Why the import hate?
Cruising
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
100%. Just like a quote i heard once. Car enthusiasts will respect all makes and models that kick ***. Brand enthusiasts are the root of all problems in the car community.I dont have to tell myself that, my oldest Accord told me that for 15 years(routine maintainance ONLY 240K miles), until i did an engine swap for more power. My crx had over 400K on the original engine and transmission. Not a single problem from any of the other 14 or so hondas i have owned. Which is ALOT more than i can say for the 2 mustangs and the camaro i have owned.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 3,365
Likes: 1
From: Oklahoma City
Well the only issue with this above is, while we may "chide" the Porsche owner, the BMW owner, the Mercedes owner, the Audi owner, or the VW owner, we haven't come up with a term for them.
We don't call them "burger burners". Or "Warsteiner burners". Or "gasthaus odors". Or "sauerkrauten".
And if you've not been around R32, RS America, M3, M-Z3, etc. owners, they almost all talk about valves, handling, etc.
And we don't hear anyone calling a Lamborghini, Maserati or Ferrari owner----all import owners the last time I checked, and all talking about number of valves, OHCs, handling, brakes, tires, etc.---some Italian "commentary or name", none of which I can think of at the moment.
But I bet anyone could make one up quite fast.
Ask yourself why that is. I do. 
We don't call them "burger burners". Or "Warsteiner burners". Or "gasthaus odors". Or "sauerkrauten".
And if you've not been around R32, RS America, M3, M-Z3, etc. owners, they almost all talk about valves, handling, etc.
And we don't hear anyone calling a Lamborghini, Maserati or Ferrari owner----all import owners the last time I checked, and all talking about number of valves, OHCs, handling, brakes, tires, etc.---some Italian "commentary or name", none of which I can think of at the moment.
But I bet anyone could make one up quite fast.
Ask yourself why that is. I do.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 605
Likes: 4
From: chino ca
I think that it is mostly a disdain for the stereotypical import owner... While there are all types of owners driving all types of cars, a slight majority of the "import crowd" seem to have a pretty bad attitude. This is possibly age related as most import tuners are teens-twenties. My personal observations are that most of the import guys have a chip on thier shoulder for some reason.....mabye napolean complex.....always singing about the superiority of japanese design, how pushrod engines are ancient technology, etc. How many hp/liter does your engine make
Bring in a major motion picture series like Fast and the Furious and it works them into a frenzy.....loud graphics, louder mufflers, neon, bumping stereos, wings that belong on fighter planes, what is there to like? Again, there are exceptions. I'm sure your RX-8 was tastefully done. There is also a safety element to this picture; I think that the majority of illegal street racing encompasses the import crowd....not to mention the idiots trying to learn to drift on city streets getting themselves (and others) killed. I could go on and on about this as it strikes a special nerve with me. This is my opinoin only, and is subject to change. I have seen a few import cars tastefully done, and have met a few respectable owners, but this is certainly not the norm and I am probably guilty of stereotyping many of the others.
Bring in a major motion picture series like Fast and the Furious and it works them into a frenzy.....loud graphics, louder mufflers, neon, bumping stereos, wings that belong on fighter planes, what is there to like? Again, there are exceptions. I'm sure your RX-8 was tastefully done. There is also a safety element to this picture; I think that the majority of illegal street racing encompasses the import crowd....not to mention the idiots trying to learn to drift on city streets getting themselves (and others) killed. I could go on and on about this as it strikes a special nerve with me. This is my opinoin only, and is subject to change. I have seen a few import cars tastefully done, and have met a few respectable owners, but this is certainly not the norm and I am probably guilty of stereotyping many of the others.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 46,295
Likes: 2,596
From: Northern, VA
St. Jude Donor '15
"In honor of jpee"
think about it for a minute: if someone calls you an SOB, and I call you one "because he said it first," doesn't that sound ... at best, childish? does to me.
maybe the first "someone" can't think straight. you can.
ymmv.
Last edited by AORoads; Mar 12, 2008 at 07:48 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 5,411
Likes: 2
From: N Carolina 08 Z51 Coupe
I appreciate them but couldn't drive one as my only car.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 5,411
Likes: 2
From: N Carolina 08 Z51 Coupe
I am kinda caught in the middle between the two crowds here in Detroit. Most of the muscle car/Vette guys here in the city are 15 -20years older than me and frankly, from a different era. Many of them are Vietnam vets and have a real affinity to the older muscle cars.
Nothing changes in the hobby. Just new generations with different ideas of what is "cool". Right now its blown 4-bangers with 10,000 stereos. In 15 years it will be kids trying to get more power out of their Hybrid-hand-me-down's.
