Posted on 03/03/2008 8:47:13 AM PST by BGHater
Every company is looking for any thing or way to nickle and dime us to death.
More and more, when you go to the Autozone, etc, “That’s a Dealer” part.” comes up. The days of old shade tree mechanics are nearly all gone...........
I have a 93' Dodge Dynasty LE that came with all whistles & bells.
That was the last "big Americana car".
Then the Germans took over & said "'Vat's a matter vit you, you can't be making good cars that last forever!"
I'll keep it forever just to be an example, besides it's big, it's comfy, and cheap to operate.
One more tool to keep the Chinese out of the business...
Oh you can still do it. It may take a few extra hours to get that darn black shroud over the hood off, though!
Turboencabulator prices are through the roof.
This will hit the consumer on insurance rates also because repair costs for them will be higher.
Locking up patents encourages planned obsolescence. Eventually it will be cheaper to buy a new car then fix it. Parts patents should open up after say 10 years without option for renewal. Heck even 20 years might be okay, I’ve got a 1984 Honda Accord that still shows no signs of stopping.
BUMP!
As I read this I keep thinking of Microsoft selling anti-virus programs.
I had a front headlightlens replaced with a knock off.
It fogs up and the focus is screwed up but I saved $40.oo!
The problem seems to be that some parts are dubious in the nature of the patent. It is like patenting the antena of a car and then when accidented the state law requires the IDENTICAL antena.
I can understand their frustration as chinese companies ignore patents and make black market identical parts.
I see a new market for “grey cars” that are using identical fitting parts are are not for that original car.
No kidding, try and obtain some GM error code definitions without going to a dealer, no deal.
it might just force more open customizing.
who made the law that precluded a customized grille on the front?
Insurance companies have been pushing for knockoff repair parts for years.
Um, no, the DieNasty wasn’t a “big” car. It was a frigging K-car variant!!!!!
No, the last big American car was the Caprice/Roadmaster/Fleetwood twins that GM killed off in the 90s, followed by the Ford Crown Vic/Grand Marquis/Town Car which is still with us.
Fortunately, before the Germans took over, Chrysler made the LH cars which were far better than the DieNasty - which can be proven through observation. Few DieNastys are driven on public roads, while there are still millions of Concordes and Intrepids running around.
This also could make junkyards more profitable.
I bought a small, handheld code reader from Sears that works on OBDII equipped cars from all mfrs. The codes are given on a software CD that comes with it. It allows you to clear the codes and the re-set the “Service Engine Soon” light, too. Even if you don’t have the device, Autozone will read (FREE!) the codes for you from their store owned device and give you a printout of what they mean......
ONE MUST SACRIFICE A SMALL FURRY ANIMAL BEFORE REMOVING THE SHROUD!.................
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