This week we share our first impressions on the 2020 Ford F-150 Raptor that we rented, discuss its impressive off-road capabilities and who is this unique machine targeted towards. We also examine AAA's new study on vehicle pedestrian detection systems, and talk about the importance of these safety features and how they can save lives. We also answer audience questions about when is the right time to change your car's brake fluid, what is the proper way to match a new replacement tire to other worn tires on a vehicle, and how we really feel about the 2019 Chevrolet Blazer.
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SHOW NOTES
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00:26 – AAA Study about Pedestrian Detection in Vehicles
05:36 – 2020 Ford F-150 Raptor
12:03 – Question #1: Should you trust your mechanic over the owner’s manual?
14:00 – Question #2: What is the proper way to match a new replacement tire to other worn tires on a vehicle?
18:32 – Question #3: How does CR really feel about the 2019 Chevrolet Blazer?
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Pedestrian Detection Works, but Technology Still Has Ways to Go, AAA Study Finds
2018 Ford F-150 Quick Drive
2019 Chevrolet Blazer Quick Drive
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Cell phone zombies everywhere.
So, Consumer Reports rented a Ford F-150 Raptor for Mike who himself said it was “a very NICHE oriented version of the F-150”. Mike has more clout than I would have thought. Still, can’t deny that it’s a great truck… 👍😎
I few years ago one publication complained that the Raptor had a tendency to skip over washboard dirt roads. The back end would tend to wag it’s tail or skid sideways during turns where there were stutter bumps. Have they remedied this problem? One sector I could see buying this version would be woodsmen (maybe foremen), law enforcement where many rough roads are encountered, etc. You did forget to mention that the Raptor compromises load carrying and towing.
Gabe is absolutely right. The Blazer is way too expensive. I’m someone that will only buy a car that has a sunroof, and you have to spend $45k to just get the option to buy a sunroof. You can get all of that and all of the advanced safety features you need in a Telluride for $10k less.
I’ve worked in various dealers since 2002. Manufacturers tend to make maintenance seem very very easy and as infrequent as possible, leaving out many NECESSARY preventative services. Ex: working at Mazda from 2007-2012, they had NO recommendation for trans fluid service. Mazdas shift aggressively and would start to turn fluid in 30,000 miles. As a dealer we highly recommended draining the trans fluid and topping off every 30k for about the cost of an oil change. Pass 60k miles, no warranty, but you’ll need a trans soon. I saw it all the time. Be as educated as you can about what’s appropriate and ask why. If you don’t get an intelligent answer from someone you trust, then you are servicing your vehicle at the wrong location.
The Raptor seemed to be sold in mass to management level people and above working in the oil and gas industry who needed to get to well sites either daily or time to time. Now that most oil and gas drillers are having trouble, I see a lot of them piling up on the lots of dealers around the country.
You forgot to put Talking Cars and Episode # in the title.
Trd pro my choice, Ram power wagon 2nd choice. Raptor drivers are lesbians!
HYPOCRITES!! These advanced safety systems are one of the areas where Consumer Reports steps ahead of the data and recommends them, whether or not they actually work. Shame on you. Don’t tell me to pass on car A and purchase car B because you ‘believe in these systems.” You are as bad as the supplier lobbyists who glad-hand gov’t officials into making all this nonsense mandatory., raising the cost of ownership.
Just crunch the numbers and leave the believing to Cher and the Pope.
Good talk
I’ve seen a few Raptors in my area (Long Island, NY) and they’re just pavement princesses and never see any off-road.
3.5 liter v6 ??
No thanks, I prefer a v8.
This truck wasn’t built for economy, what could justify the V6,
so…. The v8 should AT LEAST be an option.
Great job guys!!