This is the best commentary on the problems of modern vehicles. Mark is an absolute guru who makes most auto industry commentators and motoring journalists sound totally out of touch with reality. Outstanding advice from a real expert!
True story. Last year, when I took our 2007 Lexus RX 400h in for service to the closest Lexus dealership (about an hour and 40 minutes away), I arranged for a loaner so I could get back home because the service was going to take multiple days. The loaner car was a 2023 Lexus RX 350h. Nice car on the surface, but I had to have one of the younger dealership employees explain to me how to operate the thing. It had so much technology on it that it was stressful to try and drive it. I couldn't figure out the cruise control because it was too complicated. I'm 60, and my 2007 Lexus is much simpler, easier, and more pleasurable to drive. Sometimes simpler and more boringly reliable is better.
@paulgodbey304 i agree. I had to put my 2012 Lexus overnight and take a loaner car 2024 ES 350. I had same problem. I could not figure out how to use cruise control.Too much complicated technology
@@RolandAdams-h4m no, keep it simple. Superchargers are like turbos but iperate across the entire RPM range. Chargers whatever flavor overstress engines over time.
Yep. About 2015 part quality started going down. It nose-dived during the Coof. Now everything is made of Chinesium and plastic and simply doesn't last.
also the modern engines are far more complex and have far less tolerances - add the poor quality of the source parts and you have our current state... that's why i only drive cars before 2005
@@expertizer Around the time VVT became a thing. Who would have thought adding 100 feet of pinhole-sized oil passages to an engine would create longevity issues?
You could add internal water pumps (some German designs even have internal thermostat !) and interference engines. Why does the engine need to commit suicide when the timing belt or chain fails? Everything breaks or wears out - they need to plan for it and make it easier to fix when it does. One wrench to rule them all (Rory) !!
What I don’t understand about turbos is that freight trucks have had them for decades and they’e been perfectly reliable in that application. It’s like manufacturers want to make things hard on themselves.
I just took my 25 year old Tahoe out of the garage for a spin. It’s bitter cold here in WI. Truck started right up, everything smooth and operational. I think late ‘90s -early 2000s were good years for reliable vehicles.
Right on. I had to total out my Ford Escape due to a $15 plastic part. My wife was driving it when the plastic water pump inlet pipe (formally a metal item) decided to snap off clean. All coolant was immediately dumped and then the engine overheated which caused the plastic valve cover to warp. This broke the valve cover gasket seal which allowed the engine oil to leak down on top of the overheated exhaust manifold. This started a fire which totaled out the car. I was a lifelong Ford driver but not anymore!
While the car is clearly garbage because of plastic components, let's not forget the fact that your wife kept driving it with no coolant. A loss of all coolant doesn't mean that the engine is gonna cook itself. If you turn the engine off when it happens, you know, looking at your temperature gauge and paying attention to your car. I've had plenty of radiators cooling hoses and other wonderful things explode on me and I've yet to cook an engine.
We had our 2009 CRV finally succumb to rust and it had 450 000km still going strong. We we're so close on buying a newer one but managed to find a 2011 CRV one owner garage kept with low miles. It will serve us for another 400k.
I just bought CR-V 2009 2.0 automatic with only 136.000km. Full spec and it have even adaptive cruise control😂 I could not believe Honda offered this in 2009. Iz needs only underbody protection and that's it. Leather seats are great and panorama roof also.Xenon adaptive lights also.I gave up my 2014 manual Honda Civic Tourer for this well preserved CR-V.
I know a multi millionaire ( and I mean multi multi ) and his car is a mid nineties ish Lexus v8 coupe, its immaculate and as far I know has been trouble free , I think it will always be his mode of transport. He's not one to throw money away , I remember he told me that the brand new price for that car was a staggering $185,000 ish( New Zealand dollars) , but he waited until he found a used very low mileage one for $35,000. Quite a saving .
My 1998 Saturn made it 457,000 miles before I sent her to salvage. Still ran good, just leaked and smoked a bit. I found another 1998 Saturn SL for $950, put a clutch in it and been running like a top since.
Just went out two days ago and got me a 95 camry with 104k miles on it for 3 grand. It's got some issues but not nothing that cant be fixed by yourself, very easy to get too, and very cheap parts. I can get all struts, shocks, and control arms for less than $200
You are preaching the sermon well. Very good presentation of the current situation. Too bad Toyota and Honda have lost their way with reliability. They have seen the light of planned obsolescence. Bean counters vs. car guys.
The NEW President of Toyota wanted to increase production numbers, to get a better "bottom line" for the shareholders. Well the numbers are up, but quality is down.........
I don't see any real evidence of planned obsolescence. Warranty and recall repairs are killing them. What I do see is a lot of poorly thought out designs with little to no testing. They don't want these things to fail. Planned obsolenscence will not sell more cars. If you destroy the used car market, you destroy the new car market. Very few people keep a car until its obsolete. They get new ones. In order for that to happen, the old ones have to be worth something to someone.
The biggest problem is the government mandates all the safety and tech in this is how manufacturers save money by using plastic junk instead of metal durable parts it boils down to saving a money to the manufacture
The simplier made the better less to go wrong also it must or should be used slow easy maintained properly lube oil filter some vws have an oil screen that is cleaned and replaced proper use driven also helps how driven stop and go is the worst wear on yours ours vehicles some as I had in my vw vanagon having mucho often antifreeze leaks because of how the engine was made just program your I pad about vw vanagon anti freeze leaks or use a different motor as some do in the Long Island vw car club mucho problems happen when how used or maintained driven who does the work or parts quality I had jack problems using what came with it better was a nice small floor jack or also block your wheels to prevent cars from rolling some of my vws had spare tires held under the front ends or sides hard to put there one person only or now sold without full sizes spare tires why five minutes on my 1971 vw mini station wagon to change a dead light on the front end five dinero $$$$ newer car was one half hour parts labor 600 $$$$$dinero where low beam is brighter than my high beam true mucho plastic is used cars are full of electronics computers these days since repeat one gm Cadillac is sold with a computer operated 4 6 or 8 cylinder engine that will never go past 40000miles one auto shop told me some of my problems past were because of how I used the vehicle weight carried bad roads drunk drugged drivers one caused me the least damage he pushed a car into my rear two cop cars were there mucho fast called his dad who did not even know his car was used front end wrecked into car in my rear both ends wrecked polize had him in hand cuffs both feet hands the last day two years later I had a call from my automobile insurance man I was never paid dialed phone number he gave two days later full amount was in my mail box tv ads donot mention on this the service you get or not he was the best looked at all possible ways for me to save even got me 300 dinero refund because I was charged for wrong town I did not live in all this is not seen learned from tv advertising there is mucho to look at before you sign for car insurance value of vehicle used for a business miles driven the owner who is the biggest most often driver of car where parked usually is it a safer neighborhood donot just do stupid things look at all detaills before insuring a car also collision or not extended warranties are usually a scam the sales volks pocket most of it just save your dinero I alway had aaa once a year to join when tow truck comes you tell him where to take vehicle then go from there if money for towing auto shop tells you the rest because of my honesty doing my business the polize know me mucho well we all work together without problems on both our lines of work how often my help has taken crime off the streets to jail not court or four hours back on the streets mucho often I have been seen at work all hours of 24never bothered unless asked all ok I have done the same calling the fire department to report fire from not getting any worse or one theif was never seen after four years1st I called cops was after my work I did he just wanted to steal get money easy while I do the worst of things my 35 plus years senorita amigo is very proud of me how I do things properly because I care have a purpose in doing things not only to get money but helping to save resources less polution of the earth we both respect everyone for who is who race religion handicapped what whoever wears any sex fashions employment jobs businesses must be honestly done now as I say syonora adios bye bye mucho volks should wake up to the real world as it is or should be nicer averdersi until we meet again
There is no gvt. mandate they use direct fuel injection or direct fuel injection only, turbos, crap plastic, cvt transmissions, crap timing belt tensioners and guides, timing chains at rear of engine, internal water pumps, all this superfluous electronics meant to impress, etc. These manufacturers well aware of all the gvt. mandates years in advance, should have done the engineering in advance to ensure reliability. There still remain a few reliable models out there, proof reliability can still be engineered in modern cars. Reliability is mostly a profitability issue, the manufacturers and service industry derive profit from unreliable vehicles and we continue to accept and purchase unreliable vehicles.
Just like the 2012 Honda Fit I just bought from my sister. The car is so simple but still so practical for everyday use. Love the analog air controls, but still has power locks, windows and cruise. Just updated the radio to a bluetooth unit, but love the simplicity. Parts are cheap and plentiful, the engine has a timing chain, not a timing belt. Just perfect
I bought a new 2024 Mazda 3 hatch 6 months ago. The last of the old school manufacturers ? It’s got a 2.5 NA motor, timing chain, 6 speed torque converter auto. Yes it has a fair bit of electronic tech, but the Skyactiv motor is proven to high mileage, and easy to maintain . And it’s a joy to drive. I plan on keeping it for many years.
