Volkswagen's Electric Lineup; 2018 Hyundai Accent | Talking Cars with Consumer Reports #142

Volkswagen says 'auf wiedersehen' to the Beetle and announces new electric models. We also discuss our 2018 Hyundai Accent and answer viewer questions.

SHOW NOTES
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0:35 - VW Phases out the Beetle

1:05 - Jake's Family Microbus & Beetle

2:40 - Jen's Step-Daughter's Beetle

2:51 - Baja Beetle at ATC

4:40 - Volkswagen Electric Vehicle Lineup

7:10 - 2018 Hyundai Accent

9:10 - Viewer Question; Calculating CR Vehicle Test Scores

11:04 - Viewer Question; Car buying advice with a $3,000-5,000 budget

13:03 - Viewer Question; Pickup Truck weight loss

16:02 - Viewer Question; Used Sedans under $10,500

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[angelrivera]

$3k-$5k? Old Scion xB. Super reliable and they’ve depreciated a lot - spacious too.

[ronshaw]

I think Toyota should reintroduce a small pickup, like the 2004 and earlier Tacoma. That is a perfect size for a lot of people. Not everyone wants to drive a big rig.

[emiliorescigno]

The answer to the last question is Honda Accord. Fun to drive + reliable.

[williamrutkowski]

When you mentioned trucks, the Honda Ridgeline would fit the needs of many people who want want a pickup truck.

[cloudsplitter]

So what does consumer reports think happened to Honda/Acura and their reliability issues? I was stunned to see their drop in this years ratings.

[jimmelay]

This VW van reiteration has been a concept since 2001. Then it had a gas engine, but still. Either make it or come up with a new concept car to prance around auto shows.

[tompaull]

Hi CR. I very much enjoy Talking Cars. Thanks for weekly!

I have to suggest that Jennifer should be the permanent host. Some weeks when others host the show can be a bit akward to watch with continual interruptions and talking over each other.

[duanemiyagishima]

My son owns a Fusion from the series of which you spoke, it's been a great car for him; utilitarian and yet reasonably engaging. Re: trucks, removing some of the luxury content could also save weight. If for utility, one doesn't need the luxury sedan surroundings. I owned a 1985 Suburban liked that much more than my 2005 Silverado 1500 LS extended cab pickup from a utility perspective.

[kippaseo]

I almost passed the fuck out when I heard Consumer Reports recommend diffusion over the camera! I understand the whippersnapper that needs to feel engaged. He's the same age as me and unfortunately I'm surrounded by a bunch of 30 something midlife crisis boy racer dream wannabes but recommending a fusion over a Camry is malpractice in my humble opinion. There's no way of fusion is going to last anywhere near as long as a Camry I don't care if there's a two-year difference I don't care if there's a 10-year difference. As the owner of a 2000 Camry with 399 K miles and far from the only one driving around here in Miami I can tell you that after a five or six year. The reliability and durability of the fusion drops dramatically

[minivanman]

I’d get the Camry over the fusion especially if your putting a lot of miles and going to keep it a long long time. If not eh I guess the fusion wouldn’t be a bad car. My money would be Camry no questions asked

[FrederickGFX]

My 3 favorite hosts! This was a fun episode. It's great to see VW making such a huge commitment to electric cars. I'm sure Elon is excited as well.

[bobforce]

You all are doing a great job! I have a 2016 Fusion and i have to say it is a fun car to drive. Any word if/when Ford is going to introduce a new generation Fusion?

[augustrushdesigns]

If you're considering a Camry or Fusion, I would recommend getting a used 2012-2014 Nissan Cube.

[BarryBernau]

This is Great! My first car was a 1963
VW Bug.

[patrickv]

I am convinced now, Jake is drinking Flat Beer !!! :-) every edition he is in, there is the pint glass

[emmanuelhernandez]

Good stuffs. Full of insights. Keep up the good work. Congrats!

[zortella]

Since the VW announced the Beetle (and I'm assuming the convertible as well), have they made any announcements in regard to bringing the Golf Cabrio into the US?

[justindavis]

should I go out and buy a new beetle right now, if they will increase in value since they stopped making them?

[ATRichard]

Hey CR, I'm considering a compact crossover. I'm keeping my sedan ('08 Saturn Aura 3.5 V6), but I want something that's rides a little higher and smoother over all the awful potholes in Michigan and in bad weather. It'll just be for me, no wife/kids yet (...I know, "so why are you considering a crossover?). I'm torn between the 2018 GMC Terrain and Hyundai Tucson. Of the two, which do you feel is best? I've noticed the Tucson has superior crash test results to the Terrain/Equinox.

[marottajoe]

In the interest of transparency and full disclosure I believe you should fully reveal your complete methodology for the scores you publish. What do you say ?