If you could buy what used to be called an economy car – i.e., a basic, low-cost vehicle that maybe did not come standard with amenities such as power everything, AC, an automatic transmission and lots of “tech” – but did come standard with a starting price under $15,000 – would you seriously consider buying one?
How about a basic truck like the Toyota HilLux Champ that’s available in other markets for about $13k to start?
We are told – by some – that such vehicles would never sell in this country because most Americans are unwilling to drive a basic vehicle that does not have the amenities – power everything, big “rims” and lots of “tech” – and so they’d be a money-loser for the vehicle manufacturers. Basic, low-cost vehicles are only viable in developing countries, the argument goes. Never mind that America is on its way to becoming one of those, again.
Anyhow, I do not believe this to be true. But who cares what I think – right? That’s why I decided to do a poll – via YouTube – to ask people. what they think. If this poll gets a sufficient number of responses and these responses align with my hypotheses that there are lots of people who would love to be able to buy a $13k or so basic truck or an economy car (as opposed to an entry level car) I will forward the results to every vehicle manufacturer, in particular Toyota, Honda, Nissan and Mazda because all of them used to specialize in affordable vehicles.
GM and Ford used to offer them, too. Does anyone remember? When I was a kid in high school, there were cars such as the Chevy Chevette. The two-door version had a base price – in 1982 – of $5,235. The four-door was a couple hundred bucks more. There wasn’t much to it because it was just a car and not much more. A body and a very basic drivetrain; an engine and a manual transmission. There was heat. AC was optional. Nothing fancy, but it was a brand-new car and served the purpose of A to B transportation. Economy cars such as the Chevette served the other purpose such cars were designed to fulfill: They saved you money.
A modern iteration of the old Chevette would likely save even more, since with modern manufacturing processes it could be made better and cheaper and (with a simple EFI system and overdrive gearing) it would be even more fuel efficient and long-lived than its ancestor was due to more accurate fuel metering, etc.
Today, we are told that you are “saving money” by spending less on gas by spending more to buy a much more expensive vehicle. Never mind that the Chevette and other economy cars of its type were also economical to drive – got great gas mileage – because they were light and it didn’t take much power to move them adequately. The diesel-powered version of the Chevette could deliver 55-plus MPG, the equal of a current Toyota Prius hybrid, which requires an expensive hybrid drivetrain to match the Chevette’s mileage. Yes, of course, the new Prius can get to 60 literally twice as quickly (in about six seconds vs. 12-15 for the Chevette) but it also has a base price of $28,550.
Keep in mind, also, that it costs. more to insure a $28k car such as the Prius because the cost of insurance is based in part on the replacement cost of a $28k vehicle. And when it needs service, that’s going to cost more, too. The Chevette may have needed service more often, but because it was so basic, it cost less to service and handy people could do most of the service themselves.
I also think a basic truck such as the ones that were available as recently as the early 2000s – up through about 2004 – would also sell because more people can afford a $15k truck than a $32k truck, the latter being about what it costs to buy the least expensive new truck currently available.
Anyhow, here’s the poll, both video iteration (YouTube) and right here. I am hoping to get a sample large enough to be persuasive to the vehicle manufacturers that there is a market – a big one – for economy cars and basic trucks. Maybe they’ll listen and respond.
We’ll see!
. . .
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This is an interesting video on the topic. Now the Ineos isn’t spartan like a Hilux Champ. I’ve never been in a Champ but from what I’ve been told they are very basic, like stripped down golf cart spartan.
I do know someone who owns a Grenadier and it feels like a 2000 Tacoma in quality and build. They are very, very simple by 2025 standards but they would be considered very advanced by 1985 standards.
They have the minimum number of compliance things necessary, which aren’t really that much different now than in 2000. They truly are as simple as legally allowed, which of course is a major point of itself.
I will say part of the reason the Ineos costs what it does is economy of scale. It’s a boutique brand building a smallish number of vehicles. If Toyota built the new Land Cruiser like this instead of the techno-gizmo laden thing they did you have to think there would be some cost advantage.
I’d buy a HiLux champ in a nanosecond.
There are plenty of simple cheap vehicles made around the world. We just aren’t allowed to have them.