Just sold my 2014 Mazda 6. N/A 2.5 skyactiv and mazdas 6 speed auto are bulletproof. They did add some more underhood plastics in the newer models, but mostly still awesome
@ My 2017 Mazda 3 was 100% reliable in my 7 years of ownership. It was a no brainer for me to upgrade to the newer one, although I did bond strongly to the older one, and would have done another 100,000km no problems, maybe much more.
That 2024 Mazda Skyactiv motor still has direct injection only which can be a long term reliability concern with carbon buildup on the intake ports and valves as well as on the direct injectors. oil dilution may be a concern too. Toyota actually tackled this Di reliability issue by adding an additional port injector per cylinder to work alongside the direct injector.
@ Which model did they add the port injection to ? I can only speak from my experience and my son being a Mazda tech, that the direct injection issue is way overblown. They actually have had zero issues at his dealership with higher mileage skyactiv motors and carbon issues, and he knows nothing about oil dilution issues. My 100,000km 17 model 3 which I just sold ran as good as the day I bought it, and no evidence of oil dilution. Having a quick read online, seems some people may have issues in very cold climates with short drives, but that would be a potential issue for most brands under those conditions. If you don’t get the oil up to temp often enough.
It used to be the HVAC system was simple and mechanical. But now it is computer driven with distributed hidden flaps and actuators made with delicate plastic gears. So today the HVAC system can have 100 possible problems which are a pain to diagnose and fix.
Only if you don't know what you're doing. Diagnosing bad hvac actuators is about as easy as it gets. If you get stuck on 100 possible problems, you need to find a new job, or get some real training.
@@052RC The actuators do break and you have to do things like disassemble the dash to get to them. I have an old Toyota T100 I use when I need a pickup. It can't have those kind of problems. It is 27 years old and the only HVAC problems I have had in the 5 years I have owned in was the little light bulb blew out behind the HVAC controls so at night you couldn't see it. But I could still run it from memory. I got a bulb for a couple bucks at the Toyota parts counter and replaced it in less than 60 seconds. But with VWs you have to hook up a costly diagnostic tool to even figure out which overpriced actuator you are going to have to buy and replace.
I've had one of these actuators break on a car that was 3 years old at the time. And the heater never worked great even when it was new. Now my 1976 model year car blend door is controlled manually with a steel cable and the heat and ac still work great in that car
22 year old 2003 GTI VR6, with a 6-speed manual and naturally aspirated engine, still runs like new! Ultra reliable too! Just put in LiquiMoly full synthetic once a year, and feed it Shell Premium V-Power gas! Can't kill this thing!
Love my 2000 Buick with a 3800 V6. And loved my 1990s Mercury Grand Marquis with a small V8 before that. My Plymouth Minivan that got 260,000 miles before it died was nice too.
Yep that 3800 gm motor was as close as we ever got to Toyota or Honda on engine quality. The automatic transmissions don't last as long but those engines are solid
I have a 2002 Toyota Landcruiser with 350k miles on it. It has no engine lights on, and it still runs smoothly. Best vehicle I've ever owned on reliability.
I sometimes wonder if the carmakers say to themselves that if they add a lot of features that break they will make way more on service and parts. In the short term it will make more money, but in the long term that would drive away their customers.
Make more money on parts? Try and find parts, there is a shortage of parts for just about every vehicle. I was looking for a part for my vehicle, and they found "1" over 1,000 kilometers away, and it cost me more in freight to get it, then the part cost.
@drwisdom1 Drive them where? Seems that ALL manufactures are doing this. Government regulations seem to be the largest culprit - among others. I am finding it hard to think of a manufacturer that is NOT doing this stuff.....
Good content. One of the worst experiences is buying an older car known to be reliable only to find out it had much neglected service aka owner-based obsolescence.
There is an infinite number of plastic blends that manufacturers could use in the weak spots that they know about, and yet they insist on squeezing every nickel of profit with crappy materials. When they compound this with ridiculous prices, I’ll never walk into any new showroom again.
When Honda Civics went to CVT transmissions, I realized that the older Civics were a better buy than the new ones with the CVT transmissions. That's also why so many people are switching to Mazda3 cars as they still have the old fashioned geared automatic transmissions in them.
2002 Mazda Protege 5, manual - still own, has now 200k miles, change oil every 4000 - 5000 miles, recently put new valve cover gasket and engine was mirror cleaned, I do use Liquid Moly MoS2 additive at every new oil change... Looks like it's gonna run another 200k without an issue...✌️
Love your videos, one of the things we talk about at the shop me and the other mechanics is in the next couple years. There’s only gonna be a small handful of used Toyota and Honda products available. The problem is since all manufacturers went to their 10,000 mile oil changes and lifetime on the other fluids and so many people foolishly believe what the dealer says by the time they hit 100,000 miles if they make it that far they need major repairs I know I see it at the shop all the time and let’s be fair if the average consumer doesn’t have $1000 in their savings how are they gonna afford the repair so they trade it in and go get a new car and the neglect cycle starts all over 😩. We see at least two cars a week that need an engine or transmission because of neglect. It’s sad.
It's sad that people bought into dealerships / producers narratives about "life time" (that is for them only the warranty period) or the 10'000 miles oil engine efficacy. Smart people change at 5'000 miles (if their drive style is average) the engine oil, filters (some need only cleaning) and at a couple of years other fluids. But not all CVTs are the old Jatco. And Toyota/Lexus and Honda/Acura are not all very good cars. Plus there are excellent cars from Mazda, Subaru, Suzuki, Mitsubishi etc. using the "old school" formulas.
I plan on keeping my 2012 es350 for the rest of my life. I don't care if I have to put a new engine, tranny, ANYTHING into it. It will still outlive anything new
Still driving my 2005 Dodge SRT-4 with 187,000 miles. Too much fun to get rid of, and I like that it sticks to the basics - even uses roll-up rear windows. 😁
From Germany, I can tell you, that we have a lot of rules to make the effiency better and the air quality better. And it is precisely this that is prompting car manufacturers to consider all kinds of measures to save fuel.
The fuel efficiency end up costing thousands to repair to keep the late-model functional. So the owner's wallet takes the hit. Ozone-scrubbing radiator with tamper-proof leash? (it's a thing on gti from a few years back). Same for the dirty intake valves. Put mini-injectors in front of those valves to avoid a $1,000 intake cleaning. Toyota did it. VW didn't. That's why VW motors towards bankruptcy. No true vision. No real care for customer other than trapping them into another purchase in eight years. People shop elsewhere because they've been ripped off.
@@timewa851 you hit the nail right on the head. In Germany and Europe, regular folks who for some reason get to try a Toyota or another Japanese brand and taste the quality, usually don't like to look back.
I am really enjoying my 2012 Scion IQ. It is tiny, but boy is it fun to drive. It started this morning at -32C, -44 wind chill, without a block heater.
Just bought a 2003 Grand Marquis from the son of a 90 yr old mother who had the car since almost new with 77,000 mi. Interior like new. A few paint flaws from sitting out In the weather the past couple yrs but nothing I can’t fix. Needs a window motor on the passenger side. I currently drive a 2011 Kia Sorento with 108,000. Great shape at the moment but there’s been several recalls and engine failures that supposedly I’m covered for in the future but I feel like I’m driving a ticking time bomb, even though it’s a handy car to drive
Volvo 240, Mercedes W123/ W124 are much older than the generation, youare talking about, but when maintanined properly can really last a lifetime and at least a million miles on the same original engine, AND are simple to service, spares are not too rare either... More could be added to the list but these are the top 2 or 3.
Love my 08 Toyota Solara V6. Siting at 150k currently and while it doesn’t look new it isn’t a beater and I get compliments and looks for what I thought I was a ordinary car. As a youth I always wanted a car that if I liked and took care of would last. Now I’ve made it with this one. I also have a classic mustang in the works and since my first car was a 65 Mustang I already no the ins and outs of keeping it up.
I have 2002 Corolla LE with 67K original miles. I brought the car grom 22K miles from 79 years old man in FL that has 22K original miles. I changed the Spark plug send it for oil and trans fluid brake tires . I want to keep it since I can no longer afford a used car due to my credit and my age that the bank will not allow me to borrowed even 15K.
I own a rav4 2009 with cvt,no problem so far, but I have of course changed the cvt fluid on it. I also own a Mazda 626 from 1991- still going strong with absolutely no problems, what a fantastic machine🙂
I'm transport driver we have a big trouble system in our trucks called D.E.F its for clean diesel emissions if it malfunctions the truck speed is reduced to 25 kph !! and if you continue to drive your engine will shut down even when its minus 45 C outside !and now they will be bringing this system to all gasoline cars !
My 2005 Camry LE was as reliable as the rising sun every morning. Bought it new....drove it 15 years and 218,000 miles. The only parts NOT original (when I sold it) were the shocks, brakes, and of course tires. The car never dripped one drop of ANYTHING! I never even had to have the AC serviced in 15 years! Of course, I maintained the car like a good boy should. So, I bought a new 2020 Camry LE because it had all modern safety features my 2005 did not have. So far, so good.
