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Artwork for The Best of Car Talk

The Best of Car Talk

NPR
Car Talk
Car Repair
NPR
Humor
Toyota
Mercury Country Squire
Listener Stories
1971 Scout II
Mother's Past
Volkswagen Jetta
Peugeot
Automotive Repairs
Pontiac Phoenix
Macarthur Genius Grants
Automotive Maintenance
Car Trouble
Spanish Translation
Power Steering Fluid
1969 Mustang
1977 Plymouth Voyager

America's funniest auto mechanics take calls from weary car owners all over the country, and crack wise while they diagnose Dodges and dismiss Diahatsus. You don't have to know anything about cars to love this one hour weekly laugh fest.

PublishesTwice weeklyEpisodes650Founded19 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
AutomotiveComedyLeisure

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Artwork for The Best of Car Talk

Latest Episodes

Eric has a modest proposal: Shouldn’t the cost of the $4 part that his mechanic is replacing on his car also bear some resemblance to the cost of the labor to do the job? Afraid not, piston puss! How would mechanics ever pay for their boats if that w... more

Bruce’s son is a lawyer in Orlando, Florida who, like most of the other lawyers in the area,  drives a Lincoln Town Car. Except this one is not really helping his image. Instead of looking stylish and high class, paint is falling off in sheets leavin... more

Gina was tooling along a local country road when an humongous spider descended in front of her eyes and into her lap. She doesn’t have any questions about removing stains from upholstery but there is the matter of the hedges and lawn furniture she wi... more

Ivan was enduring an attempt to upsell him on a special oil treatment when he heard this doozy from the mechanic-turned-salesman: “We’re not the problem. We’re part of the solution.” We agree, if the solution he’s referring to is a sleazy soup of gre... more

Key Facts

Accepts Sponsors
Contact Information
Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

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Recent Guests

Ivan Zervagon
Caller from Miami, Florida
Episode: #2597: We're Part of the Solution
Gil McCann
Caller from Flint, Michigan
Episode: #2597: We're Part of the Solution
Jim Davis
Professor of Chemistry
World's Greatest University
Episode: #2588: A Family Affair
Daniel Pinkwater
Author and guest on Car Talk, known for his works in children's literature
None
Episode: #2587: Daniel's (Got) Back
Tom Van Heer
Caller from Boca Raton with a car issue
Episode: #2583: Tell Us Your Fantasies
Dr. Kenny Rudd
A medical doctor who previously spoke with the show
Episode: #2582: Dr. Kenny and Dr. Z
Dr. Zakoska
A colleague of Dr. Kenny Rudd
Episode: #2582: Dr. Kenny and Dr. Z
Mike Haverty
Caller from Palis Heights discussing his 1989 Honda Accord
Episode: #2581: Hapless Hubby or Hero?
Helen Johnson
Caller from Dillon, Colorado who lives in her 1978 Volkswagen bus
Episode: #2581: Hapless Hubby or Hero?

Host

Click and Clack
Hosts of the beloved automotive comedy show, providing a mix of humorous banter and practical car advice through listener interactions.

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars from 19.7k ratings
  • Original air dates?

    I’ve always loved this show, my only complaint is that this podcast doesn’t state the original episode air dates somewhere in the description! Some of them you can sort of figure out through context they’re in the 90s or early 2000s, but it would be nice to know for context when exactly each of these aired originally.

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    Thebisexuwhale
    United States2 months ago
  • Great show!

    I have CarTalk + and I listen almost every day!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    zdp7879
    United States2 months ago
  • CarTalk + is worth it

    I am happy to support NPR and CarTalk. Click and Clack are like having two wacky, funny uncles. I listen to an episode every day for a Q good chuckle as well as learn stuff about my car. Timeless.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    popeye knew best
    United States3 months ago
  • Best show ever

    I will cry the day I can’t listen to this show. I have been listening to this show since 2000. It was a ritual that my dad and I would listen together every Sunday.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    wrathxxx
    United States3 months ago
  • Good for my sanity

    It’s 2025 and I still listen to this podcast every day. The only show that makes me feel better after listening to it.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Copernicusd
    United States4 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Listeners enjoy the comedic vibe, appreciating both the entertainment value and practical advice on automotive issues.
The show is described as nostalgic and family-friendly, making it a favorite among many who have listened for years.
There are concerns about subscription fees and accessing older episodes, which some perceive as monetization issues.
The dynamic between the hosts is well-loved, often compared to familiar family interactions, making it a comforting listen.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#56
United States/Comedy
Apple Podcasts
#217
Canada/Comedy
Apple Podcasts
#202
Italy/Comedy
Apple Podcasts
#72
India/Comedy
Apple Podcasts
#77
China/Comedy
Apple Podcasts
#80
Saudi Arabia/Comedy

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

#25100: Parts and Labor
Q: What should I do about this leaking fuel issue?
You should take it into someone, have it put up on the lift, and while the engine is running, have someone yank on all the lines and see if they can force the thing to leak.
#2596: Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On
Q: What's wrong with my shaking Ford Taurus?
It could be bad tires or a sticking brake caliper.
#2596: Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On
Q: Why did you take it apart in the first place?
Because the clutch was pretty much out and it was slipping.
#2596: Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On
Q: What kind of a name is Gammon?
It's an unusual name that the caller says is cool, decided upon by his parents from a movie.
#2597: We're Part of the Solution
Q: Why do men feel that they have to be superior to women in knowledge that women stereotypically are not supposed to know anything about?
This behavior is rooted in evolutionary history where knowledge is seen as power, with men historically taking on dominant roles. The societal expectation of males to display mechanical knowledge carries through to today.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About The Best of Car Talk

What is The Best of Car Talk about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Listeners can expect a comedic blend of automotive advice and entertaining banter as the hosts answer calls from car owners encountering a variety of automotive issues. The Tappet Brothers deliver practical advice intertwined with humorous anecdotes, often discussing quirky experiences with different vehicles and engaging with callers about their dilemmas. The tone remains light-hearted, making it enjoyable for car enthusiasts and casual listeners alike. Humor, camaraderie, and a unique blend of expertise make each episode a delightful exploration of car-related topics, sprinkled with relatable personal stories that keep audiences engaged and coming back for more.

Where can I find podcast stats for The Best of Car Talk?

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How many listeners does The Best of Car Talk get?

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How many subscribers and views does The Best of Car Talk have?

To see how many followers or subscribers The Best of Car Talk has on Spotify and other platforms such as Castbox and Podcast Addict, simply upgrade your account. You'll also find viewership figures for their YouTube channel if they have one.

Which podcasts are similar to The Best of Car Talk?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The Best of Car Talk:

1. Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!
2. Under The Hood show
3. How To Do Everything
4. Nobody Listens to Paula Poundstone
5. Science Friday

How many episodes of The Best of Car Talk are there?

The Best of Car Talk launched 19 years ago and published 650 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact The Best of Car Talk?

Our systems regularly scour the web to find email addresses and social media links for this podcast. We scanned the web and collated all of the contact information that we could find in our podcast database. But in the unlikely event that you can't find what you're looking for, our concierge service lets you request our research team to source better contacts for you.

Where can I see ratings and reviews for The Best of Car Talk?

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How do I access podcast episode transcripts for The Best of Car Talk?

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What guests have appeared on The Best of Car Talk?

Recent guests on The Best of Car Talk include:

1. Ivan Zervagon
2. Gil McCann
3. Jim Davis
4. Daniel Pinkwater
5. Tom Van Heer
6. Dr. Kenny Rudd
7. Dr. Zakoska
8. Mike Haverty

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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