Posted on 02/08/2025 9:13:14 AM PST by TexasKamaAina
The fundamental problem is this: electronic technology advances far too rapidly to be something that gets permanently integrated into a car that you may want to own for more than, say, five years or so. There’s nothing that ages an otherwise perfectly-fine car more dramatically than integrated technology that was cutting-edge when the car was new.
(Excerpt) Read more at theautopian.com ...
New technology in a new car does not prevent old technology in an old car from functioning. The quest for “new and improved” is mostly folly.
I am really glad that whatever OnStar technology that might be built into my 2004 Chevrolet Venture minivan can’t talk to anything anymore. I am also glad that whatever 2G chatter that my wife’s 2018 Toyota Avalon my attempt will go nowhere.
“I am really glad that whatever OnStar technology that might be built into my2004 Chevrolet Venture minivan can’t talk to anything anymore.”
It’s just listening:)
This stuff will age quickly and will look very tacky to the people who want their cars to look elegant and tasteful.
Pink bathrooms, shag carpeting, black toilets.
I have a 2004 Tundra. 300,000 miles. Older is better.
Appliances too.
All those things you listed were ugly and useless then
Avocado Green appliances! (or whatever that yellow was that was the alternative in the 70s)
Stop the built in obsolescence crap.
The real problem is that when the chips for these electronics goes, its very expensive to diagnose and repair.
I probably still have my timing light.
I got a 1997 Toyoya Corolla. The headliner is falling down, and I still need to get some engine work done to repair a problem created when a mechanic replaced the front oil seal. Other than that, she’s still running, and it helps that it has only 168,000 miles.
“Built in obsolescence” is the only way some of these major manufacturers can even stay in business. That’s why they quietly support many of these excessive government mandates and regulations.
‘68 Dodge Power Wagon.
Engines are easy enough. They need fuel/air and spark. Electronic transmissions are another issue.
The computers on many newer vehicle are fairly hackable. — https://www.hptuners.com/
There’s a PCM - Powertrain control module and then everything else are individual modules. Anti-lock brake module. Passenger restraint/airbag module. Anti-theft module. All of those sub-modules can be turned off in the PCM.
The Chevy LS series engines, 4.8, 5.3, 6.0 liter can be brought down to a single wide band O2 sensor, injector and spark control. Transmission control can pretty much left alone but shift point are often adjusted. Many people are transplanting the LS engines/trannies into 1950s - 1980s vehicles.
The newer V8s get 20 mpg instead of the old carb engines getting 7-10 mpg and easy cold starts is something I prefer.
I got near 30 years from my last car. My 30 year old Honda, now, still drives like a champ. I don’t imagine anything new ages like the old Japanese or Korean cars.
I LOVE MY OLD IRON-—car-—truck
WHEN I DIE, MY OLD IRON MECHANIC GETS THEM BOTH.
Mine is 214 so far. I have heard of several >300k. Full synthetic every 3k. Only ever replaced a broken water pump. All other standard maintenance well in hand.
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