Domestic V.S. Import

[Demon-Xanth]

Originally posted by: AdamK47

Originally posted by: Arkaign
Speed isn't everything, though. As a daily driver, I'd MUCH rather ride around in a BMW 335i or G35 Coupe than be caught dead in a GTO/Camaro/Stang. Being fast can't make up for a crappy interior, too much road noise, and an utter lack of luxury and refinement. And I can absolutely understand the opposite viewpoint of people who can't give up that maximum hp/torque of the big American steel.

The GTO is a car made in the US, right? Of course the interior is going to be crappy.

If by "The US" you mean "Austrialia", yes.

 

[exdeath]

Originally posted by: Arkaign

I find the EPA MPG ratings somewhat dubious anyway. My Brother's Nissan Titan does considerably worse than the window sticker says, but his Acura TL does much better. Go figure.

Efficient? Prius.

Efficient? Prius.

Not really. When everyone is driving a Prius and there is nothing else on the road, someone will get sensitive about global warming and how the temperature is still increasing and burning hydrocarbons and stuff is STILL at fault, and it must be those pesky Prius. Nothing will ever be enough. If only we could fulfill our ultimate wet dream and the end game will be to get rid of ALL energy consuming technology and return to Gaia in hemp underwear. Heh

 

[Demon-Xanth]

Originally posted by: exdeath
Efficient? Prius.

Not really. When everyone is driving a Prius and there is nothing else on the road, someone will get sensitive about global warming and how the temperature is still increasing and burning hydrocarbons and stuff is STILL at fault, and it must be those pesky Prius. Nothing will ever be enough. If only we could fulfill our ultimate wet dream and the end game will be to get rid of ALL energy consuming technology and return to Gaia in hemp underwear. Heh

You do realize that there are environmentalists out there (I call them eco freaks) that think all mankind should die off. Now, I know they're just a minority. But they're out there. Afterall, humans displace natural species and such.

 

[AdamK47]

Originally posted by: Demon-Xanth

Originally posted by: AdamK47

Originally posted by: Arkaign
Speed isn't everything, though. As a daily driver, I'd MUCH rather ride around in a BMW 335i or G35 Coupe than be caught dead in a GTO/Camaro/Stang. Being fast can't make up for a crappy interior, too much road noise, and an utter lack of luxury and refinement. And I can absolutely understand the opposite viewpoint of people who can't give up that maximum hp/torque of the big American steel.

The GTO is a car made in the US, right? Of course the interior is going to be crappy.

If by "The US" you mean "Austrialia", yes.

Shhhhhh...

 

[ElFenix]

Originally posted by: steppinthrax
These are both using automatic transmissions. But again the GTO is using a 8cyl while the 350Z is using a 6 cylinder 6.0L / 3.2 L respectivley.

the 350Z is using a 3.2?

2006 Pontiac GTO - 15 city/23 Hwy
2007 Nissan 350Z - 18 city/25 Hwy

These are both using automatic transmissions.

from fueleconomy.gov:
the 2007 350z auto gets 17/24
manual gets 18/25

2006 350z auto and manual: 17/23

auto 2006 GTO gets 14/19 (4 speed, ick)
manual gets 15/23

 

[Arkaign]

Originally posted by: exdeath

Originally posted by: Arkaign

I find the EPA MPG ratings somewhat dubious anyway. My Brother's Nissan Titan does considerably worse than the window sticker says, but his Acura TL does much better. Go figure.

Efficient? Prius.

Efficient? Prius.

Not really. When everyone is driving a Prius and there is nothing else on the road, someone will get sensitive about global warming and how the temperature is still increasing and burning hydrocarbons and stuff is STILL at fault, and it must be those pesky Prius. Nothing will ever be enough. If only we could fulfill our ultimate wet dream and the end game will be to get rid of ALL energy consuming technology and return to Gaia in hemp underwear. Heh

Huh? I'm not talking about global warming or whatever, just the impact on your wallet when you have to put gas in the thing. 45-55mpg is better than 20/30 any day of the week

 

[ponyo]

Depends on the car but I would say domestics are more reliable than imports.

Toyota and Honda are generally more reliable than the domestics but "can't build cars without electrical problems Europeans" and below average Japanese brands like MitSHITishi and Suzuki really pull down the average.

I currently have 2 domestics and 2 imports. Dodge, Chevy, Toyota, Toyota.

 

[Arkaign]

Originally posted by: Naustica
Depends on the car but I would say domestics are more reliable than imports.

Toyota and Honda are generally more reliable than the domestics but "can't build cars without electrical problems Europeans" and below average Japanese brands like MitSHITishi and Suzuki really pull down the average.

I currently have 2 domestics and 2 imports. Dodge, Chevy, Toyota, Toyota.

Mazda is pretty dismal as well. I have no idea why they're so popular. Mitsubishi has a well-established reputation for being below-average in most areas.

