# What car should I buy **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [August 16, 2001, 8:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-car-should-i-buy/76624 "2001-08-16T20:46:57Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 13\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![LordVor](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/90ced4/32.png) [@LordVor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LordVor)\ **Post date:** [August 17, 2001, 3:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-car-should-i-buy/76624/21 "2001-08-17T15:56:58Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Barbarian \* > \*\*I guess it’s too late for me to suggest moving closer to your job. 90 miles a day is a ridiculous commute. \*\* $300,000 for a 20 year old one-bedroom condo is more ridiculous. (I work in Santa Barbara, CA. An area in which the MEDIAN home price is over $500K. I now live in Oxnard, where I bought a brand new 4 bedroom, 1900 square foot home for $270K.) Besides, the highway goes in between the mountains and the beach, and I doubt that there’s a prettier commute anywhere. My wife and I carpool, so we get to take turns looking for dolphins playing in the surf. LV ---
**Author:** ![Nen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/c5a1d2/32.png) [@Nen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nen)\ **Post date:** [August 17, 2001, 8:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-car-should-i-buy/76624/22 "2001-08-17T20:36:56Z")
Congrats on the purchase, **LordVar**. I hope you enjoy it. ---
**Author:** ![QuickSilver](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quicksilver/32/7832_2.png) [@QuickSilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuickSilver)\ **Post date:** [August 17, 2001, 8:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-car-should-i-buy/76624/23 "2001-08-17T20:41:43Z")
Yeah, but you left out the most important detail…What damn colour did you pic! 'Cuz you know, some are faster than others… Good luck. Many safe and happy miles. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![wolfman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/a8b319/32.png) [@wolfman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfman)\ **Post date:** [August 17, 2001, 9:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-car-should-i-buy/76624/24 "2001-08-17T21:14:28Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by bernse \* > \*\* > > > [@](#): > > > > \*Originally posted by Nen \* > > \*\* > > Nope, but I don’t have my friend’s receipt on hand to scan and show to you. But you are correct, exhausts should last quite some time. I’d still shy away from a used one for 1) exhaust replacement cost and 2) four wheel drive maintenance cost. It’s another story if it’s new and you have a spankin’ new car with warranty. It’s just one of those things: when the warranty expires, everything breaks. \*\* > > I hate to drag this out anymore, but… > > I still don’t believe $2000 is a typical exhaust replacement job for a Subaru. I cannot believe a muffler, hangers and pipe can cost anywhere _near_ that. If it does indeed have 3 converters and those needed to get replaced, maybe. I would really like to see some proof of that. Nobody I know that owns a Subaru has ever had to pay any crazy amounts like that for any work done. > > 4WD maintainence on a **Subaru** is negligible. You have to periodically change your oil in your rear diff. Thats about it. And even that is only once every few years. I don’t consider that _higher_ maintanence. > > I don’t want to make an issue out of it since I think both of our hearts are in the same place but I believe those statements are erroneous. \*\* I also have to disagree with the 2000 dollar quote. Among my family we have owned 9 of them, And have never heard that. Unless you are replacing the Manifold on down(something I have also never seen need to be done) It doesn’t cost anywhere near that. Subaru’s do have a more expensive than normal exhaust system. Because of the extra AWD equipment(drive shaft, differentials) It’s tighter than normal down there, and it needs a uniquiely shaped piece to work. But it still only costs $280 or so for an exhaust job. ---
