Very glad to hear that you will be posting new podcasts weekly! As quietguy 1948 mentioned below, I learn much more from these segments than I do from the reviews. While I know that the reviews are based on input from a number of editors, it is better to watch a discussion between 3-4 people. The non-verbal cues and the banter tells us SO much more than some of the reviews. Mike, nice to see you on this one. Come back again!

Hi Everyone, At times, messages are read from people complaining about the program and the work you do. I do not know what do they expect, or what kind of "weeds" they are using, but let me tell you my opinion: your work is great. You do the best to determine the truth, and then you give your unbiased opinion. I admire and respect your work and say: "keep up the good work". Having said that, there is room for improvement. I love manual transmissions and I feel that people like me deserve at least one program (at least once every 6 months) only on vehicles with manual transmissions. Not only Porsche's or BMW's, but the more mundane as well. Most of the vehicles that you purchase and cover on your tests, are what the majority of North Americans would purchase. But my family and I are not included in this majority and often we lack the advice and suggestions that you can give. I am 110% sure that other people feel the same, but haven't expressed their thoughts yet. Case in point, my daughter. She is now in University (Southern California), and needs a vehicle "with a manual transmission". She is considering the 2015 Honda Fit LX or the 2015 Kia Soul. She loves the 2015 Mazda 3, the 2015 VW Golf TSI and the 2015 Ford Focus SE, but due to money considerations we are leaning towards the first two (we really like the 2015 Fit though). At this stage we are waiting for the tests done by the I.I.H.S. to come through, and for your opinion as well. So, what do you think? What would be the safest, most fun and most comfortable car to drive? I am looking for something fun to drive as well for myself. I really like the Scion FRS, but after driving it for 1/2 hour, my 51 year old back was yelling at me. I need something fun, but I realize that it must be comfortable and not too noisy to drive it. Should I consider the 2015 Mustang V6 with manual transmission? I drove the 2013 Mustang, and I felt that the car was too ponderous, not fun and definitely not an agile car to drive, but it was fast and the seats were terrific for me. Am I correct in my observation? What about the 2015 WRX? I didn't drive it yet, but I was told about how noisy it is driving it. I was considering a rear wheel drive (should I ignore that and accept front wheel drive as well?) and I didn't want to spend more than 30 grand with taxes in. Also, it has been a long desire of mine to visit the test centre and just observe how you go about your work. Is there a possibility in the near future for me to visit Consumer's Report car test centre? Please let me know. Thank you. Paulo Conceição

I'm really excited for the show to go weekly! Keep up the great work, guys :)

@martalli

10 жыл бұрын

I agree. This is the most informative chit chat about cars out on the internet.

I'm 21 and quite happy with my '08 BMW 328xi. It's been very reliable and gets decent mileage (about 24 mpg, mixed driving (I generally do about 50 mi/day in driving)). I bought the car myself though....My parents first bought me a 1999 Subaru Legacy for $2,200 when I was 16. Having driven that car makes me appreciate the BMW just that little bit more! Now the two 9 year old VW Passats I had were a lesson in not buying old German luxury cars!

Hyundai cars have improved a lot! My brother's 12 year old Hyundai Tiburon drives and looks like new. It's never in the shop unlike the one they discuss on this episode. People can't open their minds to the possibility that a car company can improve.

@jimmelay71

10 жыл бұрын

While they have improved greatly I still think they are going through some growing pains. At the auto show I can tell the difference when I step into a Hyundai vs a Toyota, Honda, Nissan.

@kokopuffs5789

10 жыл бұрын

jimmelay71 maybe if you take your "Japanese fanboy goggles"off, you wont see the difference.

@jimmelay71

10 жыл бұрын

jorge romani Congratulations, since you know me so well then you know that I hate all fanboys. Especially Hyundai fanboys.

