31st Aug 2017, 16:30
But yet again, one major repair on a modern car can literally make the car disposable. Many cars under 10 years old. Cheaper to do junk with depreciated value. The complexity can be very expensive to even find first of all, even with a scanner. Parts high. Overheat a newer aluminum block, sensors, fuel injectors etc. Lastly, access in many cars is far more limited. Front wheel drive models, we hate working on for that very reason. In turn, 60s and early 70s are a dream to work on. At times you sweat getting modern ones through inspection. Better access, simplicity, and even drivetrain swaps are easy with older popular models. Keep them garaged and better gauge metal than cars you can lean on and dent. Even paint was better before environmental pressures lessened paint quality. In some models the paint looks bad in under 5 years. The clear coats start going. I pulled the chrome bumper out on a new Silverado by simply backing out of my driveway. Have had to replace doors due to weak door hinges on newer ones. Granted these are trucks, but you think tougher. Lot of plastics with rattles and even used in window regulators. I still consider newer disposable. They may run fine, but with age and component decline on even hardware areas, it's not great. I have had fuel lines underneath rot and fail.
For us anyway. So you buy another new. And repeat the process. Our old cars can be heirlooms to pass down. Repairs are quick and easy on down time, back on road and easier on the wallet. Neglected old cars or poorly designed, I get your point. But a nice V8 with 12V disc brakes etc with power options is a nice keeper. My new ones for what they cost, are for a temporary ownership at best.
31st Aug 2017, 21:53
You are wasting your time. There is a small but very vocal group of "commenters" on this site who refuse to believe that cars are better, longer-lasting and more reliable now than they were 30/40/50 (take your pick) years ago, and they will trot out the same old opinions and anecdotal evidence as "proof" that their statements are fact and not just their personal beliefs.
31st Aug 2017, 15:41
Not necessarily true, the more computer controlled sensors, the more problems are prone. A car from 35-40 years ago doesn't have half the computer technology. Therefore less to break down. I know, computer controls and sensors help for better efficiency and diagnostic service, but once those things start to fail, the car is pretty much done and is not worth the time and aggravation. How long does the average home computer last?