Maybe this is why cars aren't designed for economy

[gone-ot]

FE = 170 cid slant-6 with 3-speed manual and 2.73:1 axle ratio in an A-body Plythmouth Valiant or Dodge Dart, no A/C and no P/S.

[euromodder]

I like to buy new rather than used, as I don't like buying someone else's problems.
As it is, it can be bad enough when buying new

It's sad to see folks joining car forums because the car they just bought, starts acting up shortly after the purchase. More than a few of them sell on their cars due to the problems.

It won't happen to Hägar though.
He's going to the scrapper when I'm done with him

[t vago]

Originally Posted by MetroMPG

But more or less since the advent of hybrids, fuel economy has become a "feature". With few exceptions, if you want the best MPG in a lineup these days, you have to pay extra for it.

My dad says that something similar happened to pickup trucks. Used to be that they were purely a utility vehicle, and as such, didn't cost a whole lot, compared to a car. Then, people started discovering how "cool" it was to drive a pickup truck because they looked rugged, or something. New pickup truck prices rose as a result, and now you can see top-end luxury pickup trucks. I've got two words for that: In-Sane.

[bobo333]

I've never bought a new car and even if i had all the money in the world i don't think i ever will, mainly becasue of the reasons outlined in the first post.

Most new models these days are only slight upgrades from the previous (different bumpers or wheels or different colour dash lights as someone said) so i dont see a point in spending up to nearly twice as much for the same thing.

The second reason for me to buy an old car is that most of the features of new cars i either dont need/wouldnt use and the ones i actually do need/would use can be retrofitted to an older car quite easily, ie. If a new car comes out with fancy new revised suspension for better handling and comfort id much rather get an old car and put aftermarket suspension in to suit my needs/driving style, will most likely handle better than the new car and will still be cheaper after adding in the price of the new suspension.

The final reason i wouldnt buy a new car is they look terrible IMO, go back to the 90s with cars like RX7's, Supra's, Honda NSX, EG civic, Miata/MX5, dodge viper... all look much better IMO than the current equivalents, and due to a lack of silly amounts of computers and airbags and emissions equipment they are much lighter, and more "fun" to drive

[MetroMPG]

Originally Posted by Diesel_Dave

So, therefore, the manufacturers' entire market is to people who aren't buying based on economy. So why design for economy if that's not what your customers are looking for?

One more thought on that sentiment: things are changing (fortunately).

Market forces (rising fuel prices) and regulation (CAFE, in the U.S.) are bringing more and more efficient cars to market. For proof, look at the revival of the subcompact segment in the U.S. - 5 years ago there was precious little to choose from. Lots now! There are even 4 or 5 choices in the "mini" sub-subcompact segment! (Spark, Smart, Fiat, Mini, iQ, etc.)

Whenever fuel prices spike, surveys show that "regular" consumers in the new vehicle market make MPG a priority, and the manufacturers are responding. Of course, normal consumers almost always immediately slip back to buying pickups and crossover/SUV's when fuel prices fall again, but that's another topic.

The upside for those of us who have decided to only ever fish in pre-owned waters is more and more efficient choices are coming down the pipe.

[UltArc]

I totally respect the view of buying used, but there are ways around brand new. Show cars, that have been tested but owned, or year old models. I waited for the 2013s on the road, and with Ford family discount, called A plan, saved over 1000, which WOULD be 2200 if I went with auto, but only 1000 with a standard, but also I saved 1250 for going 2012. They wanted them off the lot. So 5 miles on her, a little patience, and I saved 1250.

I doubt anyone here wants a 600hp Corvette, but no previous owner, sitting on a lot one year drops the price 30%+, one previous owner one year old around 50%.

depending on the car, time of the year, and location, changes the price. More people buy Subarus in December here than Front Rears lol.

[thomason2wheels]

Originally Posted by 5speed5

That's a good analysis. I also believe that manufacturers always have to deal with the competition from the used car market when making small cars in general. Imagine a young buyer who can afford either a low-option Chevy Spark or a 2-3 year old nicely loaded 4-cyl Chevy Malibu. The Malibu is safer, more comfortable, more convenient, better looking (alloy wheels, spoiler, etc. compared to the base Spark's plastic wheel covers), and still gets very good gas mileage. It's hard to see the argument for the Spark in that case. The only things in the Spark's favor are extreme fuel economy, more warranty, and new car smell.

With carmakers giving 0 % financing and banks loaning money at a much higher rate, the better buy might be the new car....just sayin'

[NachtRitter]

I still wouldn't take the loan... even at 0%, the bank still has a choke collar around your neck and can yank it any time they please... especially if you step out of line even one little bit... Nooo thank you!

[thomason2wheels]

Originally Posted by bobo333

I've never bought a new car and even if i had all the money in the world i don't think i ever will, mainly becasue of the reasons outlined in the first post.

Most new models these days are only slight upgrades from the previous (different bumpers or wheels or different colour dash lights as someone said) so i dont see a point in spending up to nearly twice as much for the same thing.

The second reason for me to buy an old car is that most of the features of new cars i either dont need/wouldnt use and the ones i actually do need/would use can be retrofitted to an older car quite easily, ie. If a new car comes out with fancy new revised suspension for better handling and comfort id much rather get an old car and put aftermarket suspension in to suit my needs/driving style, will most likely handle better than the new car and will still be cheaper after adding in the price of the new suspension.

The final reason i wouldnt buy a new car is they look terrible IMO, go back to the 90s with cars like RX7's, Supra's, Honda NSX, EG civic, Miata/MX5, dodge viper... all look much better IMO than the current equivalents, and due to a lack of silly amounts of comput


Nice to see someone else with a leadfoot....i used to be when i had money, now it is an unaffordable luxury. Cheers
!!!
ers and airbags and emissions equipment they are much lighter, and more "fun" to drive

:-):-):-)

[thomason2wheels]

Originally Posted by NachtRitter

I still wouldn't take the loan... even at 0%, the bank still has a choke collar around your neck and can yank it any time they please... especially if you step out of line even one little bit... Nooo thank you!

Yeah, this true...been there done that...never (i hope) will i finance anything else ever again.