By the way, my wife drives a 2007 Toyota FJ cruiser and I drive a 2008 Nissan Altima S. We bought both cars brand new. And both have been very reliable. The FJ has been a life saver due to the rough terrain, bad roads and flooding here in Puerto Rico. My wife is a health care professional and the truck ensures that she can always make it to work despite the weather conditions. And the Altima is very practical when the weather permits. However, if we lived in a more car friendly climate, I'd prefer to drive different vehicles. Perhaps a new MDX and a Highlander. If money were no object, we'd own 2 new Range Rovers. But again, what are your thoughts on vehicles that you have an affinity for but personally would never own? Thanks for your thoughts. I'm especially interested in Gabe's comments. I love it when he gets on a rant! It's always warranted and he's never afraid to speak his mind! I'm waiting to hear from Gabe and Jake on this one!

Favorite show type from you guys. Keep it up.

I love the leaps and bounds Hyundai is making. It is a good consumer move to be more honest about economy and power ratings. I am looking forward to driving the new cars. Up until this point not one Hyundai I have driven has the suspension tuning dialed in. Not one. Kia has done a much better job. Still no prize. If you think of a car as simply a transportation tool. You cant go wrong with Hyundai.

you never tested the Equus???

in general what do you guys think of the chrysler group, i have a 2005 300 and was thinking of getting a new charger. have the interiors really improved???????????

Good show. Come back anytime Mike!

I love this show, and very entertaining keep it up guys!

In my experience, repair bills start to go through the roof as soon as ANY vehicle is off of warranty. Are older German vehicles particularly hard on the pocketbook, or just slightly above average? Looking forward to a weekly show, BTW.

@jimmelay71

10 жыл бұрын

Comparing a 2000 BMW 528 vs. a 2000 Honda Accord the BMW parts run roughly 40% more on average.

I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE the CVT in my subaru forester. It is responsive, accelerates when I want it to, and doesn't hesitate to increase the rpm to match the degree in which I depress my accelerator. As a person who is rather geeky(trained in engineering, and now practicing medicine), I absolutely love everything about the CVT in my forester-fuel economy, driving feel, and the technology behind it. However, for the life of me, I can't understand why so many auto enthusiasts hate the CVT. Some automakers try to appease these people by programming in artificial fixed gear ratios into their CVTs. To me, this is absolutely idiotic and archaic and completely defeats the entire purpose of a CVT(I am talking to you toyota corolla). Can you reasonable consumer reports automobile experts please explain this to me? Thanks!

Thanks for answering my question. By the way, people would get way madder when I loafed along in my Mustang. It was kind of like false advertising.

I don't mind lux or near lux brands that can go to lower parent dealerships; Acura, Buick, Inifiniti, and Lincoln.

Great show, make it weekly !!!

Would LOVE a weekly podcast!

I wish I had a used luxury car when I was 16! My car @ 16 was an 1989 Honda Civic by the way. But if you are going to buy a used luxury car or near luxury car for a teen, I would stick with a Japanese brand such as Acura or Lexus because of better reliability and lower maintaince cost compare to the Europeans. My choices: 1. Acura TSX(1st generation) 2. Acura TL(1999-2003) 3. Lexus ES(late 90's-early 00's) 4. Lexus IS(1st generation) 5. Nissan Maxima/Infiniti I30/35

I'm surprised and disappointed they didn't even mention the Golf VII on that last bit! The way those people describe their wants in a car, they describe the Golf perfectly! Honestly, Americans can't seem to wrap their heads around the fact that HATCHES ARE NOT CHEAP ECONOBOXES ANYMORE.

Weekly, yea baby. Assuming you have enough cars to review, and talk about, I'm all for it. If not, get more cars.

Great podcast as always guys! I do miss Gabe and Jake when they're not there, however. I look forward to your now weekly shows. So, a big thumbs up for that! I don't comment very often. But, I always watch! I'd like to submit an idea for a podcast - cars that you love to drive but would never personally own. Two cars personally come to mind for me. One is a Volvo S70 t-5 and the other is a 2000's Audi A6. There are cars like these that I love for a variety of reasons. However, in the final analysis they're ultimately deal breakers either due to their being unreliable, money pits or both. What are your thoughts, gentlemen? P.S. Long live Lenny and Joe's Fishtail!!!

