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 full name will be omitted – leaving your first name, initials or nickname, your preference.
In this week’s Ask Nathan:
- 2020 Nissan Titan updates inside and out.
- What luxury SUV should I get?
- Replacing my Honda Fit
The first question comes from a truck fan who wants to know about the 2020 Nissan Titan.
Q: (Via Twitter@NathanAdlen) I saw an image of the disguised 2020 Nissan Titan.
You can’t see much. I was wondering if it will be like the (Warrior) concept I saw a few years back. That was cool.
DiceyDiggs
A: Hi!
I’ve seen the images as well and I agree with you, not much can be seen. For the most part, a majority of the body panels look the same. It appears that the nose and tail will receive updates.
There were images of a revised interior as well. That’s a good thing given the so-so interior of the current model. A larger, more modern infotainment screen along with newer switchgear were most noticeable.
With all the items the 2020 Nissan Titan needs to improve, making it more like the Warrior concept won’t be one of them. It’s fortunate that Nissan is updating it, they neglected to update the previous Titan when it was needed.
Hopefully, this will help future sales numbers.
N
The next question comes from a Canadian fan who wants to buy a luxury SUV.
Q: Hi Roman and Nathan, Just watched your video on selling vehicles on Craigslist. Great tips, thank you very much! I am wondering if you can recommend a vehicle that would suit my needs.
I am a Realtor here in Canada, Vancouver, BC to be exact, and I need to purchase a vehicle for work and family. Of course, being a Realtor image is part of the business, but I hate to waste money just to impress.
I am looking to get the best bang for my buck in terms of purchase price, maintenance, and fuel costs. I am thinking something along the lines of a 3, 4, 5 year old Porsche Cayenne, Mercedes GLE (or ML) 350 diesel, perhaps a Land Rover, or Lexus SUV. …although I find Lexus a little boring to drive and targeted for an older consumer. ….I am older, however, I do not want to admit it:) If you can recommend something that will last for several years to come and be dependable, I would greatly appreciate it.
Thank you very much, and I look forward to watching more of your videos.
Cheers,
Brad
A: Hi Brad!
I wish I could find a reason to recommend the German SUVs you mentioned, but I can’t. They are all great drivers, but used German vehicles tend to be expensive to maintain and lack the reliability numbers of other brands. The same goes for Land Rover/Range Rover.
The Lexus is, by far, the best choice. Still, I have an old comrade who owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML with a ton of miles. According to him, despite the expensive maintenance, it has been extremely reliable. He has the 3-liter V6 diesel and over 165,000 miles with no major issues.
With that being said, the numbers and consensus regarding reliability point to Lexus products. That would be both Roman’s and my recommendation.
Cheers,
N
The last question comes from a viewer who is looking at replacing his Honda Fit.
Q: Hi! Honda question for Nathan.
Going on 200,000 miles in my trusty 2011 Honda Fit. It’s a great car but it is staring to have real problems. Honda is doing nothing new with the Fit this year, so I was thinking about the Civic. I know it’s more expensive, but it’s time for a bigger car anyway.
I was wondering if you thought the Honda Civic is a good choice. I only buy Honda, and I want the most simple base model with a manual transmission. I love your perspectives and how you review cars!
TTFN Delta
A: Hi Delta!
The Honda Fit is one of my favorite cars in its class. While there are no immediate changes for the U.S.-market Honda Fit, an overseas replacement has been seen testing. It may even sport a new hybrid system. Unfortunately, Honda has given us no word on sales on our side of the world.
As a replacement vehicle, the Honda Civic makes sense. Great space, good reliability and a modern design are noteworthy. It’s a bigger, pricier and more premium vehicle to be sure. It’s also is a better driving vehicle with great overall handling characteristics.
I am especially fond of the new Sport trim package. It’s an affordable, snazzy package with great upgrades for performance.
N
Speaking of the new Honda Civic!
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.
