Small / economy car deathwatch: we've passed "peak econobox" again

[Xist]

I often wonder why people care strongly about what other people do. Sedans versus coupes? Who cares?

People purposely purchasing cars with automatic transmissions--unless they have a note from their doctor, that is just stupid.

[ksa8907]

Originally Posted by NeilBlanchard

I hate driving a large car. For economy reasons, sure - but also for agility and practicality and because it is so much easier.

Depends how to classify "big". I loved my dodge intrepid but I also drove a dodge magnum and thought it was a bit too boat-like.

To each their own?

[vskid3]

Originally Posted by Xist

I often wonder why people care strongly about what other people do. Sedans versus coupes? Who cares?

Because people who buy crappy new cars limit my used car options down the road.

[Bicycle Bob]

I keep hearing horror stories of friends with new vehicles that the dealer can't make reliable, even when they pay bills several times higher than the most I've ever paid for a whole car. Parts and depreciation cost me less than $200 pa.
This is probably the time to shop for your next daily driver and matching parts car.

[mpg_numbers_guy]

Originally Posted by vskid3

Because people who buy crappy new cars limit my used car options down the road.

Well at least by then we'll know what not to buy!

[mpg_numbers_guy]

Originally Posted by Xist

People purposely purchasing cars with automatic transmissions--unless they have a note from their doctor, that is just stupid.

It makes manual transmission cars cheaper though, since no one wants them. A comparable manual transmission Civic like mine would've been ~20% cheaper if it was a manual.

[Bicycle Bob]

Originally Posted by vskid3

Because people who buy crappy new cars limit my used car options down the road.

They are all awful. There is no excuse for a land vehicle to outweigh its payload. Sixty years ago the Brits had a prototype Jeep replacement that four soldiers could carry over obstacles.

[Xist]

By current U.S. Army standards, a four-man lift is 100 pounds.

[Hersbird]

I still stand by the idea it is only minimally less expensive to manufacture, sell, and warranty a stripped down ecobox compared to an average sedan. Yet the companies can only get 50-70% of the price in comparison. If I'm selling coffee and the majority of my cost is employees, buildings, taxes, insurance, etc. Why sell a 50 cent cup that cost me 40 cents in materials when I can sell a 5 dollar cup that cost me 80 cents in materials.

[MetroMPG]

You advertise the 50 cent cup to get people into your coffee dealership, where your employees upsell them to the 5 dollar cup!



Or you sell them the 40 cent cup, but with $200 floor mats, $600 rustproofing, and finance it all in house at 8%!