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:
- What’s up with the next Nissan Quest?
- I want a good, fun, used car for about 10K!
- No more voices in the sky!
The first question comes from a fan who is looking to replace her minivan. She wants to know what’s up with the next Nissan Quest.
Q: Hi Nathan! I own a 2009 Nissan Quest with over 200,000 miles on it. It has been a great vehicle and I was wondering what’s up with the next Nissan Quest?
I didn’t like the most recent one and my dealership said that there would be a replacement coming. That was way back in 2017 and there’s nothing but Nissan SUVS on the dealership floor. I don’t want an SUV! I’m very short and I have back issues so a low loading floor and sliding doors are a big help.
I saw your video on minivans vs SUVs and I laughed out loud. I also realized that you were serious while being funny. You’re right, the minivan makes so much sense in so many ways! I just don’t want to spend the extra money on a Toyota. I have a great Nissan dealership here in Florida and I’ve been a returning customer for years.
Do you know anything about the next Nissan Quest? Will they even sell one here with all of the popularity of SUVs? I hope they do and I hope they build them like my model!
By the way, you guys do a great job on videos! I like how most of you are fun and sincere at the same time. Never stop being you!
Ann G
Lakeland, FL
A: Hi Ann!
Great question. While minivans are not selling in the mass numbers they once did, they still sold over half a million vehicles in North America in 2018. They are still relevant and they are still some of the most utilitarian vehicles you can buy.
Nissan has said nothing about bringing the Quest back to our market. While some have reported that they are considering a return, nothing official has been stated. Right now, it looks like they are concentrating on their crossovers, SUVs and trucks for our market.
With that being said, there is nothing to stop Nissan from returning to this market with a new minivan on a new platform. The final Nissan Quest was not very safe according to the IIHS. So, they would need to bring over something all-new.
The next time I’m at a Nissan event, I will ask around.
Promise!
N
The next question comes from a viewer who wants a fun, well made car for under $10,000.
Q: Hi guy! Need your advice about a fun used car!
I have a budget of $10,000 and I was looking to get a good used car that’s a lot of fun to drive. It needs to be fairly frugal and useable for a college student. It also needs to be something that I can park in Dallas that won’t draw too much attention.
What do you think Nathan?
JJ
A: Hi JJ!
There are a lot of great cars for that price. I have a few favorites that combine fun with practicality along with being fairly frugal. I looked up all of these vehicles and found deals for around $10,000.
- 2015 Scion tC: This is still one of my favorites in the class. It has great power, good economy and (despite looking like its a coupe) it’s a roomy hatchback.
- 2016 Honda Civic Hatchback: The Honda Civic hatchback is a solid choice with great economy and utility. I find them fun to drive, even the CVTs. You’ll have to look hard to find one at the price you want with low miles.
- 2011 Mazdaspeed3: This car is stupid-fast with the good utility of a hatchback. I did find a few within your price point, but they are a bit old. Still, if it’s not abused, it could be a hell of an acquisition!
- 2016 Ford Fiesta ST: Still love this little car. We enjoyed ours for the time we had it and I would seriously consider buying my own – if it had more room for my little ones.
- 2013 Volkswagen GTI: I’ve seen quite a few GTIs between 2011 and 2015 that would fit the bill. They are a little more expensive to maintain, but the performance and utility are outstanding.
N
The last question comes from a question sent to my Twitter (@Nathanadlen) regarding voices in the sky. Yep, I’ll answer just about anything.
Q: (Twitter@Nathanadlen) With all the tech, are we slaves to voices from the sky?
Who controls who?
7-11 Cowboy
A: Hi!
Bummer. I was hoping you were referring to the Motörhead song No Voices in the Sky, but I think you’re referring to “Big Brother.”
As it is – no – I don’t think we’re being controlled. We still have control and, with the law there to defend us, we can fight if someone tries to remove control from us. I find that comforting.
Sorry – that’s all I got.
N
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.
