- (“Less Expensive Mini”) Will Mini ever build an affordable Mini?
- Volkswagen Passat, Mazda6 or Nissan Altima for a fun sedan?
- Gotta drive grandma places, what should I get?
This first question comes from a fan who wants an affordable Mini Cooper in the future.
Question: Hi Nathan and hi Roman! I love watching your videos and I know that both of you are Mini fans!
I have always wanted to buy a Mini that I configured on their website. The idea of doing that makes me happy, but the outlandish prices make me sad. Is there every going to be a more affordable Mini?
Please let me know.
Your friend,
Pete in Springfield
A: Howdy Pete!
Rumors ebb and flow, but it looks like Mini is serious about building a less expensive, smaller Mini in the near future. If you take the rumors, innuendo and small morsels of truth – it looks like Mini is considering a Mini Cooper (possibly called the, “Mini Minor“) that would be the smallest “new” Mini to date; even smaller than the R53 Mini.
Like the Mini Rocketman Concept from a few years back, this new Mini would be tiny. It is said that Toyota may be producing a vehicle with Mini (BMW) alongside this vehicle. While the Toyota/Scion iQ was positively minuscule by American standards, it never caught on here. Besides, it never was as utilitarian or drove as enjoyably as a Mini.
The best part? If these rumors are true, it will start in the mid teens.
Hope that helps!
N
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This next question is from a viewer who’s looking for a fun sedan. He’s looking at the Volkswagen Passat, Nissan Altima and Mazda6.
Dear TFL Car, I need help choosing a sporty sedan that I will have to live with for five years or more.
The three cars are the Mazda 6, Volkswagen Passat and the Nissan Altima.
I like these cars over the others and I know how to get a good price on each one, especially the Nissan Altima. But I don’t want something boring. Which one of the three would you guys choose?
Can you help?
Thanks
R.D.
A: Thanks for the email!
All three cars have their merits, but Roman and I fully endorse the Mazda6 as the best bet for motoring fun and great economy. The Nissan Altima has a very comfortable interior and the Passat has tons of space. You can’t go wrong with the sporty Mazda6.
Cheers!
N
P.S. – the Acura TLX is another good choice!
EDITOR’S NOTE: The Honda Accord Sport (especially with a manual) is a good choice, too. I’ve been spending the week with a Toyota Camry SE (their affordable sporty model) and it’s been surprisingly fun. – J.I.
The last question comes from a fan who has to change her lifestyle (and car) to take care of her grandma.
Hi boys. I love watching your shows. You’re all funny and have your own quirks. This question is for Nathan or anyone else who has a grand-person they have to drive around.
Long story short, my parents left me to take care of my grandma. Now, I love my Grandma Liza, we’re best friends. The problem is that I have a hard time lugging her walker places in my Honda Civic coupe. It has good truck space, but it is low and difficult for my grandmother to get out of. I have to help her each time.
I was thinking about something higher, but I need something economical and I would love a stick. I live in Florida and I don’t need a four-wheel-drive.
Any suggestions?
Thanks!
April
Hi April!
I’ve driven a few new front-wheel drive (FWD), higher body vehicles and I think I have a few positive possibilities.
I like the Fiat 500X and the base model comes with FWD and a manual option, the same goes for its platform cousin, the Jeep Renegade. The ride height is nearly ideal for elderly people to ease into and get out of. The Nissan Juke is pretty good, but the interior space is rather small.
My best suggestion is the Honda HR-V base model. You can get it FWD with a manual and, most importantly, it is the most utilitarian setup of all of these cars. Just like the others, its got a hatchback (which is great for holding large things like a walker) but its rear seating area is very configurable.
It would be my first choice if our positions were reversed.
Thanks again for the email and best of luck to you and your grandma!
Here’s the next video episode of “Ask Nathan!”
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
