Date: 08 Jul 1999 18:17:53 PDT From: Wright TC <wrighttcnopsamentric.net> Subject: Picking your poison
Hi, After a lot of years and a lot of different cars, once again I'm in the market for one. (Plus, I'd like to give my son and daughter a little car-buying wisdom.) Over these many years I have owned the following (not in this order :-), all with their own special appeal and problems: '85 Toyota, '62 Chrysler/Simca (French), '78 and '91 Subaru, Pontiac Bonneville, '57 Chevy, '63 Rambler Classic, '72 Audi 100LS, '60 MGA, '62 Austin-Healy Sprite, '76 Buick Skylark, '74 Saab, VW bug, '91 Mercury, '99 Oldsmobile. Of course, all have had their strengths and weaknesses. But as I consider a next car for my son, I got to thinking: What makes a customer loyal to a particular carmaker? What kind of "reputation" does each one have? Like many here I imagine, I'm pretty independent and practical. I prefer doing my own routine maintenance. I can do brake work, some diagnostics, minor-to-moderate engine work, some electrical stuff. I don't do trannies, though. So.......... *** What do you drive, and why? *** Smooth-shifting tranny? Power? Handling? Fuel economy? Comfort? Image? Fun-value? Ease of performing basic maintenance? Resale value? Customer service? I'd appreciate any thoughtful responses. (No need to post to the group if you don't want to. Private e-mail is fine.) Thanks for your time, and I am looking forward to your responses. Regards, David Wright