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.
- Future minivans?
- Is the Fiat 500 turbo worth it?
- Thinking about buying a used electric car?
The first question comes from Twitter (@Nathanadlen) wondering about the future minivans.
Q: (Via Twitter@NathanAdlen) Are people still buying minivans?
Why bother when you can get a crossover that’s more drivable with AWD? They are slow, suck gas and are boring.
A: Hi!
Thanks for the email. Here are a few things to keep in mind about the modern minivan:
- In 2018, well over half-a-million minivans were sold in North America.
- While we don’t sell a lot of all-wheel drive (AWD) or off-road-capable minivans (like Japan and its Mitsubishi Delica D:5), we do sell the Toyota Sienna which has AWD available.
- Sure, minivans aren’t super fast, most sold here have good power and the Chrysler Pacifica PHEV gets outstanding fuel numbers.
Minivans are, in many cases, more utilitarian than most crossovers. They are more comfortable and accommodating as well. Given their (usually) flat cargo area, they hold way more than the equivalent SUV/crossover. Modern minivans handle as well, if not better than, many SUV/crossovers.
As for the future of minivans? Many automakers are keeping a close eye on FCA’s Pacifica PHEV. It’s safe to assume they will keep an eye on the all-electric Volkswagen ID Buzz minivan as well. The idea of a electrically powered rear drive (thus giving the van AWD) is a very real possibility.
That’s the direction minivans are going. They will begin to transition to more efficient platforms in the very near future. Hopefully, they will look as cool as the Volkswagen ID Buzz.
Not only are they still relevant – the future may be very bright for minivans.
N
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The next question comes from a fan of zippy cars. She wants to know if the Fiat 500 turbo is a good buy.
Q: Hi TFL! I like small, speedy cars and I am looking for something new.
I looked at Mini and VW and they were too pricy. Based on some of your old videos I went to Fiat and played with the Abarth. You’re right about these cars being so fun and so cute!
The one I wanted was over $24,000. I’m hoping to keep it under $20,000. Even with the big discounts, I can’t get it to where I can buy it. So I decided to drive the Fiat 500 Pop edition with all the bells and whistles.
I love it and it still has plenty of scoot because of the turbo engine. I can get one for about $18,000 the way I want it and the dealership is willing to give me a longer service plan to go with the warranty.
So I was thinking about buying it soon. Then I found a 500 Abarth that’s only one year old for even less. Now I’m wondering if I should buy old or new! What a hassle LOL!
Tell me what do you think?
Regards,
Molly
A: Hi Molly!
I truly like the Fiat 500 Abarth, it’s a bargain and ridiculously fun to drive. Considering the way Fist dealerships are working, you should fight hard to bring the price within your means. Both the little 500 Turbo (which they all are now) and the Abarth are fairly slow sellers.
With that in mind, I want to caution you about buying a 500 Abarth used. It is a youthful vehicle that may have endured a youthful-driving owner. In other words, like any sporty car, it may have been abused.
The little turbo is a great little runabout and it’s less “boy-racer” looking than the Abarth. It will ride better on the highway and should be more efficient too.
Either way, I would say – if you get a new one, push hard to get the best deal!
Good luck!
N
The last question comes from a first time (soon to be) EV owner who is looking to buy a used/cheap EV.
(Via Twitter @NathanAdlen) What is the lest expensive used electric can I cam get?
Saw a Mitsubishi I-MiEV for around $5,000. I think it’s a 2012 and has 44,000 miles on it. I need a good commuter and the building next to mine has EV charging stations.
So, is this a good idea?
Keith Mesa, AZ
A: Hi Keith!
It’s a good price, but you have to remember that the vehicle’s range is reduced each year. It depends on the EV, but they will have a diminished range. Which, in the case of the Mitsubishi i-MiEV means well under 100 miles.
Still, a short commute should be a snap and you’ll save on gas and maintenance costs down the road.
While you’re at it, I would recommend looking at used Nissan Leafs. They are more comfortable and it should have better range over the equivalent i-MiEV.
Good luck!
N
Speaking of electric vehicles…
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.[Ask Nathan]
