Buying American cars vs Foreign cars.
#16
Lexus Fanatic
After moving to the south for school I have even less respect for Ford/GM & Chrysler, it just blows my mind how American orientated the South is, and the American car companies turned out crap to their diehard customers who either bought the crap or turned to the fullsize American trucks, who then are the ones getting slammed with high gas prices.
How the American AutoMakers missed this is beyond me, cause it 2011 and despite all those new American cars with better builds, here in GA the roads are littered with American garbage that is falling apart and the owners continue to fix what they can how they can.
The school I go to has a lot of Michigan students, the buy American gets old, they all drive American crap, but have iPads, Smart Phones, designer clothes, etc, the **** that makes me laugh is when they complain about gas prices, several girls drive the newer 4door Jeep Wranglers
To end this, for me it's not the Car Company so much, cause I don't really like any of them, but I like the individual cars give me an LS460 cause that is the only Lexus I would want to drive, or an SRT8, any of them
How the American AutoMakers missed this is beyond me, cause it 2011 and despite all those new American cars with better builds, here in GA the roads are littered with American garbage that is falling apart and the owners continue to fix what they can how they can.
The school I go to has a lot of Michigan students, the buy American gets old, they all drive American crap, but have iPads, Smart Phones, designer clothes, etc, the **** that makes me laugh is when they complain about gas prices, several girls drive the newer 4door Jeep Wranglers
To end this, for me it's not the Car Company so much, cause I don't really like any of them, but I like the individual cars give me an LS460 cause that is the only Lexus I would want to drive, or an SRT8, any of them
#17
Lexus Champion
Some interesting perspectives in this thread.
It seems hypocritical to me, to discount American cars in the same way that many buyers refuse to buy Japanese or Korean cars. There are quality products from every manufacturer, but of course, some more than others.
I think it is a mistake for buyers to not look at all options and then truly evaluate and decide what vehicle is best suited for their needs.
That being said, I do have a fundamental issue with GM and Chrysler being bailed out and stealing our money. I bought an F150 a few months ago as I refused to put more money into businesses that should have been allowed to die.
It seems hypocritical to me, to discount American cars in the same way that many buyers refuse to buy Japanese or Korean cars. There are quality products from every manufacturer, but of course, some more than others.
I think it is a mistake for buyers to not look at all options and then truly evaluate and decide what vehicle is best suited for their needs.
That being said, I do have a fundamental issue with GM and Chrysler being bailed out and stealing our money. I bought an F150 a few months ago as I refused to put more money into businesses that should have been allowed to die.
#18
Living in Michigan with family, neighbors, and clients with ties to the Big-3, I usually purchase GM or Ford products. However, none of their products meet the current accessibility needs of my wife like our current Japanese made LS430 and Indiana made Subaru Ouback. If it was just me, I'd have a full-size SUV or pickup plus a Vette.
#19
exclusive matchup
iTrader: (4)
Some interesting perspectives in this thread.
It seems hypocritical to me, to discount American cars in the same way that many buyers refuse to buy Japanese or Korean cars. There are quality products from every manufacturer, but of course, some more than others.
I think it is a mistake for buyers to not look at all options and then truly evaluate and decide what vehicle is best suited for their needs.
That being said, I do have a fundamental issue with GM and Chrysler being bailed out and stealing our money. I bought an F150 a few months ago as I refused to put more money into businesses that should have been allowed to die.
It seems hypocritical to me, to discount American cars in the same way that many buyers refuse to buy Japanese or Korean cars. There are quality products from every manufacturer, but of course, some more than others.
I think it is a mistake for buyers to not look at all options and then truly evaluate and decide what vehicle is best suited for their needs.
That being said, I do have a fundamental issue with GM and Chrysler being bailed out and stealing our money. I bought an F150 a few months ago as I refused to put more money into businesses that should have been allowed to die.
you mean you didn't buy?
#20
I live in Ohio, so I have the privilege of hearing this nonsense constantly. My favorite response is to tell the ignorant UAW worker that I saw them picketing the local plant and telling people to boycott the American brands, so I did and bought a Lexus to help the union in its effort and then I ask them how that strategy is working out. LOL
In reality, I don't even care about the quality of the cars anymore. I used to, when I was not in the financial situation to purchase a car with a warranty. When buying used cars out of warranty, the quality and reliability are much more important and the domestic brands were immediately ruled out. Probably still would be if I were buying a car without a warranty.
Now that the cars are either new or CPO, I don't care so much about reliability or quality ratings so the domestic brands are not immediately ruled out. It is in warranty the whole time and it's not a big deal, with the worst case being that I visit the dealer regularly and get to drive a bunch of loaner cars and check them all out. No big deal.
The reason I don't buy domestic cars at this point in time is that I prefer not to support the UAW and their outlandish labor demands and ridiculous policies. There are too many to list here, but mainly severe overcompensation for unskilled labor and that I think all states should be right-to-work.
