The Car Help Podcast

This week we are joined by Jodie Tessier from Kijiji Autos to talk about how the pandemic has impacted the auto industry and the car buying behaviour of consumers. We talk about what is motivating consumers to buy cars and whether now is a good time to consider purchasing a car. We also share car buying tips and tools to help you if you are currently in the market or considering buying in the near future. Finally, we share our thoughts on the new car test drive of the week, the 2021 Toyota Corolla Apex Edition. 

This week we talk about the latest auto industry trends with Al-Karim Awadia, head of auto industry for Google Canada. We talk about some of the latest, increasingly popular trends such as the rise of e-commerce, online vehicle purchasing, and contractless vehicle delivery. We discuss the various benefits and potential concerns of these trends and how they are forcing dealerships to change their selling practices. Finally, we share our thoughts on the latest test drives of the week, the 2021 Mazda CX-5 and 2021 Kia Sorento. 

This week we are joined by Lou Camilli from Pulstar to talk about what drivers can do to modify their cars now to make them as efficient as possible and participate in the sustainability movement. We talk about the most effective steps drivers can take to reduce fuel consumption and emissions of their car. We also talk about Pulstar's high-power ionized plasma spark plug technology and the benefits it provides. Finally, we talk about a Lexus winter driving event we attended and a test drive of the 2021 Lexus IS 350 sport sedan. 

This week we talk about the electric car future with Matt Girgis from Volvo Canada. We discuss Volvo's plan to go all electric over the next decade and how this will impact the automotive landscape. We also talk about the latest electric vehicle products, such as the 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge, which is Volvo's first 100 percent vehicle. We also share out thoughts on the new vehicle test drive of the week, the 2021 Lexus RC 350 Black Line Edition. 

This week we answer your email questions and share some exciting news. We are announcing the launch of our new YouTube channel: Car Help Corner! If you want more car content, including car buying tips, recommendations, and help with all things car related, make sure to subscribe to our channel. In addition to answering your email questions, we share our thoughts on the new vehicle test drive of the week, the 2021 Genesis G80 and GV80. 

This week we have Eli Melnik from Start Auto Electric joining us to discuss the pros and cons of all-wheel drive. We talk about the benefits of having all-wheel drive and whether it is necessary as a winter safety aid. We talk about the performance of a two-wheel drive car with winter tires versus an all-wheel drive car and which option may be best suited for your needs. Finally, we share our thoughts on the new vehicle test drive of the week, the 2021 Cadillac Escalade. 

This week we reflect back on 2020 and talk about the best and worst new cars of the year. We share thoughts on the highlight test drives in different price categories and vehicle types from small crossovers to SUVs to high end sports cars. We also pick one that stood out as the car of the year. Finally, we share our thoughts on the new vehicle test drive of the week, the 2021 Mazda3 Turbo. 

This week we chat with Michael Epstein from Nissan Canada about the new Nissan Studio and how the car shopping experience is moving in a more digital direction. We talk about how the pandemic has accelerated the move towards online car shopping for both car manufacturers and dealerships. We also talk about how the Nissan Studio, and how it assists consumers with their car shopping before visiting a dealership. Finally, we share our thoughts on the new vehicle test drive of the week, the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer. 

This week we have Eli Melnick from Start Auto Electric joining us to talk about vehicle servicing and maintenance. We discuss how to avoid paying for unnecessary servicing and maintenance that is recommended by the dealership or shop. We talk about what kinds of maintenance items are required and which ones might be money grabs. We also go through the steps to maintain your car properly without overpaying or voiding your warranty. Finally, we share our thoughts on the new vehicle test drive of the week,, the 2020 Cadillac CT4-V and CT5-V. 

This week we talk about a new Car Help Canada research report on dealership advertising practices and how they may be harmful to consumers shopping for a car. We share the results from the report survey and what it says about dealer honesty and taking advantage of consumers. We also talk about the implications of the report in terms of consumer rights and what you need to do to protect yourself when shopping for a car at the dealership. Finally, we share our thoughts on the new vehicle test drive of the week, the 2020 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Widebody. 

