I’m planning to buy my first car, but I’m seeing a lot of brands implementing policies that seem to take advantage of their customers. Things like requiring extra subscriptions for basic features, tracking driving habits, and forcing unnecessary data collection have me worried. Are there any car brands out there that don’t engage in these types of anti-consumer practices? I’m looking for a reliable company that respects its customers in the long run. Any advice would be appreciated!

  • Death_Equity@lemmy.world
    54·
    1 month ago

    Just buy a used Honda, Mazda, or Toyota that is pre-2016. None of those will have telemetry, subscription features, etc. They do collect data, which is stored locally, but that is required for accident investigations and to adjust the engine control systems.

    • HessiaNerd@lemmy.world
      17·
      1 month ago

      2nd buy used. I’ve never bought a new car and I never intended to. One time I bought a used car from a dealership and they were dishonest about the financing (I already had financing lined up from my Credit Union, they said they would be at the rate, they didn’t but signed me up anyway). That, plus the fact that driving a car off a lot loses you 10-20% value new to used.

      • walden@sub.wetshaving.social
        15·
        1 month ago

        Used is cheaper, but sometimes if you break it down to price per expected mile, new is cheaper. For example a new $30,000 car that you expect to last for 160,000 miles is $0.1875 per mile.

        A used car that’s $20,000 with 55,000 miles already, that will also last 160,000 miles, is $0.19 per mile.

        Take into account lower interest on new cars and, well, I’m not willing to do that math right now.

        I just made those numbers up as an example, so of course it depends on what’s available.

        • HessiaNerd@lemmy.world
          11·
          1 month ago

          Meh, get an old Toyota or Honda. Those things are bulletproof. Basic maintenance isn’t typically that spendy.

        • lightnsfw@reddthat.com
          1·
          1 month ago

          I bought my car brand new in 2011and I intend to drive it until the wheels fall off. I like the peace of mind that comes with knowing it has been well maintained and that no one before me abused it. I plan on buying whatever replaces it new as well. Although I do have a great deal of anxiety about it due to all the stupid unnecessary shit they’re putting in new cars these days.