I talked about GM’s bankruptcy yesterday.  It appears the US auto industry is in the down slide and I can’t say that I’m surprised.  If anything I expected it to happen faster.  The quality and value of the cars being made by the US automakers leaves a lot to be desired.

Last week we heard a noise coming from the front of my DH’s 2000 Ford Focus.  It sounded like the struts on the front tires were gone.  Thus on Monday we took it into our mechanic to have it looked it.  Turns out, the right front spring and bolts was broken.  That and the front struts needed to be replaced.  The estimated cost $650 for all repairs.

Sounds reasonable.  However, I googled the problem and found that Ford actually issued a warranty/recall and free replacement of all Ford Focus springs in 2005.  I called the dealership and found out that they are still honoring the warranty and it would be free to get done.  They would also give us a discounted rate on the labor for replacing the struts. Sounds reasonable?  Definitely.  But I saved a pretty penny just by researching the warranty and recalls on the Ford Focus.   Even better?  Our mechanic said he would match the price and turn in the parts for payment to Ford directly.  I had no idea mechanics could even do this.  So instead of bothering with the dealership, we get our mechanic to do it, and it’s still covered by warranty.

But I have to admit something, this is probably the last American car we’ll be buying.  We have simultaneously kept and maintained a 1999 Toyota Corolla and 2000 Ford Focus.  The Focus has costs us thousands of dollars more in repairs and general upkeep than the Corolla.  Considering that we switch back and forth driving, it’s not necessarily the drivers that is causing this difference.  Rather the quality of the car.

Sure my DH was saying he adores his Focus.  The car is way more FUN to drive than my boring Corolla.  The Corolla lacks umph and pizzaza.  It’s not zippy like the little hatchback Focus.  But repairswise?  The Corollas has had the brake pads replace but not the rotors.  The Focus has had the rotors replaced twice thus far, and it’s a common problem.  Now the springs and struts for the second time?  The Corolla NADA.  The focus has had to have the thermostat replaced, the fuel pump and gauge, the engine cleaned.  The Corolla has just plugged away with oil changes.

I’d rather have a car that needs little repairs, even those covered by a warranty than one that needs constant fixing.  That being said, I feel these issues are the reason why Japanese Automakers are quickly surpassing US automakers in market share.

But back to the Focus, I feel while the car is a great car, I think that paying for the reliability next time of a Japanese car will probably be more important than the “fun” of driving the car.  What are the factors you consider when purchasing a car?