General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsCars/trucks I would never, ever buy
1. Anything GM. I had to once rent a GM at an airport and the embarrassment was killing me. One guy asks me at a store how I like my Malibu. I had to explain it's not mine, but a rental. He walked away, probably to his Cadillac or Buick. Probably owned a Vega in the '70s. Not a Pinto guy.
2. Toyota. Just don't like them. Cheap metal and not even close to Nissan. If you want a Corolla, please go see a doctor first and get some meds. Let's Go Places? As far away from any Toyota dealer is my response. I went to high school in Japan and never thought their products were worth 100 yen.
3. Lincoln. I'm not 80 years old, yet. and don't drive a limo. Who buys this crap?
4. Charger or Challenger. Please stop selling muscle cars to us. Starsky and Hutch was horrible, almost at bad as the Dukes of Hazard.
5. VW bus now. No former Hippie would be caught dead in one of these. I'm not sure what VW product I would own today, especially since the EOS is gone and the Passat is overpriced.
6. Honda. Great mowers or generators but shit cars in my view. A starter for a college coed grad who majored in History and is now working at Burger King.
7. KIA. It means Killed in Action in the Army. It's also MIA at my house.
8. SAAB or Yugo. Well, don't worry as they are basically done.
9. Jeep Compass. This is not a Wrangler but another example of a college grad going on a budget and trying to look cool. It's not cool, it's chilly and the last time I looked, chilly ain't cool.
10. Subaru Forrester. Great for two friends going to ski and a dog is in the back. But it's not an Outback, mate. Most popular car in Boulder, Colo., for years. Folks in Iowa rural areas never see one because they buy American. OK, keep farming and leave cars to us.
Enter stage left
(3,760 posts)I just saw an ad for a 71 Pinto with slight rust problems, and a leaky gas tank. Maybe you'd be interested in that?
jalan48
(14,266 posts)ProfessorGAC
(69,352 posts)...it also might have Firestone 500 tires!
Meowmee
(5,185 posts)chicoescuela
(1,485 posts)I will buy another if I need to.
hamsterjill
(15,440 posts)Weve never had any issues with GM products. We do maintain the vehicles and do what is reasonable and necessary to keep them in good shape.
JCMach1
(27,926 posts)I sold it with 350K miles and was still going strong for years after I sold it. I would see it around town.
chicoescuela
(1,485 posts)Lancero
(3,088 posts)Damn thing turned into a animal magnet. Engine doesn't care one bit, everything else... Well hey, look at how good that engine runs.
multigraincracker
(33,845 posts)of the week they were built.
hardluck
(678 posts)Zeitghost
(4,259 posts)I was looking at them seriously when I bought my Jeep, but the only ones in my price range had a lot of miles (although they do last forever) and for my intended use, the upgrades were too expensive (suspension, steering, etc.). I would still love to have one someday, but Mrs. Zeitghost limits me to one hobby vehicle.
hardluck
(678 posts)I have two Land Cruisers - a 1994 FZJ80 and a 2013 200 series. The 80 is just a beast - last of the solid front axle Land Cruisers in the states. It has front and rear lockers, winch, ham radio, etc. and is our go to offroad vehicle.
The 200 series is much more a luxury vehicle and you're right, it would require some upgrades to get it where I would want it to be for some of the off-roading I do.
I'd love to import a 70 series Troopy at some point but I just can't justify the expense now. Some day though!
Which Jeep did you end up getting?
Zeitghost
(4,259 posts)I've got an 2007 Rubicon Unlimited. I put in a full suspension upgrade, steering, RCV axles, winch, cb and ham radios. Looking to install a dual battery setup and a few other things to make me fully self sufficient. It's a bit overbuilt for my use but I know she'll get me home.
jmowreader
(51,292 posts)But you're right - quit selling us muscle cars.
EX500rider
(11,398 posts)People buy muscle cars.
If nobody wanted them they wouldn't make them
MarineCombatEngineer
(14,293 posts)of days gone by.
Hotler
(11,942 posts)Some Old Ford.
MarineCombatEngineer
(14,293 posts)That thing sounded like it has one hell of a cam in it, the way the engine lopes at idle is a dead giveaway.
Those old muscle cars didn't handle worth a crap, they never passed a gas station they didn't like and they were pollution machines, but there's nothing like the sound of those engines going down the road.
Alot of people are taking these old muscle cars and upgrading them with modern V8 engines and modern suspension but keeping the original style of the car, which is very cool and will turn a lot of heads as they go down the road.
hamsterjill
(15,440 posts)Just souped up with racing stripes.
jmowreader
(51,292 posts)The story line was that it was Starskys own car. Hutch had an old shitbox Galaxie 500 theyd use sometimes.
