Buying American is it really worth it?

[Ronin13]

Nice chart Ashton... I knew that the Spartanburg BMW plant put out the X-SUVs, they used to make the Z3 and Z4 there as well- except for one caveat, the engines are designed, built and then shipped from Bavaria, Germany, keeping the German "soul" of BMWs assembled here. For the record- when it comes to most things I do try to be patriotic and buy American- my AR, shotgun, and Sig (sort of, N.H. plant but German-ish company) are all American, my 1911 is made in Brazil (Springfield), my AK is from Romania, and my Glock is from Austria. Sure I drive a German car, but most of what I buy, weather it's made here or elsewhere, I buy from American retailers and distributors, thus paying American wages. But I don't need to proudly display that I "only buy 'Merican," I feel I've done enough for my country and don't need to justify to anyone my level of patriotism.

[Zundfolge]

I buy the best I can afford.

For most manufactured goods made since the early 1970s that means you're not buying American.

That said I drive an "American" made Chrysler (I put American in scare quotes because it's actually made in Mexico). But honestly if I didn't have an extremely frugal wife I'd probably drive nothing but German cars (and old ones at that).

As for buying American being some sort of patriotic duty, that's bushwah ... buying American made products more often than not lines the pockets of some Marxist labor union that ends up sending the profits to the Democrats and I can't think of anything more un-american than that.

[MED]

my Honda has over 255k in the last three years it has needed a battery and front pads

my gmc has 132k on it since October it has needed
pads
rotors
calipers
hubs
water pump
thermostat
plugs
wires
coil
front diff
transfer case switch
front axle actuator

plus it leaks every fluid it has in it
(I still love my truck)

my ex girlfriend owned a 07 elantra she bought the car new when I met her it had 60k on it I beat the shit out of it for another 20k one day I asked when she had last changed the oil.....she hadn't she was under the assumption it was supposed to be changed at 100k you should have seen the sludge that came out of it....that car is still running around today just fine it's like a fucking ak47

we will only buy Japanese or Korean for our daily drivers they are built far superior to American and German.....and at the end of the day isn't that what capitalism is about? the best stuff does well the junk dissent?

My brother's '95 4Runner:

He did the maintenance at 90k (timing belt and water pump) brakes and shocks + all the factory required maintenance intervals.

At 133K, two cylinders were dead. I am the one who pulled the heads...two burnt valves. The machinist mentioned that my brother was one of the lucky ones...usually the heads are cracked on this 3.0 POS.

I also did the timing belt, water pump, clutch, and CV shaft that was trashed.

Not to mention that the company didn't put a strong enough blower in the vehicle to actually defrost the entire front windshield. All four 4Runners that my brother owned 90, 92, 94, and 95 could only defrost half the front windshield.

Yep, great vehicle!

[asmo]

I have owned a total of 8 Jeeps in the last 20 years. Then I bought an Audi... and now I have a Toyota..

I'm never going back to Jeep ever again. HORRIBLE service in Colorado and they were always broken down.

The Audi I absolutly loved -- while it was in warranty. But as soon it was out of warranty everything was 1k or more to fix and it had to be done RIGHT NOW OR EVERYONE WILL DIE A HORRIBLE PAINFUL DISEASE..

With the Toyota everything just works. Runs great. No issues with service -- and the resale value its awesome.

[DD977GM2]

I have stopped the whole buy American thing since when I buy something I want quality and do not want to
waste my money. Most "American" companys have their shit made elsewhere and put the made in America label.

[HBARleatherneck]

delete

[Marlin]

I'll never buy another "new" GM product ever again. And it has nothing to do with "quality".

[griebel303]

The Audi I absolutly loved -- while it was in warranty. But as soon it was out of warranty everything was 1k or more to fix and it had to be done RIGHT NOW OR EVERYONE WILL DIE A HORRIBLE PAINFUL DISEASE..

This. I made the mistake of buying an audi a few years ago. It is great until the warranty expires and then it is just stupid to repair. Needless to say I will be making the switch away from this "wonderful" german car this year. I will be looking for a Tundra or a Ram 1500 in its place.

[Ghosty]

Toyotas are awesome... They assumed people would keep buying them and their quality went down hill as they cut corners or stopped innovating. It doesn't mean I'll never buy "American", just not until they can offer the same value/quality product that these other companies are putting out there.

The big 3 burned alot of bridges in the late 70's and 80's when they made cars that were mostly crap...I don't understand the Korean car love, but I will say I've been tempted by them - lots of features at a low price and they're assembled in Alabama.

My thoughts pretty much. As for Hyundai/Kia, the new Optima is sick, amazing car loaded with features, and is a very nice looking sedan, for CHEAP.

Ford HAS indeed been stepping up to compete. I'm very impressed by the latest Explorer and Fusion, they're some badass looking vehicles with all the bells & whistles.

[two shoes]

This. I made the mistake of buying an audi a few years ago. It is great until the warranty expires and then it is just stupid to repair. Needless to say I will be making the switch away from this "wonderful" german car this year. I will be looking for a Tundra or a Ram 1500 in its place.