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By simple and basic, I mean none of the bells and whistles of modern cars, no computer systems, advanced emissions systems, modern braking systems, electric window controls, etc etc etc.
just a basic motor that comes in 3 , 4 or 8 cylinders, manual tranny, drive shaft and 4 wheels. a car that anyone with a $50 ratchet set can work on and fix the majority of problems that may come up(no specialized parts). that could be sold for under 2K new.
I have a young cousin in college who did a report on the average cost to build a car factoring in money spent on R&D, labor and materials, the cost of each part. if you strip away all the bells and whistles with todays modern production technology a Functional car or truck could be built for under 1K.
If you want to sacrifice modern features in order to get a $2k car, you already have the option of doing it - buy a 20th-century econobox with low mileage.
...and air conditioning. I didn't go to years of school and get a Ph.D. for nothing. I sacrificed my youth in order to get a job that will give me the economic security to have the comforts I want, e.g. air conditioning, while still being able to aggressively save for my future. Oh, and did I mention that I am willing to pay a bit extra to live in a society that regulates smog so that I don't have to cough for an hour every time I go outside in the city?
I cannot imagine how a car with emissions control and air conditioning could possibly be made for under $1k (barring human rights violations like sweatshops, child slaves etc.)
I really doubt that figure. I build cars as a hobbyist, and one time I said I could build a bare bones, no frills hot rod for $3K. I gave up that idea and had $20K in it before I was done, and it had NO frills.
As to the original question, there have been some cars that sort of fit the description you outlined, like the YUGO, of years past. It was a flop and was pure junk. Quality and technology cost money, and with todays requirements for air quality and fuel economy, we can't go back to carburetors and distributors, that is horse and buggy technology.
So, no, a cheap car like you describe would not be a success....people like their frills and luxury.
lol actually hugo's were a huge hit, I remember seeing those things everywhere, same with the original Hyundai, and the GEO metro. they were cars that more people could afford. yes they were usually bought for kids going off to college(a cheap car that would be under warranty), or as an affordable second family car. and yes they were the but of "he got cleaned out in the divorce" jokes(like the line in the Kanya West song "gold digger" the went "see him on TV any given Sunday, wins the Superbowl drives off in a Hyundai"), but they were everywhere.
Then you have all the people who can't afford a new car, there are people who hate the idea of spending a grand to put in a 20 dollar part do to poor design, or having to junk their car that still has a good engine because they can't afford to fix computer systems.
...and air conditioning. I didn't go to years of school and get a Ph.D. for nothing. I sacrificed my youth in order to get a job that will give me the economic security to have the comforts I want, e.g. air conditioning, while still being able to aggressively save for my future. Oh, and did I mention that I am willing to pay a bit extra to live in a society that regulates smog so that I don't have to cough for an hour every time I go outside in the city?
I cannot imagine how a car with emissions control and air conditioning could possibly be made for under $1k (barring human rights violations like sweatshops, child slaves etc.)
Not saying that you HAVE to get such a car, just asking if there is a market. as often as I hear people complain about how its harder to work on your own car these days, I feel there is a market.
I think there would be TOO MUCH demand for such a car...in that it would end up being negative for the higher end, and even 'basic' cars of today.
And before anyone mentions safety...since when has Govt or big industry been concerned with the safety of the general public versus MONEY...They may claim concern for safety is why they have these rules in place relating to how cheap of a car that can be legally sold, but ultimately, I truly believe its due to money.
What's being forgotten is that the current generation of car buyers, the millenials, grew up in vehicles with safety features like ABS and air bags, that's what they know, and most of them won't compromise on the safety issue.
While a lot of us grew up with cars without those features, while having many other things like carburetors, we're quickly aging out.
Would I buy a new bare bones as described car? No. Would I buy a 1960-70 one? Yes.
I for one don't miss manual chokes, or even automatic ones, tiny drum brakes or bias ply tires.
" Would I buy a new bare bones as described car? No. Would I buy a 1960-70 one? Yes."
You'd also get an ashtray, cigarette lighter but minus the 6 cup holders.
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