Re: R.I.P. General Motors (1931-2006)

If we're talking body parts and the car is 5 years old, one can buy imported parts for the same price. It is alot harder to find used parts for foreign autos.

As for parts like, ball joints for instance, they may cost a little more, but on a Ford they need replacing at 100K. While on a Toyota, they go 200K. Plus, they're easier to change; bolt on.

Parts aren't always cheap either. This 4runner appoaching 300k finally needs an idler arm, but surprise....it's rebuildable for a grand total of $8.00. Maybe you can to that with a GM or Ford, but I've never heard of it.

A better statement would be: On average, Imports have better reliability than GM and Ford. Some GMs and Fords do better than the imports on particular applications. I don't see many import police cars. Most are Ford Crown Vics and Chevys. Corporate fleet managers learn which cars work well for their fleets and buy those. And some imports have big reliability problems. Most don't.

Jeff

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One other factor that will have an effect on car sales in 2006 and 2007 are the really small cars (example: Honda Fit) that will be sold by Honda, Toyota and Mazda. Those car companies have been selling these really small cars in Europe and Japan for several years but they are now bringing them to America. Those cars will cost about $15,000 which means that almost anyone that can afford a new car will be able to afford a Honda, Toyota or Mazda. Jason

Ah yes but tour comparison is the one that is flawed. GM, Ford, Chrysler and Toyota ALL compete in the same price range in the US and GM, Ford and Chrysler ALL sell more than Toyota. You may think Toyotas are choice ground beef but more buyers obviously think the vehicles sold by GM, Ford and Chrysler, in the same price range are choice ground beef, that is why they buy more of them.

mike hunt

Write to your Congressman, the EPA killed a great engine

Even if what you believe to be true were true, you still pay more since you would only change the part once. ;)

mike hunt

I had a 1972 Pinto and that thing was lucky to make 75,000 miles. It was the biggest piece of s--- that was ever made.

I think my Vega was worse-more of that "wonderful" GM engineering. No wonder is headed to bankruptcy like a rocket sled on rails!

I guess it all depends on how well one maintains their vehicles. I had a total of three, a '75 and a '79 as well as the '71 I still own. Both of the others were driven to over 200K trouble free.

mike hunt

It wasn't me that posted the paragraph you're responding to. The facts in Mike's post are correct.

And I fell for the hype and bought a Chevette !! ( Shove-it )

Ever drive a Chevette?

I have a company issued 2001 Cavalier LS. What a total load of crap. Since we've got a fleet of them, the company mechanics are prepared for failures before they happen. What fails on one at XX miles, fails on all of them. Cutting and welding was required to change a power window motor!!

I've reasonably driven every one of the 63,000 miles on the Cavalier, and I can't believe people buy 'em by choice. The car is simply minor league compared to anything that sold for a similar price from Honda or Toyota.

Your company must think highly of you! Or do the bad employees get an '82 Yugo? *LOL*

I still believe the Chevy Monza was the worst car that I have ever owned. I have only seen one Chevy Monza in my town in the past 3 years and see lots of really old Honda and Toyota cars. Even at car shows--I have seen lots of really old Chevy and Ford cars in excellent condition but I have never seen a Chevy Monza at any of those car shows. Has anyone else ever seen a Chevy Monza in a car show or on the streets in your town (in the past three years?). Jason

Based on crash tests, it's obviously part of a downsizing plan...

Then again, my company and GM share many directors. They don't care if it's a GOOD car, only that their buddy sells it.

Yet that Cavaliers you drive counts as evidence to Mike Hunt that GM cars are better than Honda. 25% of GM car sales are fleet purchases.

If you are going to make up a figure why not make it 50%? ;)

mike hunt

If you are going to make up a story, why don't you just say their relatives sell them? ;)