This week we have Debbie Arnold from Sound Insurance joining us to talk about a few useful money saving tips for auto insurance. We talk about the value of an insurance broker and how they can save you money on your insurance policy. We also go through several strategies and pointers that can help reduce your premiums as well. Finally, we share our thoughts on the new vehicle test drive of the week, the 2021 Toyota Corolla Hybrid. 

This week we chat with Robert Karbaum from Kijiji Autos about the latest Brand Spark Study. Robert shares the survey results as we discuss how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the car buying behaviour of consumers. We discuss how the pandemic has had an impact on vehicle availability, the way consumers are buying cars, and the timing of when they are buying cars. We also talk about what to watch out for when shopping for a car and how Kijiji Autos has the tools to assist you throughout the process. Finally, we share our thoughts on the new vehicle test drive of the week, the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid crossover. 

On this week's car help Q & A we answer various email questions regarding car buying. We talk about the best affordable used cars to consider on a tight budget, whether you can cancel a contract, and we compare some of the best small crossover SUVs. Finally, we share our thoughts on the new vehicle test drive of the week, the 2021 Polestar 1. 

This week we test drive the all-new 2021 Nissan Rogue and speak with Marcel Guay, chief marketing manager for Nissan Canada, about why this is such an important model for the brand. We compare it to popular compact crossover SUVs in the segment and discuss the major highlights. We also talk about a few new models on the horizon and the new Nissan Studio which as a new way to see and explore the model lineup. Finally, we share our thoughts on the new vehicle test drive of the week, the Mini Cooper SE electric. 

This week we have Terry O'Keefe from OMVIC joining us to talk about all-in price advertising. We talk about what all-in price advertising means, what it includes, and why it is so important that dealerships in Ontario honour it when you shop for a car. We tell you what to watch out for during your dealership shopping experience and how to protect yourself from overpaying for your next vehicle. Finally, we share our thoughts on the new vehicle test drive of the week, the all-electric 2020 Mini Cooper SE. 

On this week's car help Q & A we answer various email questions regarding car buying. We talk about how to negotiate a fair deal with a dealership, whether you can cancel a contract, and whether it makes sense to buy a lightly used car versus a new car. Finally, we share our thoughts on the new vehicle test drive of the week, the 2020 Buick Encore GX. 

This week we speak with Farid Kanji about the importance of winter tires. We talk about the safety benefits that winter tires offer and why they are a must for Canadaian winters. We also talk about the differences between winter tires and all weather tires, and why all-wheel drive is not a substitute for having proper winter rubber on your car. Finally, we share our thoughts on the new vehicle test drive of the week, the 2020 Nissan Sentra. 

This week we have Farid Kanji from Farid's Auto Centre joining us to talk about extended warranties. We talk about whether or not you should consider purchasing an extended warranty plan as part of your car purchase. We go through the different type of warranty plans that exist and what to watch out for when evaluating the different options. If you have any uncertainty about extended warranties, this is the epsiode for you. We also share our thoughts on the new vehicle test drive of the week, the 2021 Kia Seltos. 

This week we have Kevin Bavalaar from Auto Showplace joining us to share some valuable car buying tips. We talk about how to select the right car for your needs and what to do when researching your next car purchase. We talk about what to look for in a dealership, how to contact them, and how to close the deal properly to achieve the best deal. Finally, we share our thoughts on the new vehicle test drive of the week, the 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid.

This week we have Kevin Bavelaar from Auto Showplace joining us to talk about dealership myths and facts. We discuss some of the most common misconcenptions and facts about dealerships. Do dealerships make thousands on every sale? Is the end of the month the best time to get a deal? Is cash the best way to get the lowest price? We answer these and many more questions. We also share our thoughts on the new vehicle test drive of the week, the 2020 Porsche Cayenne Coupe. 

On this week's car help Q & A we answer various email questions regarding car buying. We talk about whether you can negotiate the price at a no-haggle dealership, whether you can get a discount on high demand models, whether private sales are a good way to save money when buying used, and when is the best time of the year to shop for a new car. Finally, we compare two hybrid crossover SUVs to see which one is best, the 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and the 2020 Ford Escape Hybrid. 