On 9/26/14 I bought a Sonata Limited and 2 days later the EPB warning light came on suggesting something wrong with the Electronic Parking Brake. On 9/30/14 I took it to the dealer and was told it was a faulty switch and it would be replaced as soon as the part came in. Okay. So I left the dealer and as I jumped on the highway I decided to set the Cruise Control. As soon as I pressed the Cruise button I immediately received a message stating "Check SCC System" indicating there was now a malfunction with the Smart Cruise Control. The GM of the dealership rode with me in the vehicle to confirm that it too was malfunctioning. I haven't had the car 4 days and these 2 events already?? WTF? Seems excessive for a brand new vehicle touting Lexus competitiveness. I previously owned a 2010 and 2013 Sonata with the 2013 having 2 recalls. I have tried in vain to get my 3 month free Bluelink service activated to no avail. Even the GM and a salesman tried several times to get the Bluelink service activated. Oct. 2 still waiting for Bluelink and whatever else is wrong with this vehicle. I think I'm off Korean LEMONS and am considering reacquainting myself with Japan and saying Sayanora Hyundai.

@3811eric

9 жыл бұрын

monroedragonfly I owned a 2015 Hyundai Genesis after switching from Infiniti and Toyota. It's funny that I've had so many issues with Toyota and Infiniti when I owned them. Air bag warning lights and 'check the engine' lights and Tire pressure monitors. It's just annoying when I took them to the service and told me they just need to be reset. But freakin more than 8 or 9 times over 3 months? WTF?? Seems to be joking that these cars are rated top reliability ratings...I am so glad that I switched to this Korean beauty and I am done with Japanese Lemons with paying more money. I will never go back to Japanese lemons and totally happy with Korean cars and saying Annyng Japanese cars..

MIke is something else! I love cars always have! I like all kinds of cars in general. I was 15 and bought a LUXURY SEDAN because that's what I wanted! my Second car at 17 years old I bought with my money from working a 1973 Fleetwood. I loved it and always admired a nice ride. Sure I had Pony cars later on that I bought new and I had gas sippers. I even bought wagons. Mike it the stereo type that boys should be straight and play food ball and drive sports cars. Maybe a luxury car will keep the teenager safer for now.

Weekly would be great! Wonderful idea!

I had the mistake of wanting a Volvo extremely bad, and my mom made the mistake of buying a used s60 for me. I must say it is lots of fun to drive and has everything I could need as a teenager and all the electrics work fine, but the mechanics. I had the car back for two days after having to get a new alternator, costing $400, because the other one fell apart from the inside while I was driving home. Now the car, after 6 days being at the Volvo dealership for more repairs, still hasn't had a set date to come back home and the repair is estimated at a little more than $1000. I've only had the car for about a year and a half and I've put about 19,000 miles on it. I don't think it's a smart decision, though my insurance is only $125 for full coverage through USAA and it was the same price when I got the car at 16. idk.

@karmamule

10 жыл бұрын

I've been driving a 2012 Volvo C70 for 3 years now, about 30k miles on it, and no major problems whatsoever. Worst thing so far was the windshield washers stopped working, that's been it for troubles.

@besteli1

10 жыл бұрын

Eddie Yasi I love the car so much and when I am able to drive it, I wouldn't want anything else. I am saying though that the problems I've had are extremely expensive for my just graduated highschool budget. For about 8 months the car was absolutely perfect until it started to give way at about 150,000 miles. The whole front suspension basically but I cannot wait till its tidy again. I love the way it drives, I just wish maybe I was more reasonable when I was car shopping. I didn't realize I would have to pay $70 dollars a week in gas and I damn sure didn't think about what could go wrong. But when I get a better job with a nice steady income no doubt I'll be car shopping at a Volvo dealership.

@karmamule

10 жыл бұрын

Yeah that would be tough, it's easy to overlook how much operating a car is going to be.... Good luck getting something more manageable!

