Clunkers, it gets better

[merrylander]

To be precise Hondas are assembled in the U.S. somewhat different than being built. And 29 MPG highway is the 'new' EPA rating for the Impala, it started out at 30 when the new models were introduced in 2000. In fact it was the only full size sedan to get listed in the high mileage tables.

[Grumpy]

Not sure where your getting the numbers from but http://www.fueleconomy.gov is listing the 09 civic ( don't have a 10 model yet ) as 25/35. OK scratch that I see you took the numbers from the base model which is 21/29 compared to the Impala's 18/29 which is really not an apples to apples since neither car aims for the same buyers, is the same size or uses comparable motors. A fairer comparison to both cars would be civic versus Malibu

One thing I will say ( and it has no bearing on me owning a Toyota Yaris ) is the EPA ratings still need to be taken with a grain of salt. Our Yaris which is rated at 29/35 averages out at well over 40 mpg per tank.

The Same can be said for my 2000 astrovan which is rated at 13/18 with a combined of 15 mpg. Generally I average out much higher when mostly highway traveling at 22-23 mpg and around town between 10-12. I drive fairly conservative speed wise around town and keep up for the most part with highway traffic.

I know you feel strongly about your impala. Much in the way I do about my Astrovan. Sure my Astro is 9 years old but Ive owned it since about 2004. Its been far from trouble free nor cheap to repair. 400.00 starters and 2500.00 head gaskets are more the norm. I know since I just spent over 4000 to repair many of these things myself rather then paying the dealer well over 6000.00 to perform them.

These prices seem more in line with my last Isuzu which was ridiculously over priced when it came to replacement parts and labor.

Theres good and bad on both sides now thats for sure.

[merrylander]

Actually Dave I was going with the numbers Honda uses in their commercial. Iagree with you on the parts bit, when I had the Probe (Mazda) there was a rattle in the alternator, turned out to be loose bolts. The mechanic said that was a good thing because an alternator was over $500!

[Grumpy]

The alternator on my 95 Isuzu Rodeo was 700 bucks. Whats Ironic is a ton of the electrical system was Delco.

[ehoove]

Here is the dealers side of it: The program was ill implemented, and did a huge disservice to the dealers and those who need cheap solid transportation. The savings to the environment when considering the energy cost of disposal of the vehicles is negligible. If they really wanted to do something this program would have targeted GM and Chrysler, and the rebate would have been used to payback the loans given to these companies, rather than to the foreign owned companies being supported by their own countries bailout programs.
Regards,
Jim

[merrylander]

I wonder how Senator Corker's (Tennessee I think) little plan to offer Volkswagon $500 million to build a plant in his state is coming along. Guess maybe the recession put a crimp in that one.

[piece-itpete]

Originally Posted by merrylander

...that is a 4-cyl upholstered rollerskate.

Lmao!!!

Originally Posted by ehoove

....The program was ill implemented, and did a huge disservice to the dealers and those who need cheap solid transportation. ....

It's true and rarely mentioned - it's taken a ton of cheap cars off the road. As usual the poorest get screwed.

Pete

[Sandy G]

.....An' we want the Gummint to run our health care for us, too ?!? OK...

[piece-itpete]

Originally Posted by Sandy G

.....An' we want the Gummint to run our health care for us, too ?!? OK...

You will be assimilated....

Pete

[Sandy G]

Ain't it th' truth...."Resistance is Futile..." (grin)