In this week’s Ask Nathan:
- Ford EcoSport replacement already?
- Need help finding a $5,000 good AWD car!
- One of your shows, “No, you’re wrong!” was real obnoxious!
The first question comes from my Twitter (NathanAdlen@Twitter.com) page. It comes from a Ford EcoSport owner who heard a rumor that it’s days are numbered.
Q: Ole’ Nathan and Mr. Roman!
My wife just got a Ford EcoSport and we based some of that decision on your Gold Mine Hill video with the EcoSport. Loved it and my wife is pretty happy with the little Ford. Like you mentioned, the tires were not so good so I immediately replaced them with some Goodyears and its a diamond in the snow now.
Just heard that a Ford EcoSport replacement is coming soon. Is that true? I mean they just introduced it here! I’m a bit shocked, but maybe its sales are poor. I don’t know.
You guys are the best!
Arturo F
A: Thanks Arturo! I am so happy to hear about your purchase and your smart decision about the tires. It will make a huge difference!
To answer your question regarding the Ford Ecosport replacement, you have to keep in mind that the little guy has been in production overseas for a little while. So, while it’s new here, it’s a bit old elsewhere.
There have been recent sightings of what many believe is, the replacement for the Ecosport. It’s a lifted tiny crossover base on the Fiesta hatchback, but it appears to be longer, lower and wider. It also appears to be solely testing in Europe.
The Chinese market is also longing for the newest crossovers that hit the market. This might include the Ford Ecosport. They like their vehicles with larger back seats space – which might be possible with this new platform.
Keep in mind: Ford sold about 60,000 EcoSports in North America last year – numbers that aren’t too shabby. Still, its direct competitor, the Chevrolet Trax, sold about 93,000 units in the same market(s) last year. The Jeep Renegade leads the pack with nearly 100,000 units sold.
Ford is in the middle of significant updates and new-model introductions. Some of that will spin off on the next Bronco and baby Bronco that are hitting the market soon. The design ethos that follows may prompt Ford to make big changes to its crossover fleet – including a (possible) Ford Ecosport replacement.
Thank you to Autoexpress.UK for breaking the Ecosport testing story.
N
The next question comes from a fan who wants the best $5,000 AWD vehicle they can get.
Q: Sup Natedogg?!
Don’t want a truck or a big SUV. Need something economical and reliable le. I live in Phoenix Arizona and my mom moved to Flagstaff Arizona. Don’t have a lot of money and I want to buy it for cash but it has to be all wheel drive to!
Like hatchbacks and would prefer a automatic transmission! I have a $5,000 budget which will leave a little left over for tires and tune ups if needed.
Bye bye dude!
Cardinals Fan Lou!
A: Hi Lou!
I took a look at your local Craigslist and came up with a few possibilities. Both are solid looking; however, you need to test drive them and make sure you pay close attention to several details. You can click (here) for a few used-car-buying pointers.
Check out this 2005 Honda CR-V.
Here’s a good looking 2005 Subaru Legacy Outback.
Best of luck!
N
The last question/comment comes from a viewer who was displeased with a recent episode of “No, you’re wrong.”
Q: Hi Guys, I have been a fan of your site for at least a few years.
All of you have done a great job giving car/truck reviews in an even-handed manner. I also enjoy the expanded role Andre has had over the past year or so.
Just a comment on a recent video on the Ram 2500 HD. I thought Nathan’s antics/attitude in this video were a bit over the top. It is fine to have differing opinions, but you guys have almost always done a good job of keeping things on an even keel, while pointing out the good and bad of what you are reviewing. Opinions stated without over-the-top antics or emotions carry much more weight and respect. I hope this was just a one off attempt at acting and things can return to the way they have been.
This is not intended as a knock on Nathan, as I am a big fan.
It is also not the result of me being a Ram 2500 fan, which I am not.
Keep up the good work. You are my number 1 site for car and truck reviews.
Best regards,
Charley
Sussex WI
The video mentioned is posted below:
A: Thank you for the email and your candor, it is appreciated. Roman sent me your email as we truly value the voice of our viewers. No smart-ass answers here. I’ll be honest.
I hear what you’re saying and I’m sorry you were displeased by my antics. I fully admit to being a bit too sparky when allowed to cut loose. It’s my moment to move beyond realities’s despair, just for a moment, just a tiny addition to hours and hours of informative material – to harness a moment of levity. That’s what I do.
Most of our fans seem to be okay with some of my off-the-cuff humor, but I know I can be annoying. I stand by what I said about the Ram, especially the Power Wagon, but I should dial it all back from henceforth – right?
I’ll try.
N
Speaking of silly content…
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.