EDIT : My brother-in-law used to call his Galant a Mitsubitchy

 

[Don Vito Corleone]

This is a stupid thread. Toyotas and Hondas and their luxury-badge are more reliable than any domestic in aggregate, but domestics are in turn more reliable than, say, Alfas, Peugeots, or VWs.

 

[imported_Goo]

I wish my 98 328is w/ 98xxxkm is as reliable as my POS 2k focus w/ 24xxxxkm.

 

[theeedude]

Grass is always greener on the other side, but you can't just draw a broad brush argument about import/domestic or even brand vs. brand. You have to go model by model nowadays.

 

[theeedude]

Originally posted by: Arkaign

Originally posted by: Naustica
Depends on the car but I would say domestics are more reliable than imports.

Toyota and Honda are generally more reliable than the domestics but "can't build cars without electrical problems Europeans" and below average Japanese brands like MitSHITishi and Suzuki really pull down the average.

I currently have 2 domestics and 2 imports. Dodge, Chevy, Toyota, Toyota.

Mazda is pretty dismal as well. I have no idea why they're so popular. Mitsubishi has a well-established reputation for being below-average in most areas.

EDIT : My brother-in-law used to call his Galant a Mitsubitchy

Mazdas look sharp and drive even sharper. That's why they are so popular. They are also not dismal by any stretch. Mazda3 is rated higher than I4 Camry by CR.

 

[ElFenix]

Originally posted by: DonVito
This is a stupid thread. Toyotas and Hondas and their luxury-badge are more reliable than any domestic in aggregate, but domestics are in turn more reliable than, say, Alfas, Peugeots, or VWs.

and certain models within brands do better than other models within the brand and better than particular models from brands that, in aggregate, do better.

 

[essasin]

I recently bought a 07 Tacoma double cab and I love it. The gas mileage is not the greatest but it is a solid truck, very comfortable, easy to drive and everything is where it should be. I can easily see this go 200k like the previous Toyota pickups we have had without any problems. But I also have a 94 GT Mustang ragtop and even though it is a bit old I love the car to death. If I had to choose I would pick my Mustang. I drive what I like and it may not have the best ratings or specs but I enjoy it.

 

[Colt45]

Originally posted by: exdeath

Originally posted by: Zenmervolt

Originally posted by: exdeath
The nice thing though with a small displacement boosted engine is you can stay out of boost and have a tame fuel sipping commuter, but still break the tires loose when you feel like it.

Depends on when the boost comes on. I don't hit boost until 4,000 RPM in first on the 951 at which point the car positively sling-shots and it's all I can do to grab second fast enough. Thankfully the increased engine load in the higher gears makes the boost come on lower at around 2,800-3,000 RPM.

ZV

With the blower I hit boost at 2,000 RPM if I get on it with intent, otherwise I can casually rev to about 3,500 RPM before I have no choice.

Most of the time though I cruise around town in 6th gear (.60 overdrive with 3.55 rear end) at like 1100 RPM and get around 25 mpg. The idle bypass in the blower supposedly allows the blower to freewheel and consume no more than 5 HP.

Your big ends must be enjoying that.

 

[Arkaign]

Originally posted by: senseamp

Originally posted by: Arkaign

Originally posted by: Naustica
Depends on the car but I would say domestics are more reliable than imports.

Toyota and Honda are generally more reliable than the domestics but "can't build cars without electrical problems Europeans" and below average Japanese brands like MitSHITishi and Suzuki really pull down the average.

I currently have 2 domestics and 2 imports. Dodge, Chevy, Toyota, Toyota.

Mazda is pretty dismal as well. I have no idea why they're so popular. Mitsubishi has a well-established reputation for being below-average in most areas.

EDIT : My brother-in-law used to call his Galant a Mitsubitchy

Mazdas look sharp and drive even sharper. That's why they are so popular. They are also not dismal by any stretch. Mazda3 is rated higher than I4 Camry by CR.

Maybe they've gotten better. I had a '94 RX-7 and it was nothing but trouble. Drove it from 36k to 115k miles, and it was always $200 here, $600 there, etc.

 

[exdeath]

Using the RX-7, or any rotary, as a basis for brand reliability is totally not fair

 

[Arkaign]

Originally posted by: exdeath
Using the RX-7, or any rotary, as a basis for brand reliability is totally not fair

Heh, maybe so. The ironic thing about is the motor was pretty much fine, it was the turbo, the tranny, brakes, something with the clutch cable, etc, etc.

 

[Gillbot]

Originally posted by: Pacfanweb
Not another Domestic vs. Import discussion.

Maybe we should have a Van Halen singer debate, too: David Lee Roth vs. Sammy Hagar. 'Cause NOBODY has ever discussed that before, either.

This is as bad as a torque and horsepower thread.

