12th Sep 2009, 22:48
Unfortunately, EVERYONE is fair-game when it comes to lay-offs, downsizing, cuts, etc. Life does not stop because of it though. Our habits and business practices prior to this downturn were done without caution. It is a good thing GM is downsizing instead of mass-producing duplicate models with different names. This is a good time for these companies to reflect on the past and their mistakes and develop a more efficient strategy for the future. Maybe something good will come out of all of this.
13th Sep 2009, 11:03
I have also seen some co workers downsizing from once new BMW and Audi owners to cheaper new Accords. Both car and SUVs lately. Our parking lot was once full of nice cars. Many also ride motorcycles, all lined up more than a few years back as well. Less spending power than before no doubt. I think people think it's import domestic only. I see people going backward to spend half what they once bought. I even think people will opt for the cheaper Prius coming out and trade down not up to spend less and less.
13th Sep 2009, 20:21
I was talking to my local mechanic (and good friend) about getting a new car because mine is on its last leg - it's a '95 Plymouth Neon.) I went on to tell him that I was looking into buying an import and he told me that it was a good idea to do so. He said that he did away with the American vehicles a long time ago and that he was never going back. He currently owns a 2002 Nissan Maxima that has 178,000 miles on it I believe, and he hasn't had any problems with it. His exact words were: "We can make it to the moon, but we can't seem to build a decent car. Go figure."
3rd Oct 2009, 18:15
I was just reading an article about a man named Louis (he asked that his last name not be written). He owns a 2003 Honda Civic Hybrid that has 800,000 miles on it. He says he that he plans to keep it till it reaches the 1,000,000 mile mark. He has never had any major work done on it. Here's the link to the page in case you don't believe me:
Of course, I'm sure you domestic lovers STILL won't believe it.
4th Oct 2009, 19:41
I believe a Honda could do 800K miles... but in 6 years? Did he have it up on blocks rolling all night every night??
5th Oct 2009, 10:11
800,000 miles in 6 years equates to 365 miles per day 7 days a week. Who drives that much and what would you drive that much for? I think it is impossible.
5th Oct 2009, 17:04
How do you know what his commute is like? He could have one LONG commute. I put about 50,000 miles a year on my cars because my commute is so long. It's not impossible.
6th Oct 2009, 12:49
Yeah, but 365 miles per day EVERY day??? C'mon. You need a new job if you have to drive that much... NOTHING is worth that... and I am betting it would be pretty unrealistic to drive that much... At 40 mpg it equates to $60,000 in gas at an average of $3 per gallon. Just not a realistic scenario to me is all...
12th Sep 2009, 21:45
"I don't think so"
Neither do I. That's why we now drive a Ford Fusion, which is rated higher in reliability than Camry or Accord. Our Honda was one of the most poorly built cars ever. NEVER will we own another Honda.