This week we have Adi Desai from Doubleclutch.ca joining us to talk about buying a new car versus a demo or lightly used car. We tackle the misconception that demos or lightly used cars will always save you thousands of dollars over a brand new car. We talk about scenerios where a brand new can save you more money and when it can be advantageous to consider a demo or used car. Finally, we share our thoughts on the new vehicle test drive of the week, the 2020 Mercedes-AMG C63 S. 

This week we talk about dealership fees and extras with Adi Desai from Doubleclutch.ca. We discuss the various extras and add-ons that dealerships may try to sell you when making your next car purchase. We talk about which ones to avoid and which ones you may want to consider. Finally, we share our thoughts on the new vehicle test drive of the week, the 2020 Mazda MX-5. 

This week we have Francois Lefevre from Nissan Canada joing us to talk about electric vehicle and the all-new upcoming all-electric crossover. We talk about how electric vehicles are doing in the Canadian market and some of the advantages they offer over traditional gas and hybrid vehicles. We also talk about the all-new Nissan Ariya, which is an all-electric crossover SUV going on sale in late 2021. Finally, we share our thoughts on the new vehicle test drive of the week, the 2020 Toyota 86. 

This week we chat with Robert Karbaum from Kijiji Autos about a new Kijiji study. Kijiji Autos conducted a study to understand consumer sentiment towards car purchasing amid the COVID-19 pandemic. We discuss the findings of the study and how the pandemic has impacted the automotive market for both consumers and dealerships. We also talk about some of the new resources that Kijiji Autos has introduced to assist you with the car buying process. Finally, we share our thoughts on the new vehicle test drive of the week, the 2020 BMW 228i Gran Coupe. 

This week we have Terry O'Keefe from OMVIC joing us on the show to talk about the dangers of curbsiders. We talk about how to spot a curbsider and why they should be avoided when shopping for a used car. We also talk about the differences between purchasing a used car from a dealership compared to private sellers. Finally, we talk about how to spot a scam or fraudulent ad in general. We also share our thoughts on the new vehicle test drive of the week, the 2020 Chevrolet Blazer. 

This week we are answering your email questions covering everything from where the car market is heading, how to avoid bait and switch, and how to shop for a car and avoid unnecessary fees. We also talk about what towatch out for with a car that has been sitting too long at the dealership and CVT versus automatic transmissions.. Finally, we share our thoughts on the new vehicle test drive of the week,, the 2020 Cadillac XT6. 

This week we have Kevin Tozer from Hamilton Motor Works joining us to answer some of your maintenance and repair questions. We answer questions about fluid change intervals, regular versus premum gas, whether you should be concerned about purchasing a turbocharged car, whether diesel engines should be avoided, and the long-term reliability of hybrid-powered cars, Finally, we share our thoughts on the new vehicle test drive of the week, the 2020 Toyota Camry Hybrid. 

This week we have Jowana Burgan from Girls Mechanics Team joining us to talk about do-it-yourself car maintenance. We talk about basic DIY maintenance items that every car owner should know. We also discuss what maintennace items are best left to the professionals. Finally, we share our thoughts on the new vehicle test drive of the week, the 2020 Lexus RC 350. 

This week we have Kevin Tozer from Hamilton Motor Works and host of the AM900 CHML Autoshow joining us to talk about how to make your car last for 300,000km or more. We talk about the good maintenance practices you should follow, OEM versus aftermarket parts, and picking a reliable car. We also discuss when is the best time to retire your car and consider buying a new one. We also share our thoughts on the new vehicle test drive of the week. the 2020 Porsche 911 Carerra 4S. 

This week we discuss the various car buying options with Adi Desai of Doubleclutch.ca. We talk about differences between leasing versus finanicng including the advantages and disadvantages of each option. We go through examples of when financing or leasing makes the most sense to help you make a fully informed purchase. We also touch on dealership advertising, the claims that are made, and what to watch out for when shopping. Finally, we share our thoughts on the new vehicle test drive fo the week, the 2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon. 

