Car Questions (Page 66)

Here are the latest recommendations from Consumer Reports analysts for car shoppers looking for reasonably priced sedans that not only rate among the best when it comes to fuel efficiency but are also rated very reliable in comparison to many other sedans that do not always prove to be as reliable.

Despite the sound of the title of this article, this is not just another make money quick scam or scheme. Find out now from a car dealer who started his business from scratch about what it really takes to make money flipping cars and add to your knowledge on how the business is done before buying into a flipped car sale. Plus, why Kelley Blue Book values do not apply to used car sellers and shoppers today.

Here’s the latest on some information about which 3 All-Wheel Drive vehicles you should consider and 3 you should avoid for snowy weather conditions.

Need another reason why it is a gamble to take your vehicle to a commercial quickie style lube service for a simple oil and/or other fluid change? Here’s a recent warning from one mechanic who discusses the problem of customers winding up stranded on the road shortly after servicing. Plus, a simple check you can do if your car stalls after having it serviced at a lube center.

Are you sure that you know everything there is to know about choosing and using the correct oil filter for your Toyota or Lexus? You just might be surprised to find out that there are some common mistakes car owners and service centers make when it comes to something as simple as changing your oil.

Are there deal breakers for buying a used Toyota Rav4? Here’s a good example of a Toyota RAV4 engine warning that used car shoppers need to know about before buying.

For a little TGIF humor, here’s one of those “you just have to see it to believe it” wonders about a DIY mechanic who apparently gets his car repair parts and supplies out of a Home Depot.

Looking for some advice on what CR analysts have to say about car-based pickup trucks? Here’s a recent recommendation on a model you should avoid, a popular alternative model, and an under-the-radar choice you may want to consider.

Looking to buy a new car, but not sure which deals are good, and which are bad? Here’s an updated list from Consumer Reports analysts about the worst deals on new cars right now based on just how high above MSRP many car shoppers are willing to go.

We all know that Toyota is well-known for reliability in its SUVs. But did you know that some models are still more reliable than others?! Here’s the latest from a respected car consultant on why he chooses one of Toyota’s oldest style SUVs over all others today---which just might appeal to shoppers wanting a truck…but have to find a compromise vehicle instead.

If you are ever at the point where your Ford F-150 needs to have its timing assembly repaired or replaced, here is an important EcoBoost engine upgrade you will want to ask your mechanic to perform in addition to the work.

Picking a used Prius is not always as straight forward as judging its care based on its appearance. A Toyota mechanic shows what to actually look for in an ugly Prius so that you do not pass on one that could be a good deal that other used car shoppers will miss. Plus, why a previously government-owned vehicle can be a real steal.

Can autonomous self-driving cars be designed and programmed to break the rules of the road to perform the way car owners want? Here’s a recent look at what is currently happening with autonomous car tech that is striving to make full self-driving capabilities a reality on our roads while at the same time making the ride as human-like as possible.

Do you ever have to worry about your Prius developing a blown head gasket problem? While the Prius is a well-made and well-designed vehicle, just like any motor under high compression and high heat conditions, a blown head gasket is always a possibility---but especially if it is a 3rd generation Prius. Here’s what a blown head gasket and the engine block looks like on a 2013 Prius with some special caveats to its repair you need to know about.

The later year (2010 and beyond) model version of the 2GR-FE engines found in popular Toyota and Lexus models is a good, solid engine except for one “Achilles' Heel.” Here is what a popular Toyota mechanic has to say about it to owners as he discusses and demonstrates what the problem is, why it is so expensive to have fixed, and your options should you own one with this problem.

Here’s a recent update from a Ford mechanic on just why Ford’s 4-cylinder EcoBoost engines are failing car owners and shows what you need to look for when buying a used 4-cylinder Ford.

Here’s the latest on the top 10 best electric cars and SUVs you can buy in 2023. Find out just how safe, reliable and range-efficient these models are that include (but are not limited to) the 2023 Tesla Model 3, the 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5, and the 2023 Kia EV6 as well as their price tag costs before shopping for that new electric car or electric SUV with the help of this comparison review.

Here’s everything you need to know about catalytic converter theft, and overall car theft with a quick look at which vehicles are targeted the most and why---some of which will likely surprise you.

Who do you go to when your Prius has a problem? Here’s an excellent example of what can happen when the wrong person is working on your Prius according to a Toyota mechanic who had to fix another garage’s mistakes.

Into its second generation of the Ford EcoBoost engine, there remains a timing problem that continues, but does not go away for very long after a repair. Find out now what part this Ford mechanic says Ford owners need to make sure their garage is using when repairing their vehicle’s timing problem with the new and improved part rather than the old failing part Ford is reputedly still trying to unload onto its customers.

Are you looking for the cheapest, most reliable, easiest to fix, and practical used Toyota ever made? Would you believe that it’s a Toyota Echo BMW?! Find out now just what this is all about from a Toyota mechanic who has an interesting car in his garage that he recommends for anyone struggling to get through these tough days of inflated car prices and the rising cost of gasoline.

Here’s the top four best tire brands recently rated by Consumer Reports with recommendations on which models are a good match for your vehicle type and driving conditions.

Do catalytic converter anti-theft products really work as well as advertised? Here’s a review that puts a variety of products to the test that shows that some products do work much better than others. Plus, one example of a low-cost DIY option that works as well as the most expensive of anti-theft products.

Catalytic converter deletes are sometimes recommended as a solution to more than one problem with a car. Is this really ok despite what some popular mechanics and many forum commenters have to say about it? Plus see how a cat delete is done and what it did for a Miata.

We walk you through how to change a keyfob battery in simple-to-follow steps. It is easier than you would guess. Our example is a Mazda, but this will work for most brands.

Are ALL car dealerships dishonest and will say anything to sell you a car? In short, No. However, one automotive expert says that MOST dealerships do resort to unfair practices to con customers and as a result distrust of car dealerships has never been higher. Here’s a recent assessment by a car dealer on why so many dealerships use this one common lie that shows what is so wrong with the industry today.

Here’s a warning to car and truck owners about counterfeit parts you need to be aware of with this example of a Toyota that wound up damaged because of a faked part common to all vehicles. Plus, find out where you really have to go to get Toyota parts.

Is your new truck costing you $1000 or more per month in payments? You are not alone. Here’s what percentages of truck owners are making massive monthly payments over a wide range of truck models.

Here’s a recent recommendation of ten SUVs with proven reliability that can be found under $25,000 that are smart choices for budget-minded used SUV shoppers.

I am one of those nerdy types that keeps track of lots of things in spreadsheets. I track per mile fuel costs for my electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. I also track how much electricity I am using at home versus on the road/away from home. I’m a little extra, I admit. But I wonder, how close are my EV and PHEV in terms of their overall lifecycle emissions?