Hey guys, love the show. I'm looking to buy a car for my 18 year old son who just got his license. His three favorite vehicles are either a 2000-2002 Range Rover, a 1992-1996 Ford Bronco, or a 2002-2009 Chevrolet Avalanche. Which of the three do you think is the best, and what are your suggestions?

first car 1970 olds I bought for $400 and I loved it

Starting a teen out on a luxury car is a bad idea, IMHO. Start them on a used Honda or Toyota. It will last them through college. So what if it isn't exciting. Let them have the excitement at school, with friends, going out on the town, and whatnot. At 16, the simple freedom of being able to go out in the world on your own is 90% of the thrill, even in a haggard (hopefully reliable) old bucket. When the simple joys of freedom have gotten old, then they can chose for themselves if extra HP or comfort is worth it, and they can spend for the extra themselves.

I would have never bought a hyundai as i has hondas and acuras but i did it and i love my 2011 hyundai genesis sedan and would buy another one

Best audio system standard/option from factory? Thanks.

Hey guys, first of all, I love the show and hope you do it weekly. Second of all, I'm 24, on a tight budget of $18,000 and need something good. I currently drive a 2007 Dodge Caliber. (I know, you don't have to say it....) So, I need something reliable. My gut tells me to go Japanese, but how has Ford gotten in terms of reliability? Are they safe to buy or should I just go with Honda or Nissan? I really like the Fusion, but don't want to buy yet another money pit. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated!

@fatboy19831

10 жыл бұрын

I would go with a lightly used 4 cyn Accord for maximum reliability. Or take a chance on a new Fiesta. You should be able to get a nice one for 18k. You will be under the new car warranty.

@minivanman1356

10 жыл бұрын

I would go with a 2012 fusion 4 cylinder. It's great for reliability according to consumer reports.org or go with a newer accord. But you should be really happy with the fusion

@eltonjohn3236

10 жыл бұрын

For that price, you can probably buy a brand new Mazda3 4-door sedan.

@fatboy19831

10 жыл бұрын

I have to agree with elton. The Mazda 3 is the best all around new car for under 18k. If you do your homework you can even get one cheaper.

@eltonjohn3236

10 жыл бұрын

fatboy19831 If he wants something mid-sized, $18,000 would easily buy a low mileage 2012 Fusion (old style) Sport with AWD and 3.5L V6, loaded. They're reliable, as is any Accord. Accord is a little on the dull side though.

To buying your son a $9k luxury car simply DON'T! Gas, insurance, repairs, and maintenance will eat your family. Think about premium gas, where you will find parts, and who can do it's service. They might be thinking luxury because of added safety, but you only want to lease European cars when they have warranties.

9 grand I’m buying Lexus IS, Infiniti G37, Volvo S40, Acura TSX,TL, and maybe a fully loaded 2011ish Sonata

I have a question. I'm looking at an American mid sized sedan (I DONT LIKE IMPORTS). From the big 3 what is the best midsized sedan. I'm leaning towards a Ford Fusion titanium as its AWD. What is the 2.0L ecoboost for maintenance. Any input about other cars from the big 3 will help. Thanks

@martalli

10 жыл бұрын

What is an American car anyway these days? Accords are made in Ohio - my cousin from Iowa is an engineer for them. The Subaru Legacy is made right in Lafayette, Indiana. While some Fusions are made in Michigan, many (or most) are made in Mexico. Chrysler is owned by Fiat, so it may actually be as Italian as Honda America is Japanese. It is very difficult to tease out what is American these days. If I am thinking local, I would rather buy a Subaru which is only made 3 hours away or a Honda made two states away (employs my family) rather than a some Fusion made in Mexico where the cream of the profit goes to Michigan or maybe gets squirrelled away in some low-tax haven like Ireland (like Apple does).

@minivanman1356

10 жыл бұрын

The 2.0 isn't having problems it's the 1.6 turbo that does. If you want awd I'd also consider the new 2015 Chrysler 200 it has more power and still gets gets fuel economy and can be had with awd

People who have $60,000 will spend a bit extra on Lexus are Mercedes or BMW

Hey guys! I'm 13 and I watch you guys all the time and I'm starting to wonder if a Porsche c4s cab (996) is a good car. We have one in seal gray. Beautiful. Is it as bad as reviews make it out to be? I personally like it. I trust your opinion much more so what do you guys think?