FWIW, I had a ’78 civic. It was tiny and buzzy, but it got 50-60 mpg. Sure, it was built with cheaper metal that would vaporize to rust if a spot started. But it was exceptionally well crafted. I think I paid $200 for it back in the late 80s. Here’s also the rub – I drove it for a year, then had the head rebuilt. turns out, it had a cracked exhaust valve, and I’d have been driving it all over just fine. The machine shop cost like $150. The gasket set was like $40. It ran like a sewing machine after. I ended up selling it because I got a company car and had a bike, so it mostly sat.
I had a 1984 civic, 1.5 5 spd and I am currently driving an 8th gen Civic, 1.8l 5 spd. The older Civic weighed 800 lbs less and got better gas mileage, usually 42mpg. Like you said, Hondas are good quality. I often said I wish Honda had built the Geo Metro because the quality of a Geo Metro is far less than a Civic. Back in the 1980s gasoline was far cheaper also. What I need is a Civic that gets 60 mpg. I drive alot of unmaintained forest roads, and the older civic and geo metro were superior, hands down better – narrow wheel base and light weight and better ground clearance.
Given that, if I had the time, I’d love to assemble a Caterham 7, I’d be in the market for a basic car.
Ditto that, Michael!
This commercial brings tears of joy to my eyes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M0lsIPKXVA0
Small Japanese Kei trucks and van from Seattle to Portland Oregon
https://portland.craigslist.org/search/dallesport-wa/cta?lat=45.5862&lon=-121.0844&query=kei&search_distance=270#search=2~grid~0
Chart of food price inflation for the United States, 2017-2025
https://wolfstreet.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/US-CPI-10-24-2025-food-CPI_price-level.png
Compare the food price inflation chart above to the increase in M1 money supply by the criminal Federal Reserve board:
https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/M1SL
Note how the vertical increase in M1 in 2020 corresponds to the food price inflation chart, but with a lag.
Personally I prefer hand-cranked windows and a stick shift. Also a cable-actuated throttle.
I like basic EFI (no adjusting, always at stoich, reliable cold starting), cruise control and Bluetooth. But I can live without them.
A/C is awfully nice to have but I can live without it, especially if I can save money on the car and maybe install a bolt-on kit later.
I do not like ABS, and I know how to (threshold) brake quite well without it, thanks. I also do not like traction control, which always seems to kick in when I want it least.
Air bags are something of a mixed bag, and completely unnecessary as long as you can stay out of a wreck. Seat belts work better, but the warning buzzer is freaking annoying, I can do without that.
Modern paint & ecoat is an absolute must-have in the rust belt, for corrosion resistance.
Ultimately it’s going to boil down to price. If it’s say half to 2/3 the price of, say, a Corolla it’s a no-brainer. If it’s the same price, and lasts a similar number of miles but it’s easier to fix I’m still buying it, unless we hit the point where I’m spending lots of money & every other weekend wrenching. (I don’t necessarily enjoy that part of things).
Absolutely, YES! That’s exactly what I want, a basic, low-cost, economical car that I can fix myself. Basic transportation, no bells, whistles or frills.
Ford Maverick, The Simple Machine. That’s how cars used to be advertised and they largely lived up to it.
Would I buy one? Possibly. If one was cheap enough and I liked it enough to have a commuter. If I could get something like the original Ford Maverick but moderized, RWD, MT, nice straight six, then I would buy it. Maybe even with a four cylinder since today’s 4s would be good enough.
Get a load of this, Eric. I just saw this article on how car makers are trying to “cut costs” of new vehicles. Gosh, maybe they should read your article? Naw…they would rather disable features rather than go back to what worked. You know, the Keep It Simple, Stupid (KISS) motto… https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/other/automakers-quietly-disabling-car-features-to-cut-costs/ss-AA1OZGZk?ocid=winp1taskbar&cvid=68fcd6d32f7f4d86b49784d312dca61c&ei=9#image=1
Except disabling features doesn’t cut costs. It averages costs out and creates new profit centers. The costs of the things still go into every car. It’s just that the people purchasing the feature working get charged more, those who don’t get charged less. Then they can charge more if the later want them activated and then do subscriptions. It’s just plain evil.
I will say it again:
I pledge to purchase the Toyota Hilux Champ if it’s anything near $13k.
Hell, if I could get a Honda CRX new, I’d probably do that as well. My friend has one in high school and it got incredible mileage.
I’ll see if I can get a post on your YouTube video as well, Eric.
Have you ever actually seen a Hilux Champ in-person, or driven one? Believe me, you wouldn’t want one.
