With a hypocritical and largely ignorant way, i have not read all the posts however would expect ones to reach this far #113 as i currently write and read about what i think is a rather large, overlooked (don’t know, haven’t read other posts) factor in this argument.
No doubt to all those reading and writing have heard at some point or another about the reliability of Japanese cars, their projected longevity, and their small upkeep contributions. It was a fact in the past and there is endless data to support it. Truth of the matter is that as much as we like to bang our chests in self-accomplishment of how far american branded automobiles have progressed in the aforementioned fields, the improvements that “we” have made have barely kept pace with improvements of the Japanese cars. Point being, with the exception of a few aging examples, anyone can agree that generally speaking the reputation of the Japanese brands has always been of high regard and somewhat of a “nude” model in our 7th grade sex-ed class. (Don’t know but maybe today its done at the 4th grade level- How sad)
I agree there are arguments and instances where one can point out successes in our domestic vehicles and out-performance over the oriental competition. They are largely out-numbered, and represent the common passive attitude “Hey, at least we didn’t get any worse!”
Well, whatever the case may be, let’s assume that there is a Ford Accord(rolls nicely off the tongue doesn’t it?) or maybe a Dodge Tundra. Ha!! In an even playing field such as this, there is NO-one that would be able to contest the fact that a car has a limited lifetime, provide essentially the same transportation, and lastly cost money. Again, assuming the first variable is the same accross the board, and the second one being trivial, lets look at the money part of it. I mean let’s reeeaaallly look at it. Open up your payment coupon, or buyer’s order for the car (assuming everyone has a basic understanding and knowledge of how to not get taken advantage of) and we would agree that based on the class of car and purpose, cars all cost about the same nowadays american or japanese. Either domestics have increased in price, or japanese ones are now somewhat of a bargain, who knows? -i dont care. Maintenance costs: Imported cars will generaly be more expensive, however for regularly scheduled service, its about the same. Remember now, longevity and repairs we are assuming to be equal. So we bought the car for the same, paid the same to maintain it, now comes the most emotional part- Geting rid of it. Any mother out there can tell you that having your child leave for college or the military can be dramatic and teary. I’ve met people who reacted the same about cars! I’m sure those who have owned 200K+ mileadge cars will agree that it had, or at least you considered giving it a name, required loving care with duct tape and glue, and beleived in its personality and character, despite how weather had tarnished its once appealing make-up. No car looks good when its old, we all feel the need to eventually keep up with the Jones’ and upgrade to something a little fancier, perhaps the new DVD technology or creature comforts available today. Little Timmy won’t throw a boredom tantrum anymore on the way to grandma’s. Above denying children the rightful act of discipline and humbleness, i imagine that we should go further and make it easier for them to drop out and one day literally live in a car down by the river. Anyways, back to the point. So we are at the time of “trading-in” your beloved Betsy. No one will love Betsy the way you do and at the time of deal negotiations it will fel like a slap in the face when a dollar amount is revealed for your beloved. You may want to argue or explain this, or emphasize that, and no matter what, at one point you will face the fact that a car is not an investment. If it was, we’d be bankrupt to say the least. But IF it were an investment, reports, auctions, and research will conclude that Japanese vehicles “hold” their value significantly better than domestics. It really is astonishing to see the figures, pull it up sometime. FYI, The last bodystyle Ford Taurus (once an american icon for the middle class 2.3 children household affluent family) lost over 50% of its value in a 6-month window. I could get a better return seling molded bread (Some people will actually appreciate the ergot-led psychadellics). Seriously, case-matter point, this variable describes it all. KBB supports it, Edmunds, JDP, and every consumer survey and transaction. If both of these cars are similarly reliable, and cost the same, why such a drastic difference in their depreciation? Well i could demean the domestic product endlessly, think about your justification, their not hard to come by. But DEPRECIATION or lack thereof (Import Hybrids to a degree) is the reasoning and explanation of why so many people praise and stand by their trusty Corolla or Civic and not by their sled-like Taurus or Cavalier. Any person that does not agree with that, must really think about getting into a relationship with something that grows hair.