[cuban leaf]

Cars one can actually work on and fix.

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I discovered that if your problem is anything that touches the computer, fixing modern cars is usually easier, especially if it is a chrysler. My personal examples:

1. Late 80’s dodge omni sits in my garage for several months. Simply will not start. I discover the way the car flashes the check engine light to tell you what ails it. In this case it is a $17 electrical part on the fender wall about two inches square. I replace it, car starts right up.
2. Later 80’s Reliant. Strands my daughter at her job. Will not start. Code says map sensor is defective. Pick one up at junk yard for free. Install and car starts right up.
3. 2001 Chrysler 300m with 110,000 miles and original spark plugs. Starts missing bad. Code says number 5 coil is dead. Buy new coil for $48. Install, no more miss.

I love working on modern cars.

[Dr. Sivana]

1. Late 80’s dodge omni sits in my garage for several months. Simply will not start. I discover the way the car flashes the check engine light to tell you what ails it. In this case it is a $17 electrical part on the fender wall about two inches square. I replace it, car starts right up.

2. Later 80’s Reliant. Strands my daughter at her job. Will not start. Code says map sensor is defective. Pick one up at junk yard for free. Install and car starts right up.

3. 2001 Chrysler 300m with 110,000 miles and original spark plugs. Starts missing bad. Code says number 5 coil is dead. Buy new coil for $48. Install, no more miss.

vs. '66 Dodge Dart
1. No electrical parts in the fender. Dodge Dart up $17.
2. What's a map sensor? Dodge Dart up $17 plus trip to junk yard.
3. Owner should have tuned up car by this time. Note: the modern spark plugs that give extended life in modern cars also give extended like in old cars.

Now. That said, All of these Chryslers except maybe the 300 will have front end issues. The front wheel drive cars may also have CV issues.

The '66 Darts had horrible drum breaks and need a different self-adjusting spring to avoid scoring drums and going through wheel cylinders. The master cylinder also goes to all four wheels.

4. Points. You can run them hotter than Electronic Ignition, and adjust them to your liking. You are likely to get lots of practice.

5. Carbs. The old Mopas ran nice with a one barrel Holley. The newer ones ('80s and ups) were mostly garbage, especially on the minivans and mitsubidhi engines in general. Modern fuel injection is a net blessing.

6. Fuel pumps: Replacement on Dodge Dart: $40 for a new one, and 15 minutes under the hood with some wrenches and a screwdriver. New cars: $80 part, and $300 labor pulling the fuel tank.

I wish I could have a mix of new and old. There is much to prefer about the old, but over all, the new ones are easier to maintain if you can prepare for the occasional catastrophic repair job.