Hey Arthur,
No, I’ve never seen it in person. But I have seen that it can haul over a ton and the sides of the bed fold down, which is better than any truck I own can do. It’s also decent on fuel and you can choose between gas or diesel engines.
It looks very utilitarian, but that doesn’t bother me one bit. My ’94 S-10 is very basic, but I have no problem with that.
Hey, BaDnOn,
I agree about the utilitarian part not being a problem. Heck, it’s an asset in my book! But the thing is, for me anyway, that while the simplicity and price are very appealing, the fact is, these are third-world vehicles. They are VERY cheesy and feel very flimsy….and seriously lack power. I mean, when I’m thinking of a truck, I’m thinking of something with some strength and power. Not 600HP and angry-looking grills, but, well, think 1976 Ford. Or even 1998 F150. Or even an old-school 80’s Ranger; or a Nissan Hardbody or Toyota T100. These little trucks are none of that. Of course, what can one expect for the price of a motorcycle? I don’t think we’ll ever again see what was once the common, cheap standard American pick-up of the 60’s-90’s. 🙁
Regulations and lobbyists would never allow it, but even if they did I wouldn’t be interested. I’d rather fix my old Pontiacs than make payments on anything car companies offer.
Once the Chinese finally perfect the battery technology there *could* be dozens of competing cheap small cars and pickups. A single electric motor in back with a BYD style blade battery acting as a frame component is much simpler to manufacture and maintain, especially in light of modern “pollution” control systems.
The Noahide empire is at war with goyim across the planet. Americans think that they are US citizens when in fact they are US slaves to the Noahide empire. We are all Gazans now. It is highly unlikely in the future that Jews will want goyim, especially Christian goyim, enjoying cheap and reliable private transportation.
This sounds WONDERFUL, Eric. Therefore, because the people want it, we will never get it.
Morning, Shadow!
I think that’s so; however, if we can embarrass them – as per “masks” – it might have an effect. I think this is very important and for that reason worth doing. As things stands, there is this sort of assumption that everyone’s happy with the way vehicles are and that only a few weirdos want basic, affordable vehicles.
It makes me wonder how many more “weirdo’s” there actually are that simply do not say anything, for the fear of being labeled as such? The ones that want to fit in more than they want to stand up, so they keep quiet. But deep down, hate this crap as much as the rest of us. It reminds me of “Hopper” in “Bug’s Life”, and how very true it is, even today. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VLbWnJGlyMU
Just re-makes of the 80’s and 90’s cars-trucks would work just fine. They could easily be made for under $20K, but the whole point of CAFE, OSHA, crash tests, etc…. is so they can’t be made.
In other words, these could be and would be made by ‘other’ countries, and would kill our auto Manuf.
In other words, American car manufacturers cannot compete, nor prosper, because of goobermint regulations which they foolishly embrace. American consumers get screwed-over bigly, too.
The end game, is defeat.
…Willingly so, it seems. What an odd culture we have.
Enjoy the weight of your chains?
[Not, you. Rather, The ignorant People. Howevah; you & I get swept up in that net.]
Yup, happened about 20-30 yrs ago ehen the bigger manuf. Figured out they could get in bed w gov to limit competition
Totally would buy one if reasonably priced! Manual transmission is a must. CD player or the like for some tunes and hand-cranked windows for fresh air. No power windows/doors/cameras/surveillance, either. The power windows/doors always break and you can’t open the windows which sucks in Georgia heat. Repairing them is neither easy nor cheap. Desire for lack of surveillance is self-explanatory. Air conditioning is nice but not wholly necessary, as far as I’m concerned.
I’m still plugging along in my 2002 Tacoma (cost roughly $13K, IIRC) with 5-speed manual and no power anything. I daily drive a 2015 Accord base model with auto transmission, but I’d much prefer a manual for the increased control and feedback it offers. No good options on the market now, so I’ll drive ’em until the wheels fall off!
I’m surprised that in Georgia, “Air conditioning is nice but not wholly necessary”. It’s not a humid fest there? That’s my stereotype of there.
There’s quite often a few weeks/months here in Iowa that it seems like I’m in South Florida or Southeast Texas – with no breeze – and I don’t know how my best friend & I made it through Summer cruising around town trying to pick up chicks & impress nobody with ‘bunny hops’ in his manual trans Chevette without AC. But, we did.
Also, you got this right, “The power windows/doors always break”.
Only once did a crank window break on me [I pulled on it for some reason trying to get a Rabbit unstuck in a ditch] while the power stuff, so many failed, & cost too much time & money to repair. Alligators.
