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Car Questions

Auto reporters cover and answer to simple car questions.

By Timothy Boyer on
Do car shoppers need to closely inspect a new car on a dealership lot before purchasing and driving away? CR analysts report several they bought wound up having problems. Plus, an important reason for new car inspecting not mentioned.
By Timothy Boyer on
Find out why even a minor body repair on a Cybertruck can cost you a significant amount of money for the repair estimates your insurance provider will request, let alone the cost of the repairs afterward.
By Timothy Boyer on
Should politics affect whether or not to buy a particular vehicle? Asks one car shopper on the fence about whether or not to buy a Cybertruck. This writer found the publics’ answers surprisingly refreshing.
By Timothy Boyer on
A recent tool test comparing multiple brands of ratchets, from the cheapest to the most expensive, shows why DIY mechanics should avoid becoming too brand focused.
By Timothy Boyer on
Many online forums answer the titled question with the oft-repeated advice, "Check your state's Lemon Law." In the Real World, however, here is the best short answer for what you can expect it to take.
By Timothy Boyer on
One car owner looking for help opens a can of worms in Reddit comments, which points to a vital car warning many DIY car owners think they have it right…but don't.
By Timothy Boyer on
Thinking about going EV and wondering just what the real costs of electric vehicle ownership are? Here's a recent update about the hidden costs of owning an EV. Plus, the EV charger you will want if you buy an EV.
By Denis Flierl on
What are the best winter, snow, all-season, and off-road tires for your Subaru Forester, Outback, or Crosstrek vehicle? Do you really need winter or snow tires on your all-wheel-drive SUV? I'll answer those questions and more here. 
By Denis Flierl on
Which new models will you find more of on Subaru retailers' lots now? Which Subaru models will have the best deals? Find out if you should buy now or wait to buy a new Outback, Crosstrek, or Forester. I'll dive into the details here. 
By Denis Flierl on
There's a settlement in the massive Subaru defective fuel pump lawsuit. The class action covers many Subaru model years, including the Forester, Outback, Crosstrek, Ascent, Impreza, Legacy, WRX, and BRZ. Here's what customers need to know. 
By Denis Flierl on
Have you purchased a new Subaru and found out later there are features you wish your salesperson would have told you about? Or do you have questions on how something works? You aren't alone. Here are five hidden features that you may not know existed!
By Timothy Boyer on
Here's Tesla's answer for avoiding any legal responsibility for their Cybertruck Lightbar accessory.
By Timothy Boyer on
After extensive testing, Consumer Reports recommends these as the best winter/snow tires you can buy in 2024 that provide the most grip under a wide range of winter driving conditions.
By Timothy Boyer on
Discover the best basic tire selections recommended by tire expert analysts at Consumer Reports for their top picks of sedans, SUVs, and truck tires, as revealed in this recent 2024 tire review update.
By Denis Flierl on
How do you make the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness better? Check out the upgrades from LP Aventure that take the rugged Wilderness trim to the next level for outdoor enthusiasts.
By Denis Flierl on
Which are the most loved car models by their owners? Which Subaru model is loved the most? Check out the top 13 cars, SUVs, and trucks, see if yours is here, and discover how long Subaru Forester owners keep their vehicles.
By Timothy Boyer on
Comments made by Lucid's CEO actually make a strong case for a different view through a prism of negativity that should encourage Tesla FSD believers, points out this EV expert. Plus, who has the better battery today?
By Timothy Boyer on
While Tesla uses a lot of cells from outside vendors, a new report about Tesla batteries says that internally, Tesla engineers will have 4 new Tesla batteries coming out as the next generation for powering their EVs.
By Denis Flierl on
Which are the most and least expensive Subaru models to maintain? Check out all of Subaru's models and where each stands in this ranking. Also, find out where Subaru ranks among the top ten car brands.
By Timothy Boyer on
Used car with no owner's manual and no idea what motor oil grade to use, or just wanting to know which motor oil is best for your car aside from what the owner's manual says? Here is how an expert chooses his.
By Timothy Boyer on
While some used cars deserve a second look, there are also those that you should not just walk away from, but run away from, whenever possessing any one of these eight red flags, warns this mechanic.
By Dimitar Angelov on
Virtually, the same car, but following different philosophies. Here's why choosing the right Nissan Z is not as simple as you think.
By Timothy Boyer on
Here's a great introduction to how to properly begin any repair involving the one automotive system most car owners fear and do wrong the most.
By Denis Flierl on
Which are the least expensive car brands to maintain? Check out the ten automakers with the lowest maintenance costs and see where Subaru models stand in this ranking. 
By Timothy Boyer on
Does an algorithm from the 1980s really accurately determine how much life is left in your car's motor oil between motor oil changes while driving? This oil expert tests the truthiness of this claim.
By Timothy Boyer on
A Toyota Master Mechanic tells DIY mechanics this is the best type of education for DIY car repair that good professional mechanics rely on. Plus, invaluable info on how to replace the wheel bearing on a modern Toyota.
By Timothy Boyer on
If you are buying a new Toyota this month up until early November and need financing, here is an updated list of Toyota's financing deals you will want to take with you before going to your bank.
By Timothy Boyer on
One of the simplest common DIY checks and repairs is with your Toyota's MAF sensor. However, if you are not careful you could damage an otherwise good sensor. Here's how to DIY right.
By Timothy Boyer on
A car shopper involved in a dangerous carjacking by his dealership serves as a good lesson for car shoppers when signing car loans financed through a dealership.
By Denis Flierl on
Which are the nine most popular new SUVs on the Consumer Reports website? Subaru now has three of the most popular models. You can probably guess which ones, but you may be surprised at their popularity ranking. See which one is #1.