Re: Pet Peeves?
 

Like I said, "many", NOT all, nor even most, and "Japanese", specifically in quotation marks, meaning a Japanese brand, because it is fairly common knowledge that Honda and Toyota, the two biggest Japanese brands build in the US many (not all) of the vehicles they sell here in the US. Historically a fair number of Mazdas were also built in the US. You are not telling us anything we don't already know, but you are putting a peculiar twist on it. :unsure:

Re: Pet Peeves?
 

:nod:

You need to get a book out of all your top tips. Or a TV show. You could call it 'Just the Tip.'

Re: Pet Peeves?
 

I'm not putting any twist on it, seems every post here has to be shot down by someone.

You stated that there was irony in my peeve, and I was merely pointing out that my peeve had no irony as what you had stated was not in any way relevant to what I'd said.
TBH what is said here on BE is genrally not even close to the accuracy/detail of actual car based forums/clubs that I'm involved in.
My point was simply that those stating they'd buy American made, were buying these products for a '100% built in Japan' car. That is not up for any debate as it is simply a fact.

Another fact is that any Honda enthusiast would agree that the Japanese made vehicles have historically been much better made than their versions built elsewhere.
Hondas are built all over the world now, the US built Civics that we get (in the UK as well) have been the worst.
The UK built cars (mostly Civics and Jazz) are now as good as the previously Japanese built models, the Swindon plant is a very impressive production line.


My original post still stands on it's own merit and nothing will change that.
People that claim something is superior based solely on it's country of manufacture are very blinkered.

Re: Pet Peeves?
 

Agreed, you are correct, .... for cars sourced from Japan. And I was not disputing that.

HOWEVER, when Honda manufactures Accords, Civics, Pilots, Odysseys, and Ridgelines, as well as several Acura models in the US, and Toyota manufactures Corollas, Camrys, Tundras, Tacomas, Avalons, Venzas, Sequoias, Highlanders, and Siennas in the US, I suspect that your "100% built in Japan" scenario now only applies to a minority of those brands, and that the majority of Hondas and Toyotas sold in the US are now built in the US.

Re: Pet Peeves?
 

I know you are responding to Robin, but Anian's post is valid - they were so bad, for so long, that they have lost market confidence. The fact that they may be much better now (which I believe they are) doesn't negate the fact that they have been terrible for so long. Since a car purchase is a major outlay, it's not surprising that people are going to be 'gun shy' for some time. Only when US cars exceed "foreign" brands for some time will this attitude be overcome. It sounds like Robin hasn't even had access to US brands in the past several years, so he can't be expected to have a different opinion.

My last two cars (Acura/Honda) were made in the US, but were built in factories managed/operated by the Japanese, and that seems to make a difference (as measured by quality ratings).

I actually LIKE the look of the new focus - has a sort-of 'Aston Martin' look to the front grill! And the Chevy Volt is very tempting ...

Re: Pet Peeves?
 

Sorry, but I only just saw your post. That is exactly the point I was making. I haven't really had the opportunity to come across American brand cars such as Ford, GM, etc., since the nearest dealerships are fifty or more miles away, no one I know owns an American car, unless they bought an old pre-used one. I certainly didn't in any way, shape or form criticize any domestic brand car. Not sure what filter it is you are using when you read that post. My post wasn't that complex or subtle, it was only a few sentences long ...

Re: Pet Peeves?
 

It certainly does, as I commented here.

Re: Pet Peeves?
 

Oh, really?

How nice.

Re: Pet Peeves?
 

That was deliberate, don't you know ... :p

Re: Pet Peeves?
 

:rofl:

Re: Pet Peeves?
 

That's because they've seen sense and have adopted a worldwide lineup of vehicles.
I don't care where my car was built (even though I work with a die hard VW enthusiast who pays a premium for European VW parts as he swears they are far better quailty), however, if it was designed in America, I'm staying well clear* :rofl:


*Mustang excluded.

Re: Pet Peeves?
 

You can thank ze Germans for the Focus. The only part of it that is American is the shoddy as **** dual transmission which is monumentally shit.

Americans just design shit cars. There's no escaping it. They have absolutely no flair or ability in designing a car that is remotely decent to own or drive.

Re: Pet Peeves?
 

Agreed. The Mustang is excellent, though the interior is crap. Should let your friend know that VW North America has built it's last car in Germany; all Mexico now I believe! The future of the USA GTI isn't even assured yet. *sob*

Re: Pet Peeves?
 

1) keep the kids with you as you unload the groceries. Then have kids tag along as you return the cart to the coral

2) don't have any bloody kids:lol:

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Pet Peeve # 2324
Ice on the driveway

Wish there was some widjet that removed ice that doesn't take much more effort than shoveling fresh snow. Trying to remove ice is very labour intensive.

Re: Pet Peeves?
 

Yes, I've resigned myself to shoveling the snow whenever there's more than an inch of fresh stuff. It just works best. This unfortunately can involve staying up very late or getting up at intervals during the night.

Even with this scheme, our drive and walkway are not completely ice-free, though they're better than some of our neighbours' drives, which have become ice rinks....