Natalie Merola

1 week ago | agirlsguidetocars.com | Natalie Merola

Not long ago I hopped into the redesign VW Taos and was pretty surprised. The new model year offered more space, more premium features and kept its budget friendly pricing in tact. Turns out, it wasn’t an anomaly, it was strategic. Recently I got to test drive the redesigned VW Tiguan, the brand’s #1 seller, and found the same thing: more premium features are included standard, a revised more modern look and at the top end, features more likely found in luxury cars.

3 weeks ago | agirlsguidetocars.com | Natalie Merola

Some people might argue that luxury is subjective, but I’ve got thoughts on that. I’ve driven a lot of cars this year for this site and beyond, and I’ve learned: if you’re smart and a little crafty, you can get what you want on a budget. In fact, without sacrificing the luxury features you’re hoping for, you can get luxury in your next family car for around $50,000.

1 month ago | agirlsguidetocars.com | Natalie Merola

Remembering the minimalist yet quirky-cute face of MINI convertibles scooting around my college campus, I couldn’t wait for the opportunity to drive the new 2025 MINI Cooper in Savannah, Georgia. But there were choices to be made, and they weren’t easy: Which MINI models should I drive? Mini has given the entire lineup a fresh new look and feel for 2025, but thankfully, you can tap into the go-kart style driving and familiar legacy look starting under $34,000.

2 months ago | agirlsguidetocars.com | Natalie Merola

The first time driving an Infiniti QX80 is a little daunting. This full-size luxury SUV was just redesigned adding more features and notching the price up past $100K. I was curious how it could fit into my busy life and not spoil me for other cars, or make me feel too shabby for its luxe environs. The Sensory trim that we tested featured even more luxe details for its starting price of $100,645 (the entry level Pure model starts at $82,450); our test model had a final price of $107,215.

2 months ago | agirlsguidetocars.com | Natalie Merola

I can drive a truck, and I love their capabilities, but towing? I have never had to back up a truck and attach it to a trailer hitch—that’s a different challenge. But I like to be independent and learn new things, so when I heard that Ford was offering a Towing Bootcamp, a class that anyone can take, I signed right up. Our family has dreams of taking road trips to the national parks and scenic destinations around the country and hauling an RV so we can stay in the wild.