large executive car with low running costs

jjames_3

I know that, you know that.

But most of the masses don't even consider it. Most still see a Japanese car as being the same as the rotboxes of the 70s and early 80s (these were very reliable as well, but folk forget that), when that no longer applies. They also think the parts are ruinously expensive, and that a Honda Civic is a grandad's car (so where does that leave a Vauxhall Astra then?).

So as a result many people don't even consider the cars, which leads to a negative perceived image. People are nuts, but that's the way it is in the UK unfortunately.

avantra

Can't agree more!
Just a matter of taste, in the US middle and far east jap cars have more street cred than any rubbish coming out from the VW group. Is it a miracle that the biggest car manufactures are Toyota and Nissan? and in few years the Korean will be at the same level. The moneysavers will vote with their wheels.
Good idea for a survey .. do the people who write to the forum drive more jap/korean or they like to leave money on the table in the form of the Pug 307 and the TT?
Personally I think the best jap cars are the one built in the UK.

vansboy

I'll stand (slightly) corrected!!

What I MEANT to say, is that within the 'luxury' sallon market, the Japenese brands have struggled to portray the REAL upmarket brand image.

Lexus, is about the only truly sucsessful one.

& I'm CERTAINLY no fan of the German marques - not that too many of their vehicles actually get built in Germany, theses days. Plus, of course, the poorer build quality, which is now appearing, in their vehicles.

I DO rate, the aforementioned Xedos & QX, for value AND quality!!

For the record, Mrs V drives a new Mx5 & I've an Omega!!

VB

tonys_3

Have you looked at Jaguars converted to lpg?Quite a few on the market.
If you intend to keep the car for a while,then lpg may well be the best option anyway.Just seen an article by an oil expert that although iol will last for another 40 years or so,as early as next year,demand will start to outstrip supply.An American
governmemnt official said that when that happens,oil will be cheap at $180 a barrel
[currently it is around $50 a barrel.]

jjames_3

> Good idea for a survey .. do the people who write to the forum drive more jap/korean or they like to leave money on the table in the form of the Pug 307 and the TT?

Japanese and Korean for me. I own a Nissan and a Hyundai, and I'm toying with either a Honda or Mazda as my next car. The only Eurobox I'd consider at the moment is Skoda, and ironically they still have a negative image. They're VW, but seem better built than some of Volkswagen's other efforts.

gord_3

Have to agree with avantra and vansboy.Japanese is the way to go for value for money and reliability,dont forget the Honda legend.I'd avoid an Omega,my brother in law has had 2 and they are very unreliable and the running costs are huge.