Why do AMericans drive such old cars? Like the 1982 Chevette?

Question

Im in England and I think any car before 1998 is an Old banger!

Gerald S - Are u AMerican? The cliche about americans being dumb is so true...

Answer 1

cos cars are more of an institute in the states. cars were always just a means to get around for us. for them they were built like houses-proper machines with tons of power. the 67 corvette is one of the most beautifull cars ever made. dodge charger, ford gt40, shelby mustang- have you seen any of these cars- they are exquisite

Answer 2

Someone who has a 1982 Chevette probably can't afford any better.

I know in England they have MOT safety inspections. Many states in the US do not have any equivalent - they may have an emissions test, especially in large cities, but it's often up to the owner to decide if the car is safe enough to drive.

Also, in the more southern areas of the US, they do not put any salt on the roads, or use it very seldom. Consequently, a 15 year old car often will not show any signs of rust. So a car can look newer for a longer time.

Answer 3

I have always had older vehicles. The newest vehicle that I have ever owned ,is of 1968 vintage. The reason is I do my own maintenance . The older cars were simple to work on. The newer cars , when you open the hood you are lucky if you can see the engine!!!!!! When you open the hood on my 50 year old truck ,the first thing you see is the engine and the second thing you see the ground. It's just like some people do gardening. It's therapy , so I enjoy tinkering on the old vehicles. They are cool . So, someone I guess has to keep buying those new plastic cars they are making today for the masses.. I admit they are safer and have more creature features but most people can not tinker with them... I have a 1956 Ford F-100 and a 1968 Ford F-100..................Dude!!!

Answer 4

Well, I went to a classic car rally at the weekend, and most of the cars - both American and British - were absolutely beautiful. They just don't lovingly design them like that anymore.

Sadly, the British car industry over the last 20 - 30 years has produced, by and large, such rubbish, that it's practically bankrupt and it's no wonder that Americans think that even the 2005 models are bangers! That said, many of the Americans I know seem to drive Japanese SUV's these days!

Answer 5

We like Old bangers. New cars mostly suck.

And the 1982 Chevette sucks

:)

Answer 6

Why yes Americans like me would be driving classic MGB's, Austin Healey 3000's, Triumph Spitfires, Frog-eyed Sprites, Early Datsun,Nissan roadsters and 240z sports cars WHY! Because There were so many sold! Just the sheer volume of cars makes them easier to find rob parts off of wrecked cars and keep on the road.And climate conditions are good dry southern USA roads are smooth. German car maker BMW sells more cars in California than the whole of Europe.

Answer 7

Because older American cars have style(all except the chevette,ugh) compared to most British cars resembling 4 wheeled mopeds

Answer 8

Well drive a 70's Dodge Charger / Mustang March 1... and you will change your mind.... I'm a Brit that has had these fantastic cars ,, and even now they would keep up with all the new high tech stuff on the road at the moment..
Best car iv ever had ... A Jensen interceptor Mk III 7.. V8.

Answer 9

The answer is simple..

Old cars are cool if they're kept right..

New cars all look the same - they're just not as much fun as the old muscle cars..

Granted Chevettes aren't really powerplants...but it's still a hell of a lot cooler than the new Chevy Matiz :-)

Answer 10

In the states, a 2005 english car is an old banger.