According to "Consumer Reports", 2010 was when cars hit their "quality peak". They even recommended buying a USED pre-2010 instead of buying a later NEW vehicle. Hard to believe, but Ford had the best quality "domestic" vehicles before 2010. My, how the automotive market has changed, and not for the better! Side note: If you are looking for an older reliable vehicle, look for a late '90s or early 2000s Buick (any) with the 3.8L V6. There is a general consensus among car "gurus" that these vehicles are the best "bang for the buck", having bulletproof engines and "regular" automatic transmissions!!
I had two Buick 3800s. A 94 and a 07. Both of them were fantastic. GM kept making it 10 extra years because of customer demand. I don't know if they listen like that anymore.
I drive a 2005 Silverado. 252,000 miles, everything works, 4x4 works, no rips in the interior, you can eat off the engine bay, very few dents and scratches....I paid $5k for it and I'll NEVER own a vehicle newer than that! I don't WANT touchscreens, electronic controls, nanny driving assistance, tracking/GPS (I have a phone lol)....plus I LOVE they way my truck looks. I've wanted a Cat Eye Silverado since they came out in the mid 2000s!
I had a lot of newer recently except when I got divorced I decided to simplify and downsize, and now everything I have is 2014 or older. That newest vehicle is the last generation of honda civic with a naturally aspiration engine with a timing chain and manual transmission. All my vehicles are manual transmission.
Honda should just continue making that 2013 Honda civic just like VW did with the beetle in the 70s. That’s probably one of the most reliable vehicles ever made.
All the safety items (radar cruise, park sensors, blind spot monitoring, etc.) that require calibration post collision repairs. The stealerships overcharging for everything, part prices skyrocketed post Covid, LED headlights/laser headlights as you mentioned. As well as planned obsolescence.
ON MY HONEYMOON ON MAUI, HI. IN 1969. I WAS INTRODUCED TO A DATSUN WITH A ROTARY ENGINE WITH 50,000 MILES ON IT. IT WAS A DELIVERY CAR. ALL STANDARD EQUIPMENT, NO POWER ANYTHING. I T WAS A STICK SHIFT AND IT WAS A WILD RIDE. I WAS AMAZED AT THE ENGINE, VERY SIMPLE. FINIS PAX
I want my 1962 Falcon back. In 2018 I bought the last new car available in the US without cameras, screens, etc.. Has crank windows, 5 speed manual, port fuel injection only, no turbo. Still have the 32 year old Toyota pickup I bought new also.
I agree. Since C0vid quality has gone down and prices gone up. Automakers care more about short term profit and not long term success. Even Toyota owners are suffering, relatively speaking.
I have a fairly newer car, a 2018 Sonata, still uses a 6 speed torque coverter transmission. I also opted for the naturally aspirated engine. It's just over 111,000 km and still working great. It consumes a bit of oil, but i keep it topped off and do changes every 5-6000km. Lets hope it lasts.
Let us hope so, but all data says “not going to last as it should. But maybe the stars are all aligned for you. Keep up with maintenance or even better..over maintenance would be your best decision. Very best on keeping your car running and beating the established odds.” 😊😊😊
@williamoneal2763 yah, I've had it for 7 years so far and have no issues yet, but regular maintenance. Just put a new battery in the old one lasted 7 years. Gonna do a coolant flush before the weather warms up and do my spark plugs and coils.
I purchased a 94 Dodge ram lariat four-wheel-drive 1500 October 1993 for my birthday brand new. I have over 200+ thousand miles and still runs good. I had some transmission work done around 175,000 miles and I replaced the starter that was about it. I bought a 2022 Toyota four Runner TRD off-road with 5 miles sits in the garage.
Manufacturers are struggling to keep up with the increasingly stringent federal fuel economy and emissions regulations all the while they still need to earn a profit to stay in business. CVT or complex multi speed transmissions, low displacement turbocharged engines, low resistance piston rings, complex electronic engine management, direct fuel injection and engine stop/start programming. All put more stress on the vehicle and they won't last as long.
One driver of complexity and cheap materials is the barrage of government mandates - safety, fuel efficiency, pollution. The attempt to squeeze another revolution from a unit of fuel triggered aluminum oil pans - then plastic, plastic intake manifolds, no proper spare wheel&tire (a mandated safety hazard imo). Pollution mandates are probably 1/3 of the drive train cost.
Too bad they didn't factor in the pollution from the new car that's replacing the junk that they made 2 years ago, that now is going to cost more than it is worth to have repaired.
This is why I love my 2000 Toyota echo, simple 4 speed automatic, tming chain, fuel injected, nothing fancy. 380k, nothing but oil changes breaks and tires
It's OK to bad mouth my old Pinto, but the '73 Runabout was my first new car (bought it in Gitmo for $2,361, picked up in Norfolk after deployment.) I could repair and tune it myself, adjusted valves about every 20k. It had a timing belt that stripped out twice, replaced them in the driveway (no damage, not an interference design.) That was at about 80k and 140k miles - second belt life was shortened by oiling from front seal, I think. The German 2000cc engine was solid, 5 main bearings. Body rusted out of course, put some sheet metal on the passenger floorboard (Flintstone style.) But it ran for 182k on the original clutch, drove it to the junkyard after 12 years. Dad saw some kids driving it around town later. They just don't make them like that now.
Another awesome informative video Mark. One of my favorite videos. If they build more reliable vehicles ,then they will sell more cars, instead of planned obsolescence included in every vehicle
You’re right, the market would be flooded with quality products and cars would actually be good for a long time again. Thanks again so much Vincent and hope you have a wonderful day. I appreciate the support. PINNED
Not exactly true. Turbo cars require a strict oil change regimen. Furthermore, many cars have turbo's cooled by coolant as well, which require maintenance to the cooling system. The only time turbos are a real problem is when you have owners who don't maintain their car. Their 4k oil change is actually 10k
The “technology” to reduce emissions and increase fuel efficiency is more complicated and not as reliable. Result- increased maintenance and repair resources more than offsets the marginal reduction in emissions and increases in fuel efficiency. So in the big picture we are farther BEHIND, all in the name of “the environment.” It’s ironic. In plain English, the new cars are what we call “JUNK.”
Thank you for this video, I own the exact same car 2012 Civic, I plan to keep her forever, still super clean, I do my own oil changes and very reliable.
You are right with the analysis here. That's why I am keeping my 2009 Ford Sedan (6 cyl) the only issue is a slight oil leak from rear differential which is common and a reasonably big job Ford Service can do if necessary my local mechanic told me. It has a German 6 speed ZF transmission and is very comfortable to drive. I would probably be better with a smaller SUV as it would not be as wide and higher which is easier for an older driver but I can still manage with the sedan which I am loathe to part with for the reasons you outline here.
Great video. Yours is a 2012, not at 2013. I have a 2013 & a 2012. All 2013’s have a government mandated back up screen. Both have conventional transmissions. The 2014’s have a CVT’s. You are the best. Regards, John Toronto Canada.
MY WIFE HAD A STRAIGHT 6 ENGINE ON A 1969 CAMARO. NO SENSORS LIKE TODAY. SHE WAS GETTING 50 MILES TO THE GALLON ON REGULAR GAS AND NOT ETHYL. THE GOOD OLD DAYS. EASY TO WORK ON. FINIS PAX
When I see a car older than 2005, I'm like "Holy crap, a rare old car!". 70's/80's/90's cars were not meant to last at all, especially American cars. Malaise era and 80's econoboxes were especially absolute garbage. Old Volvo's lasted a lot longer than cars today, sure, but how many of those do you even see around anymore? Especially here in Canada, eventually the rust is going to win, regardless of what you do. I think people are conflating maintenance with reliability. Older cars not more reliable than modern cars, but they are a lot cheaper and easier to repair. On the downside, moving parts are going to wear out, and they stop manufacturing parts at some point in time. It's harder and harder to keep those cars on the road, and even minor repairs can get expensive if you can't find a headgasket. With the computers in everything also, newer cars a lot easier for mechanics to diagnose. The only vehicles that are really durable enough to last are the older trucks, but I'd bet the vast majority of those will require an engine rebuild at some point.
Here in ne Ohio. Just bought an 09 Chevy Silverado that's damn near mint. At 50yrs old. Hopefully it's the last truck I buy before retirement. Good content. Take care everyone
What got me is no dip stick for transmission fluid level check. Replacing or adding the transmission fluid, you must take it to a dealer or shop. The manufacturer lifetime transmission fluid is a joke.
I drive a 2018 Toyota Corolla SE. It has LED headlights, so the entire headlight assembly would have to be replaced if their is a problem with the light such as water leaking in. I saw a video where a mechanic opened the assembly which has a computer board inside. This also has automatic headlights/high beams. Unlike your Honda, it is not a simple headlight
You are so right. Cars are made nowadays to barely get through the warranty. I have a 2018 Hyundai Elantra that I absolutely love. Engine is 😮😮 flawless. I have 50,000 mi on it. It's nice having a automatic transmission. A real one. I don't have junk engine. I have the 2.0 4-cylinder good engine. They just make cars like trash. Now you have to be a technician of genius to fix it. You can't fix it. You have to have somebody with 10 scanners and 10 degrees to fix your car. Plus your card depreciates so much. It's not even worth anything in 4 or 5 years!!
spot on, newer cars are overcomplicated cuckoo-clocks. ive been a mechanic for over 25 years and i will not own any car with direct injection, turbochargers, cylinder deactivation, variable valve timing, wet belts, timing chain driven water pump or a CVT transmission
Premium content....I replaced the headlamps in my 2004 SUV for a few hundred $$ (gave the work to my local mechanic shop), fixed my cruise control with a penny, courtesy of a youtube vid, and put in some platinum plugs about 10 years ago, use lucas fuel treatment every fill-up and my engine sounds like a sewing machine and has acceleration power!
