RE: [MLUG - DISCUSSION] computer and car prices (was Re: [MLUG])

["Ross, Matt" <EMAIL:PROTECTED>]

> > Cars are somewhat more reliable but from the numbers I've read
> > from inflation reports etc they are quite a bit more expensive
> > to start and repairs cost more.
> 
> I'd like to see where those numbers are coming from.  Everything I
> have seen suggests automobile *prices* have basically tracked the
> CPI since the 1960s, while the cars themselves last almost twice as
> long.  Total expenditure on cars probably has not reflected these 
> changes because there are many more cars in circulation per person 
> than their used to be.

Twice as long?  Every new car I've seen has lasted at best half as long.

> > I'm not sure I'd agree cars are safer. They replaced metal with
> > plastic and I've known way too many people who've died in car
> > crashes due largely to faulty vehicles.
> 
> OK, the big improvements have come due to innovations like seat 
> belts; I'll check the numbers again some time.

No, the big improvement was a 55mph speed limit that everyone is now used
to.  That, and a lot of cracking down on drunk drivers.

> > Maybe expensive cars are safer. The cheap bubble cars most of us
> > seem to end up with aren't so decent.
> 
> They're probably better than the cheap cars of yester year, though.

What would you classify as cheap cars then?  I'd feel much safer in a Model
T than a 2002 Geo.
--
To unsubscribe, go to http://mlug.missouri.edu/members/edit.php

Archives are available at http://mlug.missouri.edu/list-archives/