 

[MysticLlama]

Also remember that reliability can be in the eye (or pocketbook) of the beholder.

I have a Boxster with 99k+ miles on it. It was running like crap for a couple weeks, idle hunt, refusing to drop revs in neutral, poor response, etc.

Did a little poking around at it and figured out that it was my idle air control valve sticking and acting up. So I pulled it out and looked up the part #. $350 part.

So if I had taken it to a shop, I'd be out $500-600 for an hour and a half or two of work, plus the part, plus tax, etc.

I sprayed it out with .50 worth of carb cleaner and let it sit for 15 minutes and reinstalled. It runs great now.

Unreliable? Not in my opinion. But tell the guy with the same problem that blew the cash on it and see what he says.

 

[theeedude]

Originally posted by: Arkaign

Originally posted by: senseamp

Originally posted by: Arkaign

Originally posted by: Naustica
Depends on the car but I would say domestics are more reliable than imports.

Toyota and Honda are generally more reliable than the domestics but "can't build cars without electrical problems Europeans" and below average Japanese brands like MitSHITishi and Suzuki really pull down the average.

I currently have 2 domestics and 2 imports. Dodge, Chevy, Toyota, Toyota.

Mazda is pretty dismal as well. I have no idea why they're so popular. Mitsubishi has a well-established reputation for being below-average in most areas.

EDIT : My brother-in-law used to call his Galant a Mitsubitchy

Mazdas look sharp and drive even sharper. That's why they are so popular. They are also not dismal by any stretch. Mazda3 is rated higher than I4 Camry by CR.

Maybe they've gotten better. I had a '94 RX-7 and it was nothing but trouble. Drove it from 36k to 115k miles, and it was always $200 here, $600 there, etc.

So basically you are basing your opinion of Mazda on a 14 year old second hand car?

 

[Demon-Xanth]

Originally posted by: MysticLlama
Also remember that reliability can be in the eye (or pocketbook) of the beholder.

I have a Boxster with 99k+ miles on it. It was running like crap for a couple weeks, idle hunt, refusing to drop revs in neutral, poor response, etc.

Did a little poking around at it and figured out that it was my idle air control valve sticking and acting up. So I pulled it out and looked up the part #. $350 part.

So if I had taken it to a shop, I'd be out $500-600 for an hour and a half or two of work, plus the part, plus tax, etc.

I sprayed it out with .50 worth of carb cleaner and let it sit for 15 minutes and reinstalled. It runs great now.

Unreliable? Not in my opinion. But tell the guy with the same problem that blew the cash on it and see what he says.

That's why my cousin gave me his Volvo. I had the ability and the means to maintain a beater, he didn't. A half hour in the garage for him meant another $500 on a car with 350,000 miles for him.

 

[Arkaign]

Originally posted by: senseamp

Originally posted by: Arkaign

Originally posted by: senseamp

Originally posted by: Arkaign

Originally posted by: Naustica
Depends on the car but I would say domestics are more reliable than imports.

Toyota and Honda are generally more reliable than the domestics but "can't build cars without electrical problems Europeans" and below average Japanese brands like MitSHITishi and Suzuki really pull down the average.

I currently have 2 domestics and 2 imports. Dodge, Chevy, Toyota, Toyota.

Mazda is pretty dismal as well. I have no idea why they're so popular. Mitsubishi has a well-established reputation for being below-average in most areas.

EDIT : My brother-in-law used to call his Galant a Mitsubitchy

Mazdas look sharp and drive even sharper. That's why they are so popular. They are also not dismal by any stretch. Mazda3 is rated higher than I4 Camry by CR.

Maybe they've gotten better. I had a '94 RX-7 and it was nothing but trouble. Drove it from 36k to 115k miles, and it was always $200 here, $600 there, etc.

So basically you are basing your opinion of Mazda on a 14 year old second hand car?

I had the car when it was two years old, and it was already a lot of problems, though it was a one-owner (retired lady) with all dealer service records.

I've known plenty of other people with Mazdas that had loads of problems as well, though a couple of exceptions were an early 90s Protege, and an early 90s Miata as well. MX-6, 626, Millennia, etc, were all owned by friends and were total lemons.

 

[AdamK47]

Originally posted by: Arkaign
As a daily driver, I'd MUCH rather ride around in a BMW 335i or G35 Coupe than be caught dead in a GTO/Camaro/Stang.

You currently drive a Neon. A NEON!!!

 

[Arkaign]

Originally posted by: AdamK47

Originally posted by: Arkaign
As a daily driver, I'd MUCH rather ride around in a BMW 335i or G35 Coupe than be caught dead in a GTO/Camaro/Stang.

You currently drive a Neon. A NEON!!!

No, the Neon was years ago (thank god)

Currently in a Buick LeSabre, which is nice, but an old man car admittedly. Though it fits the baby seat and gear nicely