The Cars That Leftists Drive

Pajamas Media ^ | December 4 | Ron Radosh

[AJKauf]

Everyone knows the stereotype of the left-wing academic liberal, who drinks a daily latte at Starbucks and drives a Volvo wagon. Since that first appeared, the car is no longer a Volvo, but more than likely a Toyota, a Hyundai, a Nissan or even a BMW, a Mercedes or a Volkswagon—anything but an American car.

In fact, I can’t name anyone I know who drives an American car except me. The argument is simple: if you want a good car, buy Japanese.

The Japanese automakers, to put it simply, don’t have to deal with the unions. And here is where I get to the blatant hypocrisy....

[Grizzled Bear]

I paid cash for an 11 year old Dodge pick-up.

[muawiyah]

There was an older Moskovich for sale around here half a dozen years ago. DC does that. Gets ambassadors and such and they sell their old cars.

It would run hooked up to a charger. Guy said it needed a "new battery" ~ which always means 24 volt. The old predecessor to the Ames store right behind the East German hotel on I-95 had disappeared years before so it was unlikely we could find one that would "fit" all that quick ~ which was probably why the guy was selling it.

These cars needed an additive because of the octane differences, but that was easy to deal with because Trak Auto (also out of business now) had the right stuff.

We didn't buy it. Thing was like a tank.

[truthguy]

It wasn’t my “analysis”, it was Hannity’s. You missed the point, anyway, which is that Hannity’s proposition that the Big 3 deserve the bailout because part of their problem is due to government-imposed regulations and standards is fallacious. And if the Big 3 lose money on every small car they sell, whose fault is that?

It most certainly was "your" analysis. Because of Labor and Legacy costs, it's nearly impossible to make a profit on a small car. When you have a legacy cost alone of $2,000 per car it's difficult to make that up on a small car. If you are selling a car for $35,000 then you can make up that cost. When you sell a car for $14-16K then it's almost impossible. Whose fault it that? Well it's the UAW mostly and Congress for not taking into account the types of vehicles a manufacturer into their standards.

[buccaneer81]

2005 Toyota Camry for me, 2002 Mazda 626 for my wife. Basic, reliable transportation.

[meyer]

Subaru....the choice of lesbians.

Oh, never mind. Was going to say something a little strong here. :-)

Drive a Honda Civic Si, and a Ford Escape. Probably my last American branded automobile.

[Nik Naym]

“I had to chuckle at this, knowing how much flak I get for driving a Miata. :)”

I know what you mean. I have one too. (The Mazdaspeed turbo version.)

The crap stops as soon as I let them drive it.

I get a chuckle when they can’t stop grinning after taking it for a spin.

[meyer]

Honda Scions.....you just KNOW anyone who drives these things is a self-righteous lib.

Probably didn't find any Scions at the Honda dealer, though. Perhaps at the Toyota dealer...

[Carl LaFong]

Ya-I’ve heard about the sludge problem in those engines.Fortunately, this earlier four- banger engine and drive train is built like a Swiss watch.

[buccaneer81]

Actually, Scion is a Toyota product. I only know one Scion owner, but he’s probably one of the least self-righteous people I know (dunno his political leanings; the topic has never really come up).

My 18 year old nephew has a 2007 Xc. He loves it. Great little Toyota for the money.

[factoryrat]

Nearly every vehicle I own was built within 100 miles of where I live. I don’t buy new vehicles anymore. The highest mileage vehicles were built during the late 80’s and early 90’s. I currently drive a ‘90 Chevy half ton pickup that gets 23 to 25 miles per gallon. Oh, and it has nearly 300,000 miles on the odometer.

[Mr. Blonde]

Subaru....the choice of lesbians.

And people who want to get where they are going no matter how nasty it is outside.

[buccaneer81]

“Subaru Outback. We live on a dirt road with tons of snow.” Lesbians like that car here in flat central Ohio. :)

The High St. love-mobile.

[Mom MD]

on my fourth ford expedition. Cant imagine driving anything else. Just got home tonight after snowstorm, 5 degrees. My husband asked me if roads are bad. My answer? I dont know. And it feels great.

[calex59]

1994 Ford Ranger 4WD, 26 mpg highway, 160,000 miles and still running like a top. Past cars were both American and foreign. American held up as good as any foreign. In fact a Datsun(remember those) I had broke down regularly. American cars are good, the American Auto industry(the big 3)business plan is not. Lower their cost and they will be able to compete just fine with foreign cars.

[factoryrat]

The funny thing is, is that the EPA and USDOT have done more to hurt fuel economy than the Automakers. The most fuel efficient vehicles were produced during the late eighties. It’s been downhill ever since.

[TruthFactor]

Subaru....the choice of lesbians.

HA! 9 out of 10 Subaru's I see on the road have some leftist bumper sticker on the bumper or back window.

As for me, I drive a 2005 Buick Lacrosse CXS that looks just like this. It's one sweet ride...

[Comparative Advantage]

“The High St. love-mobile.”

I just saw one tonight with a rainbow flag sitcker on the window. :D

[gotribe]

Does anyone keep track of what Congressmen and Senators drive?

[Temple Drake]

I drink a daily latte, but I own only American cars. Driving a GMC Yukon and love it.

[buccaneer81]

I just saw one tonight with a rainbow flag sitcker on the window. :D

I just love the ones I see on 670, coming home from work that have the "equal sign" stickers.

Gag.