Potential used GM buyer in 2004-2005

Jason Hsu · 2003-09-03T23:43:10+00:00

I was thinking of buying a new car in 1-2 years. Since my 1988 HondaCivic has been and still is a good car, the most logical choice for mewould be a new Honda Civic.But I noticed that the new Honda Civics only offer ABS on thetop-of-the-line models. It's not even an option on the base ormid-level model. What gives? ABS is not an exotic new technology. It's been widespread for years. I'm not paying $14K for a car thatlacks ABS. The top-of-the-line Honda Civic starts at something like$17K!I would consider a new Toyota Corolla, which offers ABS on all models. But from what I've heard, it's hard to come by on the base models. And the Nissan Sentra is like the Honda Civic - no ABS even as anoption on the base model.What gives? I'm not paying $14K or more for a car that lacks ABS. Ican't believe skinflint manufacturers think a few hundred dollars moreon a $14K car for a safety feature is exorbitant. Come on, I'd ratherskimp on the sunroof, leather-wrapped steering wheel, power doorlocks, power windows, remote keyless entry, cruise control, etc. ButI'm not about to skimp on safety when buying a new car. I'm startingto wonder if Honda, Toyota, and Nissan (no ABS on base Nissan Sentra)are getting cocky. Then again, GM executives have recently showntheir traditional low IQs by deciding to make ABS optional on vehiclesthat used to have it standard.As a result of the ABS issue, I may (GASP!) buy a GM vehicle. I amconsidering buying a used Buick or Saturn. ABS has been standard onBuicks and Saturns for years, and a few of them are on the ConsumerReports recommended used car list. Due to rapid depreciation, Ishould be able to buy a used model for under $10K AND have ABS. I'meven willing to sacrifice a few mpg and image in favor of more economyand safety. On the other hand, the quality of even the recommendedBuicks falls well short of most Honda and Toyota products, if youbelieve Consumer Reports. I'm surprised Buick would stand out abovePontiac, Chevrolet,...

Sep 03, 2003 24 Replies

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Joseph Oberlander 22 years ago

Typical.

All cars do this, unfortunately. Trim pieces are not very good in most vehicles, so the way to get around this is - get something without any.

Gheez. That can't be right.

You documenting all of this? You might have coverage under the lemon laws.

Definite lemon. Check local laws.

The 2003 4-Runner was a massive improvement. Currently, it is the best true SUV out there.

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Mike Levy 22 years ago

Lemon laws often only protect against a NEW vehicle being of poor quality, and then only if you have to make more than x number of trips for the same problem or the vehicle is in the shop for xx% of the time for the same problem. Tim varies by location...

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Roy G. Bragg 22 years ago

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ray 22 years ago

Winnipeg. January. I'd be happy to see pavement. ;)

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Brad Clarke 22 years ago

Never been there, but point taken :)

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