From day one, The Fast Lane Car has made it our policy to answer as many questions and comments as we can. We get thousands of emails and comments and feel that, as part of a tight-knit automotive community, having an open dialogue with you keeps things fresh and exciting.
In this edition of Ask Nathan:
- Is there a good CUV for a big guy?
- Chevy Impala vs Chevy Malibu?
- My kid MUST have a TV in my next car!
- What was your first exotic car experience?
The first question comes from a very tall fan who wants a quiet, comfortable CUV that he can fit in. Actually, he sent us two emails, so I posted them back to back.
Q: Comment: Hello Nathan,
I really enjoy your video reviews as they are entertaining and very informative!
I am in the market to purchase a CUV for less than 45K and would love some opinionated advice from your personal experience in regards to driving the 2015 Murano, Highlander, Sante Fe and CX-9.
As far as buying one of the above aforementioned CUV’s, how would you list them between 1st and last choice?
I am 6’4 and looking for a comfortable (supportive front seats), quiet and reliable CUV as I do commute allot.
Thank you for any help!
M.K.
Dear TFL Team,
I apologize as I initially posted my below question in the wrong section of your website.
I really enjoy all of the reviews and particularly enjoy Nathan’s reviews.
I watched his review of the 2015 Murano and 2014 Highlander.
Since he drove both, I wanted to ask which he preferred?
I am 6’4 and looking for a vehicle that has supportive and comfortable front seats has a quiet cabin and is fun to drive. Which vehicle does a better job of this?
Thank you!
A: Thanks for the emails!
Yes, they both made it to me. Sometimes we can jump on an email right away, other times, it can take a few weeks. Sorry for the delay, but we have you covered. You see, Roman, Andre, Daniel and I are all big boys. I think Daniel is 6’3″ and Roman, (with the hair) is pretty close.
The Nissan Murano is slightly more comfortable for big people through our experience. That’s not saying the Toyota Highlander is uncomfortable (it’s not), but the Nissan Murano has great cushioning, good width and a very supportive seat-back. It was much more comfortable than I was expecting.
Hope that helps!
N
This viewer is looking at the Chevrolet Malibu and realized that a base Chevrolet Impala costs about the same.
Q: Hello TFL.
I was looking at the new Chevrolet Malibu. I kind of like the way it looks and the price I can get for a loaded model. But I began looking at the Chevrolet Impala and it stuck me that the Impala base model is about the same price as the Chevrolet Malibu.
Does that make any sense? Why would I want a Malibu when I can get a bigger and better Chevy Impala?
Does it make sense to you?
What would you choose?
D.
A: That’s a great question and it’s not one that pertains to the Malibu vs Impala. There are lots of vehicles that leave some questioning their logic. In many cases, an entry-level vehicle that’s fully loaded competes with its more substantial stable-mate’s price.
The question is: do you want a loaded Chevrolet Malibu or a somewhat basic Chevrolet Impala.
Honestly, I think the Chevrolet Impala is one of the best large front-drive sedans in its class. Yes, I would rather buy one over a loaded Malibu. My main reason is based on interior space, street presence and overall ride quality. The Chevrolet Impala is just a better car; even in its base form.
Hope that helps.
N
—
This viewer wants to see what TFL’s opinion is on buying a vehicle with a TV.
Q: Okay Nathan. This is a question for you and all of your cohorts. If you had twins that are pacified when watching television in a car, would you buy a new car with it as an option? Something tells me that you would.
Love the show.
O.B. Tarzana, CA
A: You won’t like my answer. I have young kids and, when I get a test vehicle with a television/DVD system installed, I ONLY let my kids watch when it’s dark or as special treat.
I’m climbing up on my soapbox now…
I’m not one for shutting off kids every time they get into my vehicle. On a road trip, I want them to look out of the window from time to time and use their imagination. Especially on a road trip. I want their minds to wander a bit as they listen to music.
On the other hand, I freely admit that, during long-distance traveling in the evening, I wish I could plug my kids in and let them chill with a movie as I listen to my tunes with a blissful lack of child-input.
Maybe that’s just me.
N
—
This last question comes from a viewer who wanted to know about my first exotic car experience.
Q: Hi Nathan!
Just curious. What was your very first experience with an exotic car?
L.M.
A: What a great question. In the early 1980s, my father acquired a ’71 or ’72 Maserati Indy. We kept it for a few years, but only drove it a few dozen times. It was difficult to maintain and upkeep was very expensive. Still, I remember a few weekend drives that blew my pre-teen mind.
It was a proper 2+2 with deeply scalloped rear seats.
The sound and thrust of that Italian V8 (I believe it was a 4136cc V8 engine) and the incredible feeling of my old man banging through a five-speed manual as we powered down the coast… it’s one of those memories you replay often.
The first exotic I drove was a 1980-ish Ferrari Mondial. Sadly, it was an underwhelming experience. It was slower than my friend’s Mustang GT and handling was poor. Fortunately, I drove my first Porsche 911 (it was actually a 930) right after it and was rewarded with a hell of a good ride.
Those early experiences opened up a new automotive world to me.
I highly recommend trying to hear and feel how different exotic cars are from daily drivers.
Cheers,
N
Got a question for Nathan? Drop him a line at: asknathan@tflcar.com
And for more fun, check out Nathan getting pulled over at the Chicago Auto Show by the 2016 Ford Police Interceptor.
Nathan Adlen reviews vehicles from the cheapest to the most prestigious. His words, good humor and videos are enjoyed worldwide.