Already there. My newest is a 2003 Dodge Dakota, the older pickup is a 2000 Frontier. Yes, fuel injection computers and the Dakota has a body module (?), both in excellent shape, and run just fiine. People like the Dakota, people want to buy the Frontier on sight.
Will never buy a new car/truck. Ever. Too much onboard crap.
Yes to real economy cars! And ala carte options on ALL new vehicles, not “packages” with expensive things I don’t want for the one thing I do want. That would help keep the price down generally too. Packages are for people who want almost everything, they should offer Ala carte too for those of us not wanting too much!
I currently daily drive a 2018 Ford Focus, about the closest thing to an “economy” car today. It’s pretty plain by today’s standard, but still has a/c, auto, power windows, locks, screens (not touch though) and a nice stereo. Loaded by old economy car standards. It’s actually a pretty nice (but boring) car.
It was made late 2017, and I got it “new” in late 2019. Didn’t even get test driven much, it only had 36 miles on it. So it sat on a high volume dealer lot for almost two years. Along with two others. It MSRP was $22k. I bought it for $14.5k, I think largely because the dealer wanted it off his lot.
I think that is a problem with “cheap” vehicles. I found it a good value at 14.5k. I would have never paid 22k for it though. Nobody else did either. It has to be priced right too. A car like a Focus is too expensive at 22k, and that’s why they don’t sell. I think Ford would still be making them if they were half the price they were trying (and failing) to sell them at.
The dual clutch transmission design of the Focus in the 2012-2016 model years was a very costly mistake for Ford which the company wanted to bury and forget.
RE: “The dual clutch transmission design”
I don’t know what that is. And, I’m not sure I want to know.
But it was a GREAT car if you got the 5-speed MTX-75 stick…
I would buy it, especially a truck. I would have to get the optional a/c though being in Florida. I currently drive a 2016 Honda Fit which was the cheapest thing I could get at the time. I’m pretty sure they don’t make them here in the US any longer, along with comparable cars from other manufacturers.
YES, YES, YES!
Yep. I’d like to be able to purchase the car & the truck. AT, AC, analog gauges, crank windows (maybe a vent near the gas pedal) a cherry on top would be zero airbags. No frills practical.
Bought the FJ new in 2007, the 1st and only time ever buying new. All the newer vehicles I’ve looked at, I don’t want them. Not even at half the price. From here on out, I’m only buying used pre-2007 vehicles. More likely, pre-2000 year vehicles. 1994 seems to be a sweet spot.
Yes, I might be interested in a basic car. How about an updated version of the Chevrolet Celebrity, but more reliable. It was a reasonably roomy small car with a usable trunk.
I don’t believe if a $15k new vehicle is possible in the US anymore.
Even if the manufacturer provided the dealers with incentives to hold the line on pricing, dealer insiders would avail themselves of the opportunity to make money.
My wife’s nephew paid ~ $10k above sticker buying from a dealer insider. The vehicle had 200 miles on the odometer, and the financing arrangements took place in the F&I room as if it was purchased new off the lot.
Paid $10k above sticker buying a Maverick.
I was a yes as soon as i read the title. I have been casually looking for a low tech vehicle for a while. Problem is most are $30,000+ restored cars.
I think it could be very important to have something that will just keep on running long after the billion computer systems needed to run a modern car are no longer made.
I have a 2010 Jeep Patriot with a manual transmission and hand crank windows. I wish I still had my Ford F100. I never had air conditioning in a vehicle until I got married.
Bob,
I have written you back – nicely – and don’t cotton to threats. You are now invited to post whatever you like on TrustPilot.
Absolutely, and I’m in the demographic that can afford pretty much anything short of a Ferrari.
I want what I used to be able to have — manual transmission, those little triangle windows, and, ideally, floor vents like pickups used to have. I’d pay extra to be able to reach the window crank behind the driver’s seat, and to not have that silly post between front and back seat.
Hi Bob,
It’s being looked into!
Sign me up! My first car that I purchased new was a ‘75 Dodge Dart, I think about $3500 was what it cost. Only option would be an automatic since most of my driving is in stop and go traffic.
I ordered a 74 Plymouth Duster police special for $2475, smooth vinyl seats, vinyl flooring (no carpet), no radio, no A/C, no power steering, no power brakes, crank down windows, plain wheels, 4 on the floor large bore hi flow exhaust …ALL for $2475
Yes, all I want are the basics, plus AC. I’d also prefer a manual transmission, but I know that’s never coming back because few know how to drive them anymore. Every computer chip in a vehicle increases maintenance and repair costs, so as few of those as possible. I’d gladly by a rebuilt pre-1990 car over anything made today.
