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Car Questions (Page 35)

Car Questions

Auto reporters cover and answer to simple car questions.

By Timothy Boyer on August 11, 2022 - 4:41PM
Here’s Consumer Reports’ analyst’s most recent selections this month of 10 new car models that includes full-sized trucks which right now are now selling anywhere between 3% to 12% below their MSRP sticker values.
By Timothy Boyer on August 8, 2022 - 4:26PM
While Lexus is well-known for its quality-built cars, there are cases of particular models that are prone to have problems that are especially very expensive to fix. As an example, here’s one Lexus model this Toyota mechanic advises against buying. But if you already have one, he provides some good advice on not only how to test your Lexus to see if it has this problem (or is about to develop one), but what you can do to save money toward fixing the problem.
By Jeff Teague on August 7, 2022 - 1:26PM
We hear from people who own Toyota Sienna Hybrid about their real-world gas mileage.
By Timothy Boyer on August 6, 2022 - 10:24AM
Does Harbor Freight have any dirty little secrets behind their tools and business success? Here’s one tool source reveal that will have you rethinking your tool purchases.
By Timothy Boyer on August 5, 2022 - 2:24PM
Find out now why this 2015 Toyota Camry with only 215,000 miles needs nearly a total engine replacement even after its owner maintained it like a good car owner should following the car manual’s recommended servicing performed by a Toyota dealership.
By Timothy Boyer on August 5, 2022 - 10:43AM
Does your vehicle require refilling of its AC system refrigerant every few months? If so, then why hasn’t it been fixed? Here’s one take about some mechanics who would prefer charging you for refilling your refrigerant periodically rather than fixing a leaking refrigerant problem. Plus, an easy DIY tip that can help determine where your refrigerant is leaking when others have failed to locate the source.
By Timothy Boyer on August 5, 2022 - 10:26AM
Is the latest model of the Toyota Tundra the right model for you right now? Here’s what one mechanic who misses the traditional V8 models of yesteryear has to say about it as he points out the pluses---and the disappointments---he sees in one recently bought in this new review.
By Timothy Boyer on August 2, 2022 - 10:49PM
Here is a summary of Consumer Reports recently recommended reliable and fuel efficient 10-year-old sedans that consumers who were so satisfied with the models they bought, stated in a questionnaire that they would definitely buy their vehicle again.
By Timothy Boyer on August 2, 2022 - 11:25AM
Here’s a recent review pitting several brands of extension cords against each other under a wide range of tests that reveal whether some of the less expensive brands are just as good as those that cost 4 times as much for your garage.
By Timothy Boyer on July 30, 2022 - 9:06AM
Here’s why a dealership service department might not bother to diagnose your car problem and why you should always have a backup mechanic plan for a second opinion. Plus, how to diagnose a spongy brake problem on your own.
By Timothy Boyer on July 30, 2022 - 7:40AM
Too many of us have bad habits when it comes to driving a car or truck with a manual transmission. Here’s a good reminder on things you should never do to a manual transmission car or truck that while might not seem to be a problem immediately, does result in premature wear of your clutch as well as damage to your transmission.
By Timothy Boyer on July 28, 2022 - 10:40AM
Here’s a good example of where a DIY mechanic follows sensible attempts at a repair only to wind up in trouble and confusing a repair job because of an unexpected problem that is not so unexpected with experienced mechanics---faked online auto parts.
By Timothy Boyer on July 27, 2022 - 10:55AM
Trying to decide if painting a car yourself is or is not the best idea for a car project, but at least doable with satisfying results? Here’s one car owner’s journey that is a must-watch for anyone looking for an affordable way to DIY paint their car and what to expect in the process before making a commitment.
By Timothy Boyer on July 26, 2022 - 11:02PM
