Automotive Landscape Best Point is now?

[ScottyB]

Sorry, I'm just soured on newer cars and to a lesser extent cars in general right now. 

keep in mind you're driving a car built by a brand, and in a price point, that relies hugely on the lease ownership and maintenance model. their cars are largely meant to be disposable appliances, albeit really nice ones. nobody gives a damn about the second owner who gets it 5 years after its new...it just has to get the first owner to the dealer a few years later as happily and conveniently as possible so they'll buy the next shiny thing and keep the machine churning.

re: "lifetime fluids", AMG engines dropping valves, BMWs with tail lights that have to be coded, audis with 8 different chain tensioners, lexus engines that live under a plastic shield and you can't even check the oil, etc etc. that's largely someone else's problem, and by the time those poor SOB's get them and want to maintain them, they aren't the ones filling out the dealer surveys.

but there are still great cars out there for enthusiasts. its just that the "average" car is getting further and further from shadetree mechanic compatibility.