Very well done,lots packed in here🧡after two great cars, 86 Saab 900 and 92 MB 190E, met their ends, i switched to basic old beater cars that you simply maintain and repair till the end of the road,'03 Vibe &'06 Corolla, one of them is likely to run everyday@210,000 miles 😁
Actually the standardized OBD diagnostic port started because the government decided they were going to do emissions testing in the polluted metropolitan regions. The only way for that to work would be if every car had the same connector and responded to certain requests in the same way. So they mandated it, which turned out great. That gave rise to the diagnostic tools that changed repairing vehicles from an art to a science. Unfortunately, some manufacturers are now preventing owner access using BS claims like hacking, which caused this customer to flee his brand.
This is the reason why I bought a new 2024 Nissan Versa S with the 5 Speed manual. It has a Naturally Aspirated and port injected 1.6L four cylinder engine. It is the most simple, plain and lowest priced new car you can still get in 2025. Not a lot of electronics for a 2024/2025 car. It features keyed entry, a hand operated parking brake, 15" steel wheels, analog gauges with only a tiny mpg/odometer screen in the middle, power windows, power door locks and a conventional ignition switch (no push start button). With the drum brakes in the back it reminds me of a modernized version of a 90's car. I really don't know why many manufacturers like Honda have done away with the hand operated parking brakes even with the manual transmission models. Driving a manual car with an electronic parking brake is just odd and inconvenient.
I have an 05 BMW 330ci zhp. It has like 230,000 miles and it drives better than I did when I was new. I keep telling people you got to upgrade your parts when you replace them, then before you know it you have a car completely built out that's not going ever let you down
I'll be keeping my 2019 Lexus GX 460 and 2012 F150 5.0 for a long time. Probably the last of the old school port injected V8 engines. And super reliable. Wife has a new 2024 Subaru Forester, we'll see how that one does. Subaru actually has done pretty well with their CVT trans.
I'm 65, and I'm still driving a 1972 Ford Pinto Squire wagon I bought over 35 years ago. One of the most reliable cars I've ever owned. The carbureted 2.0L SOHC four cylinder "Lima" engine is still widely used and highly sought after in Europe. Yes, it's had a few inexpensive mechanical parts replaced, it's on its third engine since new (which can literally be swapped out in one day), but it's 53 year old body is still rust free and rock solid. No squeaks and rattles. It doesn't spy on me, and it doesn't try to drive itself. Cars were absolutely NOT junk in 1975. But they sure are now. Complete TRASH. I have owned around 30 cars, almost all of them from the 1960s and 1970s, and never had any serious problems with all of them. The designs were great. Their main problem was poor build quality. An assembly line 1975 small block Chevy might last 100,000 miles. I can build one using the same design that will last 3-4 times that long.
@@gregorymalchuk272 500,000-600,000. Original engine was just about worn out when I got it. The oil was black. I got it from the original owner, who obviously never properly maintained it. I over maintain it. It is a 4 speed manual.
Any European car after 2005 is just not as good as pre 2005. This was caused due to emission regulations and electronic gizmos. If you want a reliable car you need to look at Japanese cars. Avoid hybrids, avoid turbo chargers if you want a car that will last.
Back in the day you could replace an easy to get at battery with a wrench or two, now they are buried under equipment and you have to worry about having the right diagnostic tool to reset codes.
2008 toyota matrix. Bought it used about 6 years ago with all maintenance records. 85,000 now. Change oil every 3000 due to stop and go driving. No touch screen, simple 1.8 liter. I do my own maintenance except for major issues. That car is mechanically flawless and easy to service for a diy project. Our other car is 2016 Mazda CX-9 turbo. While we've never had any problems, it's way too complex. I expect the toyota will out last it. I change oil 3000 miles and do drain and fills on the transmission and differential and transfer case every 30,000. I'm hoping with clean fluids and salt removal to get another 10-15 years. New turbos are thousands of $$.
2007 Civic: $178 for a 10.2" android with whole dash panel. Works great! old 4Tb drive full of movies and music in the glove box. $50 for 12" hd rear view mirror with camera. Feels like a new car, the aftermarket dash screen isn't locked to stupid bs menus.
I drive a 42 year old dodge diplomat, it has the slant 6. -30F or -32C that dodge started no problem, not plugged in, I spent the morning boosting the neighbours newer cars . I made some good pocket money that day lol
This is the best commentary on the problems of modern vehicles. Mark is an absolute guru who makes most auto industry commentators and motoring journalists sound totally out of touch with reality.
Outstanding advice from a real expert!
Thank you so much, I really appreciate that.
The only time plastic car parts last forever is when they're in a landfill
Best comment I've read for in a bit! 😆😅 . Thanks for the chuckle. I'm going to be telling the same phrase.
True story. Last year, when I took our 2007 Lexus RX 400h in for service to the closest Lexus dealership (about an hour and 40 minutes away), I arranged for a loaner so I could get back home because the service was going to take multiple days. The loaner car was a 2023 Lexus RX 350h. Nice car on the surface, but I had to have one of the younger dealership employees explain to me how to operate the thing. It had so much technology on it that it was stressful to try and drive it. I couldn't figure out the cruise control because it was too complicated. I'm 60, and my 2007 Lexus is much simpler, easier, and more pleasurable to drive. Sometimes simpler and more boringly reliable is better.
Definitely you are not the only one to feel this way
@paulgodbey304 i agree. I had to put my 2012 Lexus overnight and take a loaner car 2024 ES 350. I had same problem. I could not figure out how to use cruise control.Too much complicated technology
@@paulgodbey304 You are so right! I don't particularly care about these new vehicles that STOP & START at red lights!
My rule - no CVT, preferably stick shift, no turbo, must have an oil dipstick, never any Euro scrap. Life is simple.
I'm in with "stick shift and NO turbo"!
Those are the best rules. I also prefer four cylinders over V6s if in a transverse configuration
what about superchargers? Any good?
You and I would fight for that car on the lot.😅
@@RolandAdams-h4m no, keep it simple. Superchargers are like turbos but iperate across the entire
RPM range. Chargers whatever flavor overstress engines over time.
Retired mechanic here.....agree 100%. Also a lot of the parts used now are from unreliable sources and fail way before they should.
Yep. About 2015 part quality started going down. It nose-dived during the Coof. Now everything is made of Chinesium and plastic and simply doesn't last.
also the modern engines are far more complex and have far less tolerances - add the poor quality of the source parts and you have our current state... that's why i only drive cars before 2005
@@expertizer Around the time VVT became a thing. Who would have thought adding 100 feet of pinhole-sized oil passages to an engine would create longevity issues?
This is due to the complexity and technical perfections.
The regulations from the government make things much more complex and unreliable.
Turbos, wet timing belts, belt driven oil pumps, direct injection only motors, and cvt transmissions are killing the industry
Also they need to get .01 more MPG. Over a whole fleet that is huge.
You could add internal water pumps (some German designs even have internal thermostat !) and interference engines. Why does the engine need to commit suicide when the timing belt or chain fails? Everything breaks or wears out - they need to plan for it and make it easier to fix when it does. One wrench to rule them all (Rory) !!
Cvt? Depends.
@ Ford Cyclone FWD had an internal WP. Miserable repair. And it could blow the motor.
What I don’t understand about turbos is that freight trucks have had them for decades and they’e been perfectly reliable in that application. It’s like manufacturers want to make things hard on themselves.
I just took my 25 year old Tahoe out of the garage for a spin. It’s bitter cold here in WI. Truck started right up, everything smooth and operational.
I think late ‘90s -early 2000s were good years for reliable vehicles.
And NO "AFM" or "DFM" in those years for the 5.3L or 6.2L V8s.
I agree, best gen ever.
@ArtLysense-m2m great vehicle and everytime I've driven through your beautiful state and stopped for gas etc, everyone treated me like an old friend
My 2004.tahoe has 305,000 miles and runs like new. All original
My 2002 chevy trailblazer is working like a champ
Right on. I had to total out my Ford Escape due to a $15 plastic part. My wife was driving it when the plastic water pump inlet pipe (formally a metal item) decided to snap off clean. All coolant was immediately dumped and then the engine overheated which caused the plastic valve cover to warp. This broke the valve cover gasket seal which allowed the engine oil to leak down on top of the overheated exhaust manifold. This started a fire which totaled out the car. I was a lifelong Ford driver but not anymore!
WOW, I even read all the comments. Another top video.
While the car is clearly garbage because of plastic components, let's not forget the fact that your wife kept driving it with no coolant. A loss of all coolant doesn't mean that the engine is gonna cook itself. If you turn the engine off when it happens, you know, looking at your temperature gauge and paying attention to your car.
