Talking Cars: Car Loan Advice, Rising Fuel Prices, and the Genesis G70
We also answer viewer questions about midsized SUVs, the Ford F-150's 10-speed transmission, and studded snow tires
By Mike Monticello
Main theme: Our panelists discuss summer gas prices: why they rise and what consumers can do to save money at the pump. They also offer advice about how to avoid getting sucked into a long-term auto loan, and why it's a good idea to shop around for your own financing instead of just accepting a car dealer's offer.
At the track: We rented two all-new Genesis G70 compact luxury sedans from Hyundai for a sneak peek. The G70 is based on the Kia Stinger that we found to be sporty and capable. We'll buy our own for testing when the G70 goes on sale in late July.
Viewer questions: What is a good midsized SUV to replace a Hyundai Santa Fe Sport? Should eight, nine, and 10-speed automatic transmissions operate more smoothly than five- and six-speed automatics because they have more gears? Which is the better choice: a top-rated winter/snow tire or a studded tire?
Panelists: Mike Quincy, Mike Monticello, and Keith Barry.
As with other "Talking Cars" episodes, this one is available free through Apple Podcasts. (Subscribe to the audio or video.) You'll also find the audio on Spotify and video on YouTube.
• Tesla Model 3 Production, Ford Focus, episode 147
• Ram 1500, Jeep Cherokee, episode 146
• Autonomous Cars, episode 145
• New York Auto Show, episode 144
• Uber Self-Driving Car Crash, episode 143
We'd love to include it in a future show. Click here to upload your video questions to our Dropbox folder. Please send high-definition (1920x1080) MP4 video files with high-quality audio.
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Mike Monticello
After my dad gave me a ride on his Yamaha two-stroke motorcycle when I was 3, I was hooked on anything with an engine. I got a master's in journalism as a means to an end: To drive cars and get paid for it, which led me to jobs at Road & Track and Edmunds.com. My most thrilling moment so far has been hurtling down the autobahn at a GPS-timed 217.1 mph in a Ruf Rt12. On weekends you can find me churning dirt on my mountain bike or doing car or motorcycle track days. Follow me on Twitter. (@MikeMonticello)
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