Hi,
Sometimes I wonder if they shouldn't make vehicles to be returned after 5 years or so and remanufactured.

My point is that in that amount of time, there shouldn't be much maintenance other than oil, filters, plugs, tires, and tranny fluids.

After that, it can get scary. There's no question that todays stuff is long lasting and reliable. But, there's also no question that it's getting more exotic by the year, and when things do go bad they can be quite an issue.

The engine management is bad enough, but there's the theft stuff, all of the 'body control electronics', and scariest of all, the stability controls. Those depend on highly precise sensors and controls.

I like working on cars ( although my skills are fairly marginal), but it's getting harder. Access is nonexistent, and system info is tough to find. Maybe mopar is worse, but their factory manuals are full of how to troubleshoot using the DRBIII scanner -- with little actual information about how stuff works.

This forum has active areas going back for decades, and folks keep that old iron just chugging along. I can't see that happening with this newer stuff, and I'm pretty sure that the 'guvmint' would be glad to keep older cars off the road.

Just a thought. I'm not saying that I would like to see things go that way, but maybe it would be a better choice the way that things are headed.

Comments appreciated,

hj

 

Sounds familiar:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tatra_T603
Older 603s were traded in on new ones, refurbished and sold as new all over again.

 

That would be an interesting concept.

But with reference to all the electronic gadgetry on vehicles now, it's only a hurdle for the older guys like me who don't really understand how it all works.

For a younger more computer savvy person, it all makes perfect sense.

 

Actually, this time around its the opposite with me. Up to my last purchases of the 250 and 4runner in early 09, i used to swap out my daily drivers every 3 or 4 years. My F250 is arguably the most reliable, best built truck I've ever had (with the exception of an uncomfortable amount of surface rust on its underbelly). Anyhow, I'm just shy of 100k and it has never seen the inside of a service bay. for anything. 3 trans fluid/filter changes and about 30 oil/filter changes. Fuel/Air filters every 10k. One differential service. All maintenance by me. Original brake pads all the way around. does not burn a drop of oil. front end components (including the supposed problematic ball joints and steering box) all still damn near factory spec. I'm reluctantly replacing the plugs soon...running fine but fuel economy down. etc.etc.
I decided that this time I'm going to test Fords' design criteria and run this one to 250k, more if the body is still attached to the frame.
Granted, I've always bought basic trucks (XL) and perhaps thats the secret. I don't know. This one has inspired a lot of confidence in me. I'll report back at 250k!

Just noticed that my 5000th post is praising the truck that brought me here 4 years ago. Beats being in the middle of an argument.

 

I believe in Japan after a vehicle reaches 50K miles its a gov't regulation it will receive a new engine including emissions controls too. The age of the vehicle isn't an issue but its drive train is, all done in trying to limit pollution.

Yeah we're all pretty much addicted to or financially dependent on DIY repairs but I'm sure the overwhelming interest here is knowing how things work. We're fortunate to have numerous full time qualified service techs who share valuable know-how----that alone is worth visiting FTE daily---or more
often.

To me there's very, very little that's built and can't be repaired or serviced in ways to extend its life. If those of us mechanically inclined couldn't dig into things a manufacturer didn't want us to what else would be do?

As long as there are legal "older vehicles" for sale and parts are available there will be those who can't resist fixin' em. I know I was a bit stymied when first buying a beat-to-hell '97 E250 and its ne fangled stuff. COP's, ECM's that control so much--good gravy was I ever outta my league of driveway mechanin'! (We were once-upon-a-time called shade tree mechanics.)

With the help of FTE and conversations with others I can do a few things now---and hope to know more. BTW I just hit 62 and none of this new crap is too much to learn about but it is worthless to me as I don't chase the newest, latest greatest thing just because its offered or available.

Anyway---nawh we need to keep beater cars----its a good hobby!

 

The Japanese (and German) systems are designed to keep the factories running. Safety was the justification decades ago, now its emissions. Dont event mention this idea here or we could be stuck with a system that in reality prohibits driving an older car on public roads. This has already append in California for big rig diesels.

 

I think the basic trucks will outlast the well equipped trucks hands down. Nice to read of your good experience with your truck Ed.

 

I'm not quite paranoid or convinced things done to restrict something is done with money as its only motive. In the case of Japan's dense population along with little to no natural resources such as petroleum it makes sense to me being more fuel and pollution reduction efficient---they're on an island and very accustomed to having governmental influence in so many of their personal and business lives.

The ban on big rids in California is for vehicles over 10 years old and lets face it any internal combustion vehicle with original engine will produce more pollution. Just like Japan they're living cheek-by-jowl and pollution is a problem if for no other reason than that.

I certainly don't agree with everything our gov't does but sometimes its not all about the money. Good intentions are sometimes behind it all!

And yes I'm also glad to hear another good story about a long lived vehicles, especially the same brand I'm driving myself!

 

How long does it take to rack up 50k miles on islands of that size?

 

Great question. I bet a lot longer than racking up 50,000 hours sitting in traffic.
Craig

 

5 year vehicles?..............I thought that was what Hyundai's and kia's were.

 

I don't know the average commuter would/could achieve 50K miles too soon but taxis, police cars, delivery vehicles----those too are included.

Japan is a big enough island that sort of mileage isn't out of the question. Good gosh I've traveled 72K miles and hardly ever leave my own county!

 

last new vehicle we bought was the wifes gm built (EGADS !!!!! ) and it's so damn complicated , an 08 uplander , that i do not work on it and it's been spending more and more time in the shop over the last year for stupid little sh!^ !!!! i think they design them for a 5 year period anyway then they begin to self destruct so you will come buy a new one ! i wouldn't pay to have it rebuilt or reconditioned period ! i somewhat understand the 95 bird ( 4.6 powered ) i have as a beater , and it is / has been truly one of the most dependable , longest lasting vehicles i have owned . it's got over 370,000 on it and it has developed a small oil leak from the right hand side head oil feed line and gives a little puff of oil smoke from bad guide seals every once in awhile . it has been beaten on and neglected , and just sat for five months for an unknown reason it wouldn't start or run ( turned out it was the maf went bad ..... ) and is the only newer vehicle i will spend money and time on rebuilding or repairing . as far as i am concerned , and yes i get the new car bug often and the prices and overly complicated techno nightmare they are talk me out of them , the car companies can go belly up until they start building user friendly and repairable vehicles again . as soon as i finish my rebuild of my beloved 53 effie , the bird is slated for it's turn .... that is if there's anything left of her by then ........ new cars are not supposed to be disposeable , that's what the ten year old used cars were , not a shiny new one , but times are a changing .......................