Talking Cars 521: A Consumer Reports Expert Shares Lessons Learned After Buying 171 Cars
After decades of buying cars for us to test, Mike Quincy shares stories and advice
Main theme: In this week’s podcast episode, we bid a final farewell to Mike Quincy as he heads into a well-deserved retirement. But before we say goodbye to one of Consumer Reports’ longest-serving stalwarts, Mike shares some final car-buying tips based on the 171 cars he bought for the Auto Test Center during his tenure here.
The first car Mike purchased for CR was the 2002 Subaru Impreza WRX—the long-awaited rally-bred turbocharged all-wheel-drive sedan that had been on sale overseas for years. Other interesting models he bought include the BMW 750i, Dodge Viper, Honda S2000, Jaguar XJ8, Maserati Ghibli, Smart ForTwo, and Volkswagen Touareg TDI.
Mike tells the podcast audience about his best and worst dealership experiences, and the tricks and fees buyers should watch out for. Plus, a surprise guest drops in to help send Mike off as he takes one final ride into retirement.
Photo: Consumer Reports Photo: Consumer Reports
How to Listen to the Podcast
Talking Cars episodes are available through Apple Podcasts (audio or video), Spotify, YouTube, and on CR.org/video.
Engage in the Talking Cars community.
Recent Podcast Episodes
• Driving the Ineos Grenadier, episode 520
• All Questions Episode (self-driving, spare tires), episode 519
• Driving the Lexus ES Electric Sedan, episode 518
• Driving the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI, episode 517
• Is Your Car Getting a ‘Kill Switch’ in 2027?, episode 516
Have a Question?
Send a text or video message to TalkingCars@iCloud.com. Please include your first name and where you’re from. If we feature it in a future episode, we’ll send you an exclusive Auto Test Center T-shirt!
Talking Cars
Browse the complete podcast archive for past shows.
