Ode to the full service gas station

[Cloud]

I agree, TW, I would never, ever buy a car without it being recommended by Consumer Reports.

Hence, my 2001 Honda Civic.



I very much appreciate all who have taken the time to respond here, even with the contentiousness. (Hey, it's the Cellar, what do we expect?)

Accidents must diminish the longevity of a vehicle, though, no? Mine had an accident several years back, and was fixed. Fixed well, but I keep thinking there must be some lingering weakness in the frame after that.

I've been thinking about the longevity issue, too. So, are people saying that all of a sudden, cars' reliability and longevity are vastly increased? After what year?

I wonder if the car-buying public has really twigged to this, or cares. That would give most people time enough to pay off their car, and save cash for the next one. I'm sure the car-finance people are not bruting this about.

Of course, most people are too caught up in "look at my shiny new car" syndrome to pay attention.