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.
- Volkswagen ID Electric Beach Buggy?
- Jeep Gladiator issue?
- Is a used Subaru Forester worth it?
The first question comes from Twitter (@Nathanadlen) regarding the teased image of the Volkswagen ID Electric Beach Buggy.
Q: (Via Twitter@NathanAdlen) What’s with this Volkswagen electric beach buggy I saw?
It was up on a few pages. What’s it all about. T Ray
Hi!
Yes, I saw the image too. It’s a teaser image of a member of the Volkswagen electric “ID” vehicles. It is built upon the MEB modular platform which means it can use similar components of the other vehicles (ID Buzz, ID Vizzion, ID EV, ID Bug) including a provision for all-wheel drive (AWD).
You may have noticed a few names of the ID family that you didn’t recognize. Those are rumors, including the Volkswagen ID Bug. Still, it looks quite possible, as does the Volkswagen ID Electric Beach Buggy.
If it’s like the other ID VWs, it will be capable of an over 300 mile range as well.
It appears that the buggy will debut at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show this March.
Nathan
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The next question comes from a truck fan who has an issue with the new Jeep Gladiator’s length.
Q: Hi Nathan! I have an odd issue with the (upcoming) Jeep Gladiator! Too long!!!
So my garage is real old and is only 222 inches long. That’s about 18 and 1/2 feet. Tiny! But I have managed to stick small regular cab trucks in there before. The Gladiator looks way too long!
Do you think they will ever build one with a shorter length like a regular cab truck?
Justin
A: Hi Justin!
Unfortunately, the new Jeep Gladiator pickup truck, which is 218-inches long is the only way they come. It looks like it would be a very tight fit. Still, there is an alternative.
During the Jeep JK days, they offered a JK-8 body kit which turned a JK into a two door pickup. While it wasn’t offered from the factory as-is, they did sell many kits. There should be many used ones out there in good shape, that should be a better fit.
I hope that helps!
N
The last question comes from a fan who is looking to buy a used Subaru Forester.
(Via Twitter @NathanAdlen) I know you still like Subarus. Ive heard you say it before!
I was looking at a used 2015 Subaru Forester with 35,000 on it. It’s a manual with the non turbo boxer engine. It runs great and they want $15,000 for it.
Is that a good deal? I like it a lot and I trust your opinion. My wife is due in a few months with our first kid and I wanted something safe and with all wheel drive.
I like to drive through the hills and on difficult dirt roads. I am trading in my old Dodge Dakota with 220,000 miles on it. It’s solid but cramped and it burns a lot of oil.
Am I making a good decision?
Brian K
A: Hi Brian!
If this 2015 Subaru Forester is in sharp condition, then – YES – it’s a good buy. I like the (very) low mileage and the six-speed manual transmission. It’s a great idea for a first-time family and a safe one at that.
Make sure it doesn’t have a salvage title and that it has a proper Car Fax you can look through.
I had a second-generation Subaru Forester as one of my first family cars and it was ideal for Colorado and a for a new family. It was a manual 2.5-liter as well and it was pretty reliable.
Congrats on the new family – I think you’re already heading in the right direction!
N
Here’s an entertaining (if a bit idiotic) video for you!
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]\
