Security Systems: Alarms, Lo-Jack  - Options: Color, Luxury Accessories - Orphan Cars - Buying American

Security Systems - A vehicle is stolen every 20 seconds in the US, so depending on where you work or live, a security system may be in order.  In addition to saving you money on your insurance premiums, most feature an ignition cut-off so if the alarm is triggered, the vehicle will not be able to start.  Crime-conscious areas may need combination steering column/brake pedal locks and shields.  They can be custom-installed for your individual make and model.  If carjacking is a concern, get a Lo-Jack system, if it's available in your area.  Lo-Jack is a remote-control system that disables your car and alerts the police to its location in the event it's stolen or carjacked.  A toll-free phone call disables the vehicle's electrical system, stopping the thief's progress.  The police then home in on the distress signal, locating your auto and apprehending the thief at the same time.  Always remember, however, if someone tries to car-jack or steal your vehicle, let them have it -- whether or not you have Lo-Jack. 

Luxury - The standard equipment included in the average $25,500 car today would only have been available on the top luxury cars of 30 years ago.  Today the term luxury is reserved for vehicles in the over-$40,000 price range.  Anything less than that, you're looking at a "near-luxury" sedan.  The term has become fairly meaningless in an age where leather seats, sunroofs, and CD-changers are standard equipment.  

Color - Color is a matter of personal preference.  Keep in mind, however, that black or dark vehicles absorb sunlight and can become incredibly hot in direct sunlight.  White or light colored vehicles reflect the sun's rays and will be noticeably cooler in the summertime.

Avoid Orphan Cars - An orphan is a vehicle whose parent company no longer sells or supports their vehicles in this country.  Parts and service are non-existent for many of these orphans.  Alfa Romeo, Merkur, Peugeot, and Sterling are some of the popular abandoned marques that can still be found for sale.  Don't forget about Yugos, Fiats, Citroens, Daihatsus, Renaults, Lancias, Maseratis, and Bertones. 

Buying American - Some people (in particular US auto workers and unions) object to buying products made in other countries.  However, the globalization of the auto industry has made "country of origin" a meaningless term.  Many Japanese and European cars are manufactured in American factories, by American autoworkers, and are just as reliable as those made overseas.  Free trade has opened our borders and many "American" cars are now made in Canada and Mexico.   Volkswagen has a huge plant in Mexico that produces all the Beetles, Jettas, and Golfs sold in North America.  The quality of these cars is remarkable.  I've owned a few new Beetles, and their build quality is as good as any vehicles made in Germany or Japan.  General Motors makes a sizable proportion of their highly profitable SUV's in Mexico as well.  I predict that soon the majority of automobiles from North America will be made in Mexico. 

In today's climate of mega-mergers, you never know where your automobile dollars will wind up.  Ford owns Jaguar, Aston Martin, Volvo, and some of Mazda, while the German company Daimler-Benz (parent company of Mercedes-Benz) bought Chrysler, renaming it Daimler-Chrysler to appease American critics.  General Motors owns Saab and a good portion of Fiat, Isuzu, and Subaru.  Renault owns Nissan, and Volkswagen owns AUDI, Bentley and Bugatti.  BMW bought Rover (Land Rover) a few years back, and now owns Rolls-Royce and Mini as well.   If you choose to buy American, then you'll be glad to know that the reliability and quality of American cars is steadily improving.

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