This Is the Most Compatible Driver-Assisted Automotive Podcast

Great weather and perhaps a rebound in consumer confidence helped push up car sales in August. Toyota and Honda posted eye-popping percentage gains compared with a miserable last year when inventories were constrained by the effects of the Japanese earthquake.

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The amount people paid for a new car in August.

Here's a look at the best and worst selling models in August, though there is some debate about the top-selling car.

It's not surprising that most of the worst are very expensive, but we're a little surprised that the average new-car transaction price continues to climb.

One thing that is driving sales is pent-up demand, and perhaps a desire for new driver-aid systems, according to a new study. That sparks a discussion about what is safe to do when you are behind the wheel. Drink? Text?

Well, if you are driving bring along a friend to do your texting.

We've talked about how people are keeping their cars longer, but a lack of skilled auto mechanics means we will hope that those cars are built to last without attention.

One thing the mechanics of the future will need to deal with is a bunch of incompatible electric-car charging plugs.

Finally, the LA Auto Show wants to get some designs for the highway patrol car of the future.