According to this car consumer advocate, don’t be fooled by used luxury cars that look nice and can be found at a relatively low price. Here’s his list of the worst cheap luxury cars that you can buy used today that will wind up bankrupting you.
By Timothy Boyer on July 26, 2022 - 5:43PM
Thinking about a car paint repair project while your spouse is away because you live by the “Tis easier to ask for forgiveness tomorrow, than it is to beg for permission today” motto? You are not alone as many DIY live-free die-hard husbands can attest to. That said, here are some important considerations to make before tackling a DIY car paint project in your home.
By Timothy Boyer on July 26, 2022 - 9:26AM
Is a turbocharged engine vehicle the right choice for you? Here’s a recent reveal from one automotive expert on the truths you need to understand about turbos and the vehicle examples where problems and issues have been evident and affected car reliability. Of particular note is a warning about why a turbo is a bad idea with Hybrid cars.
By Timothy Boyer on July 25, 2022 - 4:24PM
Thinking about buying the latest 2022 Rav4 fresh off of the assembly line? Here’s a Toyota Mechanic’s take from this review of what you need to know about it before buying one and why you should always choose the midyear version of a model if you want the best of the best in a particular model.
By Timothy Boyer on July 25, 2022 - 10:57AM
A bogus towing threat shows that there are few protections for car owners even when they are in the right.
By Timothy Boyer on July 24, 2022 - 11:59AM
Here’s a smart investment tool for new model car owners, older model car owners, used car shoppers, and DIY mechanics looking to save a lot of money by avoiding scams and/or wasting money firing the parts cannon at their ailing vehicle.
By Timothy Boyer on July 23, 2022 - 4:53PM
Here’s a recent warning to Ford owners and used car shoppers considering buying any of the 4-cylinder EcoBoost engines that are known to have this common problem that can be prohibitively expensive.
By Timothy Boyer on July 23, 2022 - 9:40AM
Are you for the 2035 ban against the production and sale of internal combustion engine vehicles? Do you believe FSD really exists today? Here’s the latest on the real risks of EVs and what happens when you are in a collision involving one that is food for thought before deciding on where you stand on these issues.
By Timothy Boyer on July 22, 2022 - 7:09PM
Here’s the latest on the updated version of the 5.2L supercharged Ford V8 Raptor engine that shows just how this ICE monster really does earn its name.
By Timothy Boyer on July 22, 2022 - 3:04PM
Here are seven 2022 Hybrid vehicle recommendations recently listed by Consumer Reports analysts with their projected gas savings benefit to expect when buying a new Hybrid car over buying a comparable gas-only model.
By Timothy Boyer on July 21, 2022 - 3:31PM
Have you bought a 2022 model of the popular Toyota Tundra or its Hybrid version this year or last fall? If so, then you will want to know this important recall warning that could save the life of a child in or around your home.
By Timothy Boyer on July 19, 2022 - 12:09PM
Looking to buy a new car, but not sure which deals are good, and which are bad? Here’s a recent updated list from Consumer Reports analysts who recently reported the worst deals on new cars right now with some models as high as 23% above MSRP.
By Timothy Boyer on July 18, 2022 - 7:41PM
Here’s the latest revised Consumer Reports Best Midsized SUV listing that showcases their choices of the best SUVs that you can buy today for under $35,000 that will help keep you and your family safe.
By Timothy Boyer on July 18, 2022 - 1:24PM
Here’s the latest listing of 5-year-old used hybrids and hatchbacks Consumer Reports analysts recommended as great options when looking for a used car that has the best fuel economy.
By Timothy Boyer on July 10, 2022 - 9:47AM
Here’s a quick fix toward a common engine misfiring problem with this generation of Ford engines that you can DIY without having to resort to taking it to a mechanic.
By Timothy Boyer on July 9, 2022 - 10:23AM
Are you a Ford F-150 Lightning owner or thinking about buying one with plans to go cross country into remote areas such as Dead Horse, Alaska? Then this is a must-watch video to find out whether this is really possible and some precautions you must take before attempting a trip that can easily turn into a doomed quest.