Nathan and The Fast Lane Car team are here to answer your (reasonable) questions. Interesting and/or entertaining emails will be posted to this column. If it’s relevant in the automotive universe, there’s a chance we may know something about it. The author’s email address and name will be omitted – leaving your initials or nickname, your preference.
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:
- Best used for under 8K?
- More Jeep Renegade Trailhawk!
- Where’s the Hyundai I40?
- Durability of my 2011 Toyota RAV4?
The first question comes from a viewer wanting an $8,000 vehicle.
Q:
Hi Roman, I’m a big fan and I’ve been looking around at used cars recently since I’m getting my license soon. I want something under $8,000 I am into cars, but I don’t want a BMW, I want an automatic, since my parents want to have my sister drive it too, but I want it to drive well, look well, and not have a crappy interior.Thanks!
B.B
A: Hi! Roman and I agree, there are a few logical choices here. It sounds like you want a nicer-than-average vehicle along the lines of a BMW, without it being a BMW. Have you considered an older Lexus IS? How about a pre-2007 Acura TL? Both of these vehicles are pretty reliable, great handling and have nice interiors. The Volvo S60, Mazda6 (kind of a bland interior)and the Volkswagen CC are good choices too.
Of all those choices: I like the Lexus IS and Volkswagen CC best.
If you’re not mechanically inclined, of if you do not have a reliable mechanic, I would recommend looking at CPO (Certified Pre-Owned) vehicles. Some of the warranties on CPOs are better than the original warranty.
Best of luck!
N
This next question comes from a fan who wants to know about our full review of the Jeep Renegade Trailhawk.
Q: Just wondering when you guys are going to get another youtube video up about the Jeep Renegade trailhawk. I bought one last month and I’m enjoying it. Planing on taking it to the sand dunes and up north on the trails (I live in MI). Would love to see you guys take it off road and go further into detail about the select 4×4 modes.
Love the videos keep up the good work.
P. H.
A: That’s a damn good question. It’s taking longer than expected for our Rocky Mountain fleet to get the Jeep Renegade. Believe me, we are chomping at the bit to get, not only the Renegade Trailhawk, but all the variations of Jeep Renegade.
I promise, when we begin getting the Jeep Renegade, it WILL be tested!
Thanks for the email!
N
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This email comes from a viewer interested in the Hyundai I40.
Q: Hi Nathan
I have driven a 2009 Santa Fe from 09 – 15 and traded to a 2015 Sonata 2T. This is for my wife as she loved the car. I seldom get to drive.
So now we are second time owners of Hyundai Canada vehicles. Not one regret.
I just read your review on the Santa Cruz PU. It is a hot vehicle But will it fill a niche market – Subaru tried this several years ago and it didn’t go. The Ridgeline sales have been terribly slow due to small truck syndrome in North America. I drove a Ridgeline for work and the only hard part of that vehicle – gas consumption – but good for a great utility unit for my off road work. It went everywhere in comfort.
My 1996 S/B Chev PU is a size that would fit. My toy. My truck is actually smaller than a 2015 Colorado.
Hyundai has a great line up – I personally like the SantaCruz but it is too small for major N. American sales. Beautiful lines – hope the interior has the room of a Santa Fe.
I will like to see it on the lot …….. ????
My personal point for Hyundai – Bring the I40 in from Europe – that is one sexy “Station Wagon” And in diesel like VW – well they would sell a little less than the Elantra GT but those would sell ——– young moms who like a wagon and us old farts who remember the back seats of our parents land yachts.
Yes Nathan – I am 67 years young and love vehicles of all sorts. Anything with a power unit – trains, boats, boats, CARS.
All the best
Have a Fantastic Day
F.W.
A: Great question/statement. You know what? You’re not the first person asking about the Hyundai I40. It has many of the same components as the Hyundai Elantra, but there is a diesel option and a wagon option. They are only available overseas and I’m pretty sure it will stay that way.
Hyundai is pragmatic when it comes to their North American lineup. They tend to dislike overlap, which is what a wagon vs. hatchback is, I suspect. It would be nice to try one of Hyundai’s diesels – I hear good things.
Thanks for the great email!
N
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This last question regarding his 2011 Toyota RAV4.
Q: I just bought a 2012 RAV4 V6 Ltd.
I moved to this after the car-love of my life, my ’97 BMW 528i – best road car I’ve ever driven. My BMW has 200,000 mi and the repairs are becoming too expensive. I’m a landscape photographer and I’ve taken this BMW and my previous 1985 528e into places no sedan should ever go. I managed to not get high-centered or damaged. But it was foolish to do what I did.I’ve watched your videos of the 2011 V6 and the more recent versions in which you make it seem that this car is not off road capable.
I need a good assessment whether this car can go on rough BLM forest roads, which is why I opted for a AWD.
How delicate is the underbody?
Do I need to find a skid plate?
Do I need a lift kit and knobby tires?I’m feeling like maybe I should have gotten a 4 Runner, but I think the 7.5″ clearance should be enough if I’m careful.
I’m not looking for serious offroad or rock crawling, but if this is really just a soccer mom unit, maybe I made a mistake. This also has a tow pkg which means I’ll sometimes drag the hitch exiting a tight wash.
Main question is: will I burn up the tranny if I lock it in AWD for extended, but low speed, time on a trail?
I look forward to a response.
C.
A: Thanks for the email! We’ve had a lot of experience with that model Toyota RAV4. In almost every trim and powertrain, this is one of the best RAV4 models out there. Yes, the underbelly is fairly robust, but if you’re going to do any serious off-road trails, I would recommend something like a 4Runner, Jeep or something beefier rather than upgrades.
Still, if you feel like you simply must beef up the RAV4, try Old Man Emu springs (#2539 and #2540) for a mild lift and excellent coil behavior. I do recommend tires like the Dunlop Grandtrek SJ6 – or the equivalent too.
From what I have experienced, the “lock” AWD system can go all day long, provided you remain at low speeds. I have no official take on duration, but I’ve never heard of their system overheating. It is very well built, as is the whole vehicle.
Hope that helps!
N
Got a question for Nathan? Drop him a line at: asknathan@tflcar.com
Check out this video where we pit the Chevy Trax, Nissan Juke and MINI Countryman against the Fiat 500X!
Nathan Adlen reviews vehicles from the cheapest to the most prestigious. His words, good humor and videos are enjoyed worldwide.
