So why do you think there are no cheap basic cars being sold new?

[Xist]

I have never seen metal parking blocks.

Hopefully they would be friendlier to undertrays!

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

The idea is to not climb those, it's more like a guide to prevent much intrusion of the front overhang to the sidewalk.

[JSH]

Originally Posted by cRiPpLe_rOoStEr

The idea is to not climb those, it's more like a guide to prevent much intrusion of the front overhang to the sidewalk.

We have the same type of thing but they are made of concrete and are spiked into the asphalt with metal rebar. However, sometimes that rebar sticks up and can catch the front air dam or bumper on a low clearance car.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Concrece parking blocks are common here too, anyway.


Back on topic, this might be the last successful small car (well, sort of) designed by an American automaker

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Nowadays the only bodystyle for cars perceived as cheap/affordable is hatchback, even though most new cars in my country became too expensive anyway. But there were times when buyers had more diversified options which could cope better with different needs and preferences. While small sedans are still soldiering on, unfortunately it's not so likely that a small station-wagon will be offered again...

[redpoint5]

Did I mention this already? The typical new car buyer is in their mid to late 50s. They are well into the top income earning bracket. What motivation does a high income person have to purchase an econobox?

Middle to lower income people purchase used vehicles. Those are vehicles that were purchased by more wealthy individuals.

I don't actually want a wealthy person purchasing a crappy new car. I want them purchasing something awesome so that 5 years later I can own it for half the cost.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by redpoint5

Did I mention this already? The typical new car buyer is in their mid to late 50s. They are well into the top income earning bracket. What motivation does a high income person have to purchase an econobox?

It might be the case there, but just go south of the border and you'll see even GM is offering some Chinese econoboxes. And even stateside, you know, there are a lot of conservatives who would rather get just a cheap appliance-car and call it a day.

And in other countries, where small cars remain more relevant due to reasons such as fuel costs or the tight parking spaces on crowded and ancient central business districts, you'll notice even the folks in their 50s will often buy some SUV or truck smaller than the average American ones.

[redpoint5]

Originally Posted by cRiPpLe_rOoStEr

It might be the case there, but just go south of the border and you'll see even GM is offering some Chinese econoboxes. And even stateside, you know, there are a lot of conservatives who would rather get just a cheap appliance-car and call it a day.

And in other countries, where small cars remain more relevant due to reasons such as fuel costs or the tight parking spaces on crowded and ancient central business districts, you'll notice even the folks in their 50s will often buy some SUV or truck smaller than the average American ones.

It's all nonsense.

I dated a girl who bought 2 new Chevy Aveos. She has spent more money on those 2 crappy cars than every vehicle I've ever owned. Subaru Legacy, CBR 600, Dodge/Cummins truck, Acura TSX, Jeep Liberty, Prius...

[freebeard]

And even stateside, you know, there are a lot of conservatives who would rather get just a cheap appliance-car and call it a day.

I don't know what a 'conservative' is in Location: Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, but in these parts it means a diesel pickup with fern camo and a gun rack in the back window,

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Cars tend to depreciate faster there than in many other countries. No wonder cars which were bound to the junkyard in the US are often exported to other countries where second-hand imports are allowed.

And politically conservative people here may buy any car their budget can get, yet the average Joe still gets small cars because of a tight budget. No wonder the VW Beetle and the Chevette used to be best-sellers here.