This week we share our first impressions of the 2022 Volkswagen Taos small SUV; its variety of powertrains, driving characteristics, and quality of cabin materials. NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) updated its recommendations regarding the Tesla Model 3's camera-based AEB system, and we provide an update on CR's scoring of the vehicle. Other topics include: the best new or used cars for under $25k; how to diagnose your car battery's health; and what (if anything) consumers can do about rising destination fees.
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SHOW NOTES
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00:00 – Introduction
00:27 – Tesla Model 3 Advanced Safety Update
02:21 – Best Used and New Cars For Under 25K
10:35 – 2022 Volkswagen Taos First Impressions
17:25 – Question #1: How can you tell your car’s battery needs to be replaced?
20:30 – Question #2: Does CR intend to test how EVs perform on long trips?
24:40 – Question #3: Why are car destination and delivery charges going through the roof?27:32 – Question #4: Do vinyl wraps and ceramic coating work, or are they just another gimmick?
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Preview: 2022 Volkswagen Taos SUV Squeezes Signature Brand Features Into a Small Package
Tesla Model 3 Regains CR Top Pick Status and IIHS Safety Award
How to Choose the Best Home Wall Charger for Your Electric Vehicle
Sticker Shock: The Truth About Destination Fees
CR’s Guide to Vacation and Travel
Guide to Car Safety
Coronavirus Resource Hub
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I would like a discussion on electronics phones etc., so many places w. paid endorsements except here. oh and wishing everyone here and those in the background a safe and blessed 4th of July celebration and be aware of our veterans that are dealing with PTSD yes it is real I’ve gotten some very nasty comments about this, and don’t forget to thank the veterans as well and those who are wearing the uniforms and also think about this, as we celebrate the holidays here be thankful that we can still celebrate them as American holidays.
🙂
I have 2006 Mazdaspeed6 I bought new, problem free but for rust. I WISH I could buy it new one again. You would think VW DSG dept would learn something from Porsches PDK Dept. Regarding the Giulia battery, get a trickle charger, plug it in.
When a Porsche macan replacement dsg transmission cost over $10K, it’s not going into a vw product anytime soon
@7:52 when Gabe started saying “reliable, practical has AWD..” I thought he was going to say Camry LE AWD. I love sedans with AWD trend now especially for here in CO.
~25k recommendations
For someone that doesn’t care about “driving” it’s hard to escape recommending a Prius. Dead reliable, insane efficiency, hatchback.
Otherwise Civic Hatch, Mazda 3 hatch, and Subaru Crosstrek are hard to pass up, as you already stated.
The real interesting newcomer here is the upcoming Ford Maverick. A base model with a few options will be in that ~25k zone, 40mpg city, and really be good for a small family. But I doubt it will be fun to drive.
Wait a couple of yrs to see if maverick is reliable as well.
@Kinky Streets No kidding. At least the 2.5L is a modified MZR (tried and true) and Ford has an 8 year, 100,000 mile warranty on the hybrid drivetrain. But looking at other recent Fords, the powertrain hasn’t been the issue.
It’s a Ford, so 🥴 I think the only recommended model is the Edge.
VWs aren’t fun to drive any more? Too bad. I had two, years ago, that were fun to drive. However, they were both very problematic.
My VW’s sucked 🍋🍋🍋🍋🍋. One went 40k miles the other died at 50,007 miles. Never again VW, my 2012 Versa runs circles around them.
This week we share our first impressions of the 2022 Volkswagen Taos small SUV; its variety of powertrains, driving characteristics, and quality of cabin materials. NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) updated its recommendations regarding the Tesla Model 3’s camera-based AEB system, and we provide an update on CR’s scoring of the vehicle. Other topics include: the best new or used cars for under $25k; how to diagnose your car battery’s health; and what (if anything) consumers can do about rising destination fees.
I think CR should use the Comments section to chide their viewers 😉
Reliable based on CR, fun, and great all rounder, 2017+ 320i xDrive under $25K. With a tune it’s a lot of fun.
Totally non sensible used Mercedes E Class or Jaguar XF model, or on the more sensible side Chrysler 300 AWD.
As a former 3 times VW owner, miss what they used to be, but I’ve gladly moved on to Mazda 👍
“I have an Alfa with a battery issue and I have an older Tacoma thats fine”… This is truly comedy gold… You’ll go trough 10 Alfas before anything meaningful happens to that Tacoma..
Alex, Get the Corolla hatch with a proper independent rear suspension, you really don’t want to settle for the ox cart (torsion beam) rear suspension on the Mazda 3.
I’d probably get a 2017 Mazda6 Grand Touring. A little step up from my current 2016 Touring, but a lot more content.
Electrify America is far from the only public charging network. As it happens, EVgo went public this very day… as in NASDAQ. The CR team’s familiarity with the speed and efficiency of public charging networks is, uh, a bit dated. And using the network costs a fraction of what I paid Shell and Exxon in bygone days.
I guess I have the ideal car, a 2016 Mazda 3 I-Touring with a manual. I bought it new for $24,500 OTD. A great car, I just wish it wasn’t so noisy on the highway.
Isn’t the civic worse on road/tire/wind noise?
Gabe you stole my pick on the M5! Preferably blue in my case…
I am on my 3rd Jetta, 2020 bought on New Years eve. No problems. I think the Taos will do well for VW but if I had to buy again I would get the Tiguan.
Under 25K? Ford Maverick Pickup base model with the steelies! Practical and a hybrid.
BMW M5 2003 are very hard to find and if you find one usually they cost more than 25k.
after watching this video i want to have it 👍👍
Alex, Congratulations on getting married! (but don’t let your guitars get moved to the closet.)