Edmunds: Generation Z Will Buy Almost Anything If Price is Right
I’ve gotta hand it to Edmunds. Whenever we at TTAC talk about a car produced in the last 15 or 20 years, I can usually find at least one photographic example of it within our media library. And it seems in the many, many years since TTAC switched to WordPress, we’ve not once needed a picture of a Daewoo Lanos …
… until now.
According to the aforementioned automotive site, Generation Z has a pretty odd taste in cars. Of the top 20 used vehicles bought by the 18-24 year demographic, the Daewoo Lanos — a car that’s been out of production since 2002 — topped the list.
Only one vehicle slated for continued production is a member of the list, claims Edmunds, and that’s the Mitsubishi Lancer. All other vehicles listed were either cancelled when Clinton or Bush were president, or are slated for death before Obama leaves office.
The reason for Generation Z’s shameful taste in vehicles? Well, 18-to-24 year olds have no money, and vehicles wearing dead brands or nameplates can be had for cheap, cheap, cheap.
“For most young car buyers, it’s price first and then everything else is gravy,” says Edmunds.com Director of Industry Analysis Jessica Caldwell.
“There’s no doubt that you’re probably getting a good deal these days on an Eagle Talon or a Ford Aspire, both of which ceased production in the ’90s. It’s easy to look at this list and have a good laugh, but the kids buying these vehicles see them almost like a fashion statement. If you can drive a Daewoo while all of your friends are driving newer Hondas or Toyotas, you can kind of stand out from the crowd.”
Since when did driving a Daewoo Lanos become a fashion statement?
Regardless, here’s the entire list of Generation Z’s automotive baes in order of demand:
- Daewoo Lanos
- Eagle Talon
- Nissan 240
- Acura Integra
- Honda Prelude
- Mitsubishi Lancer
- Acura RSX
- Kia Sephia
- Ford Aspire
- Daewoo Leganza
- Saturn Aura
- Pontiac G6
- Scion tC
- Dodge Dart
- Suzuki Forenza
- Mitsubishi Galant
- Pontiac Aztek
- Dodge Caliber
- Suzuki Vitara
- Dodge Neon
More by Mark Stevenson
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With the exception of the Lanos, I think the top seven cars on that list are pretty darn cool, and good examples that you don't need a ton of money to have a fun car.
I see a Lanos or two around. They weren't really all that plentiful when new. The G6 and Mistubishis are common enough, and the Vitara I've seen proof of. The only cars on this list I'd run from are the Aztec, Sephia, and maybe that Acura. Then again, I left this demographic just a few years ago. And I was the odd one out at that age with my love for luxury coupes that could be had for a few grand.