#283 2021 Toyota Venza first Impressions; Ballooning Cost of Ownership for BMWs

We recently purchased an all-new 2021 Toyota Venza for our test program, and we share our first impressions on the driving dynamics, hybrid powertrain, and standard advanced safety features of this midsized SUV. For some car brands, maintenance expenses can skyrocket once warranty and free-maintenance periods are over; we discuss why this can affect some brands more than others, particularly German automaker BMW. We also answer questions about matrix LED headlights and why they aren't yet available in the US, whether a convertible should be stored with its top up or down, and we share what we are thankful for, both personally and in the automotive world, in the crazy year that is 2020.     -----------------------------------   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 00:31 - 2021 Toyota Venza First Drive 10:34 - Question #1: Why do BMWs skyrocket in ownership cost over a long period of time? 13:48 - Question #2: Why Matrix LED headlights are not allowed in the US? 17:01 - Question #3: What is the best practice for storing a convertible in a garage? 18:16 - Question #4: Which 3-row SUV is best suited for hauling 3 grandchildren? 21:58 - Things we are most grateful for this Thanksgiving.   ----------------------------------    Coronavirus Resource Hub https://www.consumerreports.org/coronavirus/coronavirus-covid-19-updates/   Car Care During Coronavirus https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=53CdG_7nDcU   First Drive: 2021 Toyota Venza Strikes an SUV Sweet Spot https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/2021-toyota-venza-hybrid-review/   Toyota Venza review https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VAV6MdAv8LQ   The Cost of Car Ownership Over Time https://www.consumerreports.org/car-maintenance/the-cost-of-car-ownership/   2020 Kia Telluride Quick Drive https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eBNhy1Putrs   4K Review: 2016 Mazda CX-9 Quick Drive https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5UigcJd7PVY   2019 Subaru Ascent Quick Drive https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tCgPso_jBDk   4K Review: 2017 Toyota Highlander Quick Drive https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ic5Obebxcv8   -----------------------------------   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