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Ameri-Guilt

Discussion in '4 Cylinder' started by ludlow, Dec 28, 2008.

  1. Dec 28, 2008 at 7:12 PM
    #1
    ludlow

    ludlow [OP] Active Member

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    The most recent situation with the US manufacturers have got me thinking. I'm considering trading in my 08 Tacoma AC 4x4 SR5 2.7l for something "American". I will qualify this by saying I have owned many, many new vehicles over the years, including a run of GM and Ford trucks and cars from about 1991 through 2001, but always felt the quality lacking compared to Yotas and Hondas. My first new vehicle was a 1985 Toyota Truck that was abused beyond belief but served me for well over 160k miles. I am fully aware of both sides of the arguments, however, I live in the rust belt and many of my neighbors are UAW folks who will not even talk to me because of my foreign brand. Not that I care much, I'm a bit of a piss-off, but all the same if it comes down to owning something that will aid the national good, I may consider the move. Our other vehicle is an 05 Sienna we bought used.

    My dilema is, take on more debt (not ideal considering the current economical environment) to help out our nation's auto manufacturers, and possibly win over some of my neighbors, or keep on keeping on with my "actually assembled in American truck and van", which I will submit me to minimal problems an provide prolonged service. I believe the "Merican vehicles are much better than in the past, but this patriotism will come at a cost (about 12 more months of debt).

    A back story to this whole thing is, my boat is right at the towing limits of my truck and van, and we are considering a purchasing a camper in the next three years that would be beyond our current vehicles' towing capabilities.

    So in short, do I buckle up for Budrow (sp) and buckle up for Blank and buy 'Merican or do I sit tight, pay off Taco and then pick up a tow vehicle in the next coupla' years? What say ye?
     
  2. Dec 28, 2008 at 7:18 PM
    #2
    brianr

    brianr go shit in your hat

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    BUILT, not bought...
    Keep what you got. Dont buy something because your neighboors make you feel guilty.

    Wait a few years, and hopefully the big 3 will have a better product.
     
  3. Dec 28, 2008 at 7:20 PM
    #3
    fireturk41

    fireturk41 I like to break shit!

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    go with yotas all the way

    toyota has more factories in the us than american companies=more jobs for the common folk and more money bein passed around

    toyotas factories are mainly in the south, and without unionised labor

    when we are nuked the only things left to survive will be cockroaches, and toyota engines
     
  4. Dec 28, 2008 at 7:21 PM
    #4
    Cobra69

    Cobra69 Well-Known Member

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    Keep the toyota and buy yourself a set of airbags to handle the extra weight for towing.
     
  5. Dec 28, 2008 at 7:21 PM
    #5
    TRD4x4858

    TRD4x4858 Taco Traitor!

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    BONE STOCK! lol
    The only good thing about buying a domestic right now is that there dirt cheap and if you get a dodge you get a lifetime powertrain warranty but like brianr said, dont go buy one out of guilt
     
  6. Dec 28, 2008 at 7:29 PM
    #6
    chris4x4

    chris4x4 With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine. Moderator

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    I researched this in depth a while back. I have found that Almost 70% more money stays in the US when buying a US made Toyota vs. one of the big 3. Ford had the lowest amount of money that stayed in the US, followed by Dodge, and Chevy. Ford and Dodge frames are made in Mexico. Toyota frames are made in the USA by Dana Corp. Just an example.
     
  7. Dec 28, 2008 at 7:33 PM
    #7
    TRD4x4858

    TRD4x4858 Taco Traitor!

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    BONE STOCK! lol
    I know Dodge and Toyota put there trucks together in out here in Tj
     
  8. Dec 28, 2008 at 7:50 PM
    #8
    ludlow

    ludlow [OP] Active Member

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    I guess, I should clarify, no person is guilting me into doing anything. I served my country for six years so others could have their freedoms and I feel this more than entitles me to buying whatever the hell I choose. The question in general is, should we choose to buy big three? I don't care what the neighbors say, but if I am going to buy something, would it make sense to buy big three vs. Yota vs. do I need to buy anything at all within the next 12 months.
     
  9. Dec 28, 2008 at 7:52 PM
    #9
    TRD4x4858

    TRD4x4858 Taco Traitor!

