Though it goes without saying that online salvage auto auctions give auto enthusiasts an opportunity to buy their favorite vehicles at unbelievably low prices, a lot of people find themselves confused whether to go for “domestic” or “imported” models, as both have their share of pros and cons. Although, according to a recent report by the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration, there are no 100% US-made vehicles in the market today, the line between American and international brands is as vivid as ever. If you are also confused about whether to go for a domestic or imported model, this article is for you. Read on as we present the pros and cons of both the options.
Domestic Cars
Pros
Affordable Luxury
If you are looking for a luxury car at a budget price, you might be better off with an American nameplate. Ever since the industrial revolution, American cars have been known to offer high end value at a low end price. In addition, you can also find many leading-edge features that are usually exclusive to high end European cars in rather affordable American made cars, which means you get exceptional value for your money.
Better Range of SUVs
The SUV segment in the US and in many other parts of the world is dominated by America’s big three automobile companies: Ford, GM and Fiat-Chrysler. In fact, according to Kelly Blue Book, 9 out of the 11 top-selling pickups of 2018 were American. That’s because between these three brands, you can find all sorts of SUVs ranging from affordable and agile crossovers to top-of-the-line monster SUVs.
Cheaper Parts
Another benefit of buying a domestic model is that the prices of their parts are much lower compared to their imported counterparts. That’s because a lot of international brands are still manufacturing the parts of their vehicles outside of the US, and bringing them inside the country entails significant taxes and transportation costs, both of which reflect in the final prices of the parts they sell.
Also Read: How To Win A Car on an Online Auto Auction
Cons
Less Reliable
As unwelcoming as it may sound, it is a fact that American cars have been constantly slipping on the reliability index. According to Consumer Reports Annual Auto Survey, American cars have been declining in terms of reliability and owner satisfaction, especially compared to Japanese models.
Shrinking Options
Owing to a tangible drift in consumer preferences, the American automobile industry is gradually shifting from compact sedans to crossovers, trucks, and SUVs, which means the options are rapidly shrinking for people looking to buy compact sedans for everyday commutation.
Imported Cars
Pros
World’s Top-Rated Models
Many of the world’s top models are manufactured by German and Japanese automakers, which means that if you are looking to buy a top of the line model capable of delivering exhilarating performance, or something that makes you truly stand out, international brands, collectively, have a much wider range of options to present.
Better Reliability & Resale Value
Despite the best efforts of American manufacturers, cars from Japan and Europe have constantly scored higher on the reliability index. In fact, according to the 2019 ranking released by Kelly Blue Book, Japanese brand Toyota and German brand Porsche were the top two automakers in terms of resale value.
Cheaper Options
If budget is a constraint, cars manufactured by Asian manufacturers can be a possible option. Whether we talk about Toyota, Honda, Nissan or Hyundai, all major Asian automakers have a wide array of options for the budget-conscious buyer.
Cons
Limited Availability of Parts
One of the primary dissuading factors working against imported cars is the limited availability of parts. In fact, even when parts are available, they are generally priced higher compared to similar parts made for American cars.
Complex Mix of Options
Though it is true that a number of cars from European and Japanese manufacturers score highly on all conceivable parameters, there are more than a few sub-par options too. It is, therefore, important to do a thorough research before buying an imported car.
Wrap Up
Whether you are looking to buy a domestic or an imported car, you have come to the right place. A leading name in the industry, AutoBidMaster gives you access to the largest auto auction inventory in North America, featuring a wide array of domestic and imported models. Register with us today to start participating in our salvage automobile auctions. If you have any questions, simply call: +1 (503) 298-4300, Monday through Friday, 4:00 AM to 4:00 PM (Pacific Time), or email at: hello@autobidmaster.com.
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