**Author:** ![LordVor](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/90ced4/32.png) [@LordVor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LordVor)\ **Post date:** [August 17, 2001, 9:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-car-should-i-buy/76624/25 "2001-08-17T21:27:01Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by QuickSilver \* > \*\*Yeah, but you left out the most important detail…What damn colour did you pic! 'Cuz you know, some are faster than others… \*\* White. My only choices for the model I wanted (the ZTS, not the ZX3 I mentioned earlier. Darn initials) were white, black, silver, and brown-mustard yellow (named “Jackpot Gold” by Ford). I could drive off in a white one, so I did. LV ---
**Author:** ![Tyklfe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/3e96dc/32.png) [@Tyklfe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tyklfe)\ **Post date:** [August 17, 2001, 10:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-car-should-i-buy/76624/26 "2001-08-17T22:25:24Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by bernse \* > \*\* > > > [@](#): > > > > \*Originally posted by Tyklfe \* > > \*\*American Cars break all of the Da#& time. \*\* > > You would have a lot of people that don’t agree with your blanket statements of which brands to buy/not to buy. > > Something else to note: > > Honda, Toyota, BMW and Mercedes all have manufacturing plants in the US. \*\* Just so you know, I wasn’t taking about _where_ the cars are built, but who engineered them. You’re are right about my blanket statements though, but then again most people don’t do all of there own work on thier cars either. I’m not talking about adding spoilers or CD player either, I’m talking about engine swaps, rebuilding transmissions, replacing bearing, that kind of thing. Just about anything you could have to replace on a car, I’ve replaced. In my experienced opinion the cars I listed above break the least. Oh yeah, one more thing - I didn’t include BMW or Mercedes for a reason - I’ve know people who say that they too are notoriously unreliable, but I’ve never owned one, so I wouldn’t know. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Tyklfe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/3e96dc/32.png) [@Tyklfe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tyklfe)\ **Post date:** [August 17, 2001, 10:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-car-should-i-buy/76624/27 "2001-08-17T22:33:17Z")
Hmmm… Well to **Lord Vor** , **Nen** , and anybody else I might have insulted with my tastes and opinions about the Focus or any other car, I’d like to take this opportunity to appoligise… Just didn’t wanna let that go unsaid. ---
**Author:** ![bernse](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/a9a28c/32.png) [@bernse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bernse)\ **Post date:** [August 17, 2001, 10:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-car-should-i-buy/76624/28 "2001-08-17T22:43:16Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Tyklfe \* > \*\* > > > [@](#): > > > > \*Originally posted by bernse \* > > \*\* > > > > > [@](#): > > > > > > \*Originally posted by Tyklfe \* > > > \*\*American Cars break all of the Da#& time. \*\* > > > > You would have a lot of people that don’t agree with your blanket statements of which brands to buy/not to buy. > > > > Something else to note: > > > > Honda, Toyota, BMW and Mercedes all have manufacturing plants in the US. \*\* > > Just so you know, I wasn’t taking about _where_ the cars are built, but who engineered them. > You’re are right about my blanket statements though, but then again most people don’t do all of there own work on thier cars either. I’m not talking about adding spoilers or CD player either, I’m talking about engine swaps, rebuilding transmissions, replacing bearing, that kind of thing. > > Just about anything you could have to replace on a car, I’ve replaced. > In my experienced opinion the cars I listed above break the least. > > Oh yeah, one more thing - I didn’t include BMW or Mercedes for a reason - I’ve know people who say that they too are notoriously unreliable, but I’ve never owned one, so I wouldn’t know. 😃 \*\* Well, to continue in that vein… I believe (I did a quick search for a cite, but couldn’t find one) that Nissan, Honda and Toyota all have US design studios… and hence its not much of a stretch to say that at least some parts of their vehicles are engineered over on this side of the Pacific as well. I do think I know what you’re getting at though, and I agree. IMHO, _ **in general** _ Japanese vehicles are all around a better vehicle than most North American vehicles. ---
**Author:** ![Tyklfe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/3e96dc/32.png) [@Tyklfe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tyklfe)\ **Post date:** [August 18, 2001, 1:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-car-should-i-buy/76624/29 "2001-08-18T01:01:36Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by bernse \* > > I believe (I did a quick search for a cite, but couldn’t find one) that Nissan, Honda and Toyota all have US design studios… and hence its not much of a stretch to say that at least some parts of their vehicles are engineered over on this side of the Pacific as