"buying even old American seems like the politically correct thing to do."

I've never been acused of being politically correct.

I got the TLC years ago since I needed seating for 8 at the time & there weren't many cars available to fit the bill. 1/4 mil miles, only 1 of the 4 power windows still work, 5 kids have learned to drive on it, the straight 6 still pulls strong, burns oil worse than any VX, water pump leaks, never been in the shop, paid off = it's a keeper.