(02-26-2018, 01:23 PM)D_Eclipse9916 Wrote: Brandon and Rj's talk about tunes and mods and the complication of aftermarket integration into newer vehicles got me thinking.
New cars are SUCH a pain to modify in traditional ways and have become more expensive to do simple "tuning" and upgrading stuff such as the exhaust and suspension (Electronic deletes).
Its not just the mods. Even basic maintenance to keep the thing on the road is a fucking headache.
DIY oil change? Good luck removing the 3 piece undertray thats held on by 37 fasteners.
Battery replacement? Gotta code/reset/recalibrate stuff, 1-2 hours dealer time. And some of them require bullshit like seat removal to get at the $250 battery.
Why is the oil filter housing gasket on my 135 leaking, because the gasket disintegrates at 55k miles? Seriously? And then its 5 hour labor (book rate) to R&R. $700 bill.
Run flat tires ride like absolute shit, because no one gives you a spare anymore.
Change your own fluids? Hope you have special tools and dealer diagnostics to cycle ABS, bleed coolant, etc.
All the electronics are hopelessly integrated. For the guys that want to update to the later model E90 tail lights, they have to be coded to the car's ECU. Yes. Tail lights.
And, with all of this cars are still disposable. Steel still rusts, plastics fade and yellow and crack, fabrics tear, get bent, rubber gets dry and fragile. Unless you live in California or have a climate controlled garage, cars have about a 20-25 year lifespan before the accumulation of worn out shit turns into a restoration project or a trip to the crusher. See: Joey's never ending story of an E36.
But, absolute performance is crazy. The 135 is faster than most cars were 10 years ago, while being quiet, comfortable, easy to drive, lower emissions and better fuel economy.
Sorry, I'm just soured on newer cars and to a lesser extent cars in general right now. I spoiled myself with 5 years of trouble free Ridegline ownership and then dove off into the deep end of an A4, 135 and 328 which have been far more expensive, time consuming and full of hassle to own than anything I ever owned before the truck. I enjoy driving them, but fuck me. I really like the new accord and GTI, but, I dont expect they are any better to own after the warranty runs out.
I'm done ranting now. I'll be out back getting my 40 year old motorcycle running for spring.