Zeitghost
(4,259 posts)I love my civic hatch. With a few basic suspension mods it handles like a go cart and the 1.5 turbo is fun when spooled up and gets 40 mpg when you stay off the skinny pedal.
But I have my own list so who am I to argue?
My list: anything with an automatic transmission, especially a CVT.
EX500rider
(11,398 posts)mitch96
(14,538 posts)Got a Mazda with a real live 6 speed auto.. works fine....I was just wondering if this guy really owned or drove any of these cars and or is he just joking/trolling us??
m
Hekate
(94,107 posts)NotASurfer
(2,303 posts)Initech
(101,485 posts)I test drove a Kia K5 and almost bought it, I got a better deal with Subaru though.
sarcasmo
(23,968 posts)EX500rider
(11,398 posts)😁
BlueWaveNeverEnd
(9,950 posts)i have a Corolla...super reliable. 13 years without any major problems.
Wicked Blue
(6,514 posts)My brother worked at a Toyota parts counter when we were looking for a car. He told me to get a Corolla because they almost never saw one having repairs.
We got a Corolla and loved it. It ran for years, until I gave it to my brother and he totaled it.
Right now we own a 2005 Toyota Matrix with about 188K miles, a 2005 Corolla with 89K miles, and a 2013 Prius V with about 87K miles. Knock on wood, but no major problems so far.
When the kids were getting into their teens we made the mistake of buying a Dodge Caravan. The thing was pure garbage. We went through FIVE automatic transmissions on it. One time the trans quit in the middle of the Delaware Memorial Bridge while it was snowing.
Mr.Bill
(24,695 posts)I leased the first two, this one I bought. Completely trouble-free and over 40 mpg on the highway, 35 mpg average.
I did own one Corolla, an '02. A car where every pert was obviously made by the lowest bidder. I owned an '09 Camry which I put over 100K miles on. Pretty trouble free, but seven recalls, none of which had caused any failure on my car, but living 50 miles from the nearest dealer meant a lot of trips that were inconvenient just to have things checked.
Worst new car I ever owned was a '95 Jeep Cherokee. Many mechanical failures during the 80K miles I owned it. My first and last Chrysler product.
Initech
(101,485 posts)I almost got a third but decided to get something different this time. I'm really interested in the Nissan Airiya. That car looks like one of the better EVs on the road!
Initech
(101,485 posts)BlackSkimmer
(51,308 posts)I had to giggle about the Subaru. First time I saw one was in Iowa.
I own an Outback now (bought in NC), and it's a great car. Fantastic in the snow or mud.
Initech
(101,485 posts)Had a couple of problems in the beginning (mainly with navigation system related stuff) but now that I got those ironed out its been smooth sailing so far.
flvegan
(64,554 posts)Interesting list. I respect any enthusiast's opinion when it comes to cars, so I'm not going to pick apart your list. Your list is your list, your reasons are your reasons. I'm more curious about what you would/did buy.
The only thing I'll disagree with you here is, "Please stop selling muscle cars" No. Please don't. And I'm loving watching the evolution of "no replacement for displacement" from ICE to hybrid/electric, even if they don't sound like a Hellcat.
*not an insult, fellow car snob here
Eddie18
(55 posts)Olds Cutlass ... power steering went out 35 miles off dealer lot
3 VW Beetles
Infinity
Several BMWs ... currently have a 2021 430i convertible
2022 Jeep Wrangler 4XE ... PHEV
Mercedes ... several
1965 Studebaker Cruiser with column shift
K car, Plymouth Reliant
Toyota Tercel ... junk
The list goes on incl. several pickups
Arthur_Frain
(2,104 posts)I had a 1990 Jeep Wrangler.
It was, at the same time, the funnest, and mechanically, the worst vehicle I have ever owned.
Figured you had a jeep in ther somewhere after dissing the Liberty. Which is what I do.
madinmaryland
(65,118 posts)bif
(23,773 posts)One of the best cars I've ever owned.
Celerity
(46,154 posts)Just two examples:
Saab Automobile has been defunct for ages.
The last cars they made (Saab 9-5, Saab 9-4X) were around 11 and a half, 12 years ago, other than a small, small number of EVs (Chinese made, Saab branded, known as as NEVS) in 2013/14
Yugo last made a car in 2008.
Saab 9-5 (last made in early 2011 as a 2012 model)
Saab 9-4X (last made in late 2011 as a 2012 model)
BlackSkimmer
(51,308 posts)I found the list a bit off, but it seemed to me that it was one of those things you see on FB every now and then.
NowISeetheLight
(3,991 posts)I still see Saab on the road occasionally. I always wonder where they get parts when they break.
maxsolomon
(34,876 posts)I had, maybe 15 years ago, a 1973 BMW Bavaria (look it up, precursor to the 5 Series) as my daily driver. The windshield cracked, and I found a replacement within a week.