This week we have John Carmichael, CEO of OMVIC, joining us to talk about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the auto industry. We discuss the role of OMVIC and go through the steps of how to safely purchase a car from a dealership. We talk about the questions consumers should be asking and what to look for before signing a purchase agreement. We also discuss how to buy a car entirely online. Finally, we share our thoughts on a pair of affordable subcompact crossover SUVs. 

This week we speak with Trevor Hutcheson from Krown Rust Control about rust protection for your vehicle. We talk about why it is important to consider using a good rust protection product and go through the best options for your vehicle. We talk about whether you should consider the products from the dealership or if you should purchase elsewhere. We also get a chance to have an exclusive first look at the all-new 2021 Toyota Venza Hybrid crossover and talk about Toyota's move to a hybrid-focused lineup down the road. 

This week we answer questions from our listeners mostly related to the COVID-19 pandemic. We answer questions regarding whether now is a good time to purchase a new car, which car manufacturers are offering the best deals, and whether you should consider payment deferral offers. We also talking about how to protect yourself when buying a car online. Finally, we talk about and compare the best new mid-sized crossover SUVs with three row seating. 

This week we have Bob Redinger from Ready Honda joining us to discuss the differences between buying new versus buying certified pre-owned. We explain what a certified pre-owned car is and go through the benefits when compared to a regular used car. We talk about the pros and cons of purchasing a new car when compared to purchasing certified pre-owned and a used car in general. Finally,, we compare the best subcompact crossovers on the market. 

This week we are talking about how auto insurance premiums will be impacted as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Debbie Arnold from Sound Insurance is joining us to discuss the rebates and discounts that insurance companies are offering. With far few cars on the road and insurance companies saving millions of dollars in accident claims, are your rates going to come down even further? We share tips that could save you money. Finally, we compare and talk about the best minivans on the market. 

This week we share tire buying tips with Ron Dolan from Triangle Tire. We start off by talking about Triangle Tire, a brand new value-priced tire to the Canadian market. We discuss why you may want to consider a value tire such as the Triangle brand for your next tire purchase over a more expensive well-known brand. We also talk about what to look for when shopping for tires this spring season. Finally, we compare and share our thoughts on some of the best compact crossover SUVs on the market. 

This week have Mohamed Bouchama from the Car Help Canada team joining us to talking about how to safely buy a car online. With the COVID-19 pandemic forcing many dealerships to close their showrooms, remote car sales have increased and many dealerships have expanded their online car buying platforms. We discuss how to safely and successfully navigate through this process from step by step from beginning to end. We also compare the best compact cars on the market and share our top picks. 

This we have our very own Mohamed Bouchama joining us to talk about the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the auto industry. We discuss how it is impacting dealerships, auto manufacturers, and consumers, and whether the industry will be able to recover. We talk about whether it is a good time to buy a car and get a great deal, or whether it might be best to hold off for now. Finally, we share our thoughts on the new vehicle test drive of the week, the 2020 Toyota Highlander. 

This week we answer your email questions about various car topics. We talk about popular subjects including car warranties, comparing affordable new cars, how to shop for a used car, and rust protection, If you have any questions for us to cover on future episodes please feel free to email us at info@carhelpcanada.com with the subject line "The Car Help Podcast." We also share our thoughts on the new vehicle test drive of the week, the 2020 Hyundai Sonata. 

This week we are talking about distracted driving with our guest Debbie Arnold from Sound Insurance. We talk about what constitutes distracted driving and what the penalities are when you are caught. We discuss the difference between using your smartphone while driving versus using a built-in touchscreen infotainment system. We also talk about the impact of social media on driving habits. Finally, we share our thoughts on the new vehicle test drive of the week, the 2020 Lincoln Aviator. 

