Japanese or American?. Review on General Tips on Buying a Car

Well, this is slowly becoming an age old question in the US. Should I buy a Japanese or an American make? Though, others, like European and Korean, do exist in the US market, otherwise dominated by Japanese and American auto brands, they are however, most of the time, second choices.

So, what do I buy/lease?

For most Indians(almost all influenced by friends and relatives) only Japanese know how to make cars, or to be specific, only Toyota and Honda.

So when the time came for me to buy a car, well, expectedly, everyone recommended a Camry or an Accord. Out of curiosity I asked my well wishers, any specific reason for the recommendations?

1) We own it, no problems to date.

Does that matter? Just because you own it, should every Tom and Harry you know buy it? And if you service and maintain a car regularly, the'problem' part should not be a problem at all(unless you are a reckless driver).

2) Excellent quality

On inquiring what do you look in terms of quality in the car, I drew dumb looks and little bursts of well, look at the engine, the muffler, the material. Almost 80% of the people I asked just bought the cars because their friends in turn told them that Japanese cars have better quality. Quality is synonymous with long life in the Indian mind(most I've met). Damn the squeaks and rattles, as long as it runs forever, it is good quality.

3) They run forever, 100K miles

Yeah! I do plan to drive a lot. And I think proper maintenance and service keeps the car running. Not the fact that its a Japanese, American or Korean.

4) Excellent resale value.

Well, they have a good resale value. Well, then people might obviously be selling them off after a few years, rite? To my surprise, the answer I got was - why sell them? They run forever, rite!(Well, duh! Then why talk of resale value in the first place)

Anyways, opinions might defer, but things you need to look when buying a car according to me are:

1) Riding comfort and related specs

You need to get the feel of your vehicle to really enjoy the ride. Always test your car for the comfort - the squeaks and rattles(if any), the bumps etc it withstands. Does it under/over steer? Are the brake pedals too hard? Are the seats comfortable? Are the controls easily operable? Heat / A/c, stereo system, back passenger comfort(if it matters), trunk space, trim(leather/cloth), legroom, are other key variables.

2) Mileage

And I mean gas mileage. Most V6's are guzzlers. But there are few that are powerful but very economical as well. But if you don't need all that power, then a 4-cylinder is more than sufficient and economical.

3) Service

When you go to buy your car, see the service options available with your dealer. Many people ignore this aspect of car buying. Carefully choose your service plans. Dealers might tend to rip you off on these. Automobile companies rate dealers for their service. Get hold of those ratings and then visit the ones that are rated favorably.

4) Price

Sometimes this is the most important factor. Varies from person to person but today there are so many options like financing and lease, any choice you make tends to be affordable. Remember, you CAN bargain your price(including APR).

And I'm sure there are many more factors that should help shape up your decision.

So if you are planning to buy a vehicle, don't rule out American, Korean or European brands for a Japanese, just because your friend said so. Remember, you are the one behind the steering. So, its your choice that matters.

Choose with prudence and drive safely!

And oh yes! I finally bought an American make! And believe me, no regrets what so ever!

Happy motoring!