2019 Subaru Ascent; Our Worst Automotive Mistakes | Talking Cars with Consumer Reports #161

Our 2019 Subaru Ascent is at the track and we talk about the company's re-entry into the three-row SUV segment. Plus, we share stories about our most regrettable car decisions from the past. And as always, we answer your questions on car buying and our dream daily drivers.

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SHOW NOTES
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00:47 Our Favorite Automotive Mistakes

10:03 2019 Subaru Ascent

15:06 Question #1: Our Dream Daily Driver

20:16 Question #2: What to replace a VW GTI with that is better?

23:23 Question #3: What to replace a VW GTI with that's more practical, reliable, and less costly?

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2019 Subaru Ascent Quick Drive

2015 Volkswagen GTI first drive

VW Golf R vs. Golf GTI

4K Review: 2018 Subaru Crosstrek Quick Drive

2015 Honda Fit review

Audi A3/S3 at the Detroit Auto Show

2015 Audi A3 Review

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[mountdoom]

My 2019 Ascent is in the shop right now due to CVT problems.

[DJ-zlfy]

I bought an Ascent Touring. After 6k miles, I noticing CVT transmission problem. I took it back to the dealer, and they have to install a new transmission from the manufacturer. I did some research, a few people are complaint with the same issue. I am not sure if this factory problem or the transmission too weak for this big body vehicle. I waited 2 months to get it back. So far so good.

[greathornedowl]

OMG '83 Audi Turbo Quattro Coupe, loved them. Not mentioned is Subaru head gaskets need replacing at 100k. GTI guy Golf Sportwagen or Golf Alltrack.

[gurveersingh]

Hi consumer reports, I am looking to buy ford fusion because of AWD. But it is going to be discontinued. Would you suggest to buy it or should I look for something else? Thanks

[nathanaelnicol]

Mics are pointed the wrong direction. The front of the microphone is the flat surface pointed toward the panels chest in this video not the top that is pointed towards their mouth.

[silentrefusal]

About that 3rd question regarding which vehicle to buy under 25k owning a '07 GTi, I was literally screaming, just go and buy the all new 2019 Corolla Hatch. You won't regret anything except a little of ground clearance issues or if u are any taller than 6, 2". Thanks goodness one of the guys finally said that. 😊

[austinlugo]

Just in case anyone's interested; the engine in the ascent is a FA24 DIT, similar to the engine used in the 2015-2018 wrx FA20DIT engines. The bore in the FA24 is increased to 94 mm, which increases the displacement to 2, 387 cc. It makes 260hp, and 277ft lbs of torque. it makes 4 hp less than the FA20 DIT in the wrx models, which is barely noticeable. The ascent weighs 4603lbs compared to the 3267lb wrx. this gives it a power to weight ratio of 0.056, meaning for every pound of car, there is an available 0.056hp. the FA20DIT WRX however, has a power to weight ratio of 0.0808. BY COMPARISON, the Ascent has a higher power to weight ratio than a Crosstrek, but a lower power to weight ratio than a WRX. so when thinking about the engine capibility, its comfortably between a crosstrek and a wrx

[jimdevilbiss]

If each of you said the car you really wanted my question is why didn’t you have it?

[lukespack]

I see the Subaru Ascent has had a giant recall recently. I am older and once owned a Renault Dauphine.
Very nice looking and was available when the VW Beetles had a long waiting list.
This was a terrible car for reliability but great in snow.

[djw]

Ascents are getting recalled now for welding issues...

[BrogeKilrain]

Those radiator misters were stock factory in 08 Subaru STI

[douglassmith]

Enjoyed all of it. Glad you added how much you like the questions even though you can't address all of them.

[jasondonohue]

I thought this said subaru ascent: the worst automotive mistake

[Redridininyohood]

Less than 55k on my friends 2019. Wayed pump goi g and alfeasy a bad head gasket. DONT BUY THESE MONEY PITS!!$

[StangBang]

Could you guys compare each companies' adaptive cruise control when paired with the manual transmission. I currently drive a Saturn Astra w/5-speed with a lot of highway driving, and my next car needs ACC and a manual. I wanted to see who does it best because I know that the Honda Accord's ACC doesn't disengage when the clutch is depressed but other systems do. I was looking at the GTI, ATS, Accord, Mustang, and Mazda3. Thanks!

[ronkemperful]

My worst auto-buying mistake was when I bought a used 1979 Datsun (Nissan) 310 hatchback with 30, 000 miles on it. I checked Consumer Reports before buying the car, and it’s repair-prone areas were the clutch and brakes. Since I was a gentle driver I thought those areas would be not a problem. Well, I was correct in my thinking, the car never had a problem with it’s clutch or brakes. BUT!!! On the first day that I used the car, the outside door lock fell out onto the pavement as I was removing the key. Then over the next 9 months I had a FEW other problems: The exhaust recirculating valve made the car backfire like a British sports car whenever I lifted my foot off the throttle. The alternator shorted out, burning out every light in the car. The electrical portion of the ignition switch had to be replaced. The air conditioning hose ruptured under the hood and a geyser of vapor came out of the front at least 30 feet high! The radiator thermostat was stuck fully open, so I had no heat. When I had the thermostat replaced, the car overheated blowing the head gasket, releasing a block-long head of steam as I drove it to the dealer. During the summer, the car pinged incessantly, even when it was running on premium gas. The rear windows refused to stay open when opened. So, after about 3, 500 dollars of repairs (a lot of money in 1985) I traded the wretched object in for a new Toyota.

[nolansprojects]

*our worst automotive mistakes and the new Subaru ascent!

This would be a better title.

[justinfontaine]

Not sure why they are not putting the CX-9 in their comparison talks. It is always omitted and one of the best in this class.

[GarthGoldberg]

My worst automotive mistake: selling my 1987 Porsche Carrera.

[swanblake]

Happy this panel are gear heads and like driving. Appreciate a viewpoint from a knowledgeable and enthusiast of cars. Happy they still exist here at CR