I’d be interrested. I was interrested in the Elio 3 wheeler when it was still in planning
There are no links to the poll
Not only would I, I walk my talk because my furnace is from 1971. It does its job perfectly. It heats the house to the mid 60s. I don’t need motherboards or any of that other crap. I’ll gladly pay the small amount in natural gas for the pilot light to remain on.
For the (1) families who need to carry kids and gear, or (2) want a small, efficient camping vehicle (not 4WD), I would think the Toyota Townace or Liteace would serve well. I think they currently sell for 15k to 20k new in Japan with A/C and either transmission.
I’ve driven them as light-work used vehicles in NZ and they were going strong at 10+ years old and over 60,000 miles.
tl;dr: Yes.
My first car was a 1980 Chevette, as shown in the picture at top, but with fewer of the options shown: no roof rack, single-color paint (metallic blue), and just the standard left-side mirror. It did have cloth seats instead of vinyl, as the car it replaced had vinyl seats, which sucked in both the Colorado winter and Florida summer. Dad bought it new. I learned to drive in it (manual transmission and all) and started driving in 1989. It was still running well when an old fart in a Town Car cut me off in ’96.
I wouldn’t think twice before buying something like that, if I had a need to replace something in the current fleet.
These polls are always inaccurate. A lot of people say they want one thing but vote with their money.
I’ll give you an example. We bought a 2017 Subaru Forester at the end of the model year in 2018. It was the base model, no turbo, stick shift, no roof rack, no Subaru eyesight or whatever they call their safety suite, steel 17″ wheels (next trim got 18″), 3-dial climate.
Point being it was the lowest rung.
They had 4 to choose from and they’d been sitting on their lot for 4 months. Got a nice discount beyond the end of model year sale and choice of two in white, one in grey, one in black. Those were the only colors you could get the base trim, by the way.
In 2018 Subaru dropped the base model 2.5i and in 2019 they dropped the stick shift completely in the US cars.
I’m left to conclude that, no, most US buyers are not interested in the econobox anymore. Toyota would sell the Hilux Champ or the 70 Series Land Cruiser here if they thought it would sell. But they can’t even move SR trim Tacomas, the majority of people opting for TRD or Limited even over the middle ground SR5.
Hi Tina,
Yes – and you’re generally right. However, it’s. not 2017 anymore. People are tapped out. The rising cost of new cars is in my opinion not sustainable.
You’re right, although I’d think that the economic strata you’re talking about is going to opt for a used car with features over a Chevette level. They already do that, keeping getting smart phones instead of buying a flip, using credit cards to buy non-durable and depreciating assets. Maybe there’s an untapped market but it’s narrow, someone with enough money saved to buy new but is looking for simple. Back in the day entry level existed because there was an economic way of moving up over time. To sell a cheap car now would require the buyer to understand the economic reality that a crash is happening around them already and this is as good as it gets. But the majority of people still sleepwalk through the world seeing only rainbow and unicorn farts.
SOME of the people are tapped out. Maybe half. Maybe even 80%. It doesn’t matter to the manufacturers because the richest TEN per cent account for HALF of all consumer spending:
https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/top-10-account-nearly-half-232143434.html
This is why GM has completely dropped Chevy Cruzes in favor of $100,000 Cadillacs, and why Ford has dropped Escapes and Focuses for $100,000 Broncos.
It’s becoming a Latin American economy and we’re the peasants in the tin-roofed shacks. It’s not Henry Ford’s or even FDR’s America any more. Back then they used to blame the rich Republicans for everything, but that’s no longer true, the richest tech oligarchs are mostly Democrats. Democrats like John Kerry, J.B. Pritzker and Jared Polis are hardly representative of the Chevy-driving working class.
I’d LOVE a basic vehicle; but NOT an “economy” job. Specifically, I’d want a sturdy full-sized vehicle. In my case, a truck. Not some tiny HiLux death-trap, but just what used to be a normal pick-up with an 8′ bed; a V-8; manual tranny; Rubber floor covering; vinyl or sturdy-cloth seats. Keyed locks. Basic A/C, p/s and p/b.
Crank windows and manual locks are just fine. Basic enamel paint- no base coat/clear coat. No anti-theft BS; No cameras or sensors.
