Yes, But Could They Afford K-Horns?

[ZAKO]

Digital is why the LP is still selling.

[D-MAN]

Yeah, Greg, I hear you. But I don't shop at Walmart - even the parking lot gives me the willies...

But consider this: what happens when the economy of China picks up to the point where the so-called peasant-class can afford automobiles? They so greatly outnumber us that they stand a very good chance of taking over the world economy, starting in particular with oil. They will have a much greater demand for it than the US even!

The more you buy from China, the faster it will happen. Also, shopping at Wal-mart is almost completely supplied by China these days, and more everyday.

Welcome to the Third World, America. Plan ahead, kids!

DM

[Audible Nectar]

"Actually, the Jap cars are only PERCEIVED as being better. Not that long ago, GM offered the Nova at a good deal less than the Toyota Corolla was selling for. Both cars were made on THE SAME ASSEMBLY LINE IN THE U.S.! There was a 6-month supply of Novas sitting idle while the Corollas were out of stock! They re-badged the Novas to Corollas and sold them out at a good pace!

The only car I ever bought new was a Nissan and it was a lemon from day 1! I have had Dodge/Plymouths before and since and they have been GREAT cars!

It is true that in the 70s American cars were not up to the quality of the Jap cars but that is no longer true, nor has it been for many years but old impressions are hard to get over."

My experience has been different. Much different.

On the Nova: The Chevy Nova was the first "partner car" in the joint manufacturing effort with Toyota and GM. The plant is located in Fremont, Ca. - known as NUMMI (New United Motor Manufacturing Initiative). That plant has built all US driven Corolla, Prizm, Matrix, and Vibe cars....and also built the Nova.

The Nova was the first, and many didn't know it was Toyota. Back then, most auto manufacturers made thier own cars - it was the beginning of a trend of "brother" models (Chevy Luv and Isuzu Pup were also the same).

When Chevy began marketing the Nova, they made a mistake: They HEAVILY advertised this car in the southwest and south to spanish speaking populations. Guess what? "Nova" in spanish means "It don't go". Needless to say, it didn't sell well. Once the rebadge occurred, people then understood what they were buying.

2 to 3 years later, the Nova became the Prizm - and yes, it was one of GM's most successful models - and for good reason. It was reliable, tough, and fuel efficient. (the 93-97 versions are IMO, the best compact car ever made).

The GM versions did take some shortcuts to enable GM to offer the car for less. Example, the alternator. GM's Prizm has the Delco alternator ($300 new), Toyota's version had the more expensive (and reliable) Denso alternator ($700 new). Ask any mechanic with experience repairing these cars, and he will tell you: The Denso version is MUCH more reliable - in fact, many mechanics recommend purchasing the Denso if the Delco alternator fails early enough in the car's life to be worth it. Bottom line - the owner will NOT need a new alternator if they use the Denso....it will outlast the car itself.

This was a trend GM used throughout the production of the Prizm, but now with the Matrix/Vibe, the gut parts are ALL Toyota (including the Denso alternator). Only exception is interior cloth and radio.

You will notice that Vibes don't stay on dealer lots long. I have assisted two friends with Vibe purchases over the last year, and they are harder to find and are negotiated pricewise to a lesser degree. For one, new Vibes have GM rebates attached (Toyota does not), but the sticker prices are almost identical. The rebate sells the Vibe over the Matrix - same car.

Then ask the Aztek owner I know why GM won't repair it's failing tranny after 29K miles, and another GM owner I know why GM won't fix the coolant leaking through into the crankcase on their two year old ride. It doesn't take long to see how GM is losing business.

My employers drive Ford vehicles exclusively, but after seeing the repair bills they get, I'm not sure why (other than a family relationship with the dealership). But lets look at some of thier bills: Windstar with 75K on it - blown engine. They bought a NEW van at a 3K discount (oops). A Ford Escort with $3,200 in repairs in the last two years (including 2 brake failures 10K ater replacement and an auto transmission), and numerous electrical failures (very common on Fords).

In nine years of Toyota ownership, I have had less than $750 in non maintenance repairs. Exhaust once on the truck, battery once on same truck, battery once on Prizm. That's it. Gas, oil, tire rotations, coolant and tranny fluid swaps on occasion. That's it. Only my Klipsch are more reliable.

Toyota is projected to become one of "the big three" by 2009. I wonder why........

[r.cherry]

interesting reading but i need to get to work, my health insurance has just gone up another 200.00 a month.

[damonrpayne]

Kenratboy: Read any of Money magazine's articles on CEO pay. If they get fired, big deal, their severance package will be tremendous. We've been sold the idea that the job (CEO) that used to command a huge salary now commands a salary that is often 5% or more of the company's GROSS revenue. Don't sell to me, because I'm not buying.

I agree about GM. As our local paper put it "It's the cars, guys", on top of the ineffeciency, how about making a car I'd actually want to own? Nissan, BMW, Audi, Honda, Subaru, (even ford is doing better) and others are making really great cars right now. Are we above looking at what someone else is doing right?

[dodger]

After my GrandFather sold the Funeral Busines my Father went to work for Delco.

That said I have owned American and Japanese Cars. A Nissan was a lemmon.

Dodge Challenger - wish I still had it - made in Canada - you can tell by the adjustable headrests instead of the one piece seat.

Chevy truck - not bad.

Wife had a '94 Corolla, some idiot in a 25 ft. panel truck pulled in front of her turning left. Accident reconstruction figures her speed 28 - 31 (35 mph zone) air bags deployed, when I arrived on scene, Medics were tending to her. I talking to investigating Officer then photographed vehicle. You would never know that she had AC, a fan belt, engine moved. You could see the crumple zones. All glass intact, all doors functional.

Bought a 2001 Corolla with more features, paid less than the '94.

I'm driving an '85 Toyota Pickup, one problem due to moisture in gas.

Bought a lifetime warranteed exhaust system - all one piece. Replaced twice, not even a labor charge. The original was only 25.00 more than Monro. They only guarantee muffler I would have had two or three pieces and a muffler.

Car gets 26 mpg - City, 41 on the road. Truck gets 19 City 38 on the road. Paid $6,000.00 for the truck. $16,325.00 for the car with Cruise, AC, larger engine, Auto w/overdrive, carpet - everything but sunroof and side impact bags.

While I can understand having to justify your job the salaries even the others mentioned are obscene.

And Health Care? How about having Rochester's War Memorial renovated adding about 3,500 seats, separating the Arena and the War Memorial and having Blue Cross / Blue Shield pay over one Million dollars for naming rights - sick building, needs healthcare.