Import Vehicles versus Domestic Vehicles

The battle between import vehicles and domestic vehicles has been raging since there have been imports and domestics. Some people believe that imports are better and others believe that domestics are better. People who live in areas that experience severe winter weather are most concerned about getting a car that will survive the winters and provide reliable, safe service. Each one has their benefits and drawbacks, and the key to deciding which one to buy is to determine which drawbacks are the most tolerable for you. It is always best to do your research on the cars that you like and make your decision.

Benefits and Drawbacks for Import Vehicles

Imports have been touted extensively for their dependability, safety, and reliability for many years. These cars have occupied the top ten lists in various automotive magazines, websites, and trade publications. These lists have been publicized as much as the reputation of the foreign car manufacturers. Asian car models have secured a well-deserved reputation for providing cars that are not only mechanically sound but also aesthetically pleasing with classic designs. European car models have the same reputation. They boast excellent fuel efficiency, which is very desirable in this weak economy. The main drawback to imports is that they are more expensive to purchase and to repair. Simple tasks such as brake repair or more complex repairs such as engine work can become very expensive because parts often times have to be ordered. Tariffs and other taxes add to the cost of purchase.   

Benefits and Drawbacks for Domestic Vehicles

Domestic cars had experienced a slump in quality towards the end of the twentieth century. People complained about the lack of quality cars coming from the American carmakers, which caused many people to start purchasing imports. In recent years, the quality has improved greatly and technology has improved to allow carmakers to be able to include safety features such as antilock brakes, navigation, and parking assist. One benefit is that they are less costly to purchase and it is easier to find the parts that you would need for repairs. They have also made improvements in fuel efficiency, making them less expensive to operate than they once were. Domestic cars tend to be larger than imports, which appeals to the American palate while the imports tend to be smaller with less interior room. 

How to Decide

In recent years, car manufacturers have begun to blur the line between import and domestic and the trend is steadily increasing. More cars are being produced with parts that do not originate from the original manufacturer. Due to the global economy, may be a moot point to discuss import versus domestic because many manufacturers are using parts that are not produced in the country of the car’s origin. Some Asian car models are made with American-made parts and some American car models are made with European-made car parts. Some cars are made with parts that are both foreign and domestic. You should research various cars to determine which cars would best suit you and your driving habits. You should consider the area in which you live and choose a car that would be dependable and reliable.