All they need to do is resurrect a ’76 Ford F250, or a 69 GMC K20 or 69 Dodge W200 Power Wagon. Perfection!
Car? A repop of a 67 base Impala.
Yep! And go back to selectable options, not “packages” or “trim level” thus overpaying for the few options you really want. Engine, trans, power vs roll up, AC, and on …
Yes! I absolutely would not tolerate “option packages” or trim levels! You want this option? You pay for it, and get it. Not: You want this option? Well, you have to get this package that comes with heated seats and a gonad tickler and ostrich-leather glove compartment liner; and that package is only available with the 0.9 liter 3 cyclinder triple-turbo CVT”.
Of course. Youve described exactly what is the BEST we could do and expect to create win wins for EVERYONE.
The tic toc world owners WILL enshrine any and everything BUT exactly this. Theyre psychopaths and they enjoy nothing more than full spectrum shit stirring at all times everywhere they can.
Like a neighborhood bully would.
I think you can still get a 3/4 ton truck that checks most of your (and my) boxes. I don’t know about manual windows and locks. Hopefully you can still get a manual. If I HAD to buy a new vehicle, it would be a 3/4 ton.
Question for Eric. When was the last time one of the manufacturers sent you a 3/4 ton truck to review?
Never mind Eric. I see the F250 and Ram 2500 were reviewed this summer. You’d think I would remember that.
Yeah, if one were to see the “fleet guy” at a stealership, one could probably still get a new low-option 3/4 ton…but I don’t know about the manual tranny or V-8….and I can’t even imagine theprice, ‘specially if you threw in 4×4 (Which I require). Plus, you’d get all of the requisite computer modules and plastic parts, etc. I’m thinking such a vehicle would likely set one back close to $60K. For a LOT less, I could get a nice 60’s or 70’s truck that is a good driver…or or one I could go through and make such….and it’d last forever, and not tie me to a stealership and electronics and cheap plastic crap that looks horrible and ages-out in less than 10 years.
A friend of mine bought a new Ram 2500 c. 2020. Almost $80K (!!!) and what a shit-show it was. He got rid of it already. A darn alternator for that truck costs $1500!!!
Yes I would. The only luxuries I want are an automatic transmission and — I’m a wuss — AC. I don’t want power anything. No built-in entertainment or navigation systems. NO screens. No digital readouts. Ideally no computers at all. I don’t need curved window glass. I don’t need a molded interior that makes me feel like I’m packed into an egg carton. I don’t even want carpet: what’s wrong with vinyl floor mats?
What I own now is as close to that as I could find in 2007; a hatchback that I got new for around $11,000. I’ll have to keep it going forever, because I do not want what anyone is selling now, not at any price. Which kind of bites, since a pickup would be useful.
(I suppose airbags and so on are required and expensive, so it’ll take either some innovation that makes them cheap and simple, or a change in government regulations; it seems unlikely that it’s just the manufacturers making these decisions.)
Thank you for asking and I hope this goes somewhere.
Oh — and if they could do something to prevent rust. Road salt happens.
Good stuff, Jess – and thank you for leaving your comment! I’m hoping to collect enough of these to make it worthwhile to present a case to the vehicle manufacturers, with data to back it up.
Did I miss it? Where’s the link to the poll?
I might. Im never going to buy a car that costs half a year’s worth of median income unless its inherently valuable. But a cheap new car is can pick up for 15k or less in cash, I might do.
The problem is, factoring in currency destruction/inflation, I seriously doubt it can be done. The basic materials in it are nominally up, the wages and benefits are worth less but priced higher, and the seller has to make money on it.
Under our current fascist/communist system, if I start up a plant to make something like a Chevy Luv, and figure out how to make and sell them for 15k out the door, Ill be governed out of business. Inspections, permits, taxes of every sort, and lots and lots of rules.
100% correct. What we need is a second amendment solution!
Hi, Bob, no need for that. What’s needed is for a critical mass of people to say no, and refuse to obey. It would only take 10% to change things. 30 million people refusing to pay income and property taxes would overturn their evil system. Unfortunately that’s a pipe dream.
Would love a simple white painted 78/79 F-150 2wd, short bed, 300 six engine, 4 speed manual. Everything manual. Any convenience desired i can add as I see fit.
