:15 - Question 1: Which CR recommended midsize SUV qualifies for the Federal EV tax credit?

06:57 - Question 2: When is it necessary to service a car’s transmission?

10:35 - Question 3: How is the MPGe calculated on EVs and PHEVs?

16:23 - Question 4: Is there any difference regarding the number of gears in a vehicle’s transmission?

20:05 - Question 5: Should the first model year of an all-new or redesign EV be avoided?

25:08 - Question 6: Is the extra cost of a hybrid worth it?

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Which EVs Qualify for the New Electric Vehicle Tax Credit? It’s Complicated.

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/electric-vehicles-that-qualify-for-new-ev-tax-credit-a9310530660/

Electric Cars and Plug-In Hybrids That Qualify for Tax Credits Under the Inflation Reduction Act

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/electric-cars-plug-in-hybrids-that-qualify-for-tax-credits-a7820795671/

EPA Fuel Economy 

https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/PowerSearch.do?action=Cars&vtype=Electric&srchtyp=evSelect&rowLimit=50&sortBy=Comb&year1=2021&year2=2023&range=&drive

With Gas Prices So High, Some Hybrids Pay for Themselves Immediately

https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/as-gas-prices-rise-hybrids-make-even-more-sense-a1092610835/

Cars Most Likely to Need a Transmission Replacement and What to Buy Instead

https://www.consumerreports.org/car-repair-maintenance/cars-most-likely-to-need-new-transmission-what-to-buy-instead/

Car Reliability Is Hurt By Some New Technologies

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-reliability-is-hurt-by-some-new-technologies-a2638409507/

To Get the Most Reliable New Car, It Pays to Wait

https://www.consumerreports.org/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/to-get-the-most-reliable-new-car-it-pays-to-wait-a1174785565/

Hot, New Electric Cars That Are Coming Soon

https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/hot-new-electric-cars-are-coming-soon-a1000197429/

Why Hybrid Vehicles Are a Smart Choice Right Now

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/why-hybrid-vehicles-are-a-smart-choice-right-now-a2736240282/

2022 Toyota Highlander

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/toyota/highlander/2022/overview/

Guide to Car Safety

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars-guide-to-car-safety/

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

To find out how products scored in CR’s rigorous lab tests—and to access our comprehensive ratings for items you use every day—become a member. CR is a mission-driven, independent, nonprofit organization. Join now at https://www.CR.org/join

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:

TikTok: https://bit.ly/3BVzGR9

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Pinterest: http://bit.ly/1P37mM9

We've already tested the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee, but this week we share our first impressions of the all-new Trailhawk 4xe version. This rugged, off-road-capable two-row SUV makes use of a turbocharged plug-in hybrid powertrain, which gives it the ability to drive solely on electric power—a unique experience in the woods. We also attempt to find a three-row electric vehicle for a growing family under 50K. 

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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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00:00 - Introduction

00:15 - First Impressions: 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk 4xe

21:06 - Question: What three-row electric vehicle under 50K is best suited for a growing family?

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Preview: 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Gains Sophistication

https://www.consumerreports.org/suvs/2022-jeep-grand-cherokee-review-a1534393094/

2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/jeep/grand-cherokee/2023/overview/

Hot, New Electric Cars That Are Coming Soon

https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/hot-new-electric-cars-are-coming-soon-a1000197429/

Why Hybrid Vehicles Are a Smart Choice Right Now

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/why-hybrid-vehicles-are-a-smart-choice-right-now-a2736240282/

2022 Toyota Highlander

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/toyota/highlander/2022/overview/

Guide to Car Safety

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars-guide-to-car-safety/

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

To find out how products scored in CR’s rigorous lab tests—and to access our comprehensive ratings for items you use every day—become a member. CR is a mission-driven, independent, nonprofit organization. Join now at https://www.CR.org/join

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:

TikTok: https://bit.ly/3BVzGR9

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Facebook: http://on.fb.me/1IQ2w5q

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Pinterest: http://bit.ly/1P37mM9

Ford has transformed the nation's best-selling pickup truck into a quick and capable EV. We share our first impressions of the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning, and discuss its prodigious power, swift acceleration, strong towing capability, and impressive electric range. We also talk about whether the new Lighting is a truck for the new, greener era. Plus, we help an audience member with some tire-buying advice and explain the importance of changing out your car's summer tires when the weather starts getting frigid.

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

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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00:00 - Introduction

00:15 - First Impressions: 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning

15:06 - Question: At what temperature should you change your car’s summer tires for all-season?

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Smokin’ Fast 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning Ushers in a New Era of EV Pickup Trucks

https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/2022-ford-f-150-lightning-review-a4084273266/

Which EVs Qualify for the New Electric Vehicle Tax Credit? It’s Complicated

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/electric-vehicles-that-qualify-for-new-ev-tax-credit-a9310530660/

2022 Rivian R1T Electric Pickup Truck Wows Us as It Lives Up to the Hype

https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/2022-rivian-r1t-electric-pickup-truck-review-a3029848158/

Guide to Car Safety

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars-guide-to-car-safety/

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

To find out how products scored in CR’s rigorous lab tests—and to access our comprehensive ratings for items you use every day—become a member. CR is a mission-driven, independent, nonprofit organization. Join now at https://www.CR.org/join

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:

TikTok: https://bit.ly/3BVzGR9

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Facebook: http://on.fb.me/1IQ2w5q

Twitter: http://bit.ly/1Yf5Fh2

Pinterest: http://bit.ly/1P37mM9