I've had plenty of radiators cooling hoses and other wonderful things explode on me and I've yet to cook an engine.
Sooo, what vehicle manufacturer are u going to drive now since they ALL use plastic parts more today?
@ one that has a large aftermarket support that offers aluminum replacement parts for plastics, and metal replacements for composites
Get your self Toyota and say good bye to worrying about parts and maintenance
We had our 2009 CRV finally succumb to rust and it had 450 000km still going strong. We we're so close on buying a newer one but managed to find a 2011 CRV one owner garage kept with low miles. It will serve us for another 400k.
It won't, a stored car could have more problems than a running car
@@Sami-Nasr well 170 000km is low for a Honda, I know what you mean with super low mileage cars, I would be very careful buying those.
I just bought CR-V 2009 2.0 automatic with only 136.000km. Full spec and it have even adaptive cruise control😂 I could not believe Honda offered this in 2009. Iz needs only underbody protection and that's it. Leather seats are great and panorama roof also.Xenon adaptive lights also.I gave up my 2014 manual Honda Civic Tourer for this well preserved CR-V.
I know a multi millionaire ( and I mean multi multi ) and his car is a mid nineties ish Lexus v8 coupe, its immaculate and as far I know has been trouble free , I think it will always be his mode of transport. He's not one to throw money away , I remember he told me that the brand new price for that car was a staggering $185,000 ish( New Zealand dollars) , but he waited until he found a used very low mileage one for $35,000. Quite a saving .
My 1998 Saturn made it 457,000 miles before I sent her to salvage. Still ran good, just leaked and smoked a bit. I found another 1998 Saturn SL for $950, put a clutch in it and been running like a top since.
1996 Saturn SL1 had a cast Iron engine, sold mine at 256,000. Miles
Japanese cars were awesome from around 2000 until about 2014. Keep those years especially Mazda, Toyota, Honda....
And Lexus brand!
2006 Corolla and a 2017 Avensis. Dream duo. Toyota ❤
Love my 07 Accord. I will keep it as long as I can.
'96, '97 = peak of reliability
Just bought a 2012 Honda Fit. People don't realize how awesome these little cars are. Got it to save gas on my 2016 Lexus GX460
Just went out two days ago and got me a 95 camry with 104k miles on it for 3 grand. It's got some issues but not nothing that cant be fixed by yourself, very easy to get too, and very cheap parts. I can get all struts, shocks, and control arms for less than $200
You are preaching the sermon well. Very good presentation of the current situation. Too bad Toyota and Honda have lost their way with reliability. They have seen the light of planned obsolescence. Bean counters vs. car guys.
Thanks John, yes they have tasted the Nectar of profits and cost cutting and now it seems to be showing
The NEW President of Toyota wanted to increase production numbers, to get a better "bottom line" for the shareholders. Well the numbers are up, but quality is down.........
It's going to be their downfall.
I don't see any real evidence of planned obsolescence. Warranty and recall repairs are killing them. What I do see is a lot of poorly thought out designs with little to no testing. They don't want these things to fail. Planned obsolenscence will not sell more cars. If you destroy the used car market, you destroy the new car market. Very few people keep a car until its obsolete. They get new ones. In order for that to happen, the old ones have to be worth something to someone.
The biggest problem is the government mandates all the safety and tech in this is how manufacturers save money by using plastic junk instead of metal durable parts it boils down to saving a money to the manufacture
You hit it. My state CA is huge culprit
The real PROBLEM is, the government MANDATES for FUEL CONSUMPTION! Put tiny engines with turbos in EVERYTHING........recipe for DISASTER!
@ you’re right on that but there others problems as well it’s just sad that the vehicles are not dependable as the older ones
The simplier made the better less to go wrong also it must or should be used slow easy maintained properly lube oil filter some vws have an oil screen that is cleaned and replaced proper use driven also helps how driven stop and go is the worst wear on yours ours vehicles some as I had in my vw vanagon having mucho often antifreeze leaks because of how the engine was made just program your I pad about vw vanagon anti freeze leaks or use a different motor as some do in the Long Island vw car club mucho problems happen when how used or maintained driven who does the work or parts quality I had jack problems using what came with it better was a nice small floor jack or also block your wheels to prevent cars from rolling some of my vws had spare tires held under the front ends or sides hard to put there one person only or now sold without full sizes spare tires why five minutes on my 1971 vw mini station wagon to change a dead light on the front end five dinero $$$$ newer car was one half hour parts labor 600 $$$$$dinero where low beam is brighter than my high beam true mucho plastic is used cars are full of electronics computers these days since repeat one gm Cadillac is sold with a computer operated 4 6 or 8 cylinder engine that will never go past 40000miles one auto shop told me some of my problems past were because of how I used the vehicle weight carried bad roads drunk drugged drivers one caused me the least damage he pushed a car into my rear two cop cars were there mucho fast called his dad who did not even know his car was used front end wrecked into car in my rear both ends wrecked polize had him in hand cuffs both feet hands the last day two years later I had a call from my automobile insurance man I was never paid dialed phone number he gave two days later full amount was in my mail box tv ads donot mention on this the service you get or not he was the best looked at all possible ways for me to save even got me 300 dinero refund because I was charged for wrong town I did not live in all this is not seen learned from tv advertising there is mucho to look at before you sign for car insurance value of vehicle used for a business miles driven the owner who is the biggest most often driver of car where parked usually is it a safer neighborhood donot just do stupid things look at all detaills before insuring a car also collision or not extended warranties are usually a scam the sales volks pocket most of it just save your dinero I alway had aaa once a year to join when tow truck comes you tell him where to take vehicle then go from there if money for towing auto shop tells you the rest because of my honesty doing my business the polize know me mucho well we all work together without problems on both our lines of work how often my help has taken crime off the streets to jail not court or four hours back on the streets mucho often I have been seen at work all hours of 24never bothered unless asked all ok I have done the same calling the fire department to report fire from not getting any worse or one theif was never seen after four years1st I called cops was after my work I did he just wanted to steal get money easy while I do the worst of things my 35 plus years senorita amigo is very proud of me how I do things properly because I care have a purpose in doing things not only to get money but helping to save resources less polution of the earth we both respect everyone for who is who race religion handicapped what whoever wears any sex fashions employment jobs businesses must be honestly done now as I say syonora adios bye bye mucho volks should wake up to the real world as it is or should be nicer averdersi until we meet again
There is no gvt. mandate they use direct fuel injection or direct fuel injection only, turbos, crap plastic, cvt transmissions, crap timing belt tensioners and guides, timing chains at rear of engine, internal water pumps, all this superfluous electronics meant to impress, etc. These manufacturers well aware of all the gvt. mandates years in advance, should have done the engineering in advance to ensure reliability. There still remain a few reliable models out there, proof reliability can still be engineered in modern cars. Reliability is mostly a profitability issue, the manufacturers and service industry derive profit from unreliable vehicles and we continue to accept and purchase unreliable vehicles.
Cars were peaked in the 2010s, they still look and feel very modern but without all the overcomplicated tech nonsense
Just like the 2012 Honda Fit I just bought from my sister. The car is so simple but still so practical for everyday use. Love the analog air controls, but still has power locks, windows and cruise. Just updated the radio to a bluetooth unit, but love the simplicity. Parts are cheap and plentiful, the engine has a timing chain, not a timing belt. Just perfect
I bought a new 2024 Mazda 3 hatch 6 months ago. The last of the old school manufacturers ? It’s got a 2.5 NA motor, timing chain, 6 speed torque converter auto. Yes it has a fair bit of electronic tech, but the Skyactiv motor is proven to high mileage, and easy to maintain . And it’s a joy to drive. I plan on keeping it for many years.
I really like the new Mazda 3 Hatchback, on my next car list! Still drive my 2002 Protege 5, manual, still rolling strong... ✌️
Just sold my 2014 Mazda 6. N/A 2.5 skyactiv and mazdas 6 speed auto are bulletproof. They did add some more underhood plastics in the newer models, but mostly still awesome
@ My 2017 Mazda 3 was 100% reliable in my 7 years of ownership. It was a no brainer for me to upgrade to the newer one, although I did bond strongly to the older one, and would have done another 100,000km no problems, maybe much more.
That 2024 Mazda Skyactiv motor still has direct injection only which can be a long term reliability concern with carbon buildup on the intake ports and valves as well as on the direct injectors. oil dilution may be a concern too. Toyota actually tackled this Di reliability issue by adding an additional port injector per cylinder to work alongside the direct injector.
@ Which model did they add the port injection to ? I can only speak from my experience and my son being a Mazda tech, that the direct injection issue is way overblown. They actually have had zero issues at his dealership with higher mileage skyactiv motors and carbon issues, and he knows nothing about oil dilution issues. My 100,000km 17 model 3 which I just sold ran as good as the day I bought it, and no evidence of oil dilution. Having a quick read online, seems some people may have issues in very cold climates with short drives, but that would be a potential issue for most brands under those conditions. If you don’t get the oil up to temp often enough.
