[drwoof]

Was thinking this weekend about the seeming downward trend in automobile durability, and concluded that the electrics are the ultimate in planned obsolescence, designed to be recycled once the batteries give up the ghost.

[algore]

I remember learning about planned obsolescence from Mad Magazine. I was horrified.

[Dr. Sivana]

Was thinking this weekend about the seeming downward trend in automobile durability

I love the older cars, but there were ones that were built less durably forever, and ones that still have good durability.

Cadillac Northstar engines, Chryslers with the 2.6 Mitsubishi engine, Chrysler minivans with carburetors that could not be rebuilt by design, ball-joints on old mopars.

On the other hand, you had some great drivetrains: the GM 350, the Ford 289, the GM 3.8 litre, the Ford 4.0 litre, the Mopar Slant-six, etc.

What would make a car less durable today? Spark plugs last longer, they are going back to timing chains instead of timing belts, when the computer sensors work they can stop small problems from becoming big problems.

Lessened reliability to stems from government regulation. CVTs are less durable, but improve mileage marginally. Turbos and engines that are smaller because they are driven harder by the turbo are inherently less reliable, but CAFE standards dictate them. Wiring with soy based coatings are yummy for neighborhood rodents but a nightmare when chewed upon in a modern car.

Still, while we don't know how long a 2023 Camry will last, I suspect it will be good for a long time, just as the 2004 Camrys hold up well. The 2004 Dodge Neons disappeared because they were not as well built as the similarly sized Corollas built at the same time. I fully expect my 2018 Avalon to outlast my driving, and likely me (I'm 59), with my wife continuing to drive it, if gasoline is available.

[Alberta's Child]

I would forget about recycling.

My prediction is that EVs are going to end up like personal computers. Once a computer is functionally obsolete, it can’t even be given away for nothing. Companies can’t eleven donate their old computers to schools or libraries anymore.