by SirTrixMagoo » Sat Oct 20, 2007 11:19 am
I would have to argue on the mileage. The old "100k lifespan" mentality is long since gone since the early '80s. Toyota, Honda, and a handful of other manufacturers completely destroyed the 100k lifespan. It's funny that people say things like "high mileage" about an import over 50k. Not to create any enemies, but... it's not a Ford, Dodge, or Chevy! It's hard to comprehend how one manufacturer can make a car that lasts almost 3 to 4 times as long as another, but there are differences in engineering, manufacturing, and material quality that play a major factor in doing so. It's not a myth!
I don't mean to sound like I'm attacking you, I'm not. It's just a sore topic. People say things like, "I know Toyota is a good car, but ..." and then they fall right back into that '60-'70s American car mentality! I challenge anyone to talk to a Automotive Technician and ask them what, in there experience, should be the expected trouble free life of an import, given it is properly maintained.... you will NEVER hear anything less that 200k! And you're more likely hear 300k+!!!
Try this... go to a used car lot, drive a 5yr old american car, then an import... both with similar mileage. Even as a "regular joe" driver you can tell the difference in quality in the interior materials alone!.... let alone the rest of the mechanical difference. That import is going to be almost identical to the day it was born... you won't be able to say the same about the american car.... And that's after ONLY 5 YEARS!
Anyway, I feel like I've made my point. I hope I didn't offend anyone or start a huge debate. That was just something I needed to get off my chest, and hopefully I've changed the perspective of a few of you who read this the next time you think about the lifespan of an import.