Anyhow, if you'll allow me to get very serious now that we've had our fun....
Yes, many Japanese cars, i.e. Lexus, Infiniti and others do offer top shelf quality, and command hefty trade-in prices. Owners of these cars seem to be very impressed with them, and are frequent repeat buyers. The cars are great, and I am not denying that.
That said, let's talk about my Mark VIII. I kept it 5 model years, longer than I have ever had any car in my life! I got a new Demo 2 or 3 times a year! My Firebird FireHawk I traded in 13 months for the Mark VIII. I will probably keep the new Town Car 4 years. The entire time it will be under warrantee from Lincoln. For my money spent, I think that I got a very well made, comfortable, full perimeter frame, heavy luxury car that is very good looking. Perhaps at 65,000 miles it will indeed fall apart, but I'll never know it ! I put about 4,000 miles a year on a car. The Mark VIII had 17,000 in the 5 years, the Town Car may have two thousand or so MORE miles on it after 5 years, from going down to college to see Matt.
For this mileage & estimated time kept, it's a fine car. Now, also don't forget that it's window sticker was $47,645.00. You can't get a Lexus LS for that kinda money, unless it's used, but definately NOT a new one.
Regarding Pride: Yes, Pride has a little to do with it, but not all that much. Truth told is that my Mom had a brother, who naturally woulda been my uncle. He was blowen to infinatismal pieces on the ship at Pearl Harbor. She didn't even have a body to bury. I have forgotten, but I have not forgiven!
While or when I still have a chance, I will ALWAYS spend my money to purchase American or Canadian product over Japanese product.
I come from a long line of every year car buyers. My Dad bought a new car every year, for 22 years. I don't do that, but I don't "need" a Lexus because I intend to keep it for a decade and drive 25,000 miles a year!
My Town Car offers me everything I want, and in 4 years someone will get a terrific car with 17,000 miles on it in like new condition.
That's my sincerest, from the heart explanation, Moe.