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New Car Reliability, Swapping Wheel Sizes, & Is Undercoating Worth It?

Nov 26, 2025

30 min

Description

This episode is dedicated to all audience questions! Keith, Emily, and Mike tackle everything from the most reliable new vehicles, whether you should pay extra for rustproofing, why Americans buy and drive large vehicles, and if keeping a 22-year-old vehicle may be better for your wallet despite the inherent repair costs. Plus, we explain how CR determines a vehicle's predicted reliability and whether you can fit your vehicle with smaller wheels and tires to save money and improve ride comfort.

Exclusive CR discount for Talking Cars viewers: https://www.consumerreports.org/jointalkingcars/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YTT4?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Submit a Question to Talking Cars: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/cars-driving/talking-cars-podcast-archive-a1439738009/?EXTKEW=YSOCIAL_YT

Safest New Cars of 2025:

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-safety/safest-new-cars-of-2025-according-to-iihs-a3325666134/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Test Results: Honda HR-V:

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/honda/hr-v/2025/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid:

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/suvs/2026-subaru-crosstrek-hybrid-review-a6801644233/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

The Hidden Danger of Big Pickup Trucks:

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-safety/the-hidden-danger-of-big-pickup-trucks-a9662450602/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Skip These Car Dealership Extras:

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/buying-a-car/just-say-no-to-these-car-dealership-extras-a9471188276/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Who Makes the Most Reliable New Cars?:

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/who-makes-the-most-reliable-cars-a7824554938/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

SHOW NOTES:

0:00 - Intro

0:30 - Question #1: Should I keep my super basic, 22-year-old Honda CR-V or look for a newer, reliable model car?

04:43 - Question #2: Is the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid a safe bet in terms of reliability?

6:58 - Question #3: What are the pros and cons to decreasing the wheel and tires size on a 2025 Toyota Camry XSE?

10:24 - Question #4: How can CR give large vehicles like the Ford Expedition a positive review?

15:15 - Question #5: Is $1,000 for undercoating on a 2023 Kia Sportage worth it?

18:22 - Question #6: What's a good replacement for a 2017 Mazda 6?

22:51 - Question #7: How does CR come up with new model year predicted reliability?

25:32 - Question #8: What about one pedal driving do CR experts not understand?

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