I have got one, Eric. A 2007 Toyota Aygo. True, it’s more sewing machine than car but it has nothing in or on it but a radio and electric windows. 150,000 miles and counting. I put a new water pump on it last year – did it in the street in front of the house. Passers-by stopped and gawped. The hardest part of the job was getting the damn bumper off without destroying it!
Excellent, Mongoose!
Maybe the tide can be turned….
2007 Toyota Aygo specs: “The 2007 Toyota Aygo features a 1.0-liter inline-3 petrol engine producing 68 horsepower, with a top speed of 157 km/h (97.5 mph) and a fuel economy of approximately 61.9 mpg (combined). It is available as a 3-door or 5-door hatchback, seating four passengers.”
“The curb weight of the 2007 Toyota Aygo is approximately 790 kg (1,741 lbs).”
“The MSRP for a 2007 Toyota Aygo was approximately $10,000 when it was new. However, current prices for used models typically range around $3,295 to $3,500 depending on condition and mileage”
Basically, the Aygo is a better looking Geo Metro, a higher top speed (a Metro top speed about 80 mph with an engine putting out 55 hp).
https://media.toyota.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/03/1611774810210127MAygoTechSpec.pdf
Notice in the specs – the 12 valve DOHC w/ timing chain. The Geo Metro was infamous for snapping timing belts.
Jack, the missus drives it. So we use up brakes and tyres at a fair rate. It now drinks a pint of oil every 3 to 4 months but only in the summer. Apart from that nothing happens – except the stupid design of the cable to the rear window heater means it is constantly being yanked off. We now do without.
I havve just bought her an all-but-new C1 and it has electronic stuff everywhere whih will surely cost a fortune to fix. But the girl deserved a treat.
I saw a blood red Suby broadside a runt fawn at 25 on the boulevard yesterday. Poor lil thing flew 30 feet ahead at impact.
A 1700 lb car among texting stoner dbags ?
Not for me.
Yep, I would and did. Bought my daughter a 94 Corolla which I still own and gave to my stepdaughter’s family to use which is still running like a champ.
A Chevy Chevette….not so much.
I would buy one if could get automatic trans, as ma not very good at driving a stick
Hi Penny!
Automatics were commonly available as options in economy cars; the relevant thing is they were optional – and that meant you didn’t have to pay for one if you preferred not to. Even if you did, the car was still affordable – because it was an economy car.
I miss them. Not only because I like them but also because of the competition they provided. When people have the choice to buy an inexpensive car, it tends to keep the price of more expensive cars in check.
No! And I’ll never use credit again. I’m shooting for a credit score of zero. If I can’t find a decent used car I can afford, I’ll walk!
With you, Bob!
The only new vehicle I’ve ever bought is my ’03 Kawasaki ZRX – a motorcycle. It was $7,500 and that’s about the max I have ever been able to afford to write a check for. That is what keeps me in check!
A credit score of zero is aka 810+.
“Would You Buy a Basic Vehicle If You Could?”
Would it have any resale value if I did?
Hi Mike,
I think it would, yes. And – the thing is – how much does a fancy new vehicle depreciate? And what is the cost of that relative to what you didn’t spend on the inexpensive, basic vehicle?
Yes
Such economy cars would also hold down used car prices as well.
Count me in. Hi-Lux, with a five speed, six cylinder would be an automatic purchase if I could get one for a reasonable price. Don’t need Electric locks and windows, touch screen, or back up camera. I’ve looked at my LLC purchasing one in Mexico and bringing it here. No smog required in most of Az. I’m just a little hesitant on the going into Mexico and driving it back part. Looked at a 98 and an O1 Ranger this week., Too many issues for the money they were asking. I’m hoping to get a small truck I can hold onto for the rest of my life.
Make your own hope. I bought a 2013 Nissan Frontier in 2014. Now, it”s 12 years old, not too beat up, runs very well and it’s paid for.
My first truck was a basic 4 cylinder/5 speed Nissan Hard body. Bought it in 199O with 5K miles. sold it ten years later with almost 2OOK miles. Very low maintenance. Those Japanese do make an excellent small truck, no doubt.
What I’m looking for now will be something with antique status, for plate/reg/insurance. 25 years or older in Az. Pretty much decided on a Ranger. Had a 96 once, which was a real beast. Don’t know what I was thinking selling the thing. I want 5 speed, six cylinder, 4×4, extra cab. Not that hard to find, but the ones I’ve looked at were overpriced, high milage, and ran like shit. Not willing to pay top dollar prices, so as to assure a positive outcome.
