-
-
- A ner Baby Jeep?
- A Mazda CX-4 for the USA?
- Used BMW over new Accord?
-
The first question comes from a fan if there will be a Baby Jeep that’s even smaller and less expensive than the Renegade.
Q:Hi Nathan! I live in Jerusalem, but I’m moving temporarily to America for medical school. I heard that Fiat Chrysler might build an even less expensive than the Renegade Jeep. Is that true?
If that is the case, I love to know more. I drive a old Peugeot 308, but I’ve always wanted a off road vehicle. Not a big off roader and nothing crazy expensive like the Wrangler or a Land Rover, something that is fun on trails and affordable. I drove a Renegade diesel in Europe and fell in love with it. It’s pretty expensive and I wanted to find slightly more affordable.
I hear that Jeep is considering an even smaller SUV than the Renegade. Is this for truth? I would very much like to think so. If you use this email, please know me as David. Thank you TFL!
A:Â Howdy David!
A report from Automotive News‘ Luca Ciferri confirms that Jeep is looking at possibly building a Baby Jeep based on the next Fiat Panda platform. Unfortunately for the United States, this is an overseas consideration and will not be available for our market. That is, IF they build it.
Some may scoff at the Fiat Panda 4X4 as it is based on an economy vehicle; however, I know from personal experience that the Fiat Panda 4X4 is extremely capable in the rough. Considering the fact that the Jeep Compass (which is basically a slightly larger Renegade) took time and money to develop for our market, why not design a Baby Jeep for our market too?
I know people would buy it – just like all the other vehicles in the Jeep family.
In the meantime, I will keep my ears open and see what becomes of this vehicle.
Cheers!
N
This next question comes from a reader who wants to know if the Mazda CX-4 will come to the United States.
Q: (Via Twitter.com @Nathanadlen) Will the Mazda CX-4 come stateside?
Asking for a friend.
Japanese Polka
A: Hi Polka person!
There is a rumor that the Mazda CX-4 was developed for worldwide consumption, but that’s not confirmed. The Mazda CX-4 debuted last year in China and looks like its a lower, longer version of the Mazda CX-5. In fact, it’s overall ground clearance looks similar to a Mazda 6’s height. This leads me to the tantalizing possibility that something like the Mazda CX-4 may come to market as a companion for the turbocharged Mazda 6.
Any readers or Mazda fans have anything to add?
N
Q: Hi TFL! Can you help me with a new car versus used car question?
My cousin paid off his 2016 BMW 535i and is offering it to me for about $30,000. It runs perfect and he’s taken good care of it. I was looking at a 2018 Honda Accord two liter turbo with a manual transmission, based on Nathan’s recommendation. It would be a little less expensive and I have had good luck with Hondas in the past.
Is the BMW a better idea? I am a little torn.
Thanks guys!
Paula, M
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
A: Hi Paula!
That’s a tough call.
Part of this is based on your relationship with your cousin, as I was about to say – stick with the Honda. If the only way you and your cousin will be happy is by buying the BMW, perhaps that’s the way to go.
On the other hand, knowing how the Accord will treat you over the years (price, reliability and maintenance), I must say, the 2018 Honda Accord is the right car in my book. Don’t get me wrong, I love BMWs, but they are very pricy to maintain and used ones lose value quickly.
I hope that helps!
N
Here’s a fun drag race video that has nothing to do with anything in this week’s post!
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.[
