Ask Nathan: Your TFLcar Emails and Questions Answered Here!

2014 buick verano nathan adlen
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.

In this edition:

  • GTI vs. MKC?
  • Fast & Fun for the Family for around 30K
  • How do you get to do what you do?

The first question this week comes from a guy with an oddball choice between a GTI and MKC… say what!?

2015 Lincoln MKC

Q: I thought I’d give a shot writing you not knowing if you’ll even read this. I’m sure you get endless emails asking what car to buy. That’s exactly what I’m going to do too. I’m a fan of your videos and value your opinion, and this is gonna seem silly because they’re two completely different animals, but I’m kinda stuck between a 2015 VW GTI fully loaded and the new Lincoln MKC (partially loaded). I’ve owned a few VWs and always loved my GTIs but I may be growing out of driving small cars. I’m a salesman who travels around New England and puts between 25k-35k miles a year on a car. My dilemma is, do I buy the fancy Lincoln because I “live” in my car and want to be in the lap of luxury or the practical (but super fun) GTI because of all the yearly mileage. I must say the compact crossover is appealing because of the extra cargo without have a big SUV. What do you think. Hope to hear from you! Thanks!! -S

E R

A:No worries amigo, we get a ton of questions. Just get the GTI and be happy. Or, I guess you can get a Volkswagen Tiguan and (kind of) have the best of both worlds. Roman says the new MKC is a great ride, but both of us scratch our heads at the choice you have. Seriously, both of us love the GTI and would pick it, but your need for more luxurious/comfortable digs makes this a perplexing question. All joking aside: maybe the Volkswagen Tiguan IS the right choice.

Best of luck!

N

This next one is from a family man who wants his kicks for about $30,000.

2013 Honda Accord Sport: CVT vs 6 Speed Manual 0-60 MPH Mashup Review
2013 Honda Accord Sport: CVT vs 6 Speed Manual 0-60 MPH Mashup Review

Q: Roman and Nathan what is the best family car that is still fun to drive for mid $30,000?

D. E.

A: Gotta give it up to Dodge for the Charger, which can be equipped with a V8 for your price requirement, Honda for the Accord, and the Turbo KIA Optima. All three are mighty good at what they do (haul people) while being entertaining to drive. I’m a big fan of the Volkswagen CC (which you can get well-equipped for the mid $30,000 range) and Roman is very fond of the Ford Fusion.

N

This last one comes to us from a viewer/reader who wants to get into our racket (honestly, who wouldn’t?):

top_10_crappy_modern_american_cars

Q: I love cars any and all. yes I give hard time to mustang drivers, but still I love all cars, but I was wondering how do you get a job like what you guys do. I would love a job of driving all of the new cars and writing about them but I don’t even know where to start with how to get one. if you guy could give me a tip on that I would be very happy for that.

Thanks
K. R.

A: Ah, you ask me about the elixir of our automotive happiness!? Journalism and an automotive background definitely help. You need to understand every facet of the automotive world.

Roman and I entered the business from two completely different directions, but we were both journalists. He began as a broadcast journalist and I began as a writer/journalist. We both have an automotive background; Roman was on the enthusiasts’ side and I came from a background rooted in automotive wrecking yards, racing, sales and auctions.

Take English (learn AP writing), composition, journalism (all forms including photographic), humanities, history – – anything that makes you focus on telling a story about something factual. Go to college and learn the mechanics of writing. Practice, practice, practice. Find someone to give you an honest opinion about your work.

Best of luck!

N

Easily amused by anything with four wheels, Nathan Adlen reviews vehicles from the cheapest to the most prestigious. Wrecking yards, dealer lots, garages, racetracks, professional automotive testing and automotive journalism - Nathan has experienced a wide range of the automotive spectrum.  His words, good humor and videos are enjoyed worldwide.
Easily amused by anything with four wheels, Nathan Adlen reviews vehicles from the cheapest to the most prestigious. Wrecking yards, dealer lots, garages, racetracks, professional automotive testing and automotive journalism – Nathan has experienced a wide range of the automotive spectrum. His words, good humor and videos are enjoyed worldwide.