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Car Questions

Auto reporters cover and answer to simple car questions.

By Timothy Boyer on
Here’s the latest warning on the worst and most unreliable SUVs that you should avoid buying regarding 2023 models this winter.
By Timothy Boyer on
Here’s a reminder of one of the simplest and most common no-start conditions you may experience with your Toyota someday that can fool you.
By Timothy Boyer on
Do you own a “Whistling Toyota”? Does your Toyota seem to be making more noise than usual? Before chalking up the cause to just being a part of normal car aging, here are some simple steps to find out why your Toyota is so noisy before expensive neglect happens or you wind up needlessly firing a parts cannon at the problem. Plus, find out the most common cause of car noise owners miss and why this is a safety concern.
By Timothy Boyer on
Here’s the latest on one popular mechanic and his team who turned a junkyard engine into a $500 budget racer and what happened on the track necessitating the second cousin of duct tape repairs.
By Timothy Boyer on
Here’s the latest “Best SUV” rating that showcases a range of crossover SUVs featuring both compact and subcompact models with both gas and Hybrid drivetrains that you can buy today under $40,000 that have amazing reliability, safety, efficiency, and value.
By Timothy Boyer on
Here’s an informative warning about junk parts from China that shows the non-OEM aftermarket part you bought last year that worked fine just might have changed in quality this year and could damage your engine. Plus, find out what brand name was printed on the junk part!
By Timothy Boyer on
Does high mileage motor oil really make a difference compared to regular motor oil? Is it safe for your car’s engine? Will your 75,000 mile-plus car benefit from switching to a high mileage motor oil this winter? That and more when high mileage motor oils are put to the test using Mobil 1 and SuperTech oil brands.
By Timothy Boyer on
If you could combine some of the best features of a Toyota with a Lexus, what would you get? Discover now what new Toyota model is designed so well that this Toyota mechanic says it should have been a Lexus!
By Timothy Boyer on
Can a car be designed to run safely under two different liquid fuel types? Is BMW’s latest hydrogen-based Hybrid a bomb waiting to explode? Here’s the latest on a model made by BWM that can run on both hydrogen AND gasoline!
By Timothy Boyer on
Here’s the latest on what you should never do when shopping and trying to buy a car at a dealership.
By Timothy Boyer on
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.
By Timothy Boyer on
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.
By Timothy Boyer on
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.
By Timothy Boyer on
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.
By Timothy Boyer on
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.
By Timothy Boyer on
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.
By Timothy Boyer on
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.
By Timothy Boyer on
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.
By Timothy Boyer on
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.
By Timothy Boyer on
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.
By Timothy Boyer on
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.
By Timothy Boyer on
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.
By Timothy Boyer on
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.
By Timothy Boyer on
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.
By Timothy Boyer on
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.
By Timothy Boyer on
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.
By Timothy Boyer on
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.
By Timothy Boyer on
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.
By Timothy Boyer on
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.
By Timothy Boyer on
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.