Mimic

[Sandman XI]

As is, Mimic doesn't have a save, so can it affect buses (speed)? Buildings (toughness)? Light bulbs (light control)? Gravy (insubstantial 1)? If so, would "Cannot mimic things that were never alive" be a drawback or a flaw? Meaning you can mimic zombies and vampires, but you can't mimic robots or buses, buildings, light bulbs, gravy, et cetera.

[Dr Archeville]

As is, Mimic doesn't have a save,

Because it doesn't affect others, it affects you.

so can it affect buses (speed)? Buildings (toughness)? Light bulbs (light control)? Gravy (insubstantial 1)?

No, no, no, and no, because none of those are characters. Mimic lets you "imitate one (or more) of another character’s traits: abilities, skills, feats, or powers."

[Sandman XI]

Then what of powers like Object Mimicry?

[Ecalsneerg]

Go find where it says that Object Mimicry lets you "imitate one (or more) of another character’s traits: abilities, skills, feats, or powers.". It doesn't, and iirc, says traits appropriate to a substance, not traits they actually possess.

[Sandman XI]

You can copy the properties of objects you touch, giving you various powers. Essentially, you can assume different alternate forms, gaining any applicable powers for that form. So, by touching a steel girder, for example, you transform into steel, by touching fire, you transform into flame, and so forth. You gain (rank x 5) power points in traits, limited to the rank or bonus of the mimicked object, whichever is lower. It requires a move action to touch and mimic an object and you can do so once per round.

(Note: UP stats Object Mimicry as a variable, not Alternate Form)

[N/A]

Also note that, although Mimic doesn't provoke a save by default, it can if you apply the Saving Throw flaw, as mentioned in the UP description.