About this episode
We've received a ton of questions from our audience on our new text and email handle (TalkingCars@iCloud.com), so this week is wall-to-wall Q&A! We help decide between the Toyota Tacoma and Honda Ridgeline, the Jeep Compass and Mazda CX-5, and if we think the Tesla Model 3 would be a good choice for a family of four. We also answer questions about tires, the Toyota 86 TRD, and give tips on how an Uber driver can maximize the longevity of their car. ----------------------------------- 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 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 ----------------------------------- 1:05 - Video Question #1: Tips for buying a very specific model 3:38 - Video Question #2: Will the base Tesla Model 3 a good family car? 5:12 - Video Question #3: How long will a 2014 Dodge Caravan hold up? 6:53 - Video Question #4: Why did the 2018 Mazda6 take a fuel economy hit? 10:07 - Question #5: How to compare CR tire rankings 11:40 - Question #6: Why do navigation systems lock out users when the car is in motion? 13:10 - Question #7: Will CR test the 2019 Toyota 86 TRD? 13:58 -Question #8: How do you drive a turbocharged engine efficiently? 15:19 - Question #9: What are the most fuel efficient settings for using A/C? 16:52 - Question #10: Can you get a discount on your car insurance if you have advanced safety gear on your car? 17:33 - Question #11: Why are newer cars mounting gas pedals to the floor? 19:20 - Question #12: Cross shopping tire sizes 21:04 - Question #13: 2018 Jeep Compass or 2018 Mazda CX-5? 21:18 - Question #14: Shopping for a first car for a teenager; under $20K 23:03 - Question #15: What's the deal with taking car of cars in the snow? 24:25 - Question #16: Is front-wheel drive better than all-wheel drive in the snow? 26:09 - Question #17: Special maintenance for a car that has reached the 100,000 km mark? 27:32 - Question #18: Toyota 4Runner vs. VW Atlas vs. Subaru Ascent? 29:50 - Question #19: Tacoma TRD Sport or Honda Ridgeline? 31:04 - Question #20: Buying a new minivan; Toyota Sienna or Honda Odyssey? 32:43 - Question #21: What can I do to make my minivan cool? VIDEO LINKS ----------------------------------- 2019 Subaru Ascent Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tCgPso_jBDk 2016 Mazda6 Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4y5eV9FKS0c 2014 Mazda3 First Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAqcc5ykuKY Redesigned Mazda Miata MX-5 Keeps Miata Magic Going: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O908JUXgiwk Tesla Model 3 Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S0VlwLRJFAo Minivans - Top Choices: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YcgOG-oIiIw Chrysler Town & Country Review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NieozqsYT10 2018 Honda Odyssey Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ViCmxjDDLIM 2017 Toyota Sienna Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=165J4dCwUGU 2017 Acura MDX Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFD-X6g9erM 2016 Acura MDX Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PEClMArNA8o How To Cool Your Car Like A Pro: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4XnoSRtSAo 2017 Jeep Compass Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xkPacZUmJ2I 2017 Mazda CX-5 Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KmTVgcuD2V4 2017 Subaru Impreza Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5bze9pGvsiY 2016 Scion iA Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3iEg9MlrVU 2016 Honda Pilot Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EhJBb143fho 2017 Toyota Highlander Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ic5Obebxcv8 Toyota Sequoia Review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wQ_dxsXlqc 2016 Toyota Tacoma Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHnpNycnJ1s 2017 Honda Ridgeline Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJJeNbqaQAM Do You Really Need All-Wheel Drive?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iXjzYbpt9Ow Essential Winter Driving Tips: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIWVRbr15ek Prep Your Car for Winter: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3rczMZsN0g