Overpowered, overpriced new cars

[JDgreen227]

I just got a new issue of a car magazine that has an article on the 2013 Mustang Shelby GT500, which will have a supercharged, 5.8 liter, DOHC 650 hp engine which is claimed to be able to go 200 mph, stock. They say the sticker price will be about $60,000.

I have never understood why automakers put so much money into the development of limited production, multi horsepower, gas sucking cars that will only appeal to a few, and when the speed limit is 75 mph and gasoline $4.50 a gallon, I have to wonder why any sensible person would even want one in the first place. The EPA should slap a $50,000 gas guzzler tax on such cars.

If I had $60,000 to spend on a new vehicle, I would buy a loaded 3/4 ton pickup, an aluminum car hauler, and a new Deere. And I would actually get some useful vehicles out of my money, and not have something flashy and way overpriced that would drink up gas like there was a hole in the tank and be impossible to insure at a reasonable price. But I guess there are some people out there who miss their cowboy suits, hence the market for such stupid cars.

 

[Samandothers]

I recon different strokes for different folks. I had a 67 Corvette. Father thought 2 seater was not a useful design. I like the design and getting to the speed limit rapidly. I did not drive it a lot but enjoyed it when I did. Sold it for 5 times what I bought it for. So it was a good investment. Now like you I would not by a gas guzzling speed machine.

Now I might buy a bigger tractor than i need and feed it diesel! :thumbsup:

 

[RobertBrown]

I've often wondered the same thing myself.
I would prefer to have "Detroit" offer a reliable car with good gas mileage. Something simple, easy to repair and maintain.
I never cared for the first generation Volkswagen but I sure do agree with the premiss they were built on.
I guess we are getting old. It's becomes apparent when you think along practical lines...... "form follows function"...I always say

 

[JDgreen227]

I've often wondered the same thing myself.
I would prefer to have "Detroit" offer a reliable car with good gas mileage. Something simple, easy to repair and maintain.
I never cared for the first generation Volkswagen but I sure do agree with the premiss they were built on.
I guess we are getting old. It's becomes apparent when you think along practical lines...... "form follows function"...I always say

You hit that one right on the head, todays cars ARE reliable and give good gas mileage for the most part, but many are so complicated it is impossible to work on them. Remember when an interior rear view mirror was a $5 part, manual dimming was the only upgrade? Now they have compass, clock, thermometer, auto-dimming, Onstar, etc. built in. What woud it cost to repair or replace that fancy mirror? Do we actually NEED all the gewgaws and gimcracks automakers shove down the customer's throats?

Hmmm...maybe this is why I like my John Deere so much compared to my car or truck, it's simple, reliable, easy to repair and maintain.

 

[Bird]

Fifty years ago, I would have loved to have had a corvette and there was a time when the frist mustangs came out that I liked them. But now . . . if I won millions in the lottery I wouldn't have any use for anything like that.

 

[lilranch2001]

You hit that one right on the head, todays cars ARE reliable and give good gas mileage for the most part, but many are so complicated it is impossible to work on them. Remember when an interior rear view mirror was a $5 part, manual dimming was the only upgrade? Now they have compass, clock, thermometer, auto-dimming, Onstar, etc. built in. What woud it cost to repair or replace that fancy mirror? Do we actually NEED all the gewgaws and gimcracks automakers shove down the customer's throats?

Hmmm...maybe this is why I like my John Deere so much compared to my car or truck, it's simple, reliable, easy to repair and maintain.

I dunno, I really like having the compass

 

[Sutol]

Must be old age,

I find new cars boring and reliable and all looking the same. No need to lift the hood for the first five years then only to fill the wqasher bottle.

No nipples to grease, do door locks to oil. nothing to do but turn the key and drive it.

Thats why I like my Land Rover (when its running) never know when its goin to break, draughty, rubbish heater, heavy brakes and slow wipers etc etc.

Plenty to do :laughing:

 

[hank193]

Sometimes the ultra performance stuff will produce something useful for the rest of the herd to enjoy later...I'm fond of electric starters and hydraulic brakes these days.
200 mph??? Not unless we're traveling above the trees and roof tops. I would like to see 200 miles per gallon out of a useful truck that does not look like it came out of a comic book or circus.

 

[DT86]

If I had $60,000 to spend on a new vehicle, I would buy a loaded 3/4 ton pickup, an aluminum car hauler, and a new Deere.

Please tell us where you plan to buy said loaded 3/4 ton truck and have enough left of the 60k to buy the new aluminum trailer much less a new Deere.

 

[Agent Blue]

Samandothers;
Where else can you own, enjoy, and make money.... only on America's favorite sports car. I have a 42,000 mile 66 coupe with the 425 hp / 427 four speed. Positraction, 411 gears, and a radio are the only options. Its the thrill comparable to riding in a Russian space craft. I have three other old vettes but this is my favorite. Its even black with a black interior... no color at all. Don't care how old you get, this car will bring back decades when listening to the orchestra conducted by the right foot. Its a " not for sale toy " at any price and the brawl for the next pink slip signature will be spectacular.
That is why they build them !