It used to be the HVAC system was simple and mechanical. But now it is computer driven with distributed hidden flaps and actuators made with delicate plastic gears. So today the HVAC system can have 100 possible problems which are a pain to diagnose and fix.
Only if you don't know what you're doing. Diagnosing bad hvac actuators is about as easy as it gets. If you get stuck on 100 possible problems, you need to find a new job, or get some real training.
@@052RC The actuators do break and you have to do things like disassemble the dash to get to them. I have an old Toyota T100 I use when I need a pickup. It can't have those kind of problems. It is 27 years old and the only HVAC problems I have had in the 5 years I have owned in was the little light bulb blew out behind the HVAC controls so at night you couldn't see it. But I could still run it from memory. I got a bulb for a couple bucks at the Toyota parts counter and replaced it in less than 60 seconds. But with VWs you have to hook up a costly diagnostic tool to even figure out which overpriced actuator you are going to have to buy and replace.
I've had one of these actuators break on a car that was 3 years old at the time. And the heater never worked great even when it was new. Now my 1976 model year car blend door is controlled manually with a steel cable and the heat and ac still work great in that car
My cars HVAC uses engine vacuum to move the blend doors in the dash it’s very simple.
22 year old 2003 GTI VR6, with a 6-speed manual and naturally aspirated engine, still runs like new! Ultra reliable too! Just put in LiquiMoly full synthetic once a year, and feed it Shell Premium V-Power gas! Can't kill this thing!
Just as long as it isn't a 1.8L Carrado with the "G60" supercharger. A POF slug!
Love my 2000 Buick with a 3800 V6. And loved my 1990s Mercury Grand Marquis with a small V8 before that. My Plymouth Minivan that got 260,000 miles before it died was nice too.
That 3800 V6 can run forever
Yep that 3800 gm motor was as close as we ever got to Toyota or Honda on engine quality. The automatic transmissions don't last as long but those engines are solid
I have a 2002 Toyota Landcruiser with 350k miles on it. It has no engine lights on, and it still runs smoothly. Best vehicle I've ever owned on reliability.
Do those lights even come on BEFORE you start the car? Just asking....
No worries, you can always buy a few spare engine lights 🙂
Yep, the good old V8 will live forever, if properly maintained.
I sometimes wonder if the carmakers say to themselves that if they add a lot of features that break they will make way more on service and parts. In the short term it will make more money, but in the long term that would drive away their customers.
Make more money on parts?
Try and find parts, there is a shortage of parts for just about every vehicle.
I was looking for a part for my vehicle, and they found "1" over 1,000 kilometers away, and it cost me more in freight to get it, then the part cost.
@drwisdom1 Drive them where? Seems that ALL manufactures are doing
this. Government regulations seem to be the largest culprit - among others.
I am finding it hard to think of a manufacturer that is NOT doing this stuff.....
Good content. One of the worst experiences is buying an older car known to be reliable only to find out it had much neglected service aka owner-based obsolescence.
Then DON'T blame the car! Blame the lazy owner!
1990-2005 was likely the peak
Your right
There is an infinite number of plastic blends that manufacturers could use in the weak spots that they know about, and yet they insist on squeezing every nickel of profit with crappy materials. When they compound this with ridiculous prices, I’ll never walk into any new showroom again.
When Honda Civics went to CVT transmissions, I realized that the older Civics were a better buy than the new ones with the CVT transmissions. That's also why so many people are switching to Mazda3 cars as they still have the old fashioned geared automatic transmissions in them.
You probably never driven a cvt Honda before. They're actually good.
Honda cvt seems to be OK.
U get 200,000 miles out of a car without major trouble. One is to be happy with that.
2002 Mazda Protege 5, manual - still own, has now 200k miles, change oil every 4000 - 5000 miles, recently put new valve cover gasket and engine was mirror cleaned, I do use Liquid Moly MoS2 additive at every new oil change... Looks like it's gonna run another 200k without an issue...✌️
Love your videos, one of the things we talk about at the shop me and the other mechanics is in the next couple years. There’s only gonna be a small handful of used Toyota and Honda products available. The problem is since all manufacturers went to their 10,000 mile oil changes and lifetime on the other fluids and so many people foolishly believe what the dealer says by the time they hit 100,000 miles if they make it that far they need major repairs I know I see it at the shop all the time and let’s be fair if the average consumer doesn’t have $1000 in their savings how are they gonna afford the repair so they trade it in and go get a new car and the neglect cycle starts all over 😩. We see at least two cars a week that need an engine or transmission because of neglect. It’s sad.
It's sad that people bought into dealerships / producers narratives about "life time" (that is for them only the warranty period) or the 10'000 miles oil engine efficacy.
Smart people change at 5'000 miles (if their drive style is average) the engine oil, filters (some need only cleaning) and at a couple of years other fluids.
But not all CVTs are the old Jatco.
And Toyota/Lexus and Honda/Acura are not all very good cars. Plus there are excellent cars from Mazda, Subaru, Suzuki, Mitsubishi etc. using the "old school" formulas.
I love 2000s and 2010s Hondas, toyotas and Mazdas. I will drive them for as long as I can, they're gems.
I miss the MK4/Mk5 VW JETTA/GOLF with TDI engines. Those fuckers can go a million miles without problems if well taken care of.
I plan on keeping my 2012 es350 for the rest of my life. I don't care if I have to put a new engine, tranny, ANYTHING into it. It will still outlive anything new
You won't need to replace the engine or transmission if you do your maintenance. These cars are as bulletproof as they come!
Right I have a 2010 es350 I love it
99 crv here. Just went over 300,000 miles. Next stop 400,000.
Still driving my 2005 Dodge SRT-4 with 187,000 miles. Too much fun to get rid of, and I like that it sticks to the basics - even uses roll-up rear windows. 😁
Still driving my 94 Buick Park Avenue with 275,000. A keeper indeed! 😊😊😊
I have a 2014 Civic with 135k with a CVT and it drives like brand new. Do my own trans fluid changes and full synthetic oil changes. Love that car.
I have a 2008 royal Enfield 350 motorcycle... carbs, contact breakers, drum brakes. No electronics....love it
Hownisntheni real reliability? I often wondered about those
Great truth video!
Come to think of it, this 2012 Honda Civic is truly a gem…can’t say the same about a 2025 Honda Civic.
The 2012 Civic was the worst redesign in automotive history (one of)!!!
I couldn't wait to get rid of mine. Glad it was reliable, though.
From Germany, I can tell you, that we have a lot of rules to make the effiency better and the air quality better. And it is precisely this that is prompting car manufacturers to consider all kinds of measures to save fuel.
And it all emanates from this false premise that the planet is overheating. It's the proverbial tail wagging the dog.
Too bad they didn't factor in the pollution to make the new car to replace the piece of crap that it is replacing , that is only 2 years old
@@tylaranderson8559 it's a hidden factor to keep the industry going..
The fuel efficiency end up costing thousands to repair to keep the late-model functional. So the owner's wallet takes the hit. Ozone-scrubbing radiator with tamper-proof leash?
(it's a thing on gti from a few years back). Same for the dirty intake valves. Put mini-injectors in front of those valves to avoid a $1,000 intake cleaning. Toyota did it. VW didn't. That's why VW motors towards bankruptcy. No true vision. No real care for customer other than trapping them into another purchase in eight years. People shop elsewhere because they've been ripped off.
@@timewa851 you hit the nail right on the head. In Germany and Europe, regular folks who for some reason get to try a Toyota or another Japanese brand and taste the quality, usually don't like to look back.
I am really enjoying my 2012 Scion IQ. It is tiny, but boy is it fun to drive. It started this morning at -32C, -44 wind chill, without a block heater.
I hate plastic headlights, same price as glass headlights but they cloud up after 5-10 years. Also I agree with everything pointed out in your video.
Thank you very much. Yes these plastic headlights are junk after 10 years but I suppose that’s the plan. Have a great week.
Just bought a 2003 Grand Marquis from the son of a 90 yr old mother who had the car since almost new with 77,000 mi. Interior like new. A few paint flaws from sitting out In the weather the past couple yrs but nothing I can’t fix. Needs a window motor on the passenger side. I currently drive a 2011 Kia Sorento with 108,000. Great shape at the moment but there’s been several recalls and engine failures that supposedly I’m covered for in the future but I feel like I’m driving a ticking time bomb, even though it’s a handy car to drive
Volvo 240, Mercedes W123/ W124 are much older than the generation, youare talking about, but when maintanined properly can really last a lifetime and at least a million miles on the same original engine, AND are simple to service, spares are not too rare either... More could be added to the list but these are the top 2 or 3.
im starting to like this guy hes speaking a lot of truth
Love my 08 Toyota Solara V6. Siting at 150k currently and while it doesn’t look new it isn’t a beater and I get compliments and looks for what I thought I was a ordinary car.
As a youth I always wanted a car that if I liked and took care of would last. Now I’ve made it with this one. I also have a classic mustang in the works and since my first car was a 65 Mustang I already no the ins and outs of keeping it up.
I have 2002 Corolla LE with 67K original miles. I brought the car grom 22K miles from 79 years old man in FL that has 22K original miles. I changed the Spark plug send it for oil and trans fluid brake tires . I want to keep it since I can no longer afford a used car due to my credit and my age that the bank will not allow me to borrowed even 15K.
