Are You Loyal?
June 4th, 2009 by Braddah LanceWe're not talking about relationships since dat's a whole can of worms I don't want to mess with or get anybody in trouble with (fyi - I've been faithful in all my relationships) but I was just wondering....
Have you been loyal to your car manufacturer?
With some of the manufacturers in financial trouble like GM and their brands, if you drive one of their vehicles, where will your loyalty go?
I've been riding a Yamaha motorcycle (legally) since late 1994 and haven't waivered from Yamaha since. In fact, I'm still riding the same model but just updated (sold da old one and got a newer "pre-owned" one). I like da ride and really didn't care for da way da oddah ones looked like. Plus da bike looked hot!
My Toyota Tacoma DoubleCab is my first true truck. I say true because my first truck I had was a real beat up old Mazda dat my Faddah gave me to ride around in. Wat is kind of funny is dat I grew up a Honda boy. My Faddah would work on Honda's all da time and my brother had a Honda. Maybe cause Honda nevah have one truck line I had to go "outside" da family. Plus da Tacoma looked hot!
Da Wife and I are trying to plan for our future. We're discussing da home, we're discussing keiki's and we're discussing "updating" our vehicles to help accomodate da keiki and da home. 
So immediately I say I wanted anoddah Tacoma DoubleCab but not da current one. I want to see da next redesign and go from there. I was actually thinking at first - dream really - of getting da Hummer SUT but once I heard about GM's problems... uh, no thanks. Then aftah da car show, da Ford F150 really grew on me. I really liked da size and da feel.... then I saw da price tag. 
Back to da Tacoma.
Loyalty.
Da Wife has an Acura RSX. She didn't want anoddah Acura but not because of any particular bad reason other than she wanted something dat can handle our future keiki bettah.
So for those of you who have picked your car(s) or truck(s), was it out of loyalty? Have you purchased da same model your second or third time around? Did you change "families" or just models? Did you even get a manufacturer you liked or had to settle for da "economic factor"? Or did you just buy your car or truck cause it was hot?
Are you loyal?
btw, Muchos Mahalos for anoddah well commented blog yesterday! There were excellent points and it was great to actually hear from State workers themselves! And of course, WWD! Hui is da bestest cause they showed class and respect while posting! 
.
Tags: Acura RSX, Car Manufacturer, Ford, GM, Honda, Hummer, Loyalty, Road Rage, Tacoma DoubleCab, Toyota, Yamaha
June 4th, 2009 at 9:41 am
I used to like Honda Motorcycles the best (even with the super stiff clutch), but starting with the 929RR, the performance and the reliability wasn't as high, in my opinion. I'm riding a GSX-R right now, and I love it. The bike feels super light and nimble under you. I really like the R6/R1 by Yamaha, but I think I would probably buy another GSX-R if I was in the market for a new bike.
June 4th, 2009 at 10:03 am
through da years wen own a camaro, Jimmy, mazda 626, pathfinder, and finally stay wit one honda civic an one tacoma dbl. cab truck. I guess been loyal to da japanee car makers cuz no moa problems. da camaro had rust problems afta 4 years of owning( bought brand new an wen take care too). da jimmy afta 5 yrs had major transmission problems. so, afta da american made wasn't too good made wen go wit da japanee makes. outside of da normal breakdowns( water pumps, thermostats, etc.) no moa problems. gotta say if wuz in da market fo buy a anodda vehicle going be some japanee one.
June 4th, 2009 at 10:11 am
Not sure if anyone is truly "loyal" to their car manufacturer.
I think we all choose our ride for looks, comfort, economy and price. Some focus on certain qualities more than others. But basically what we like in a certain car brand will always draw us back again in the future. Then again, if something better comes along from another manufacturer, I don't see why it would be difficult to jump ship and buy a different car.
Because really, if the car brand I currently own starts making ugly clunkers ... there would be no loyalty on my part. I'll go looking for something else.
Now relationships is another story. Loyal to the end. Through good and bad, skinny and fat times, rich or broke, lovey-dovey or fighting, no matter what ... and unfortunately for her, I'll still be there!!!
June 4th, 2009 at 10:14 am
BL,
I am loyal to the Lexus brand but not necessarily to the model. I started out with RX and have since moved up to the GX model. The cars are very well made, dependable and the sales/service staff are always so helpful & friendly. You can bet that my next car will be a Lexus too!
June 4th, 2009 at 10:14 am
Good Morning BL!
I used to have a chevy truck and now have a Nissan Titan king cab, my wife has a Honda CRV and wanted to buy a newer model. It was either we purchase a new CRV and not travel for a few years or keep her car and continue to travel 2 times a year. We are keeping her CRV.
I guess I'll stay with the Japanese car markers.
June 4th, 2009 at 10:15 am
It's what I'm into at the moment. I've had a Toyata Tercell, Corolla and pick-up, Honda Civic, Dodge Durango, Chevy Blazer, BMW 513, 3 Honda CBR 500 and currently driving a Nissan Sentra.
Looking to purchase either an SUV or a mini-van because of the two keikis.
June 4th, 2009 at 10:17 am
Used to support GM...Chevy and Pontiacs, but after the wife bought a Honda, really liked the reliability and workmanship compared to the American vehicles. I got a Toyota 4-Runner back in the mid-90's, have stuck with Toyota's since.
June 4th, 2009 at 10:34 am
As far as cars go, I usually only have Japanese models (i.e. Nissan, Honda and Toyota). The two cars we have right now happen to be Toyotas. My husband had a Mazda6 but after the accident last year, he decided to get a Toyota. He was leaning toward another Mazda but a different model (Mazda5 or Tribute) because of the keiki but felt the Toyota was better all around for our needs and cost. We got a Rav4 and had a good price because his SIL used to work for a company that did the financing computer stuff. She got a good deal for us. I think my husband likes Toyotas for now and weirdly enough, everyone on his side of the immediate family have Toyotas except his dad who has this old Mazda truck. Computers are something I'm pretty brand loyal to. I've always had an Apple and will continue to purchase one if I can. The current computer I have is 6 years old, so I'm getting lots of mileage from it. Going back to cars, when you expand the family, you start to think about things like fitting car seats plus the million and one other things you might need just to go somewhere for the day! Plus having good gas mileage is a must!
June 4th, 2009 at 10:47 am
I've owned all kinds of cars. Ford, Chevy, Datsun, MG, Toyota, Infiniti, Lexus....
I think the one I favor though, is the Toyota/Lexus cars and trucks. I'll probably own either one of them for life. Plus my sister works for Toyota/Lexus so I get a pretty good deal!
June 4th, 2009 at 11:18 am
I'm a loyal Toyota customer. Can you tell what I drive? It's my first truck, the first 4-door Toyota made back in 2001. I came that close to buying the Frontier by Nissan. Thank goodness Toyota came out with with theirs in the nick of time. I'm with you. Don't like the current style, looking to see what changes the come up with before I upgrade.
June 4th, 2009 at 11:28 am
I went through da hot rod phase wit any kine make used car wit da big block. Also dabbled wit VWs. Wen I pau dat, my first brand new car wuz one Toyota Celica coupe. Next one wuz one liftback. Got into fishing/diving so had to get Toyota 4runner, two of doz. Den to celebrate divorce I got my first Lexus, ES300. Got one mo later. Currently driving Lexus IS250 (da ES got too big and da parking stalls got too small). Neva have any problems wit da Lexus (knock on wood). I would definitely get anodda Lexus if can afford. If not, go back to Toyota. No experience wit odda dealers so no can compare. Servco does a good job, no complaints.
June 4th, 2009 at 11:44 am
I'm loyal, if the car lasts a long time without gut-wrenching problems.
I will not buy Mazda again. They don't make quality cars anymore. By the 5 year mark, my experience was very significant problems (everywhere) on my Mazda. Very disappointed. Supposedly Japanese, but it has the signature of a crap American made car.
June 4th, 2009 at 11:51 am
BL,
Can you guess what I brand I drive?
Between my wife and I, have had 3 (I started with Integra GS-R, got my wife MDX for anniversary gift, then I moved into TL-S). Also graduated to 4-door sedan because I kept banging my shoulder taking my then baby daughter out of the carseat in the back of the Integra.
Have always liked Acura because everything comes standard. When I was last shopping for cars, I looked at other brands. What I didn't like was getting nickeled and dimed for what I wanted and having to upgrade to a certain package to get some (NOT all of what I want/need) to get something else I want/need.
But I have to admit that the Infiniti and Lexus sedans have been growing on me. I've gotten excellent service from the dealer here, but we'll see what happens.
June 4th, 2009 at 12:07 pm
All I've owned in the last 30 years are Chebbi's .... except for a certain Japanese van and a 4 door when the kids were young.
3 f-bodies, Geo Prizm, Blazer, and 5 vettes.
My GM dealer is still around so I'm happy since they've done excellent warranty work whenever I needed it. For out-of-warranty work or to put a bigger horsepower
on my face, I just see the guys at the local speed shop.
Somehow today's blog seems a little de ja vu
But then, I'm a MLC'r so you'll have to forgive me if I'm wrong 
Here's point to ponder.....with the Big 3 closing hundreds of dealerships across the nation, this means less competition from each other and less alternatives for the buyers. You probably can no longer 'take a hike' from a dealership if you're not happy with the way the negotiation is going. Where will you go
If there's only one dealer in town, the next one may be hours away....they have you by your b*lls 
Internet car shopping 
You're in the same boat. You could always drive over to a foreign car dealership and take a peek at their inventory 
June 4th, 2009 at 12:23 pm
Currently have 2 Toyota's. Started with a 76 Celica liftback. Loved that car. Had a BMW for long time, but it was a 2 door and yup, keikis. Gor rid of it for a Highlander. I would totally get another BMW if I could afford it.
I like the reliability of Toyota though.
June 4th, 2009 at 12:52 pm
My first car was a Toyota Tercel b/c it was cheap. My next two cars were Honda Preludes. In my first Honda Prelude, I was in a bad car accident and the car was totaled. I walked out of it unscathed except for some cuts from the flying glass from the broken windshield. When the cops saw the damage to the car, they couldn't believe someone walked out of there unhurt. That's when I knew what a good car it was. After the Preludes, I had two Honda Accords. I'm a loyal customer.
June 4th, 2009 at 1:27 pm
I have a R6 now and boy was it an improvement from da FZR (1st gen). I guess with GSXR's being stolen next in line to CBR's, dat was one of da reasons I swung to Yamaha's. But in reality, if they want your bike they'll take it anyways.
......
......
But wat about da commercials from like Ford saying dat American models are now manufactured "bettah"?
.......
.......
Das true. Das why I kinda wanted da F-150 but yowzas! da price.
And if da Tacoma's was getting only 10mpg's I probably wouldn't have gotten dat one either.
Excellent points!
.......
.......
........
........
I would have made da same choice.
.......
.......
Mini-van..... you da prerequisite for dat is a two keiki minimum so you qualify.
......
......
Well no mo' GM so I guess good move yeah? Maybe you had a feeling back then?....... Wat's your feeling now?
.......
.......
Yeah, we're trying to think ahead but heck no if we're getting a mini-van!
June 4th, 2009 at 1:44 pm
Yes whatever iss cheap I be loyal.
June 4th, 2009 at 1:49 pm
Did I mention I'm looking towards anoddah Tacoma?
......
......
And hea I thought you were representing Tacoma, Washington.
No way was I getting da Frontier back then! I got an '02 and it's great but it is just a tad small inside but whaddaya expect from a "compact" truck right?
Hopefully da redesign "looks good". *BL crossing his fingahs*
.......
.......
I don't think there isn't one hardcore fisherman without a 4Runner.
Eh, they get da convertible now right?
I cannot even afford da emblem.
........
........
So no to Mazda huh? But their commercials are cool!
.......
.......
Yeah, das one thing I really don't like from dealers/manufacturers. How come I cannot get da sliding rear window without getting da off-road package?
Hook, line.............
.......
.......
I tink you may be tinking about da "First Car" one..... but I could be wrong too.
But you know wat I noticed from dealers here though? There's almost non-existent "bargaining". They always say it's da bottom price and they can't go lower. But funny, sites like Kelly Blue Book says oddahwise.
..........
..........
So wat if you got a BMWTOY?
........
........
Maybe you should change your online name to "Hondagurl"?
.......
.......
So you're a Kia girl?
June 4th, 2009 at 2:20 pm
I love my Xterra. It has 125,000 miles on it. The previous owner kept ALL the oil change records for 7 years, so I knew it was in great shape, only had to replace the distributor. I'm gonna keep it til the wheels fall off cause it's paid for, but we may need to trade in wife's Rav4 in a few years when the family increases in size and numbers.
June 4th, 2009 at 2:42 pm
OK, I'm a Ford truck man.
As for sedans, no loyalty. My wife drives the sedans, she go by style and price. She's driving a Buick Regal. But she had a used Cadillac when single. BIG car small girl. She had a Toyota Corolla, I got her a Chevy Chevelle., then a Oldsmobile Cutlass. Maybe next one going be a SUV or one of those half-breeds.
In my days, I drove a Ford Fairlane, Dodge Van (during the Customized van days) then my love 70 Dodge Challenger *sigh*, Bought my first brand new 1984 Ford F-150 basic truck. No power nuthin' really no power 6 banger roll up windows am radio standard shift 2 door. At least I had sliding rear window. Added a camper top. But that baby took me everywhere on the island. Sold it 20 yrs later and got my 2004 Ford F-150 XLT X-cab Power everything. Really power everything. My other love.
My first bike was a 1994 Harley Sportster. Hard to change, but if I want to ride, I take anything. Even a moped.
So no loyalty really. Gotta go with what is safe and efficient right now with gas climbing back to $3/gal WWD!
June 4th, 2009 at 3:10 pm
Howzit BL
For our family it's Toyota's
but me I would buy almost anything when it comes to a hotrod or sports car 
NKHEA....jus like nice cars
June 4th, 2009 at 3:39 pm
BL-
Yes, our family is loyal to the Toyota... Dad's first car was a Corolla Station Wagon back in the late 70s, then a tercel hatchback in the early80s along with a toyota truck... then sold the truck and the tercel and bought a Previa... after the Previa died (2003) he bought a new corolla LE and when I got my car, it was a 2004 corolla S he's now retired and looking for another truck, I trying to convince him to buy the F150 but he say "nope, only Toyotas for me..." talk about loyalty...
NEO (maybe Tacoma doublecab? TRD special edition?)
June 4th, 2009 at 4:26 pm
okay, da wife is expecting? The post suppose to be about loyalty to cars or are we talking about "family" cars for the soon to be daddy BL?
Back to the topic at hand...we one Toyota family. Get two Camry's at home or actually three if you include my son who lives with us. I also drove a 92 Honda SW when my pop gave it up after he decided too dangerous at his age to drive. Before that I had a 81 Corolla SW that had 300,000 miles before I donated it to Kidney Foundation.
June 4th, 2009 at 5:35 pm
lance:
buying a toyota camry is a good choice. they are very hearty cars. we've always had one in the family ever since i was in high school and all of them had very few problems.
leslie
June 4th, 2009 at 8:27 pm
not really, but lately yes.
chevy, jeep, ford, nissan, nissan, toyota, toyota, toyota.
best transportation was my honda elite when i was at uh. cheap on gas, no insurance, and can get good parking.
June 5th, 2009 at 8:30 am
Our family was a Honda fam back in the day. I did a VW detour in college (and I would go back if I lived on Oahu). But now are fam is a Toyota / Lexus ohana. And my current ride is a Tacoma PreRunner xtra cab . . . and I love it.
June 5th, 2009 at 10:31 am
My first bike was a Honda, and I liked it it alot, refined, well engineered, but when it came time to get another bike, everybody and their mothers had a honda cbr600, so I got the kawi instead. Generally I am loyal, have owned 2 honda cars as well....
June 5th, 2009 at 12:45 pm
Braddah Lance - you folks planning on having keiki? Den jus go buy da mini-van already. Or better yet, wait until your keiki is born.
Because you might say now "You'll never catch me driving a mini-van". But after you have your keiki and realize how precious they are to you, you won't give a rat's okole what others will think of you driving a mini-van - because you will put your family before your ego.
When I drove a mini-van, it came with only 1 sliding door - and that was on the passenger side. So had to walk around the car every time to open the door for the keiki. And no such thing as automatic closing door. I waited until they were all in and strapped up before I shut the door. But I didn't care - because I was taking care of my family.
Now that my keiki are all grown up, I buy a brand of car that has a service center close by to my working place. Sure, Lexus is right next door, but out of my price range. And since a Servco service center is just down the street, I decided on the Scion - which they service too.
When it comes to car brands, I'd rather be practical over loyal.