Off limits manufacturers

[CoryM]

I didn't include Mercedes in my list because they are building cars for their market. Namely, people who buy/lease new cars every 3-5yrs. Although I don't like they way they (and almost all German) cars drive, they do well for their market. If you aren't in that market, don't buy a Mercedes in North America.

[attrapereves]

Originally Posted by BLKHILLSGUY

Actually Kia and Hyundai will give a subprime loan out to anything with a pulse. I think people who can't afford Japanese or American cars go to Kia/Hyundai for a guaranteed loan.

I'm not sure where rumors like this crop up. Most car dealers, regardless of manufacturer, use several different lenders.

My GM loan was through a local bank, my Mazda loan is through Chase. And my Toyota loan is through Commerce Bank. It all depends on interest rates. But I have good credit.

Even if you have pretty bad credit, any car dealer will try to work with you.

[nookandcrannycar]

Originally Posted by CoryM

All Toyotas, and all Japanese cars. Some are better than others though. After WW2 the Japanese steel industry was a mess. It wasn't until the 60s(?) that they turned it around. They also need to import the materials (usually from scrap). This makes high quality steel far more expensive there. I would assume even when built elsewhere they are either using Japanese steel, or having foreign steel made to the same specs. The quality has steadily improved over the years, but is still not as rust resistant as domestic product. Do a GIS for "rusty toyota" VS "rusty ford" and you will see what I mean

Cheers.

Thanks

[BLKHILLSGUY]

Originally Posted by attrapereves

I'm not sure where rumors like this crop up. Most car dealers, regardless of manufacturer, use several different lenders.

My GM loan was through a local bank, my Mazda loan is through Chase. And my Toyota loan is through Commerce Bank. It all depends on interest rates. But I have good credit.

Even if you have pretty bad credit, any car dealer will try to work with you.

Our local Kia dealer works with a company that makes cold sales calls. A family member had just filed bankruptcy and the Kia dealer was promising guaranteed financing. Their own sign at the large Kia dealer says if you filed bankruptcy, no big deal, we'll get you J to a new Kia. And of course any trailer park I drive through is full of old cars and new Kia's and Hyundai's. Hence, that is where I get my info. I've never heard of Toyota cold calling people with piss poor credit begging them to get into a new car. But Kia does that.

[BLKHILLSGUY]

Originally Posted by nookandcrannycar

I wonder if many such customers also take worse care of those cars.

That would be my guess. Beer and diapers for the 3rd child to a one income family are going to come before any necessary car maintenance. Just drive it till it falls apart. It's got a 10 yr 100,000 warranty, so no worries. I will say this though, the Kia and Hyundai service departments do rank considerably higher with customer service than the Toyota service departments. That is directly from Consumer Reports. And my better half loves the Kia service department. They do a damn good job. I can't say I'm thrilled with my lone Toyota dealer's service department. Average at best.

[BLKHILLSGUY]

And if the quality was so damn good in a Kia or a Hyundai, the resale would reflect that. And the resale continues to be horrid. Why is that?