On a side note, those of you that don't live in union territory may not be familiar with the absolute arrogance and selfishness of these people. It is the most over-the-top display of complete uneducated ignorance and entitlement that you have ever seen. It's almost comical, but then you realize they really are that stupid, and then it's just sad and confusing. I'd rather explain derivatives to an ADHD preschooler than talk about cars with a domestic autoworker.
In reality, I don't even care about the quality of the cars anymore. I used to, when I was not in the financial situation to purchase a car with a warranty. When buying used cars out of warranty, the quality and reliability are much more important and the domestic brands were immediately ruled out. Probably still would be if I were buying a car without a warranty.
Now that the cars are either new or CPO, I don't care so much about reliability or quality ratings so the domestic brands are not immediately ruled out. It is in warranty the whole time and it's not a big deal, with the worst case being that I visit the dealer regularly and get to drive a bunch of loaner cars and check them all out. No big deal.
The reason I don't buy domestic cars at this point in time is that I prefer not to support the UAW and their outlandish labor demands and ridiculous policies. There are too many to list here, but mainly severe overcompensation for unskilled labor and that I think all states should be right-to-work.
On a side note, those of you that don't live in union territory may not be familiar with the absolute arrogance and selfishness of these people. It is the most over-the-top display of complete uneducated ignorance and entitlement that you have ever seen. It's almost comical, but then you realize they really are that stupid, and then it's just sad and confusing. I'd rather explain derivatives to an ADHD preschooler than talk about cars with a domestic autoworker.
#21
exclusive matchup
iTrader: (4)
I live in Ohio, so I have the privilege of hearing this nonsense constantly. My favorite response is to tell the ignorant UAW worker that I saw them picketing the local plant and telling people to boycott the American brands, so I did and bought a Lexus to help the union in its effort and then I ask them how that strategy is working out. LOL
In reality, I don't even care about the quality of the cars anymore. I used to, when I was not in the financial situation to purchase a car with a warranty. When buying used cars out of warranty, the quality and reliability are much more important and the domestic brands were immediately ruled out. Probably still would be if I were buying a car without a warranty.
Now that the cars are either new or CPO, I don't care so much about reliability or quality ratings so the domestic brands are not immediately ruled out. It is in warranty the whole time and it's not a big deal, with the worst case being that I visit the dealer regularly and get to drive a bunch of loaner cars and check them all out. No big deal.
The reason I don't buy domestic cars at this point in time is that I prefer not to support the UAW and their outlandish labor demands and ridiculous policies. There are too many to list here, but mainly severe overcompensation for unskilled labor and that I think all states should be right-to-work.
On a side note, those of you that don't live in union territory may not be familiar with the absolute arrogance and selfishness of these people. It is the most over-the-top display of complete uneducated ignorance and entitlement that you have ever seen. It's almost comical, but then you realize they really are that stupid, and then it's just sad and confusing. I'd rather explain derivatives to an ADHD preschooler than talk about cars with a domestic autoworker.
In reality, I don't even care about the quality of the cars anymore. I used to, when I was not in the financial situation to purchase a car with a warranty. When buying used cars out of warranty, the quality and reliability are much more important and the domestic brands were immediately ruled out. Probably still would be if I were buying a car without a warranty.
Now that the cars are either new or CPO, I don't care so much about reliability or quality ratings so the domestic brands are not immediately ruled out. It is in warranty the whole time and it's not a big deal, with the worst case being that I visit the dealer regularly and get to drive a bunch of loaner cars and check them all out. No big deal.
The reason I don't buy domestic cars at this point in time is that I prefer not to support the UAW and their outlandish labor demands and ridiculous policies. There are too many to list here, but mainly severe overcompensation for unskilled labor and that I think all states should be right-to-work.
On a side note, those of you that don't live in union territory may not be familiar with the absolute arrogance and selfishness of these people. It is the most over-the-top display of complete uneducated ignorance and entitlement that you have ever seen. It's almost comical, but then you realize they really are that stupid, and then it's just sad and confusing. I'd rather explain derivatives to an ADHD preschooler than talk about cars with a domestic autoworker.
you have no idea how much i hate uaw, complete bunch of bs.
#22
Driver School Candidate
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: TX
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
#23
Lexus Fanatic
The reason I don't buy domestic cars at this point in time is that I prefer not to support the UAW and their outlandish labor demands and ridiculous policies. There are too many to list here, but mainly severe overcompensation for unskilled labor and that I think all states should be right-to-work.
On a side note, those of you that don't live in union territory may not be familiar with the absolute arrogance and selfishness of these people. It is the most over-the-top display of complete uneducated ignorance and entitlement that you have ever seen. It's almost comical, but then you realize they really are that stupid, and then it's just sad and confusing. I'd rather explain derivatives to an ADHD preschooler than talk about cars with a domestic autoworker.