Lancero
(3,088 posts)NowISeetheLight
(3,991 posts)I knew someone with a Saturn a few years ago around 2018. Despite being GM he was having trouble getting some repairs done timely. I had an 04 Saleen Mustang I sold in 2020 after having to stop working. It was a show car and was stored in my garage. Mice or something got into it and chewed up some wires relating to the fuel system. The Ford dealer had to basically jury-rig something because the part wasnt available anywhere.
LudwigPastorius
(10,575 posts)Do restaurants you would never eat at next!
EarthFirst
(3,056 posts)Chakaconcarne
(2,717 posts)Eddie18
(55 posts)IHOP
Waffle House
Cracker Barrel
Dennys
Carl's
Outback
I could go on ...
newdayneeded
(2,431 posts)Now Cracker Barrel!!1!1!11!
I'm afraid to tell you what kind of boat I own.
Eddie18
(55 posts)I've owned two Sea Rays and a Ranger Tug R27. treaded water in Florida and Puget Sound.
Meowmee
(5,185 posts)BumRushDaShow
(140,314 posts)(my godmother, who would have been in her 90s now, actually had that limited edition Gran Torino with the stripe )
Wounded Bear
(60,398 posts)sanatanadharma
(4,050 posts)... The list does not include the Chrysler PT Cruiser.
Initech
(101,485 posts)Both were rentals, naturally. The PT Cruiser drove like a shopping cart with a barely functioning motor attached to it.
retread
(3,815 posts)panader0
(25,816 posts)It's runs great and can haul whatever you want. Poor mileage however.
Also a 1995 Buick Century. It too runs great and is a real zoomer. 25 mpg.
Chakaconcarne
(2,717 posts)and they keep their value...compared to a nissan? (Guess I should have gone to high school in Japan?)
Same goes for Hondas...
Not sure what your expertise on cars is, but I'm not seeing any solid justifications/explanations for your dislikes.
That is my opinion.
We know what you won't buy; what would you buy?
JCMach1
(27,926 posts)MarineCombatEngineer
(14,293 posts)To what purpose did you start this thread?
Why tell us what vehicles you don't like?
Eddie18
(55 posts)Just to take a break from politics, which I love.
Just having fun as winter hangs on and want to get outside more.
Enjoy the ride
MarineCombatEngineer
(14,293 posts)Have a great day.
jcgoldie
(11,934 posts)Mosby
(17,238 posts)Peacetrain
(23,584 posts)BannonsLiver
(17,647 posts)WarGamer
(14,861 posts)Had maybe 18k on the clock...
It was a third car in the house, better mpg than my car and planned to make it my sons car in a few years.
So it's a decent car and a few years later, BOOM one day driving a huge cloud appears and the engine explodes at 80k miles.
So I break down the engine and take a look. Pop the head off and one piston was literally missing. A remnant of a con-rod in th ehole and that's it... oh and a hole in the block.
Eventually found out that that engine had a bad reputation for dropping valve seals on top of pistons.
It was never recalled. Ford never owned up to the failures. It was out of warranty...
And I couldn't even put a new engine in it because so many of those died... the replacement engines were hard to find and $$$
Any car built after maybe... 1990 should last 100k miles at a minimum.
I had a 93 Civic that went 200k
I still have a 12 Prius with 270k
Was tempted to shop the new Ford Bronco but sure enough, the first year produced lemons with engine issues and hard top problems.
Junk... just junk. I'll pass on the Blue Oval.
If I had to take a new car or truck off the dealer lot and 100% HAD TO arrive in Miami Florida in a week... no breakdowns, no issues...
There's nothing better than a 3rd Generation Toyota Tacoma with the 2.7 I4 and 6AT trans.
Scrivener7
(52,281 posts)Silent3
(15,909 posts)Arthur_Frain
(2,104 posts)At 240,000 miles its the most economical truck I could ever own. (My) money well spent.
Oh and Id like a Forrester too instead of an Outback. Quieter ride dont cha know?
Seriously, thats kind of a hostile OP youve got there, somebody piss in your cornflakes this morning ?
Skittles
(157,747 posts)this really comes off as somewhat.....well, snobbish, ya know? OK, not somewhat. COMPLETELY.
newdayneeded
(2,431 posts)I just got done eating a sub from subway. Could you give all of us a top 8 list of subs you hate from there?
