Buying New Car

[bowtieguy]

not understanding why this(outsourcing) has become a mainstay is blind, but indeed meaningful. the demand for such cars(domestic eco boxes) and corp taxation both play a huge part...but that's another thread.

in short...look beyond the stats and figures to get the big picture.

[theholycow]

Found on another forum:

http://finance.yahoo.com/blogs/daily...134034850.html

For all the talk about the resurgence of American automakers, "Made in America" is really a matter of marketing. For example, a Honda Accord made and assembled in America has 80% U.S.-sourced parts vs. 65% for a Ford Escape, Resnick notes in the accompanying video, taped at the show earlier this week.

However, from what I understand it varies significantly by model...those might be hand-picked examples, not random.

[FrugalFloyd]

Any new car you buy is a slice in time. Last month its domestic content was different, and next month it will be different again. For its first five years, the Ford Focus was built in six other countries. Domestic Focus production didn't shift to Michigan until 2005. Next year that Alabama-built Hyundai Elantra may be made overseas.

Frankly, it's not worth anyone's time to obsess over buying American, when our domestic manufacturers are the ones shifting the shells around on us, and domestic cars still suffer in quality.

[IndyFetch]

Originally Posted by theholycow

Found on another forum:

http://finance.yahoo.com/blogs/daily...134034850.html



However, from what I understand it varies significantly by model...those might be hand-picked examples, not random.

Here's the chart of all U.S. plants, with the vehicles produced and their foreign/domestic content:

http://www.caranddriver.com/features...erica_-feature

[FrugalFloyd]

Thanks. I lol thinking those import Toyota Camrys and Honda Accords are more American than the Ford F-150, Chevy Silverado, Dodge Ram 1500, Chevy Cruze, Chevy Camaro, Cadillac CTS, Ford Escape, etc.

[IslandDriver]

I purchased a new Mazda2 Touring last Sunday, trading in a 2002 Impreza 2.5RS sedan that got 22 mpg locally. I am happy to report that I'm currently getting 37.6 mpg in rural driving (2 lane roads, 45mph is the highest speed limit).

[cat0020]

Are you limited on buying new?

What is your budget?

Are you planning to finance?

Can you afford to buy a used car below $3k and pay cash?

[FrugalFloyd]

Originally Posted by IslandDriver

I purchased a new Mazda2 Touring last Sunday, trading in a 2002 Impreza 2.5RS sedan that got 22 mpg locally. I am happy to report that I'm currently getting 37.6 mpg in rural driving (2 lane roads, 45mph is the highest speed limit).

Smart move, and great starting mpg. I'll bet you could easily get 40+ mpg, even with an AT, and high 40s with MT & hypermiling techniques.

[bowtieguy]

Originally Posted by SentraSE-R

Thanks. I lol thinking those import Toyota Camrys and Honda Accords are more American than the Ford F-150, Chevy Silverado, Dodge Ram 1500, Chevy Cruze, Chevy Camaro, Cadillac CTS, Ford Escape, etc.

yup...at a local mall there was a toyota tundra on display stating that it had more domestic parts by % than an f150, and it is assembled here.

i still wonder about corp taxation and union influence on the "domestic" brands...as well as over compensation for employees.

[MCamp]

Originally Posted by cat0020

Are you limited on buying new?

What is your budget?

Are you planning to finance?

Can you afford to buy a used car below $3k and pay cash?

I am planning on financing to help build my credit, since I am young with very little credit. I could afford a $3k used car, but I would prefer a new car to help build some credit. Just curious, what kind of used cars do you have in mind?