Best AWD Vehicles, Tow Ratings, Unicorn Vehicles | Talking Cars with Consumer Reports #202

This week it’s another all questions episode! We talk about everything from the best all-wheel drive cars for winter commutes, why 4x4 trucks tow less weight than you may think, new car buying advice and we try to locate a ‘unicorn’ vehicle for $35K.
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SHOW NOTES
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1:00 - Question #1: When’s the best time of day to check your car’s oil level?
2:35 - Question #2: Why aren’t all-weather tires more popular?
6:07 - Question #3: Unicorn vehicle for under $35,000?
8:06 - Question #4: What speed does low speed AEB become high speed AEB?
10:31 - Question #5: What does an N/A reliability verdict mean in CR ratings?
12:59 - Question #6: At what point is it better to buy a new truck over a used truck?
15:02 - Question #7: Would you recommend buying a used Lexus ES300h with 100K miles?
16:20 - Question #8: What’s the best AWD system for climbing hills in the snow?
19:32 - Question #9: What causes a puff of white exhaust smoke during hard acceleration?
20:50 - Question #10: Why do rear wheel drive vehicles handle better than AWD vehicles?
24:26 - Question #11: Why do 4x4 pickups usually have a lower tow rating than rear wheel drive trucks?
26:12 - Question #12: Should I change my oil every year even if I only drive 1500 miles?
27:38 - Question #13: How does wheel size affect ride an handging?
30:08 - Question #14: Do high RPMs damage a transmission during engine braking?
31:47 - Question #15: Is there a solution for shorter drivers that have trouble with uncomfortable headrests?
LINKS
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Don’t Bother Following These Car Maintenance Myths:
New All-Weather Tires Outperform Some Snow Tires:
Do You Really Need All-Wheel Drive?:
Standard Safety Gear Makes Early Debut:
Lowest-Rated Cars of 2019:
2018 Ford F-150 Quick Drive:
2017 Honda Ridgeline Quick Drive:
AWD Showdown: Subaru Forester vs. Honda CR-V vs. Toyota RAV4:
2015 Subaru WRX Review:
2019 Subaru Forster Quick Drive:
2016 Mazda CX-5 Quick Drive:
2019 Toyota RAV4 Quick Drive:
2017 Volkswagen Alltrack Quick Drive:
2014 Porsche 911 Review:
2015 Porsche Macan Review: