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Does the Safety Rating affect Your Vehicle Purchase? December 16, 2007

Posted by ratemyrepairshop in cars.
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The media sells us speed, style, comfort, the sound system, wheels, etc, etc. on today’s car models.  But, what about the safety rating of the car itself?  The majority of us have had car accidents affect our lives in one way or another.  It happens so quickly and they are hard to avoid.  Perhaps many of us can count recent “close calls” that could have turned bad. 

I recently purchased a 2007 Nissan Sentra SE-R and I must admit it was the style and power that drew me to the car.  However it was the safety rating that made me want to buy the car.  I live in an area where the roads are icy throughout the winter.  When I am driving in winter conditions it feels good to know that I am protected by side and front airbags. There are safer cars on the market and I know the next vehicle purchase I make will be solely based on safety.

Maybe we should all be driving Audi’s and Subaru’s.

Are Domestic Cars Improving? December 4, 2007

Posted by ratemyrepairshop in cars.
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According to the 2007 JD Power ratings review http://www.jdpower.com/autos/ratings/dependability-ratings/1/1 . The top 3 out 5 spots of Overall Dependability are held by Domestic brands.  Buick, Cadillac and Mercury.  Take a look and you will find that Buick actually holds a score of 5 out 5 in all categories.  The problem is that most people are still shocked when they hear these types of results from Domestic made cars.  Toyota and Honda have built there brands from the superior power train durability they had 7-10 years ago.  It is going to take time for Chev., Chrysler and Ford to regain public confidence in their products.

Another problem I personally believe is that Domestic car designs have missed the mark over the last few years.  The Aztek was a great example.  But, the new Dodge Challenger, Chev. Silverado and Malibu are looking good.