In this edition of Ask Nathan:
- Base Jeep Renegade vs Subaru Impreza base?
- Best used luxury for $10,000?
- What is Kickstart: Buy/Ride/Sell?
Today’s first question comes from a dog lover who is choosing an AWD vehicle with a manual transmission for about $22,000.
Q: Hi! I am starting a new job that will finally pay the bills and I wanted to reward me and my boys, two Yorkshire Terriers, with a new car. I have narrowed my choices down to two cars. I need all wheel drive because I live in a slightly snowy region and I like the outdoors. I’m a free spirit and want to have some fun too.
I like the 2016 Impreza 2.0i hatchback and the Jeep Renegade Sport 4X4. Both have manual transmissions and both have a few options and sit around $22,000 which is my maximum budget. I want the most fun for the money, but I also need something that gives me good utility. I think these are the best all wheel drive cars for that price range.
Tell me what do you think? I value all of your opinions, but I know Nathan thinks about things like animals in carriers and kids. Please let me know what you think.
Sincerely, Kristen.K
A: Thanks for the email and for putting your trust in our opinions!
I immediately gravitate towards the Jeep Renegade Sport 4X4. It is a fun, sprightly and remarkably utilitarian vehicle. The Impreza is a fine car that’s safe, reliable and very good in snow, but it’s slow and lacks a fun personality. By comparison, the XV Crosstrek is pretty good, but it’s out of your price range.
That little 1.4-liter turbo in the Jeep Renegade is a gem and it does great on challenging surfaces. I think you’ll like the utility and space of the Jeep Renegade 4×4 Sport too.
Cheers!
N.
Honestly, I have suggested the Jeep Renegade Sport 4X4 1.4 to family members.
This next question comes from a viewer that’s looking for the best, used, V8, rear-drive luxury car for under $10,000.
Q: Dear TFL car and Nathan. I just sold my busted Ford Crown Victoria. I want something with some class and style for under ten thousands dollars that has a V8 with four doors and something that’s not seen in my Detroit neighborhood often. I want something that not commonly seen on my streets, see? I am a warehouse manager downtown and I only drive ten thousand miles a year.
Do you think you can point me in the right direction? I like watching your car and truck channel and I’m a big fan of MMUSA every Monday!
Thanks guys!
Damon. D
MI
Great question and thanks for your patronage!
You truly can’t go wrong with an early 2000s Lexus LX or even an Infiniti. I immediately gravitate towards the big Lexus as it is built by very high standards. Maintenance is on the high-side, but you get some of the best service attention in the business.
If you’re willing to give up your rear-drive and V8 requirements, you’ll find some excellent cars built by Acura, Volvo and even Lincoln.
I hope that helps!
N
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This last message was a text sent to me by a long-time viewer who was curious about our new show, “Kickstart: Buy/Ride/Sell.”
Q: What’s up with the Kickstart buy, ride, sell show? Is it just for motorcycles?
J
A: Thanks for the text!
Think of Kickstart: Buy, Ride, Sell as a motorcycle program that involves the whole experience of buying, riding and selling the motorcycle at a slight profit. It’s kind of like a less involved “Wheeler Dealer” program. Roman finds the bike, tests it, negotiates the asking price, buys it, we clean it up a bit and (hopefully) sell if for a profit.
During the show, you’ll gets some insights on the bike and we’ll spotlight all of the parties involved too.
Hope you like the program!
Speaking of Kickstart: Buy, Ride, Sell…
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.
Got a question for Nathan? Drop him a line at: asknathan@tflcar.com
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Easily amused by anything with four wheels, Nathan Adlen reviews vehicles from the cheapest to the most prestigious. Wrecking yards, dealer lots, garages, racetracks, professional automotive testing and automotive journalism – Nathan has experienced a wide range of the automotive spectrum. His words, good humor and videos are enjoyed worldwide. |
