Sorry, Detroit. You lost me

I will never, ever, ever, ever, ever buy a car from an American car company again.

The quality of their product is lousy at best.

 

So the guy came out this morning ready to fix my car. I get in to show him what's wrong. "So, the car starts, but then this light comes on and it won't shift out of -- " and suddenly, I'm in reverse.

Nice.

But then the "Coolant Level Low" warning comes on, and the traction control won't turn on, and the passenger air bag warning light is on.

So it's at the dealer now, which reminds me that the warranty (and roadside assistance, free loaner, etc.) is the only advantage of buying a car new (and even at that, it's a dubious advantage). But the other reason I buy new cars is so this very thing won't happen.

I'm 2.5 hours late to work, I had to cancel a meeting (which allows me time to post here!) and I'm not driving my car -- which, up to today, I absolutely loved.

I'm a computer guy. I know enough about supporting software systems to know that I'd prefer to NOT have one running my car, unless I have access to the Ctrl-Alt-Delete key.

 

That's pretty fucking funny.

 

I have more than 400,000 miles on one vehicle and more than 200,000 on the other. The combined maintenance costs on the two combined are (so far) way less than a monthly payment on a new one.

Both are Chevys.

To be fair to the thread title, though, one was assembled in Wisconsin and the other in Louisiana.

 

Sorry about your onboard computer. I agree that Toyota and Honda dealers treat you like crap, by the way -- especially Honda.

They act like they are doing you a favor waiting on you.

 

Had some minor woes with the Explorer.
Went to the Ford dealer because the driver's side door lock stopped working. New motor for it, $65, labor $250.
I asked how much to change a lightbulb in the dashboard, $300.
The rear window wiper never worked right, the blade didn't hit the window all the way around around, then got stuck between the body and window, blurning out the motor. Ford wanted $400 for that.
So my tab was going to be over $1,000 for nothing that had anything to do with keeping the truck runnning.
I had to get the door lock fixed, but passed on the lightbulb and the rear wiper.

 

I guess I'm surprised by the Honda dealership woes. I've never had any problems with them. I would think it would depend on the individual dealer, not the brand anyways.

 

That's why.

 

I drive a Toyota Highlander. Love it.

The only American car I've ever had was a Jeep Grandwagoneer, with the fake wood and a V6 engine. I miss that thing almost daily. But I'm glad I'm not having to keep gas in it anymore.

I may go back for another Jeep one day, but I doubt it.

 

John, the car I miss most is the 1972 Jeep Grand Wagoneer I bought in 1990.

I loved that thing, even though it didn't have the faux wood. I was devestated when it was totalled seven years later. I curse that woman who pulled out in front of me (I had the right of way) every single time I see a Wagoneer.

I've not had anything but Jeeps since then. Two Cherokees and now a Wrangler, I'll never buy anything but Jeeps.

 

If you want a "new" Grand Wagoneer...

http://wagonmaster.com/