This week we are talking about the COVID-19 crisis and the impact that it is having on the auto industry. We discuss the likelihood of a mild short-term crisis versus a long-term severe recession and what this could mean for the auto industry and the economy. We discuss whether or not this is a good time to consider buying a new car and when you can expect to get the best deal from the dealership. We also touch on the impact this is having on the used car market. Finally, we share our thoughts on the new vehicle test drive of the week, the 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk.

This week we have Vince Poloniato from Wearsafe joining us to talk about tracking technology in cars and how consumer attitudes have changed over time. We touch on GPS tracking technology in cars and use of the data collection by auto insurance companies. We also talk about Wearsafe's devices and apps for personal car-based applications. We discuss how wearsafe can be used to monitoring driving behaviour, vehicle location, and its anti-theft benefits. To learn more about wearsafe, please visit wearsafe.com. We also share our thoughts on the new vehicle test drive of the week, the 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 4MATIC

This week we have Debbie Arnold from Sound Insurance joining us to discuss auto insurance rates. We talk about why insurance rates are increasing by an 11 percent across Ontario and whether the Ontario government is going to address this issue. We also talk about recent changes to auto insurance in British Columbia and why insurance rates may decrease by as much as $400 per year.  We also talk about auto insurance in Quebec and whether there might be lessons other provinces could learn. Finally, we share our thoughts on the new vehicle test drive of the week, the 2020 Mazda CX-30.

This week we talk with Farid Kanji about car repairs and dealing with problems with repair shops. We talk about your rights as a consumer and how you should approach problems that you may be experiencing with repair shops. We also talk about repair quotes, aftermarket versus original parts, warranty on repair work, and service requirements for car maintenance. If you are having an ongoing problem with your car and don't know what to do, this episode is for you. Finally, we share our thoughts on the new vehicle test drive of the week, the 2020 Lexus RX 350L. 

This week we chat with Brian Murphy from the Canadian Black Book about cars with the best retained value. Go go through the winners of CBB annual best retained value awards and share a few highlights from this year's award winners. We also talk about why resale value is so important to consider when shopping for a car and why you should be concerned about negative equity. Finally, we share our thoughts on the new vehicle test drive of the week, the 2020 Toyota Prius AWD-e. 

This week we are covering the Canadian International Auto Show taking place at the Metro Toronto Convetion Centre. We talk about some of the latest new car debuts from the show and speak to representatives from a few automakers. We interview Mazda about their win for Canadian Car of The Year. We speak to Toyota about their plan to go electrified within the next 5-10 years. We interview Nissan about their latest compact cars. And we talk to Porsche about some exciting new performance cars. 

This week we have Farid Kanji joining us to talk about safety recalls. We discuss what constitutes a vehicle recall, why it is important to address, and what to do if your car is affected. We also discuss the diffrences between recalls, service campaigns, and technical service bulletins. We also talk about vehicles issues that are the responsibility of the dealership versus the responsibility of the vehicle owner. Finally, we share our thoughts on the new vehicle test drive of the week, the 2020 Subaru Outback. 

This week we have Farid Kanji joining us to discuss a few new statsitics from iSeeCars. We talk about the top 15 cars that owners are most likely to keep for 15 years or longer and whether or not we feel they are the longest lasting cars one can buy. We also talk about the top 10 best used cars to buy in terms of reliability, safety, and resale value. We also focus on cars that have the best retained value. Finally, we share our thoughts on the new vehicle test drive of the week, the 2020 Hyundai Venue. 

For our 150th episode we are answering some of your car questions. We talk about various topics from car and truck comparisons, new and used car recommendations, winter tires, and even touch on Car Help Canada services that hep you save time and money on your new car purchase. We also share our thougts on the new vehicle test drive of the week, the 2020 Lincoln Corsair. 

This week we have Adi Desai from Doubleclutch.ca joining us to talk about infotainment systems. Whether it is a touchscreen, control knob interface, or touchpad, just about every new car sold today comes with some kind of infotainment system. We talk about what to look for in an infotainment system and what features make a well-designed systtem. We also go through some of our favorite systems on the market. We also share our thoughts on the new vehicle test drive of the week, the 2020 Ford Escape.