It’s not possible to do this legally with a truck less than 25 years old. I’m not speculating, I’ve imported an old Spanish fire truck Land Cruiser. Arizona is probably similar to my state, the hard part isn’t dealing with the state bureaucracy but just getting it legally into the country. You could buy one in Mexico and drive it in but the paperwork to do it in a way you ultimately have a title and license plates starts with a registered importer recognized by Customs to do this. Some people go the easier route, buying a property in central America and registering their newer-than-25 truck there and keep renewing the plates from Guatemala until it turns 25. You can’t even use the non-road-use exemption. If you bring a truck in to use on a farm or in a mine it has to leave the country, be exported and re-imported, when it turns 25 to get it road legal.
Customs does try to figure out the grey market imports and isn’t shy about dealing with them.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2404372/4×4-fans-look-away-Land-Rovers-imported-U-S-CRUSHED-customs-failing-safety-rules-dont-airbags.html#ixzz2dKaNUVEm
Good info Tina. I think I could phanaggle importation through my LLC. But, it does appear to be a lot more trouble than its worth. Outside of Belize, or perhaps Panama, Central America seems pretty sketch these days for gringos of a certain persuasion.
I have pictures of a Hi-Lux with Mexican plates, taken this summer on my commute home in the Austin suburbs.
The Hi-Lux sold in Mexico looks like the last generation Tacoma.
I’d consider one, at least as a commuter vehicle. But remember the expense is in the airbags, the rollover “protection” and the side impact stuff. Not to mention the custom aerodynamic plastic pieces to make the CAFE numbers. That has to be considered a “fixed cost” that is baked in before the designer’s pen hits paper. All those touchscreens are just 7″ tablets, available for $50 on Alibabba. Those power windows are just brushed DC motors and some wire, actually cheaper than crank handles when you factor in installation labor. Yes, the drivetrains are a good place to cut costs with manual gearboxes and naturally aspirated 4 cylinder engines, and 13″ baby buggy wheels (no need for power steering), but most of what’s in front of the driver is actually very cheap.
But the dealers have conditioned buyers to look at the monthly payment, not the total cost of the loan. So if you have good enough credit to run out a 7 year loan, why not load up, right? (sarcasm) Heck, why not have two loans sitting in the driveway, money’s still cheap!
Yes, I would buy such a vehicle.
Have done so many times. 2001: bought a 1999 Ranger XL base, 4 cyl stick with zero options used for $4600 OTD including tax. Drove it 12 years. 2008: bought a new F-150 XL stick, zero options for $13,500 OTD. MSRP was $18,000. Still have it. 2017: bought a Focus S base, stick, $14,200 OTD. MSRP was $18,000. Still have it.
Big yes for me….First new truck for me was a 1986 Isuzu Trooper…..Simple…5 sp manual lever T case shifter crank windows it didn’t even have a radio…Did have a/c had to pay extra of course. It was a great little truck. got a trailer to haul my dirt bikes.It never failed me or let me down. Drove it over 20 years…..Wish I still had it.
Put me in the “absolutely” category. And if someone doesn’t offer a simpler, cheaper vehicle I will quite honestly never again buy new.
Simple, basic cars with manual shift, no CANBUS, no touchscreen, and no internet connectivity are what I drive now. But they are over 25 years old. When they wear out, I would like to buy new ones. But no vehicles like this are available anymore.
I would be interested in such a vehicle. Especially if certain options were available as add ons.
For me AC would be high in the list of options.
Radio/music can be added in assuming the car is wired for audio.
On an aside, I also would be interested in a kei vehicle that can be legally purchased in the USA.for driving around town.
Ie new than 25yrs old.
Amen, Mith!
I’m hoping this poll will generate some big numbers, which I will then use to make a case to the vehicle manufacturers.
And, obviously, since “a kei vehicle” is such a common term, there’s no need to explain it.
/sarc
No Spam,
Fair point:
In Brief:
What is a kei car?
Kei, pronounced like “hey,” is short for kei-jidosha, which loosely translates to “light vehicle.”
According to TOC Automotive College in Malaysia, the cars are the smallest passenger vehicles allowed on Japanese roads and must fit these measurements:
• Maximum of 3.4 meters in length
• Maximum of 1.48 meters in width
• Maximum of 2 meters in height
• Maximum displacement of 0.66 liters
Max horsepower is about 64HP
They are small vehicles that are ideal for small congested streets and for speeds under 60mph.