Nothing really changes in the generational gap of auto-tuning and collecting.
Nothing changes in the hobby. Just new generations with different ideas of what is "cool". Right now its blown 4-bangers with 10,000 stereos. In 15 years it will be kids trying to get more power out of their Hybrid-hand-me-down's.
Nothing really changes in the generational gap of auto-tuning and collecting.
I don't think the new Camaro is going to be a hit with the younger crowd either.. more like old geezers like me trying to stay young...
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Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
From: albuquerque nm
I owned two porsches, in the 80's. Now I have 4 AMERICAN cars. While shopping and deciding on my 08 c6, I looked at the "imports", price was not an issue, however there is nothing like the feeling of owning and driving the finest AMERICAN made sports car. Plus my chevy truck, jeep cherokee, ford mustang refused to live with an import. 
Heck, I stopped buying anything made in China and havent been to china mart in over 2 years. The best and only vote that counts is where we spend our money 
Heck, I stopped buying anything made in China and havent been to china mart in over 2 years. The best and only vote that counts is where we spend our money
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
From: Delta County Texas
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 19,557
Likes: 1,470
From: I love you & miss you Linda
2017 C7 of the Year Finalist
St. Jude Contributor
I have a 2006 Honda Civic Si and it is a terrific bullet-proof car that is built well and painted very well too.
As for the Civics being an called imports, well the Japanese can call them that. They are built in Ohio and Canada
As for the Civics being an called imports, well the Japanese can call them that. They are built in Ohio and Canada
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 7,250
Likes: 6
From: Glassboro New Jersey
You are ignorant, sir.Its not so much about the cars themselves but the principal. Support the American economy and not foreign countries. We are on the verge of a recession, many Americans loosing jobs to overseas cheaper labor, the "Big 3" in Detroit closing plants and laying off American workers that have families to support...etc...etc... Lets keep pride and our hard earned dollars in this country.
And it doesnt matter that your Honda or Toyota was built here, the profits go overseas and support foreign economies.If we buy more American cars, those Americans building the Honda and Toyota would be building GM's and Fords. We need to support our workers health care and pensions. Some of you need to get a clue.
Wow. I fell better
Last edited by Marc V.; Mar 12, 2008 at 09:06 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 19,574
Likes: 167
From: Frederick, MD
I have owned a few imports over the years but I love GM cars. I really don't like Ford or Chevy so I'm not just against imports.
If you look at parts content then it is hard to classify an import over domestic any more. However, when you look at where the money will end up eventually it is real clear. Imports built in the US will have their money returned to their home country. I much rather see our government have some guts and put tariffs on imports like our "allies" do. Would you pay $120k for a C6 Vette? Why would you expect the British or a German to do so. They can't even sell their own cars for a decent price to their own citizens. It is cheaper for an American to by a MB (in Alabama or Germany) compared to a German buying one in Germany.
I just don't like the feel good in most imports. I hate watching the engine spin at 3500rpm just so I can do 70mph. I much rather cruise along at 1700rpm and have the power there instantly if I need it. I hate revving the crap out of an engine (well maybe I wouldn't if I owned a Ferrari or Lambo) just to get every day power out of it when I can have a car that produces more power then most imports by just starting the car.
Why do some import owners hate domestics such as the Corvette? A Corvette owner calls an import crap and gets call ignorant, however a Japanese critic or import lover can joke about all he wants about the Corvette and it is ok. Personally I dont' care what people think. It isn't their money.
If you look at parts content then it is hard to classify an import over domestic any more. However, when you look at where the money will end up eventually it is real clear. Imports built in the US will have their money returned to their home country. I much rather see our government have some guts and put tariffs on imports like our "allies" do. Would you pay $120k for a C6 Vette? Why would you expect the British or a German to do so. They can't even sell their own cars for a decent price to their own citizens. It is cheaper for an American to by a MB (in Alabama or Germany) compared to a German buying one in Germany.
I just don't like the feel good in most imports. I hate watching the engine spin at 3500rpm just so I can do 70mph. I much rather cruise along at 1700rpm and have the power there instantly if I need it. I hate revving the crap out of an engine (well maybe I wouldn't if I owned a Ferrari or Lambo) just to get every day power out of it when I can have a car that produces more power then most imports by just starting the car.
Why do some import owners hate domestics such as the Corvette? A Corvette owner calls an import crap and gets call ignorant, however a Japanese critic or import lover can joke about all he wants about the Corvette and it is ok. Personally I dont' care what people think. It isn't their money.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,116
Likes: 6
From: Waynesville NC
I had a VW GTI that I drove to work before I retired. It was great!, one of the best cars I ever owned. It was well built, fast, fun and got 28 MPG around town everyweek. 45000 miles when I sold it, never a problem. I wish it had been American built but the UNIONS would not have allowed it. 
