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Car Questions

Car Questions

Auto reporters cover and answer to simple car questions.

By Timothy Boyer on
Consumer Reports analysts have just updated their list of the "cheapest new cars" in America, revealing lower prices compared to their previous listing, and the surprising loss of two formerly recommended models, with two new ones in their place.
By Denis Flierl on
How bad can it get? A new Chevrolet Traverse owner does not want to be let down again. It's now twice in three months that her check engine light has lit up the dash. Is it a serious problem? It could be, so here's what Chevy Traverse owners need to know.
By Denis Flierl on
If it wasn't bad enough that Cole’s 2024 Toyota Tacoma transmission died with only 15,000 miles on the truck, he has now waited over a month for it to be fixed. Additionally, the Toyota dealer has not contacted him via text or email to provide an update. 
By Denis Flierl on
Why are EV trucks like the Tesla Cybertruck, Ford F-150 Lightning, Rivian R1T, and GM's trucks not meeting expectations? They fall short of truck buyers who use them for work, towing, and taking long trips. "They are a pain in the ass," one expert says. 
By Denis Flierl on
Does the Volkswagen Atlas have transmission issues that customers should be aware of? Yes, and here is one customer's amazing story. She purchased a 2025 Atlas SUV, and now, after two days and only 29 miles, the transmission needs to be replaced. 
By Denis Flierl on
Is this a case of dealer fraud or just pure negligence on the part of a Toyota dealer? Check out Gabby and Jesse’s unbelievable story of what they found after they had an oil change on their 2025 Toyota Tundra. Here is what customers should be aware of.
By Timothy Boyer on
Tesla owner makes a classic car maintenance mistake that ruined his car's finish.
By Timothy Boyer on
A recent social media interest group has alerted Toyota owners to a Toyota OEM parts sale that ends soon. However, even if you miss this kind of deal, here is how you can snag the next one.
By Denis Flierl on
Here is another Cadillac Escalade that is ready for a new engine. The $100,000 luxury vehicle has only 12,000 miles and is ready to go into the shop for an engine swap. What is GM doing about it? Here is a report that all GM buyers should be aware of. 
By Denis Flierl on
Will has a Tesla Cybertruck, and it's his first visit to the service center. He has six issues that need fixing on his new electric truck, and he's not the only owner with problems. Does Tesla have quality control issues? What are other CT owners saying?
By Denis Flierl on
Dawn's 2023 Toyota RAV4 is experiencing recurring issues the dealer is unable to resolve. They needed her car for 3 days to "replicate" a problem she'd already described. She only has one car, making it more inconvenient. Can you relate to her dilemma?
By Denis Flierl on
Michael had his 2026 Tesla Model Y Juniper for a week, put 200 miles on the new car, and the hub cap flew off while he was driving on the highway, damaging his door. Is this a common problem for the Model Y, or is it an isolated issue with his Model Y? 
By Timothy Boyer on
Are Tesla owners divided amongst themselves? Here's a conflict over what you can and can't put on your Tesla today.
By Denis Flierl on
This story is not about a dishonest car dealer trying to defraud a buyer. It's a customer trying to sell a Chevy Silverado to the dealer with a fake VIN. Check out the incredible story of how one dealer fell victim to the scheme and lost $44,000. 
By Denis Flierl on
What happened to Subaru's sales? They dropped for the first time in 33 months. The Japanese automaker had achieved 33 months of consecutive sales growth, and it came to an end. Was it the tariffs, the recent price increases, or the lack of inventory? 
By John Goreham on
Our title paraphrases a Hyundai Ioniq 5 battery-electric vehicle owner who was quoted a shocking amount for service at less than 30,000 miles. We’d say this was a one-off event, but we’ve seen this behavior many times at other brands' dealers before.
By Timothy Boyer on
The distinct smell of this garage floor stain is so recognizable that mechanics often use it as a diagnostic clue. Here's a hint: It's not motor oil. Can you guess what it is?
By John Goreham on
Ford’s “You pay what we pay” program has been extended through the end of June. After that, auto prices are looking pretty grim.
By Denis Flierl on
What kind of vehicles did Tesla Cybertruck owners previously own? Did they all own another Tesla model? Very few did. Yixin owned a Toyota Tundra and a BMW X5 Plug-In Hybrid. He says he wouldn't go back to either one. Check out why he's sold on the CT. 
By Timothy Boyer on
“These high-scoring SUV models do well in performance, reliability, safety, and owner satisfaction available today,” states Consumer Reports in their recently released list of their recommended best of the best new SUV choices.
By Denis Flierl on
Does the new Toyota Tacoma have an oil leak problem? Andy took his Tacoma to the dealer for the first oil change, and now there's an oil puddle on his garage floor. Is it a problem with the truck or the Toyota dealer? Check out Andy's unbelievable story. 
By Denis Flierl on
Does Tesla have a quality control issue with its exterior paint? Mark purchased an Ultra Red 2026 Model Y but had to reject the car due to significant flaws in the paint. Here is Mark's Model Y experience, along with what Tesla customers need to know.
By Denis Flierl on
A Reddit user recently asked readers which vehicle makes them think there's a big jerk behind the wheel. Here are the surprising results and why the Tesla Cybertruck is voted number one overall. However, number two will leave you scratching your head. 
By Denis Flierl on
Tanisha found a car she could afford on a Nissan dealer's website. She could pay cash; however, when she arrived, they said it was not available for a test drive. Then, they pressured her to buy a more expensive Sentra. Check out her incredible story.
By Timothy Boyer on
If you are considering buying a car from CarMax, you need to hear this story from Zach — an ASE-certified master automotive mechanic and former CarMax employee with insider secrets to share.
By Denis Flierl on
Should you buy a 2025 Toyota RAV4 or wait for the all-new, redesigned 2026 RAV4 Hybrid? It's a dilemma many buyers face. James just purchased a 2025 RAV4 and wishes he had waited for the 2026 model. Here's his story. What would you do in his situation?
By Timothy Boyer on
Ten solid, safe, and reliable new models recommended by CR analysts have the lowest transaction prices gleaned from TrueCar national data.
By Denis Flierl on
Here is another Toyota buyer's remorse story. Michele bought a new 2025 Toyota Highlander, then, after it was too late, looked at the Nissan Pathfinder. She now wishes she had purchased the Pathfinder. Here's what Highlander buyers need to know.
By Denis Flierl on
Is the Tesla Cybertruck a real work truck? Collin bought a Cybertruck one year ago and reveals the performance compared to his Ford F-250 Power Stroke truck. He says his CT outperforms all his other trucks. See if the Cybertruck is cut out for hard work. 
By Timothy Boyer on
Just one of 9 quirks about Toyota hybrids explained by a Toyota Master Mechanic that everyone who owns a Toyota Hybrid needs to know.