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What American car should I buy.

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Old 02-21-2009, 06:47 PM
  #11  
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Originally Posted by Kilgore Trout
Agreed.
But I'd feel a lot better about the idea of "free trade" if I could believe that half the vehicles on the streets of Tokyo wore Ford, Chevy, and Dodge badges and were built in the Land of the Rising Sun. I guess Mazda is part Ford, but not sure anymore.

I'm aware it ain't always easy to buy American, but I believe it's a good idea to do so when able.
True sir, I actually just bought an American rifle.. usually I stick to the Germans or Austrians, but there was something not right with not having an U.S. rifle in the collection.

Last time I was in Europe, it seemed like Ford was becoming more and more popular.
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Old 02-21-2009, 06:54 PM
  #12  
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Default Major thread drift, sorry

I've got a Mauser 7mm Rem Mag for hunting. Nice rifle.
And an antique 1985 BMW (which is rotten in snow, but fun for getting across country).
My parents bought a brand new Datsun 510 back in the 80's which was a great car until my cousin left the parking brake off and it rolled downhill into a big Tennessee apple tree. Ouch.
I really like Canadian airplanes too.
So, yeah, I like well made foreign stuff.
Like American stuff too.

What'd you get, an AR type rifle?
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Old 02-21-2009, 06:59 PM
  #13  
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Originally Posted by ryan1234
Last time I was in Europe, it seemed like Ford was becoming more and more popular.
That's probably because Ford sells completely different, better looking, higher quality cars in Europe. Up until recently, the Ford Mondeo was the top selling car in the UK (now it's the BMW 3-series). I can't stand the US version of the Focus, but check out the European version - that's a good looking car! And the Mondeo is the the equivalent to the Fusion. If you ask me, there's no comparison when it comes to styling - the Mondeo is far better looking. Oh, and there's a subcompact called the Ka that gets 60mpg with a diesel that we won't be seeing here.

Sorry, for the rant. I know you can't buy any of those cars here, but in light of the recent "troubles" at Ford, I think it needs to be mentioned.
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Old 02-21-2009, 07:00 PM
  #14  
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Originally Posted by Kilgore Trout
I've got a Mauser 7mm Rem Mag for hunting. Nice rifle.
And an antique 1985 BMW (which is rotten in snow, but fun for getting across country).
My parents bought a brand new Datsun 510 back in the 80's which was a great car until my cousin left the parking brake off and it rolled downhill into a big Tennessee apple tree. Ouch.
I really like Canadian airplanes too.
So, yeah, I like well made foreign stuff.
Like American stuff too.

What'd you get, an AR type rifle?
Actually one of the best cars I've ever had was a 1987 BMW 325, 5 speed... had 334,000 miles with no (non normal) problems... I got rid of her for a newer one (which wasn't made as good)....

One thing great about American vehicles are the trucks.

The rifle is actually a .308 Savage 10FP , haven't shot it yet... I'm looking for a decent tactical scope.. maybe Leupold Mark II 4-12? have any suggestions?

(sorry to hi-jack thread)
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Old 02-21-2009, 07:23 PM
  #15  
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Ryan, that rifle sounds nice. I've got a little time on the range behind and beside an M-24, but not real familiar with optics beyond that. Here's a site with tactical scope reviews (although you've probably seen it?).
Sniper Central - Mel's Sniper Page
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Old 02-22-2009, 01:06 AM
  #16  
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The new Ford Mondeo is very stylish, as is the new Opel (GM) Insignia. They seem to have taken a page out of the Japanese styling books. I too have to question why some of the European branded cars aren't marketed in the states.

My next vehicle is going to be a New Ram 1500, but I've been very impressed with my US Built Nissan Altima that put many good folks in Tennesse to work.
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Old 02-22-2009, 02:00 AM
  #17  
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Because of the congressional kangaroo court last Fall, most people assume that all the automakers are now all on the dole. Ford has not taken money as part of the auto bailout. That is not to say that Ford is perfect, or has never been involved with public money. However, as of right now they are carrying their own water.

GM and Chrysler are circling the drain. Cull the herd, buy a Ford.

Make sure you buy it before you go to the PRC. You should also see if it will be necessary to alter the vehicle to comply with PRC emissions standards or some other state intervention.

I love CA. It is one of the few places that can make MI look like a well run state.

WW

Last edited by Winged Wheeler; 02-22-2009 at 02:50 AM. Reason: spelling
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Old 02-22-2009, 04:15 AM
  #18  
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Default MotorWeek

Howdy Oicur,
Sorry about the thread drift earlier.
In an effort to contribute towards your original question,
here's a link to 'MotorWeek'. It's a pretty neat show that I've caught a few
times on PBS. If you go to the site, you can search for and watch car reviews. Best of luck in your search.

Welcome to MotorWeek MPT
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Old 02-22-2009, 06:51 AM
  #19  
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Default also see Consumer Reports

My thought on this is let the experts tell you what car to buy. Consumer Reports magazine publishes non-biased scientific evaluations of every car and truck and ranks them by repair history, quality, performance, dealer quality, and so on. You can usually get these magazines at the public library for the asking. Look for the "annual auto issue" of the magazine.

I just bought a new Nissan Frontier truck and was somewhat sorry some of the money went to Japan, although the truck was built in Tennessee. It was simply a better value in almost every way than its Ford, Chevy, GM, and Dodge counterparts. I am not rich enough to pay a 5 to ten grand premium for a lesser-quality truck just to keep some of it in the country. They have to make an equal or better truck for an equal or better price, then I will steer the money their way.
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Old 02-22-2009, 10:13 AM
  #20  
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I'm just curious why people think that buying a car from GM is any better for the American economy is any better than buying a Honda.

What if the GM was assembled in Mexico and the Honda in Ohio?
--------------
What determines if a company is American?

Is it where it is headquartered or where it was founded?

Is it where the most employees, or shareholders are located?

In today's multinational corporate environment, the answers are not as
clear as they used to be.
-------------------

I agree with the previous post - the Consumer Reports auto issue is a great reference.
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