Eddie18
(55 posts)The cars thread was meant to be fun and invoke conversation, not defensive posturing. For your delectation, I like a lot of cars and trucks, just not some. Doesn't mean they don't work for you, of course. If you want to live in a Red State and own a Chevy, go for it. If you live in a Blue state and own a Volvo, I would argue you're on a winning streak. If you live in the United States, you are free to share your opinion unless you live in Florida, which is similar to Jonestown. Thanks for all the comments, and, lighten up, folks.
milestogo
(17,267 posts)You're smoking some crazy shit.
littleredhen
(20 posts)I ask because it seems extremely odd. Almost like one of those click bait articles.
That said though, we own 2 Foresters. We chose them because of the leg room compared to the Outback. I haul more people than packages. Either would be great for 2 people and a dog..
maxsolomon
(34,876 posts)Honda and Toyota are extremely reliable, but staid.
You forgot to bag on Mini. I have one; they deserve it.
JCMach1
(27,926 posts)Held on to the money for our totaled vehicle for almost a year. We also received a settlement from Toyota for discriminatory loan practices. So yeah, f&$k Toyota.
ecstatic
(34,197 posts)the most solid and reliable car on the market. He said their warranty was amazing and he rarely if ever tows them. Like I said, that was quite a while ago so I don't know if that's still the case. I will say that KIA really had an amazing turn around since when they debuted (I think in the late 90s?).
Charger or Challenger - Sexy but old news. Also, there are too many on the road and the cops around here will pull you over at least once every few months.
Toyota - Boring and way too many of them in my neck of the woods. I like to be somewhat unique.
Regarding Lincolns, I've always associated it with my grandparents, but lately the MKX is looking pretty good. I'm just afraid to take the plunge at this point. I've never had an American car and I've heard horrible things about how Ford nickels and dimes owners.
Jeeps are nice looking but I'm completely overwhelmed by all the models and trims. Too many options, too confusing.
Subarus / SAAB - boring and ugly.
VW and Volvo - Starting to have nice looking SUVs over the past 5 years. It would really be unique around here but I just haven't looked into it and I still have a lot of stereotypes in my mind about Volvo owners. I've never met a volvo owner IRL.
Personally I've been leasing Acuras (Hondas) for the past 10+ years and it's been OK so far. Of course, you never really know what will happen once you pass the 3 year mark. lol
hatrack
(60,549 posts)TOKYOSaying it was simply time for drivers to move on, Toyota Motor Corp. issued a recall of its entire 1993 Camry model line Wednesday due to the fact that its owners really should have bought something new by now. We understand that the 1993 Camry was tremendously dependable, but, honestly, theres just no excuse for driving a 22-year-old car at this point, said Toyota spokesman Haruki Kinoshita, adding that, with all the advances in automotive technology that have taken place, no one really had any business driving a vehicle for more than two decades. Were not saying you have to buy a new 2015 Camry or splurge on a flashy new hybrid, or even that your new car has to be a Toyota at all. But the bottom line is that you need to start fresh, however you choose to do so. While Toyota is reportedly confining its recall to the 1993 Camry, it also issued a warning to owners of 1994 to 1998 models alerting them to the fact that they were really starting to push it.
https://www.theonion.com/toyota-recalls-1993-camry-due-to-fact-that-owners-reall-1819577805
moonscape
(5,261 posts)it was just a year before this piece, in 2014, that I sold my 1989 single-owner Camry LE for 1k and bought a new Mercedes. Well, not new, but broken in with 7k miles on odometer. I swear, if the Camry hadnt started a slide into money-pit territory Id probably still be driving it. 25 years is a helluva ride.
Hekate
(94,107 posts)I do my shopping in Consumer Reports, and my check list is reliability, mileage, durability, safety, and cost, not necessarily in that order.
We had a Toyota Tercel that lasted 24 years. I bought it when I was a single mom with two toddlers, and took money from my savings to pay cash for it. The Nissan Sentra actually felt more comfortable, but the dealer lied to me about the new paint inside the trunk, so while he was talking to his manager, I walked. That Tercel hatchback was great.
My husband and I got a Toyota Camry wagon that is still in our driveway at age 30. He took over the Tercel when we got the Camry. The Camry does look its age now, but hubby recently spent $400 to get everything tuned up right, and it will still be good for the minimal driving he now does around town. I drove it for 15 years and loved how it worked. I very much wanted to replace it with the exact same thing, but they dont make them anymore.
Our new car is going on 16 and is a Honda Accord. I dont love it as much as I loved the Camry, as its a sedan. Turns out I really like hatchbacks and wagons because you can carry anything you want in the back. However, at my age, this is likely my last car. I fully expect it has another 10 or 15 years in it.
Reliability, mileage, durability, safety, and cost. From the first car I bought used to the present, its been Toyotas or Hondas, and they have served me well, bought new and paid for up front.
I dont know what kind of rarified transportation you want, because nothing seems to please you. At least your organic sandals will have a small carbon footprint.
canetoad
(18,017 posts)Be parked in one of the recreation groups?