That car is reliable. You don't want a car payment right now anyway.
The whole idea is to get people to buy a new car every five years, good for shareholders, good for the government with turnover.
I own a rav4 2009 with cvt,no problem so far, but I have of course changed the cvt fluid on it. I also own a Mazda 626 from 1991- still going strong with absolutely no problems, what a fantastic machine🙂
Very reliable vehicles
My daughters Mazda 2 2007 still has the original battery in it,starts like a dream in cold Norwegian winters, unbelievable but true.
Thats awesome
I'm transport driver we have a big trouble system in our trucks called D.E.F its for clean diesel emissions if it malfunctions the truck speed is reduced to 25 kph !! and if you continue to drive your engine will shut down even when its minus 45 C outside !and now they will be bringing this system to all gasoline cars !
My 2005 Camry LE was as reliable as the rising sun every morning. Bought it new....drove it 15 years and 218,000 miles. The only parts NOT original (when I sold it) were the shocks, brakes, and of course tires. The car never dripped one drop of ANYTHING! I never even had to have the AC serviced in 15 years! Of course, I maintained the car like a good boy should. So, I bought a new 2020 Camry LE because it had all modern safety features my 2005 did not have. So far, so good.
Mine is over 10 years old and still runs fine. Bottom line, I'll drive my car until the wheels fall off. Thanks! 👍
According to "Consumer Reports", 2010 was when cars hit their "quality peak". They even recommended buying a USED pre-2010 instead of buying a later NEW vehicle. Hard to believe, but Ford had the best quality "domestic" vehicles before 2010. My, how the automotive market has changed, and not for the better! Side note: If you are looking for an older reliable vehicle, look for a late '90s or early 2000s Buick (any) with the 3.8L V6. There is a general consensus among car "gurus" that these vehicles are the best "bang for the buck", having bulletproof engines and "regular" automatic transmissions!!
I had two Buick 3800s. A 94 and a 07. Both of them were fantastic. GM kept making it 10 extra years because of customer demand. I don't know if they listen like that anymore.
I drive a 2005 Silverado. 252,000 miles, everything works, 4x4 works, no rips in the interior, you can eat off the engine bay, very few dents and scratches....I paid $5k for it and I'll NEVER own a vehicle newer than that! I don't WANT touchscreens, electronic controls, nanny driving assistance, tracking/GPS (I have a phone lol)....plus I LOVE they way my truck looks. I've wanted a Cat Eye Silverado since they came out in the mid 2000s!
I had a lot of newer recently except when I got divorced I decided to simplify and downsize, and now everything I have is 2014 or older. That newest vehicle is the last generation of honda civic with a naturally aspiration engine with a timing chain and manual transmission. All my vehicles are manual transmission.
6.0 lq9?
I bought a 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer estate in 2014 and sold it this week. Replaced with two BMWs... 330i touring and 4 coupe, both from 2006.
Honda should just continue making that 2013 Honda civic just like VW did with the beetle in the 70s. That’s probably one of the most reliable vehicles ever made.
All the safety items (radar cruise, park sensors, blind spot monitoring, etc.) that require calibration post collision repairs. The stealerships overcharging for everything, part prices skyrocketed post Covid, LED headlights/laser headlights as you mentioned. As well as planned obsolescence.
ON MY HONEYMOON ON MAUI, HI. IN 1969. I WAS INTRODUCED TO A DATSUN WITH A ROTARY ENGINE WITH 50,000 MILES ON IT. IT WAS A DELIVERY CAR. ALL STANDARD EQUIPMENT, NO POWER ANYTHING. I T WAS A STICK SHIFT AND IT WAS A WILD RIDE. I WAS AMAZED AT THE ENGINE, VERY SIMPLE. FINIS PAX
I want my 1962 Falcon back.
In 2018 I bought the last new car available in the US without cameras, screens, etc.. Has crank windows, 5 speed manual, port fuel injection only, no turbo. Still have the 32 year old Toyota pickup I bought new also.
Lamenting the past hey?
Which 2018 car is that?
@@johns6331 2018 Nissan Versa S. The cheapest new car sold in the US at the time.
I agree. Since C0vid quality has gone down and prices gone up. Automakers care more about short term profit and not long term success. Even Toyota owners are suffering, relatively speaking.
That's a great Civic and will last longer than the speed demons with the turbos, just watch for the crazy drivers Mark
Just bought my sister's 2012 Honda Fit with 178k miles. Runs and drives amazing, love it!
I have a fairly newer car, a 2018 Sonata, still uses a 6 speed torque coverter transmission. I also opted for the naturally aspirated engine. It's just over 111,000 km and still working great. It consumes a bit of oil, but i keep it topped off and do changes every 5-6000km. Lets hope it lasts.
Let us hope so, but all data says “not going to last as it should. But maybe the stars are
all aligned for you. Keep up with maintenance or even better..over maintenance would
be your best decision. Very best on keeping your car running and beating the established
odds.” 😊😊😊
@williamoneal2763 yah, I've had it for 7 years so far and have no issues yet, but regular maintenance. Just put a new battery in the old one lasted 7 years. Gonna do a coolant flush before the weather warms up and do my spark plugs and coils.
@@flavoredmoney8755
Try Valvoline Restore and Protect oil to dissolve sludge out of the oil drain back holes.
I purchased a 94 Dodge ram lariat four-wheel-drive 1500 October 1993 for my birthday brand new. I have over 200+ thousand miles and still runs good. I had some transmission work done around 175,000 miles and I replaced the starter that was about it. I bought a 2022 Toyota four Runner TRD off-road with 5 miles sits in the garage.
Manufacturers are struggling to keep up with the increasingly stringent federal fuel economy and emissions regulations all the while they still need to earn a profit to stay in business. CVT or complex multi speed transmissions, low displacement turbocharged engines, low resistance piston rings, complex electronic engine management, direct fuel injection and engine stop/start programming. All put more stress on the vehicle and they won't last as long.
One driver of complexity and cheap materials is the barrage of government mandates - safety, fuel efficiency, pollution. The attempt to squeeze another revolution from a unit of fuel triggered aluminum oil pans - then plastic, plastic intake manifolds, no proper spare wheel&tire (a mandated safety hazard imo). Pollution mandates are probably 1/3 of the drive train cost.
Yes and the consumer gets stuck paying for all that
Too bad they didn't factor in the pollution from the new car that's replacing the junk that they made 2 years ago, that now is going to cost more than it is worth to have repaired.
This is why I love my 2000 Toyota echo, simple 4 speed automatic, tming chain, fuel injected, nothing fancy. 380k, nothing but oil changes breaks and tires
It's OK to bad mouth my old Pinto, but the '73 Runabout was my first new car (bought it in Gitmo for $2,361, picked up in Norfolk after deployment.) I could repair and tune it myself, adjusted valves about every 20k. It had a timing belt that stripped out twice, replaced them in the driveway (no damage, not an interference design.) That was at about 80k and 140k miles - second belt life was shortened by oiling from front seal, I think. The German 2000cc engine was solid, 5 main bearings. Body rusted out of course, put some sheet metal on the passenger floorboard (Flintstone style.) But it ran for 182k on the original clutch, drove it to the junkyard after 12 years. Dad saw some kids driving it around town later. They just don't make them like that now.
I had a 76 pinto wagon. Dependable car. Only downside, the heater wouldn't keep up in the winter
Another awesome informative video Mark. One of my favorite videos. If they build more reliable vehicles ,then they will sell more cars, instead of planned obsolescence included in every vehicle
You’re right, the market would be flooded with quality products and cars would actually be good for a long time again. Thanks again so much Vincent and hope you have a wonderful day. I appreciate the support. PINNED
@ECPP thank you for your reply 🙏
Lasting cars doesn't make much money for manufacture.
My van doesn't have a transmission dip stick
The problem with Turbos is that don't last as long as non-turbo engines. Unfortunately the auto industry is putting turbo engines on their cars
Funny how that's not a big problem on big rigs.
I'm sure they fail but at what mileage
Not exactly true. Turbo cars require a strict oil change regimen. Furthermore, many cars have turbo's cooled by coolant as well, which require maintenance to the cooling system. The only time turbos are a real problem is when you have owners who don't maintain their car. Their 4k oil change is actually 10k
Great conversation. That’s why I really like my 07 FJ cruiser.
Simple and easy to maintain and repair.
The “technology” to reduce emissions and increase fuel efficiency is more complicated and not as reliable. Result- increased maintenance and repair resources more than offsets the marginal reduction in emissions and increases in fuel efficiency. So in the big picture we are farther BEHIND, all in the name of “the environment.” It’s ironic. In plain English, the new cars are what we call “JUNK.”
Thank you for this video, I own the exact same car 2012 Civic, I plan to keep her forever, still super clean, I do my own oil changes and very reliable.
Those Civics are well built! Ye not many cars like this anymore
You are right with the analysis here. That's why I am keeping my 2009 Ford Sedan (6 cyl) the only issue is a slight oil leak from rear differential which is common and a reasonably big job Ford Service can do if necessary my local mechanic told me. It has a German 6 speed ZF transmission and is very comfortable to drive. I would probably be better with a smaller SUV as it would not be as wide and higher which is easier for an older driver but I can still manage with the sedan which I am loathe to part with for the reasons you outline here.