Why not you guys try a weekly 1/2 hr. television show?

Please oh please WEEKLY!!!!!!

I want a TSX but 04's go for $8-$9,000 :(

Thanks for reading my question about the Ford transmission. It was legit, I honestly read that you have to drive them differently.

@TCB1468

10 жыл бұрын

In my experiences I found it necessary to be a little more deliberate when at low speeds. If you press the pedal and then jump off the transmission gets confused. Another thing I found useful is to start from a stop a little quicker than most people. Honestly just experiment and you can drive super smoothly while getting better mpg.

Mike hit the nail on the head which is why I'll never buy a Hyundai even if they get rave reviews. They're good for when you don't have a lot of cash. And everyone knows that. Same with Kia. They just have this sub-prime image. My wife thinks Hyundai should change their name. They're still paying for the garbage they made in the early 90s.

A biweekly show would even be better. There is so much to talk about with cars. May be you can throw in some motorcycle talk sometimes to diversify.

Hey, guys. I really like these videos; keep it up. I do have a question that I would really appreciate your answers to. I drive 41 miles, one way, to work. The trip is mostly highway. I have a manual 2005 Mazda 3i that I love, but it has about 160,000 miles on it and it is starting to get noisy. I am looking to upgrade at some point in the next 6-12 months. I want to buy a new car (for the first time ever). I want an efficient hatchback and I've narrowed my search to the Mazda 3, Subaru Impreza, or VW Golf TDI. I have watched the CR road tests a lot and I'm having a hard time deciding which to pick. Also, my wife can't drive my car and wants the new one to be automatic. I look forward to your response!

@kokopuffs5789

10 жыл бұрын

if you are thinking of having kids, i wouldnt get any of those compact cars because baby car seats take a whole lot of room in the back. If i were you, i would look at the Honda CR-V, Hyundai Santa Fe sport or a Ford escape. Also check out the new Kia Soul, it got great reviews and its very spacious too (10yr/100k mile warranty, can't beat that)

@shaunrutherford7764

10 жыл бұрын

As someone who has researched cars for many years, I would wholeheartedly recommend the VW Golf TDI. It is excellent on fuel (provided you remember which nozzle at the station), good reliability, best build quality for the price, and the suspension mixes fun driving and comfortable ride perfectly, not to mention how quiet and roomy it is. I would recommend it to a small family, as well. Trunk space is much better than a sedan and more versatile. The Golf also has a bunch of safety features and though the DSG is not as good as the manual with the engine, it is smoother than a lot of dual-clutches. As Mat Watson of CarBuyer said, "It is the only car you will ever need." But do your research and compare it head-to-head with others. When I drove one, I fell in love. Hope all goes well!

@ANave57

10 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Shaun. That's what I was leaning towards. I would love a manual, but I don't think my wife would. I'm not so worried about kids since I would have the car for about 14 years before space would start to matter. Thank you both for your input. If I do decide to go bigger,I think I would opt for the Forester.

i would use eco mode if my car had one for drive home and to work, 40min drive

Re: eco mode. Whether or not it changes you isn't important. But you are dead wrong that these modes aren't "part of the car." Without software -- modes -- some cars won't even start. They certainly aren't safe (think ABS, ESC). Be as elitist as you like, but the truth is that today the wheels exist on a car solely to keep the computers from scraping the ground.

whats up with the new legacy

Who the hell are these parents buying their kids luxury cars?

Oh man, again with that stuffing Hyundai into luxury. Only you US people can put a value oriented product into a luxury category and then apologetically explain how it has everything etc. etc. Everyone else has all those things, and when talking about the real luxury cars, they cost more because they are worth more and are built better. And I wouldn't want to be there when all those things break down and the dealer hands you a receipt like you own a real luxury car ;-P

Why does CR always say "Americans" etc. It should be north americans as we both have the same cars!

Im 16 and have a 2000 ford windstar. Fml

53 grand for a crap Mitsubishi engine???? no, thank you!

you get what you pay for! Mercedes all the way