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    BONE STOCK! lol
    If your gonna be towing alot I would look into getting a full size truck
     
  10. Dec 28, 2008 at 7:53 PM
    #10
    ludlow

    ludlow [OP] Active Member

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    I would also add, should I keep the current truck or is it worth the cash/debt to get a DC 4x4 Taco with the towing package?
     
  11. Dec 28, 2008 at 7:57 PM
    #11
    Packman73

    Packman73 ^^^^ 3%er ^^^^

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    The big three are the guilty ones.
     
  12. Dec 28, 2008 at 8:05 PM
    #12
    stevigee

    stevigee It's a MOD, MOD World

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    Man, this is a tough one, but I do feel your pain as should all Americans. I think American auto makers have been selling us low quailty autos out of greed and now want us to cry for them like its our duty. They seen the writing on the walls long ago but decided to look the other way. Yes, I feel sorry for all workers in the auto business but something has to change. I have worked for corporate america in a manufacturing plant for 25 years and have seen many ups and downs. The problem is we must change if we want to compete with the rest of the world. There are no free rides and we must be smart and willing to make quailty #1. The auto companys are arrogant and have not changed they must build quailty autos thats the bottom line. I also struggled with buying a American made auto when I bought my truck in June but concluded that at least the Japanese autos are built in America and they are good quailty. You are the only one who can make this decision and I say do what makes you sleep good at night. God bless America
     
  13. Dec 28, 2008 at 8:15 PM
    #13
    Delmarva

    Delmarva Mayor of TW

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    It's the wife's T4R so it's stock
    I feel like your logic is pretty screwed.... Why should you buy a Ford/GM/Dodge if the quality is poor?

    Free markets -- the big 3 are in trouble because of their poor quality. Why have guilt over that? If you sell crap, you'll go out of business. Somebody else will come along and sell a similar product to replace you.

    And while you're at it, ask your neighbors why their non-UAW counterparts can build a better product without the union and slightly lower wages... (saving their employer money and saving their jobs)
     
  14. Dec 28, 2008 at 8:22 PM
    #14
    genxer36

    genxer36 Lord of Tomfoolery

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  15. Dec 28, 2008 at 8:29 PM
    #15
    Delmarva

    Delmarva Mayor of TW

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    It's the wife's T4R so it's stock
    more fuel to the fire for me... I hate unions... I wrote a pretty nasty anti-union paper in an HRM class in college -- got an A... :D

    Unions only look out for themselves -- not to ensure the company has a future so it can continue employment. Unions are a business -- not a charitable organization... they make money too (it comes from union dues out of paychecks).
     
  16. Dec 28, 2008 at 8:29 PM
    #16
    Simon's Mom

    Simon's Mom Wag More Bark Less

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    Stock for now
    Sell your 2008 outright and buy a vehicle which meets the needs of your current (boat) and projected (camper) towing needs. The market is flooded with more than capable trucks that can tow & there are plenty of deals to be had especially with cash in hand & no truck to trade-in. Tundras, Rams, Heavy Duty Fords & GMs, you can have your pick.
     
  17. Dec 28, 2008 at 8:38 PM
    #17
    genxer36

    genxer36 Lord of Tomfoolery

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    Exactly! I have not seen anything good from a union. I had alot of friends loose their jobs & retirement from Eastern Airlines. Due to the Union!
     
  18. Dec 28, 2008 at 8:51 PM
    #18
    longbow

    longbow I see you now..................

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    I in no way feel sorry for the big three or the union. I started taking crap from people back in 86 when I bought my first Toyota truck. They kept saying they were junk and the company would never last.

    And look what is going on now, if you decide to trade, sell, make sure you do it for the reasons needed. Towing a boat, camper, etc and what will work for you. I would stick with what you got, or upgrade the model.

    Now to hi-jack a little, where at in central Indiana? Greenwood here... :)
     
  19. Dec 29, 2008 at 5:23 AM
    #19
    ludlow

    ludlow [OP] Active Member

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    Live in New Palestine, work in downtown Indy.
     
  20. Dec 29, 2008 at 6:03 AM
    #20
    longbow

    longbow I see you now..................

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    Go to the "regions" area and give a shout out, we have a number of member here that are close by. Pretty sure one or all of us could hook you up :D
     

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