#2517: A Laser-like Focus

When all hope seems to be lost for humanity we can still rely on practical jokes to keep us going. Feel the Schadenfreude on this episode of the Best of Car Talk. Get access to hundreds of episodes in the Car Talk archive when you sign up for Car Talk+ at plus.npr.org/cartalk Lea ... Show More

Kerry has a pothole in the alley behind her house that is so big the locals have named it, "The Pit of Despair". When the weather has been dry, her Honda CRX can climb down into, across and back out of it ok, but after a few days of heavy rain it can be rough seas in the ol' Pit. ... Show More

Norm works for the Post Office and he often has to drive over a mountain pass during big snowstorms at night in order to get to work. And he's constantly slapping at his moving windshield wipers to de-ice them while he's barreling down the road. Is there a better way? Find out on ... Show More

It’s intriguing to note an increasing number of manufacturers introducing track-ready features on their cars! NASCAR reveals an EV prototype, Polestar reveals a track-focused 6, and an Evija X crashes at Goodwood. The guys discuss debates for Nate M, who just has the ‘wants,’ and ... Show More

The guys make discoveries at the PRI Show in Indianapolis! They debate options for a third shared car for Christopher P. in the Pacific Northwest, who still needs fun for he and his wife. Then, the guys help save Cathy O. from her fourth Subaru Forester! Social media questions as ... Show More

The buying process always has twists and turns, but hopefully results in owning the car you love! Listener conclusions are the theme for Topic Tuesday, and the guys share stories of what people bought. They debate ‘baby exec’ cars for Helen W., who is leaning towards a Mercedes. ... Show More

The end of the audio Car Debate era! The guys will release Episode 1000 as a livestream from COTA on May 31, 2025, and switch to video podcasts going forward, to be released on their original YT channel. They debate cars for Liam in NY, who needs a fun car for everything besides ... Show More

For the list of Top 5 GT Cars Under $50K, the guys need to first define what a GT car is, but the also wonder if GT cars are still prevalent from manufacturers. Do they still resonate with buyers? They discuss a debate for Matthew T, who has a sports-car-shaped hole in his life. ... Show More

Are we enthusiasts too blinded by excellent older sports cars, and therefore unable to celebrate even the ‘middle-ground’ kinds of new cars? The guys acknowledge that fun is personal, and they unpack this topic that stems from negative internet reaction to the new Prelude. The fi ... Show More

Despite the vast amount of choices car buyers have, it’s not always that simple to find exactly what you want. Karl S. wonders where all the good commuters are, and doesn’t want to compromise. Then, Anthony C. in NY recognizes his wife’s need for fun too – what are her choices? S ... Show More

The guys start a new ‘recommendation’ series about the top cars, trucks and SUVs they would buy. This episode begins with sports cars, and they each name and discuss the reasons for their top 5. They also debate first sports cars for Michael in LA, who has finally decided it’s ti ... Show More

In the AI age, nothing is immune, whether it’s cars or anything else. How far should AI be used in the design process, and does it stifle creativity or unlock new ideas? The guys discuss this and debate sports cars for Fred Z., who is selling a Marvel comic book collection to buy ... Show More

For Topic Tuesday, the guys call Sam Smith, Editor-at-Large for Hagerty and discuss cars, aircraft, history, and most of all, people’s stories. They debate recent press drives and discuss options for Katie R., whose Honda Fit has 250k miles. Social media questions ask how you buy ... Show More