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- Would you flip this 1997 Land Rover Discovery?
- Will there be a BMW Pickup truck?
- Truck seat comfort?
The first question comes from a viewer who wants to know if there will be a BMW Pickup truck in the future.
Q:So Mercedes-Benz has a pickup now. How long until we get the BMW Pickup truck?
I mean, it would sell like hotcakes in the USA. Just lob the back off a X5 and add a few underbody supports and there you go!
Maybe a Mini version too?
Quanzhi
Via Twitter (@Nathanadlen)
A: Howdy Quanzhi!
If you asked me a few years back, I would have laughed at the idea, but not anymore. There is a huge demand for luxury pickup trucks. The Mercedes-Benz X-Class, while not currently slated for the U.S. market, has created a lot of interest among wealthy (potential) customers.
If BMW follows Mercedes-Benz’s direction, they would team up with a truckmaker that has a platform that’s to their liking. Mercedes-Benz works with Nissan and their oversea’s mid-sized truck platform (Navara/Frontier). If they go it alone, BMW would have to build a platform or a frame to underpin its pickup truck. That’s not easy – or cheap!
These images, created by designer Taekang Lee, show one of many possibilities for the vehicle. It looks damn good, and there are other concepts you can find on the web. Taekang’s designs look the best in my opinion.
With all that being said, I’m sorry to say, BMW has not mentioned any pickup truck production plans.
N
This next question comes from a viewer who wants to flip a 1997 Land Rover Discovery.
Q:Here is the link its on Craigslist.
- Clean title
- It runs-AC/HEAT works
- Power steering needs working on
- Ignition switch needs replaced
- Need brake line
- If serious, you can have it $1000″
Hey I’m 20 years old and trying to get into fixing a selling cars and I found this on craigslist and was wondering if you could give me your opinion on it.
Matt
A: Hi Matt!
I used to own a 1996 Land Rover Discovery. It was kind of rare as it had a five-speed manual transmission. It was great off road, but costly to maintain. I did all of the maintenance, repair and restorations on my Dicso – it wasn’t easy.
The biggest issue for me was the cost of some of the parts. The one you’re looking at needs a repaired or replaced steering system. That can be pricy, especially if you have someone do it for you. The same with the brakes and ignition. I would bet that the front seats (especially the driver’s) need to be replaced. It looks like there is some body damage too.
If you’re serious about repairing and selling this Land Rover on – do some research and see if you can make a profit after you pay for its improvements. I’m willing to bet that a $1,000.00 Land Rover Discovery has its share of issues left out of the listing.
Best of luck!
N
The last question comes from a fan who is curious about truck seats.
Q:I’m planning on buying a truck for road trips with the family as well as off roading in the mountains.
The one that seems best is the Power Wagon, but what about seats? Which of the big three has the most comfortable seating for long distance driving?
Mac
A: Howdy Mac!
You’re in luck, after driving just about every truck out there, I truly believe that the Ram Power Wagon has excellent seats. The only issue for some is the leap you have to commit to when you get in to the truck. It’s pretty high off the ground.
It’s also one of the few “fun” trucks that has provisions for six seat-belts as the center armrest folds up to reveal a large front bench seat.
I like the seats on Chevrolet heavy duty trucks and the seats in the Ford Raptor too.
Happy truckin’!
N
Check out this fun Halloween video!
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.