#25
Lexus Fanatic
The UAW, in fact, has certainly not had a picnic lately. Not only have they endured big pay and benefit cuts, but have also suffered big layoffs as well. That situation has only begun to change very recently as the Ford and GM have started to report profits again (we're still waiting for Chrysler). One must remember that, compared to just a couple of years ago, entire divisions are gone....Pontiac, Saturn, Hummer, and Mercury (all divisions with UAW workers) are now history. That was a lot of jobs gone with them.
For sure, and all of above should have happened a couple decades ago. It took bankruptcies and government intervention/bailouts to get proper business decisions to actually be made and executed on at GM and Chrysler, pathetic. The billions in losses destroyed so much shareholder wealth, so much waste.
#26
... Now that the cars are either new or CPO, I don't care so much about reliability or quality ratings so the domestic brands are not immediately ruled out. It is in warranty the whole time and it's not a big deal, with the worst case being that I visit the dealer regularly and get to drive a bunch of loaner cars and check them all out. No big deal...
I was planning to buy a CPO DTS, but the position of the passenger heated seat control on the door was a problem (I need to have control of that due to my wife's medical situation) and I had real doubts about reliability during the second 100K miles. Also, too many low mileage DTSs had problems: especially suspension shakes and interior trim problems.
#27
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (20)
here in GA the roads are littered with American garbage that is falling apart and the owners continue to fix what they can how they can.
To end this, for me it's not the Car Company so much, cause I don't really like any of them, but I like the individual cars give me an LS460 cause that is the only Lexus I would want to drive, or an SRT8, any of them
The reason I don't buy domestic cars at this point in time is that I prefer not to support the UAW and their outlandish labor demands and ridiculous policies. There are too many to list here, but mainly severe overcompensation for unskilled labor and that I think all states should be right-to-work.
On a side note, those of you that don't live in union territory may not be familiar with the absolute arrogance and selfishness of these people. It is the most over-the-top display of complete uneducated ignorance and entitlement that you have ever seen. It's almost comical, but then you realize they really are that stupid, and then it's just sad and confusing. I'd rather explain derivatives to an ADHD preschooler than talk about cars with a domestic autoworker.
we are approaching a generational battle i believe.
The UAW, in fact, has certainly not had a picnic lately. Not only have they endured big pay and benefit cuts, but have also suffered big layoffs as well. That situation has only begun to change very recently as the Ford and GM have started to report profits again (we're still waiting for Chrysler). One must remember that, compared to just a couple of years ago, entire divisions are gone....Pontiac, Saturn, Hummer, and Mercury (all divisions with UAW workers) are now history. That was a lot of jobs gone with them.
#28
Lexus Champion
One doesn't need any help remembering (most [maybe not all] Car Chat members are not senile) and we feel the taxation effect everyday.
For sure, and all of above should have happened a couple decades ago. It took bankruptcies and government intervention/bailouts to get proper business decisions to actually be made and executed on at GM and Chrysler, pathetic. The billions in losses destroyed so much shareholder wealth, so much waste.
For sure, and all of above should have happened a couple decades ago. It took bankruptcies and government intervention/bailouts to get proper business decisions to actually be made and executed on at GM and Chrysler, pathetic. The billions in losses destroyed so much shareholder wealth, so much waste.
gm isn't the gm of old at all, but an entirely new company, created with some DISGUSTING accounting rip offs, and the uaw made a BUNDLE out of that deal, so those uaw workers who lost jobs are still being rewarded handsomely, and undeservedly. and those brands that went away were the market at work - most of the products sucked or were just rehashes of other models in other brands.
The UAW is the cancer of the American auto industry.
#29
Lexus Fanatic
For sure, and all of above should have happened a couple decades ago. It took bankruptcies and government intervention/bailouts to get proper business decisions to actually be made and executed on at GM and Chrysler, pathetic. The billions in losses destroyed so much shareholder wealth, so much waste.
We've already discussed Saturn numerous times (and disagreed)...so I won't rehash that here again, but discarding Pontiac decades ago, like you suggested, may not have been a wise move either. The Grand-Am, for quite some time, was one of the top-selling American-nameplate cars, though not quite to the popularity level of the Ford Taurus. But I agree that Pontiac also did more than its share of poorly-made vehicles with lousy fit/finish, not to mention the Aztek.
Last edited by mmarshall; 03-24-11 at 07:30 PM.
#30
Pole Position
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: WA
Posts: 211
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
http://editorial.autos.msn.com/lista...1813>1=22009
this is interesting to read about the Lincoln getting the JD Power top spot for reliability in 2011. Lexus came in second with Jaguar, Porsche and Toyota making the top 5.
The bottom are Chrysler, Dodge, Land Rover, Jeep and Mini. That makes 3 Chrysler products all circling the drain. lol
this is interesting to read about the Lincoln getting the JD Power top spot for reliability in 2011. Lexus came in second with Jaguar, Porsche and Toyota making the top 5.
The bottom are Chrysler, Dodge, Land Rover, Jeep and Mini. That makes 3 Chrysler products all circling the drain. lol