Why Cars Have Become Difficult -- And Expensive to Repair

[Backpacker420]

Eyes on the Road - WSJ.com

WSJ has an interesting article about how impossible it is for today's average Joe to do any sort of basic maintainence on their new cars. Makes me think of my '94 Honda and how proud I am of being able to change my own oil and lightbulbs!

Who thinks that family-owned repair shops are going to be extinct in 15 years? I just don't see them keeping up with dealerships who can afford all this expensive crap.

A family member of mine lost the key to her brand new Dodge Caravan. No problem, get a new one - wrong! It cost $2500 because it's some sort of USB stick like you'd plug it into a computer or something.

Backpacker420 Reviewed by Backpacker420 on 03-31-2008. Why Cars Have Become Difficult -- And Expensive to Repair Eyes on the Road - WSJ.com WSJ has an interesting article about how impossible it is for today's average Joe to do any sort of basic maintainence on their new cars. Makes me think of my '94 Honda and how proud I am of being able to change my own oil and lightbulbs! Who thinks that family-owned repair shops are going to be extinct in 15 years? I just don't see them keeping up with dealerships who can afford all this expensive crap. A family member of mine lost the key to her brand new Rating: 5

[smokey2315]

in this age, we dont repair anything on cars anymore. its easier to just replace the part that needs fixing.

[zeitgeist]

I have swore to myself to never buy a new car. I love my 90s nissan. Great gas mileage, still works great, and its easy to work on. I have yet to take it to a mechanic because I dont trust them

[THClord]

At least new cars are reliable. And you can order your own parts online for half as much and install yourself for most cars, cutting down the price greatly.