#271 Best Time to Buy a Used Car, Radar vs. Camera-Based Safety Sensors, and More

We touch on a number of topics this week, including if a used Subaru Ascent is a good replacement for an Audi A4, why your infotainment system might not play nice with your Apple iPhone or Android phone, the right way to tie down an object to your roof, and how Consumer Reports headlight testing differs from that of IIHS. We also discuss routine maintenance that is unique to EVs, why an automatic emergency braking system might give a driver false positives, how car designs might be affected with a move to "skateboard" or modular architectures, using a child seat with an inflatable seat belt, and why you might not be able to tow a hybrid vehicle behind your RV.     -----------------------------------   Have a question for our experts? Leave a comment on this episode, or reach out to us directly!   From your iOS device, iMessage us at [email protected] to send a photo, video, or text directly to the Talking Cars team!   We love to feature our viewers on the show, so submit video questions at https://www.consumerreports.org/cars-talking-cars/   Subscribe to Talking Cars on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Jr8wJRJyN9v8T6LC1fQQ6     SHOW NOTES -----------------------------------   00:00 - Introduction 01:45 - Question #1: Is a Subaru Ascent a good replacement for an Audi A4? 06:02 - Question #2: Which automatic emergency braking system works best: camera-based or radar? 9:34 - Question #3: Why are there connectivity issues between phones and car infotainment systems? 11:46 - Question #4: What is the proper way to secure cargo to a car’s roof? 14:22 - Question #5: What is the difference between CR’s and IIHS’ headlight test? 17:23 - Question #6: What are the required maintenance items from the latest EVs? 20:08 - Question #7: Why does the forward-collision warning activate when there is nothing on the road? 22:50 - Question #8: What common parts are shared between “modular architectures” or “shared platform” on vehicles? 25:14 - Question #9: Is it potentially dangerous to install a forward facing child seat using an inflatable seat belt? 27:14 - Question #10: What small car is best suited for flat towing with a RV?   ----------------------------------    Coronavirus Resource Hub https://www.consumerreports.org/coronavirus/coronavirus-covid-19-updates/   2017 Audi A4 Quick Drive https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=khXQj4tCxxI   2019 Subaru Ascent Quick Drive https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tCgPso_jBDk   Self-Driving System Ranking https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X06tXpg7yiA   The Myth of the “Self-Driving” Car https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TpHdq7S65Io   How to Transport a Christmas Tree Safely https://www.consumerreports.org/cars-driving/how-to-transport-a-christmas-tree-safely/   Headlight Testing https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hOr0gqWYIu8   Headlight Cleaning Tips https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abaCMHqCCzk   Electric Cars 101: The Answers to All Your EV Questions https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/electric-cars-101-the-answers-to-all-your-ev-questions/   Consumer Reports’ Car Reliability FAQ https://www.consumerreports.org/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/consumer-reports-car-reliability-faq/   How to Avoid Common Car-Seat Installation Mistakes https://www.consumerreports.org/car-seats/how-to-avoid-common-car-seat-installation-mistakes/   Autos Tips: Child-Seat Installation https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-I4UvS9Ob1Y   Is Now the Right Time to Buy a Car? https://www.consumerreports.org/buying-a-car/is-now-the-right-time-to-buy-a-car/   How to Buy Your First New or Used Car https://www.consumerreports.org/buying-a-car/how-to-buy-your-first-new-or-used-car/   Tips for Buying a New Car https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8XR-_rhLzeY   Tips for Buying a Used Car https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4cGStXBAwFg     -----------------------------------   Check out http://www.ConsumerReports.org for the latest reviews, tips, and recommendations and subscribe to our YouTube Channel: http://bit.ly/1Nlb1Ez    Follow Us on Social: Facebook: http://on.fb.me/1IQ2w5q Twitter: http://bit.ly/1Yf5Fh2 Pinterest: http://bit.ly/1P37mM9 Instagram: http://bit.ly/1I49Bzo Google+: http://bit.ly/1Md3gfQ