This is my 4th B-Body and 2nd with over 200,000 miles... My 96 Imala SS has only 10,000 miles...
Racer
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 493
Likes: 124
From: Albany NY
They are built with imported steel and financed through foreign banking institutions.
Vehicles built in these plants are engineered overseas and have a much higher foreign part content percentage than a US built car from a domestic manufacturer.
US workers in domestic plants are paid higher wages.
Profits from the foreign company get sent back overseas and a much smaller percentage of the dollars get reinvested in the US economy.
Compare the number of US employees that US auto makers employ with the number of US employees that foreign auto makers employ.
The only reason foreign automakers have any plants in this country is because it's to their economic benefit. If it wasn't, they wouldn't be here.
However, the foreign manufacturers know how stupid the American public is. They make their commercials telling people that some of their vehicles are made in this country and the American dummies just eat it up. At some point, we will pay for it. Children will be able to thank their parents for the poor decisions that were made.
Pro
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 708
Likes: 1
From: Wyoming DE
100%. Just like a quote i heard once. Car enthusiasts will respect all makes and models that kick ***. Brand enthusiasts are the root of all problems in the car community.I dont have to tell myself that, my oldest Accord told me that for 15 years(routine maintainance ONLY 240K miles), until i did an engine swap for more power. My crx had over 400K on the original engine and transmission. Not a single problem from any of the other 14 or so hondas i have owned. Which is ALOT more than i can say for the 2 mustangs and the camaro i have owned.
I have all Chevy and am proud to be a problem
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 6,419
Likes: 200
From: Wilkes-Barre Pa
I had an 04 rx8. That car was nothing but trouble. Constant check engine lights. There is something wrong when you find yourself in the waiting room trying to find a magazine you didn't read yet because the next issue hasn't arrived since your last visit. Learned my lesson buy american!
Now I just get annoyed by the Hondas with coffee cans for mufflers trying to race.
Now I just get annoyed by the Hondas with coffee cans for mufflers trying to race.
Last edited by MARSC6; Mar 12, 2008 at 10:01 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,040
Likes: 0
Right, that's why my RX-8 never went into the dealer, yet the dealer is still trying to solve my 30 active handling error codes and fixing my rear diff seals for the second time
I had an 04 rx8. That car was nothing but trouble. Constant check engine lights. There is something wrong when you find yourself in the waiting room trying to find a magazine you didn't read yet because the next issue hasn't arrived since your last visit. Learned my lesson buy american!
Now I just get annoyed by the Hondas with coffee cans for mufflers trying to race.
Now I just get annoyed by the Hondas with coffee cans for mufflers trying to race.
Pro
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 708
Likes: 1
From: Wyoming DE
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,530
Likes: 6
From: Torrance CA
Foreign manufacturers' plants in the US are built with a significant amount of US tax dollars.
They are built with imported steel and financed through foreign banking institutions.
Vehicles built in these plants are engineered overseas and have a much higher foreign part content percentage than a US built car from a domestic manufacturer.
US workers in domestic plants are paid higher wages.
Profits from the foreign company get sent back overseas and a much smaller percentage of the dollars get reinvested in the US economy.
Compare the number of US employees that US auto makers employ with the number of US employees that foreign auto makers employ.
The only reason foreign automakers have any plants in this country is because it's to their economic benefit. If it wasn't, they wouldn't be here.
However, the foreign manufacturers know how stupid the American public is. They make their commercials telling people that some of their vehicles are made in this country and the American dummies just eat it up. At some point, we will pay for it. Children will be able to thank their parents for the poor decisions that were made.
They are built with imported steel and financed through foreign banking institutions.
Vehicles built in these plants are engineered overseas and have a much higher foreign part content percentage than a US built car from a domestic manufacturer.
US workers in domestic plants are paid higher wages.
Profits from the foreign company get sent back overseas and a much smaller percentage of the dollars get reinvested in the US economy.
Compare the number of US employees that US auto makers employ with the number of US employees that foreign auto makers employ.
The only reason foreign automakers have any plants in this country is because it's to their economic benefit. If it wasn't, they wouldn't be here.
However, the foreign manufacturers know how stupid the American public is. They make their commercials telling people that some of their vehicles are made in this country and the American dummies just eat it up. At some point, we will pay for it. Children will be able to thank their parents for the poor decisions that were made.
totally! ! !