I Bought 171 Cars for Consumer Reports. Here’s What I Learned. | Talking Cars #521 @consumerreports
I Bought 171 Cars for Consumer Reports. Here’s What I Learned. | Talking Cars #521  @consumerreports
Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
On this week’s episode, after 30 years and roughly $6 million spent buying cars for Consumer Reports, Mike Quincy shares his best car-buying advice, worst dealership experiences, and the tricks and fees buyers should watch out for. Plus, a surprise guest drops in to help send him off before he takes one final ride into retirement.

Consumer Reports experts: Mike Monticello, Mike Quincy

Join CR at CR.org/joinviaYT to access our comprehensive ratings for items you use every day. CR is a mission-driven, independent, nonprofit organization.


SHOW NOTES
-----------------------------------
0:00 - Intro
00:41 – Mike Quincy’s Last Ride
02:08 – 171 Cars and $6 Million: Mike’s Car-Buying Career
04:48 – The Most Memorable Cars Mike Bought
08:27 – How Car Buying Has Changed Over the Years
13:28 – What’s Better—and Worse—About Buying a Car Today
16:00 – How to Handle the Finance Office
20:27 – Mike’s Worst Dealership Experiences
28:02 – The Best Car-Buying Experiences
33:23 – What Car Will Mike Buy for Retirement?
37:15 – Looking Back on 30 Years at Consumer Reports
37:29 – A Surprise Guest Joins the Podcast
43:56 – What Mike Will Miss Most
46:42 – Buying a New Car Should Be Exciting
51:10 – Mike Quincy’s Final Sign-Off


---------------------------------- 
How to Spot and Avoid Unnecessary Car-Buying Fees
consumerreports.org/money/fees-billing/how-to-avoid-car-buying-fees-a7209896255/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

What to Know Before Buying a Car: 7 Questions to Ask at the Dealership
consumerreports.org/cars/buying-a-car/questions-to-ask-before-you-buy-a-car-a6387933582/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

How to Buy a New Car in Today’s Challenging, High-Priced Market
consumerreports.org/cars/buying-a-car/how-to-buy-a-car-in-todays-challenging-market-a7648220054/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Which Brands Make the Best Cars?
consumerreports.org/cars/cars-driving/which-car-brands-make-the-best-vehicles-a6159221985/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Who Makes the Most Reliable New Cars?
consumerreports.org/cars/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/who-makes-the-most-reliable-cars-a7824554938/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Find an Efficient Vehicle That’s Right for You
consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/buying-guide/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
I Bought 171 Cars for Consumer Reports. Here’s What I Learned. | Talking Cars #5212026 Subaru Outback Touring XT: Turbo power, smoother drive📱AWESOME phone feature in the 2027 Infinity QX65 | Consumer ReportsTall drivers and the 2026 Mazda MX-5 Miata | Consumer ReportsKobalt Yard Power Tools Recalled | Consumer ReportsShould you trade in your car seat at Targets event?Moose test: 2026 Honda Prelude 2T | Consumer ReportsLeast Reliable Car Brands of 2026 | Consumer ReportsA very specific Dodge Charger achievement | Consumer ReportsWhy people LOVE unreliable Rivians2027 Kia Telluride: InfotainmentWhat 90-Year-Olds Really Think
Consumer Reports |

I Bought 171 Cars for Consumer Reports. Here’s What I Learned. | Talking Cars #521

SHARE TO X SHARE TO REDDIT SHARE TO FACEBOOK WALLPAPER