Never buy a Volkswagen

[PhilB]

Originally Posted by Builtgypsy

I want a Fiat Panda.

Also, Alfa Romeo's supposed to be coming here...someday.
Alfa Romeo Is Headed Back to America - Wheels Blog - NYTimes.com

We'll see what happens in real life.

Alfa was "supposed to come back" when FIAT and GM linked up a few years ago, too. And for me, it would depend on what they brought over. I'm not interested in a "Beetle-sized MiTo". A "flagship sedan" not very likely, "a cabriolet" no, and "a small S.U.V." f*ck no.

That Milano 5-door hatchback could be tempting, but not if it "could be built in the United States", probably meaning in a Chrysler plant on a shared chassis. I want a real Alfa, not a rebadged Chrysler. GM killed Saab by rebadging Opels and Subarus and Chevys as Saabs. Hell no.

I want a real, European designed, kick-ass sedan or (ideally) sport wagon. Something like this:

PhilB

[Builtgypsy]

Oooooooh, the Brera.

[PhilB]

Originally Posted by Builtgypsy

Oooooooh, the Brera.

Nope. That's the 156 GTA Sportwagon. All the groceries, the kids, and the freaking dog at 160 mph. FTW.

Rear views will help differentiate. Red is the Brera, silver is the 156 wagon.

PhilB

[Builtgypsy]

Four door Brera.

[Süsser Tod]

Originally Posted by Rhetorik

I want an Abarth 500. But not if it's been made in Mexico.

Then forget about the 500, it will be made in Mexico for the US Market.

[Rhetorik]

Originally Posted by Süsser Tod

Then forget about the 500, it will be made in Mexico for the US Market.

Boooooooooo

...Why don't they just make them in Arizona instead, since it's apparently effectively the same thing

[Builtgypsy]

One thing I loved about my VW Beetle was how compact it was; I could just about turn that thing around between the pumps at a gas station. Actually, I did. That's how I know.

I get weirded out in full-size cars anymore. It's like the margins between vehicles are just too small. I need something bike-like with air conditioning and places to actually put groceries.

[Süsser Tod]

Originally Posted by Rhetorik

Boooooooooo

...Why don't they just make them in Arizona instead, since it's apparently effectively the same thing

They may end up shooting the 500s in Arizona thinking they are illegal!

[UberGoober]

This just in! I heard from my shipping agent that the Golf has arrived in the USA. It is now, however, filled with mold and needs to be cleaned before they can deliver it.

Sensing my opportunity, I told them that it may be cheaper for them to just buy it than to clean it. I'm waiting to hear back now, but if I am lucky they will just pay me off and we can both walk away as winners.

[OldSchlPunk]

You can only hope...