Great video. Yours is a 2012, not at 2013. I have a 2013 & a 2012. All 2013’s have a government mandated back up screen. Both have conventional transmissions. The 2014’s have a CVT’s. You are the best. Regards, John Toronto Canada.
MY WIFE HAD A STRAIGHT 6 ENGINE ON A 1969 CAMARO. NO SENSORS LIKE TODAY. SHE WAS GETTING 50 MILES TO THE GALLON ON REGULAR GAS AND NOT ETHYL. THE GOOD OLD DAYS. EASY TO WORK ON. FINIS PAX
When I see a car older than 2005, I'm like "Holy crap, a rare old car!". 70's/80's/90's cars were not meant to last at all, especially American cars. Malaise era and 80's econoboxes were especially absolute garbage. Old Volvo's lasted a lot longer than cars today, sure, but how many of those do you even see around anymore? Especially here in Canada, eventually the rust is going to win, regardless of what you do.
I think people are conflating maintenance with reliability. Older cars not more reliable than modern cars, but they are a lot cheaper and easier to repair. On the downside, moving parts are going to wear out, and they stop manufacturing parts at some point in time. It's harder and harder to keep those cars on the road, and even minor repairs can get expensive if you can't find a headgasket. With the computers in everything also, newer cars a lot easier for mechanics to diagnose.
The only vehicles that are really durable enough to last are the older trucks, but I'd bet the vast majority of those will require an engine rebuild at some point.
Also Cash For Clunkers got rid of many older cars that were still running great...!!!
@@bobwilkerson9760 We never had anything like that in Canada.
My 1999/2000 Infiniti Qx4 looks new has all the luxuries and still on the road. Love it.
Here in ne Ohio. Just bought an 09 Chevy Silverado that's damn near mint. At 50yrs old. Hopefully it's the last truck I buy before retirement. Good content. Take care everyone
What got me is no dip stick for transmission fluid level check. Replacing or adding the transmission fluid, you must take it to a dealer or shop.
The manufacturer lifetime transmission fluid is a joke.
They're trying to build them to last just outside the warranty period, yet their cars are failing far before that. They're f'ing themselves. 😂🤣
I drive a 2018 Toyota Corolla SE. It has LED headlights, so the entire headlight assembly would have to be replaced if their is a problem with the light such as water leaking in. I saw a video where a mechanic opened the assembly which has a computer board inside. This also has automatic headlights/high beams. Unlike your Honda, it is not a simple headlight
You are so right. Cars are made nowadays to barely get through the warranty. I have a 2018 Hyundai Elantra that I absolutely love. Engine is 😮😮 flawless. I have 50,000 mi on it. It's nice having a automatic transmission. A real one. I don't have junk engine. I have the 2.0 4-cylinder good engine. They just make cars like trash. Now you have to be a technician of genius to fix it. You can't fix it. You have to have somebody with 10 scanners and 10 degrees to fix your car. Plus your card depreciates so much. It's not even worth anything in 4 or 5 years!!
i have a 1998 Mercury Villager with no rust, looks showroom new runs great over 200K on mini van
spot on, newer cars are overcomplicated cuckoo-clocks. ive been a mechanic for over 25 years and i will not own any car with direct injection, turbochargers, cylinder deactivation, variable valve timing, wet belts, timing chain driven water pump or a CVT transmission
I will keep my 20 year old Toyotas thanks
Premium content....I replaced the headlamps in my 2004 SUV for a few hundred $$ (gave the work to my local mechanic shop), fixed my cruise control with a penny, courtesy of a youtube vid, and put in some platinum plugs about 10 years ago, use lucas fuel treatment every fill-up and my engine sounds like a sewing machine and has acceleration power!
Yep those older ones were much simpler to maintain.
Very well done,lots packed in here🧡after two great cars, 86 Saab 900 and 92 MB 190E, met their ends, i switched to basic old beater cars that you simply maintain and repair till the end of the road,'03 Vibe &'06 Corolla, one of them is likely to run everyday@210,000 miles 😁
Indeed, the simpler the better.
Actually the standardized OBD diagnostic port started because the government decided they were going to do emissions testing in the polluted metropolitan regions. The only way for that to work would be if every car had the same connector and responded to certain requests in the same way. So they mandated it, which turned out great. That gave rise to the diagnostic tools that changed repairing vehicles from an art to a science. Unfortunately, some manufacturers are now preventing owner access using BS claims like hacking, which caused this customer to flee his brand.
Sadly, there are very few scientist-mechanics (including at the dealers.) Load the parts cannon.
One major benefit of OBDII is the cylinder-by-cylinder misfire detection. I don't think anybody's OBDI variant had that.
You can also find parts at the junkyard
This is the reason why I bought a new 2024 Nissan Versa S with the 5 Speed manual. It has a Naturally Aspirated and port injected 1.6L four cylinder engine. It is the most simple, plain and lowest priced new car you can still get in 2025. Not a lot of electronics for a 2024/2025 car. It features keyed entry, a hand operated parking brake, 15" steel wheels, analog gauges with only a tiny mpg/odometer screen in the middle, power windows, power door locks and a conventional ignition switch (no push start button). With the drum brakes in the back it reminds me of a modernized version of a 90's car.
I really don't know why many manufacturers like Honda have done away with the hand operated parking brakes even with the manual transmission models. Driving a manual car with an electronic parking brake is just odd and inconvenient.
An electronic e brake can't be modulated to provide almost normal braking, so is rather useless in an emergency loss of the hydraulic braking.
Cars from the mid 90's to 2012 or so are the ones I like. They had perfected the automatic transmission while having plenty of good tech that lasts.
Im keeping my 2011 bmw E90 328i With over 120,000 it runs sweet and it helps to do your own repairs!!!
Older car? It works for me and my great 2006 Forester!
I have an 05 BMW 330ci zhp. It has like 230,000 miles and it drives better than I did when I was new. I keep telling people you got to upgrade your parts when you replace them, then before you know it you have a car completely built out that's not going ever let you down
I'll be keeping my 2019 Lexus GX 460 and 2012 F150 5.0 for a long time. Probably the last of the old school port injected V8 engines. And super reliable. Wife has a new 2024 Subaru Forester, we'll see how that one does. Subaru actually has done pretty well with their CVT trans.
I'm 65, and I'm still driving a 1972 Ford Pinto Squire wagon I bought over 35 years ago. One of the most reliable cars I've ever owned. The carbureted 2.0L SOHC four cylinder "Lima" engine is still widely used and highly sought after in Europe. Yes, it's had a few inexpensive mechanical parts replaced, it's on its third engine since new (which can literally be swapped out in one day), but it's 53 year old body is still rust free and rock solid. No squeaks and rattles. It doesn't spy on me, and it doesn't try to drive itself. Cars were absolutely NOT junk in 1975. But they sure are now. Complete TRASH. I have owned around 30 cars, almost all of them from the 1960s and 1970s, and never had any serious problems with all of them. The designs were great. Their main problem was poor build quality. An assembly line 1975 small block Chevy might last 100,000 miles. I can build one using the same design that will last 3-4 times that long.
How many miles are on your Pinto? Is it manual or automatic?
@@gregorymalchuk272 500,000-600,000. Original engine was just about worn out when I got it. The oil was black. I got it from the original owner, who obviously never properly maintained it. I over maintain it. It is a 4 speed manual.
Any European car after 2005 is just not as good as pre 2005.
This was caused due to emission regulations and electronic gizmos.
If you want a reliable car you need to look at Japanese cars.
Avoid hybrids, avoid turbo chargers if you want a car that will last.
They simply don’t build them the same anymore
@@ECPP exaclty, too bad you didn't mention classic Mercedes W123 / W124 or the Volvo 240 series..
Very nice camera work Mark! Great content, thanks.
Back in the day you could replace an easy to get at battery with a wrench or two, now they are buried under equipment and you have to worry about having the right diagnostic tool to reset codes.
2008 toyota matrix. Bought it used about 6 years ago with all maintenance records. 85,000 now. Change oil every 3000 due to stop and go driving. No touch screen, simple 1.8 liter. I do my own maintenance except for major issues. That car is mechanically flawless and easy to service for a diy project. Our other car is 2016 Mazda CX-9 turbo. While we've never had any problems, it's way too complex. I expect the toyota will out last it. I change oil 3000 miles and do drain and fills on the transmission and differential and transfer case every 30,000. I'm hoping with clean fluids and salt removal to get another 10-15 years. New turbos are thousands of $$.
2007 Civic: $178 for a 10.2" android with whole dash panel. Works great! old 4Tb drive full of movies and music in the glove box. $50 for 12" hd rear view mirror with camera. Feels like a new car, the aftermarket dash screen isn't locked to stupid bs menus.
I drive a 42 year old dodge diplomat, it has the slant 6. -30F or -32C that dodge started no problem, not plugged in, I spent the morning boosting the neighbours newer cars . I made some good pocket money that day lol