[SamAdams76]

Newer cars are actually much better made these days. When I started out driving back in the 1970s, you had to be pretty well versed with things like jump starts, carburetor cleaning and drying out your spark plug wires (especially if you just drove through a deep puddle). Oil had to get changed about every 3,000 miles. And you better know how to change a tire because they went flat often.

All cars these days do come with a manual. I suggest you read it and pay attention to the manufacturer's recommendations of service and replacement intervals of components and fluids and you'll be fine.

[familyop]

Yes, newer cars run much longer. But scissor jacks are dangerous on busy highways, and flats do happen sometimes. I carry a fairly lightweight floor jack instead, just in case.

They need to bring bumper jacks back, Jack. ;)