Consumer Reports drops 7 vehicles

[timswi]

I saw one instance where they gave a lousy rating to a Chevy 4x4 5.3 Silverado and a good rating to the exact same GMC. Go figure.

 

[PILOON]

" I talk to people I know if I want owners experiences. "

And I visit independent local repair shops, even some 'shade tree' types, not a dealer as his product is never bad.
Don't laugh but a recycle yard is also very much in the know as they know what components always fail as that is what is most in demand.

 

[timswi]

" I talk to people I know if I want owners experiences. "

And I visit independent local repair shops, even some 'shade tree' types, not a dealer as his product is never bad.
Don't laugh but a recycle yard is also very much in the know as they know what components always fail as that is what is most in demand.

All of that is certainly true. A friend of mine owns an independent repair shop (mostly German stuff) but he works on lots of other stuff too...I learned to stay far away from certain cars after seeing the repair costs and the frequency of repair of some of them. Guess if you can afford to buy it, you can afford to fix it..BMW's were his favorite due to the absurd expense of parts and the chronic need of them. There was at least one late model in there every time I was there...Benz's came in a close second.

 

[Haoleguy]

Disheartening to see several Chrysler-RAM-Fiat products on the list. Surprised the VW Jetta 1.8T is on that list. That being said I'm not versed with CR methodologies in the overall evaluation process and how close in values a recommended from a non-recommended can be.

 

[Bota4me]

Personally, I've never really trusted CR. I talk to people I know if I want owners experiences.

trust cr or not arent all the vehicle problems reported by independent people?

 

[MESSMAKER]

trust cr or not arent all the vehicle problems reported by independent people?

I filled out the form for 20 years. I assumed they reported correctly. You can get lemons from the best list and fine cars from the wost of them but that is not the way to bet. I would take their word over just about any other info out there.

 

[Bird]

Personally, I've never really trusted CR. I talk to people I know if I want owners experiences.

Yep, I used to be a subscriber until I realized the CR is the least reliable source of information you can find. I pay absolutely no attention anymore to their "opinions" which is all they have.

 

[MessickFarmEqu]

Personally, I've never really trusted CR. I talk to people I know if I want owners experiences.

I 2nd that. There is a well documented incident from a few years ago where CR gave Bose a less than stellar review, ever since CR has given positive reviews to essentially the same products. In the Audiophile community Bose is regarded as pretty mediocre stuff... but you would not know that reading CR.

 

[phiferpharm]

Well, my personal experience with my RAM does not find fault with them dropping it off the list. I have had to replace the idler arm three times in just over two years on the darn thing. I've gone to two different dealers to have it done, so it isn't who is doing it. I miss my old Avalanche...

 

[3930dave]

Well, my personal experience with my RAM does not find fault with them dropping it off the list. I have had to replace the idler arm three times in just over two years on the darn thing. I've gone to two different dealers to have it done, so it isn't who is doing it. I miss my old Avalanche...

If you haven't already, try a Moog part.

Rgds, D.