well. > I do think I know what you’re getting at though, and I agree. IMHO, _ **in general** _ Japanese vehicles are all around a better vehicle than most North American vehicles. \*\* It’s true that some foreign auto makers have some of their design work done here in the states, but as far as I know it’s extreamly limited. For example: Honda gave american designers the right to design the “look” or exterior design of the 2001 Accord Sedan. But only the sedan, not the coupe. ---
**Author:** ![MIKE\_P](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ba9def/32.png) [@MIKE\_P](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MIKE_P)\ **Post date:** [August 18, 2001, 1:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-car-should-i-buy/76624/30 "2001-08-18T01:33:45Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Tyklfe \* > American Cars break all of the Da#& time. \*\* Not exactly: Our 2000 Mitsubishi Montero Sport LS: 23,000 mi. Won’t start. Called dealer,car towed,“fixed”,driven back,worked for a day,won’t start,(see step 1). Our 1993 Ford Aerostar XLT: Bought at salvage auction(Driver’s front smashed),repaired,tens of thousands of miles later still runs strong,(now at 112,000 mi) So in closing, foreign cars aren’t always best.(The Yugo comes to mind) ---
**Author:** ![Tyklfe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/3e96dc/32.png) [@Tyklfe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tyklfe)\ **Post date:** [August 18, 2001, 2:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-car-should-i-buy/76624/31 "2001-08-18T02:04:01Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by MIKE\_P \* > \*\* > > > [@](#): > > > > \*Originally posted by Tyklfe \* > > American Cars break all of the Da#& time. \*\* > > Not exactly: > > Our 2000 Mitsubishi Montero Sport LS: 23,000 mi. Won’t start. Called dealer,car towed,“fixed”,driven back,worked for a day,won’t start,(see step 1). > > Our 1993 Ford Aerostar XLT: Bought at salvage auction(Driver’s front smashed),repaired,tens of thousands of miles later still runs strong,(now at 112,000 mi) > > So in closing, foreign cars aren’t always best.(The Yugo comes to mind) \*\* In all fairness to me, **MIKE\_P** , I never said that Mitsubishi made quality cars, and I never said that **all** foreign cars were well made. I only listed a couple of my favorites. I am however glad that you have been satisfied with your Aerostar and I hope you get many more maintence free miles out of it. ---
**Author:** ![techchick68](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ea5d25/32.png) [@techchick68](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/techchick68)\ **Post date:** [August 18, 2001, 3:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-car-should-i-buy/76624/32 "2001-08-18T03:33:46Z")
While I must admit to not reading all the responses, here is my recommendation: Honda Civic The upper end of their lines are pretty powerful, offer good gas mileage and take a beating and keep on driving along the road. I have owned many Hondas in my time on the road, none of them ever failed me. I traded in my 95 Suburban, after realizing that I could no longer afford it for a 93 Honda Accord EX. I take shitty care of it (I admit it) but it runs like a dream. I recently popped in some money to get new tires, new struts, along with a lot of other work and my mileage (from 5 years of absolutely no maintainence – none I tell you) went from 400 miles per tank to close to 550…it’s a 13-15 gallon tank. Anyhow, I think that Honda is a great value for your money and even though it’s a foreign car, I have always gravitated to Hondas for reliability, value and over all costs being pretty cheap. So go to your Honda dealer and ask for letters of their customers, I bet they will hand you a ream of happy owners. Count me as one of those, even if I suspect my pre-owned Honda was in an accident, she’s been a great little car and stays strong despite my inability to keep her at tip-top shape. ---
**Author:** ![nineiron](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/e56c9b/32.png) [@nineiron](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nineiron)\ **Post date:** [August 18, 2001, 4:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-car-should-i-buy/76624/33 "2001-08-18T04:03:48Z")
It’s finally time for me to trade in the '88 Daytona (sniff!), and I never thought I’d be buying a Hyundai, but I am. It’s an Elantra GT. I like it because it’s got a hatchback (good for hauling some stuff), is a bit sporty, and not too pricy. Plus, a 100,000 mile warranty is tough to beat. Maybe check those out; for under $15,000, it’s got AC, cruise, automatic, leather, and a keyless entry system. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-car-should-i-buy/76624.md?page=1)