#202 Audience Questions; Best AWD Vehicles, Tow Ratings, Unicorn Vehicles

This week it's another all questions episode! We talk about everything from the best all-wheel drive cars for winter commutes, why 4x4 trucks tow less weight than you may think, new car buying advice and we try to locate a 'unicorn' vehicle for $35K.

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Audio version: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/talking-cars-mp3/id630831189?mt=2

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SHOW NOTES

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1:00 - Question #1: When's the best time of day to check your car's oil level?

2:35 - Question #2: Why aren't all-weather tires more popular?

6:07 - Question #3: Unicorn vehicle for under $35,000?

8:06 - Question #4: What speed does low speed AEB become high speed AEB?

10:31 - Question #5: What does an N/A reliability verdict mean in CR ratings?

12:59 - Question #6: At what point is it better to buy a new truck over a used truck?

15:02 - Question #7: Would you recommend buying a used Lexus ES300h with 100K miles?

16:20 - Question #8: What's the best AWD system for climbing hills in the snow?

19:32 - Question #9: What causes a puff of white exhaust smoke during hard acceleration?

20:50 - Question #10: Why do rear wheel drive vehicles handle better than AWD vehicles?

24:26 - Question #11: Why do 4x4 pickups usually have a lower tow rating than rear wheel drive trucks?

26:12 - Question #12: Should I change my oil every year even if I only drive 1500 miles?

27:38 - Question #13: How does wheel size affect ride an handging?

30:08 - Question #14: Do high RPMs damage a transmission during engine braking?

31:47 - Question #15: Is there a solution for shorter drivers that have trouble with uncomfortable headrests?

LINKS

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Don't Bother Following These Car Maintenance Myths: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4iHppmhzJdc

New All-Weather Tires Outperform Some Snow Tires: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JfEcVZvQEA

Do You Really Need All-Wheel Drive?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iXjzYbpt9Ow

Standard Safety Gear Makes Early Debut: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYPMhEqlMBI

Lowest-Rated Cars of 2019: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-CjftuQkE4

2018 Ford F-150 Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGEmjjPCCeQ

2017 Honda Ridgeline Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJJeNbqaQAM

AWD Showdown: Subaru Forester vs. Honda CR-V vs. Toyota RAV4: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-TQdIqFvZo

2015 Subaru WRX Review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hksUMXuW3VM

2019 Subaru Forster Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dymKOcVk7Iw

2016 Mazda CX-5 Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hlnxhx4MpCU

2019 Toyota RAV4 Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fSAuvdH_oGQ

2017 Volkswagen Alltrack Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nFwfm63Ts1k

2014 Porsche 911 Review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Cj6c-YVos0

2015 Porsche Macan Review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7xjRYBc8co