Posted by Eeyore on December 13, 2008, 3:52 pm
lorad wrote:
> The reason that the asian cars are more competetive is that their
> governments provide their workers with universal health care (cha-
> ching).
Not sure that's true actually. Certainly for US made Hondas Nissans and
Toyotas. Anyway, nothing stopping the USA doing the same ! Universal
health care is a fraction of the cost of private btw.
Graham
Posted by lorad on December 14, 2008, 12:32 am
> Dave wrote:
> >>> Final cost of a Malibu vs Accord, for example may be similar in price
> >>> off the lot. but the later will typically go 100k without significant
> >>> maintenance and last typically twice as long, making it half the cost in
> >>> the long run.
> >> How much of that is reality and how much of it is perception?
> >> Honda et al. have been very good at convincing buyers to actually TAKE
> >> CARE OF THEIR CARS. This makes a huge difference in the long run.
> >> Equally cared for cars (and the requirements for a Ford or GM product
> >> aren't significantly different than for Honda or Toyota) is what is
> >> required to make the comparison.
> > I'd guesstimate a Malibu is pretty close (like 95% or better) the
> > quality of an Accord or a Camry. Most Malibus, if properly cared for,
> > will probably last as long as their Jap-designed counterparts.
> > BUT, you NAILED IT when you asked how much of it is perception?
> > That's all that matters to a car buyer... PERCEIVED value. The Jap
> > designs have been murdering the "Detroit" designs for many years now, in
> > PERCEIVED value. That isn't likely to change anytime soon. -Dave
> You forgot that at least the Camry is available with a manual
> transmission. The Malibu, despite its roots as an Opel, is not. That
> causes the PERCEPTION that GM doesn't care about car guys who want a
> small 4-door sedan.
> nate
Nah..
A small 4-door sedan is available..
As for the manual transmission crowd.. all 25 of you.. glue a stick on
the floor and occassionally say; 'Vroom vroom'.
Posted by lorad on December 14, 2008, 12:41 am
> wrote:
> > > No. "Honda et al" have been very good at producing cars that don't
> > > *need* much care.
> > Have you ever owned a Malibu? I have. It doesn't *need* much care to keep
> > it running and looking good for many years. Same as a Camry or Accord.
> Not even close. The build quality, the fit and finish, the quality of
> components...
> ...all are inferior to a Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla.
Prove it... and compare prices while you are at it, bakersan.
Posted by lorad on December 14, 2008, 1:05 am
On Dec 13, 4:38 pm, russo...@grace.speakeasy.net (Matthew Russotto)
wrote:
> >SoCalMike wrote:
> >> clams_casino wrote:
> >>> servicing goes a long ways to extend the life of a relatively
> >>> expensive investment.
> >> cars are NEVER an investment. theyre appliances.
> >Agreed. I was using that term loosely. Relatively expensive
> >"expenditure" would probably have been a better description considering
> >they are most always a (money) losing "investment".
> Cars are durable goods, like large appliances. Unless they're from GM
> or Chrysler.
And how much does Tokyo pay you?
Posted by Matthew Russotto on December 15, 2008, 5:11 pm
>On Dec 13, 4:38pm, russo...@grace.speakeasy.net (Matthew Russotto)
>wrote:
>>
>> >SoCalMike wrote:
>>
>> >> clams_casino wrote:
>>
>> >>> servicing goes a long ways to extend the life of a relatively
>> >>> expensive investment.
>>
>> >> cars are NEVER an investment. theyre appliances.
>>
>> >Agreed. I was using that term loosely. Relatively expensive
>> >"expenditure" would probably have been a better description consideri=
>ng
>> >they are most always a (money) losing "investment".
>>
>> Cars are durable goods, like large appliances. Unless they're from GM
>> or Chrysler.
>And how much does Tokyo pay you?
No more than Detroit. Although from Tokyo, I'd accept a check.
(Anyway, my car was made in Hiroshima, not Tokyou)
--
It's times like these which make me glad my bank is Dial-a-Mattress
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> governments provide their workers with universal health care (cha-
> ching).