"DETROIT (Reuters) -- Ford and Daimler Chrysler Monday reported much slower U.S. sales in June. Ford said that U.S. vehicle sales fell 7 percent last month, hurt by a decline in truck sales. Daimler Chrysler said U.S. vehicle sales fell 13 percent, led by a decline in its truck-heavy Dodge brand and its Jeep sport utility vehicles."
My first two cars were Chrysler products, my third and final car was a Ford. I grew up in a household that was very clear on the obligation to "buy American." My grandfather fought in World War II and to buy a German or Japanese car was tantamount to treason; luckily he passed before Daimler bought Chrysler. I can only imagine how horrified he would have been. The rest of my family was also very patriotic when it came to automobile purchases. (MOPAR!)
So, I was never really comfortable with the idea of buying a foreign car. Truth be told, it was a little uncomfortable to be a man in my town/family who was looking to buy a car rather than a truck. Thus, bringing home a foreign car would have been about as comfortable as bringing home a boyfriend. Result, an American car it was.
As I read the Reuters article today, I remembered what lousy cars all three were. Things were constantly breaking or needing repair. My first car was used, so I can give some leeway there, but the next two were brand new.
At this point, looking at automobile reviews, I can't imagine there is any reason to buy an American nameplate unless you "must" buy American or are in love with a specific model. If I move out of the city and need to buy a car again, it sure won't be a Ford or Chrysler.
FORD: "Fixed Or Repaired Daily" or "Found On Road Dead"?
Monday, July 03, 2006
Posted by Generation Xsquire at 1:37 PM
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9 comments:
Some problems with you logic. Many of the Ford brands are made overseas and sold here. Next problem, the typical Toyota Camry or Honda Accord is more affordable, get better gas mileage, last longer, and is overall a better produce car than the American equvalents.
Trunks are gonna die, these new SUV mini Hybrids will replace them.
I don't like American cars just because the fact that they don't last long, if you notice Latin Americans don't do american cars but this is just because in our countries where the roads are not in the best conditions...America cars only last 3 years vs. German/Japanese cars that even facing the road conditions make it to 10 or 15 years. That is the only reason why, I believe will always be about what is priority for the customers.
1. Some like lasting product (Like me)
2.Some are patriotic about products.
3. Some people find boring to own the same vehicle for more than 3 years.
I own a German car and I love it, Dad has a Toyota 1000 year 1974) although the car doesn't take long trips, still okay to drive through the city.
Good example, compare the Dodge Neon, to the bottom of line Toyota.
The neon is a throwaway car you would be lucky to reach 100K miles on.
The corolla will last forever.
That's what I said; I won't be buying another American nameplate.
But I don't think trunks are going to die, everybody likes a trunk in their car. :)
I agree, after the nuclear winter, it is going to be a planet of cockroaches driving Toyotas.
oh my 1st vehicle in this country was a neon, I just thank God that when the car broke down was never in the middle of the street but any parking lot as well. Another thing, American cars depreciate faster too..according to kelley book my neon was worth(In good conditions) $600 but my repair was worth $1200 and 1 month in the shop...so just figure, nobody would give me a dime for it; I had to donate it in order for me to get away with the towing bill
AV. Dodge Shadow ES Turbos, mostly made by Mitsubishi.
I also recomend reading reviews and check on Insurance pricing before buying, hint hint... if the car is equiped with ABS system and stabilizer system you probably get some discounts, now if you live in a "serious" area then I will probably check for cars with anti- deterrent systems which work better than a simple alarm.
If you are thinking of buying a used car, keep in mind that if the car is ten or more years old, the insurance also will be a bit higher because parts are more costly to replace in the event of an accident... BTW most people think that the older the car checp the insurance but I can tell you THAT IS CRAP and a false assumption.
Mal, yes, I know, but my point: Dodge is a Chrysler nameplate. Doesn't matter who the subcontractors or parts people are. Chryslers made here or overseas are no good. Hondas made in Japan or Ohio are great. It's the nameplate, the corporation and it's quality control.
^adding the material quality too, the mayor problem with my old dodge was that the head gasket broke and all the oil went streight to the radiator and mixed with water ruining the fan, my mechanic told me that "head gasket" issue was common on any dodge neon because the material they use for the head Gasket sucks... plus I had to replace rotors very often because they would get rust, oh and I can go on and on with parts...
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