Here are some things to know about new cars the car industry probably would prefer you didn’t know.
* It doesn’t matter what brand you buy –
Not nearly as much as it used to, that is.
The trend toward homogeneity – especially within a given segment (e.g.. “compact crossovers under $30k”) is such that it’s becoming hard to tell what you’re driving without looking around for the badge. But it’s much more than purely superficial sameness. The really important commonality is that – with a rare exception every now and then – they’re all “reliable” and “durable.”
[amazon asin=B0009VIQ1A&template=*lrc ad (left)]A quarter-century ago, buying a Toyota or Honda over a Chevy or a Ford (to say nothing of a Hyundai) was the smart move. The Toyotas and Hondas of the Friends-era ’90s were more than just slightly better-put-together. The competition was crap in comparison. But the Quality Gap has narrowed to negligible since then; indeed, it is quite possible that today’s Hyundai’s are better than today’s Toyotas. They – the Hyundais – certainly come with better warranties.
So, focus your buying eyes on the car you like – and worry less about the brand. It just doesn’t matter as much as it used to.[amazon asin=B00ANZHG7C&template=*lrc ad (right)]
* You may never need another car –
Oh, you will probably want one. But (see above) the build quality and engineering that went into whatever new car you’re about to buy is such that – absent abuse – you can safely bet on it being a faithful companion for at [amazon asin=B000E9QF0Q&template=*lrc ad (left)]least the next 15 years – and possibly much longer than that.
Treat it well, give it regular fluid and filter changes – and the powertrain (the engine and transmission; the parts that make it go) could go for 200,000-plus miles before showing signs of getting tired. The body ought to remain solid – and the paint looking good – for 20-plus years, even if you never wash the thing and even if you leave it sitting outside.
Take a look around the next time you’re out driving and notice how many cars that are easily ten-plus years old still look nearly as good as they did when new. Your next new car will probably look this good (and last that [amazon asin=B0007RDVH0&template=*lrc ad (right)]long) too.
You might get sick of it, eventually. But the odds are that will happen long before itgets sick – and the time comes to put it down.
* They all “handle” better than most people are capable of driving –
It’s nothing like it was when I was a kid back in the ’80s – and learned to drive in the cars of the ’70s (and ’60s). Which were barely competent at legal speeds – and often completely out of their depth at higher speeds. It was easy to unsettle one; to lose control at speeds not much higher than the posted speed limit. Suspension technology was primitive; tires were awful (compared with what’s available – and common – today). A good driver could easily out-drive his car.
Today, it’s reversed.
