Never to buy a new car again

[jay289]

I will never buy a new car again!

To me it makes more sense to restore an old car and not have the bullshit problems with electronics.

And I mean in restoring an old car, adding big disc brakes, tuff gear box, diff etc.

Would this be more economical and reliable then these plastic **** boxes we are expected to buy these days??

Any thoughts??

P.S: Might get one more new car, the last falcon and thats it.

[HEMI POWER]

Plastic never rusts tho.

[stevz]

If Aussie manufactured cars go then I will definitely not be buying another new car for as long as I live.

[jay289]

Originally Posted by HEMI POWER

Plastic never rusts tho.

Just bought a centre console for my XP V8 project, the console is 50yrs old.

How long will the new plastic car parts last???

[stevz]

Originally Posted by jay289

Just bought a centre console for my XP V8 project, the console is 50yrs old.

How long will the new plastic car parts last???

People said the same thing 30+ years ago when "plastic" cars started coming out yet they survived ok and there are still plenty of parts around.

[Trump]

Its not so much the use of plastic parts, its engineered obsolescence. Almost any manufactured product is designed from the get go to fail at a predetermined period of time. This is so that the manufacturer has repeat purchases of new items. In the past, it was economical to repair rather than replace, these days, its the other way around.

A nasty byproduct is the massive amount of waste created by the junking of essentially sound goods. We are yet to fully feel the folly of our wasteful ways, all thanks to big business and their insatiable quest for revenue.

[jay289]

Originally Posted by Loud_Noises

Its not so much the use of plastic parts, its engineered obsolescence. Almost any manufactured product is designed from the get go to fail at a predetermined period of time. This is so that the manufacturer has repeat purchases of new items. In the past, it was economical to repair rather than replace, these days, its the other way around.

A nasty byproduct is the massive amount of waste created by the junking of essentially sound goods. We are yet to fully feel the folly of our wasteful ways, all thanks to big business and their insatiable quest for revenue.

And the truth shall be known.

People who restore old cars should be given credit, we reuse what would otherwise be in land fill.

And how brittle does plastic get with age!!

[NickyN]

I'm curious to know what new car you're talking about? Because there are junkie new cars and high end quality new cars. Big difference between parts and price here and you get what you pay for.

[jay289]

Originally Posted by NickyN

I'm curious to know what new car you're talking about? Because there are junkie new cars and high end quality new cars. Big difference between parts and price here and you get what you pay for.

It does not mater what car it is, all new cars are built to only last so long.

Most new cars are built to a dollar figure, not quality or longevity.

Car companies want their cars to fail, means you need to buy a new one.

[NickyN]

So what did you buy then that makes you feel this way? Because obviously you are not only unhappy, you've already decided that car companies "plan" out the longevity of their parts. That's quite a science.

[jay289]

Originally Posted by NickyN

So what did you buy then that makes you feel this way? Because obviously you are not only unhappy, you've already decided that car companies "plan" out the longevity of their parts. That's quite a science.

It's not science, it's business.

If your car only lasts 5yrs in good running condition, then have to buy a new one.

They are in the game to sell you a new car every couple of yrs.

It's not what i just bought, I am very happy with my V8 Falcon ute, just don't think it will last as long as my 65 Falcon.

[TC200six]

I appreciate old and new cars for different reasons. What I like about old cars is their simplicity under the bonnet and bygone styling eras. For daily driving in heavy traffic, I'd rather be in a newer car.

When you own a classic, you will have problems too. As the vehicle ages, more and more parts wear out and need to be replaced.

[XR Martin]

If you look after a modern car, theres no reason why it wont last 20 years.
My EL is 15 years old, and I dont see it suddenly imploding anytime soon.

Modern things arnt designed to 'fail', they now actually design things to go out of fashion long before they'll actually fail.

[XR Martin]

Oh and as for plastic parts, you do have a good point. You cant get new plastic trim for a 10-20 year old car, so when it breaks you're stuffed.
However, with these new 3D printers, It wont be long before you'll just be able to make that broken bit that you need at home.

[NickyN]

Originally Posted by XR6 Martin

Modern things arnt designed to 'fail', .

My point exactly. Parts aren't designed to fail at any given point just so you have to go buy another car. That would be a science to design and build them to fail at a certain time.

The vast majority of people don't buy new cars every 2-3 yrs. Some companies do and some people who lease might. If cars only lasted 2-3 yrs people would switch makes and buyers' faith in the product would erode.

Oftentimes you pay for what you get.

[Magee]

I agree the key to the life of the car is good maintenance. I had a 1990 model Nissan Skyline from 1992 until 2005 and regularly maintained the car to ensure any small problems did not become big problems. It was in great condition when I sold it a young guy but was written off 3 months later when he was run into by an elderly driver who failed to give way at an intersection.

[Kieron]

Around $33K for a new Falcon, how much would it cost to restore say an XY such as this to new condition with decent, modern day brakes/driveline etc -
http://www.carsales.com.au/private/d.../?Cr=0&sdmvc=1

One issue I see is the XY will be light years worse in an accident than an FG and you'd more than likely be safer in a Hyundai Getz

New Fiesta circa 14K vs say a restoring/hardening a mid 70's Escort (similar interior space despite being a different class)? I think the Fiesta would come out on top.

Really depends on the car, the smaller/cheaper the new car, the less likely it is to be more economical than an equivalent restored oldie.

[superfly]

I prefer a new car that has all the mod cons and luxuries. And know that each time I'm getting in it, it doesn't have a big chance of something breaking on it.

I spent a lot of money on my old WRX building it up and being strong etc. But still stuff broke which meant more money to spend. A new car just feels so much better even if it isn't as "strong" as an old car.

But each to their own!

[Dave R]

Originally Posted by jay289

I will never buy a new car again!

To me it makes more sense to restore an old car and not have the bullshit problems with electronics.

And I mean in restoring an old car, adding big disc brakes, tuff gear box, diff etc.

Would this be more economical and reliable then these plastic **** boxes we are expected to buy these days??

Any thoughts??

P.S: Might get one more new car, the last falcon and thats it.

What's your definition of a new car? If you're referring to brand new, then I can't agree with your post. I like having a new car warranty- anything that breaks isn't coming out of my pocket. Electronics aren't the devil either, aside from having a warranty and the peace of mind that comes with it, I've never experienced faulty electronics on a new car, they're pretty well sorted these days.

But forget about warranties and electronics etc, the most important aspect to me is safety. You might call them "plastic **** boxes", but crash a new car head on with an old one and see which one wins. A new car will save your life, I wouldn't put my family in a death trap if I could avoid it.

[Dash_XR]

Have to agree with Jay, all the best cars have already been made for me. I'll take an RZ, 34 GTR, F6, VL calais etc before a new car.

They're all starting to morph into the same generic shape anyway, and with staight 6's being phased out too, I can't see many new cars being of much interest to me.

[Dodge]

any car can be good if u look after them ,

[jamies]

I bought a new Mazda 3 in 2004 for my misses, we've looked after it serviced it regularly, we have only had to replace tyres and front brake pads. The little car has been trouble free motoring.. My point is if you buy a good car and look after it they can last. We've thought about selling it but its been such a good car, we'll keep it for a little longer yet. I'd buy a new again.. The deals around at the moment including fixed price servicing and having the piece of mind of getting warranty over xxx amount of years. I love the older cars and have restored plenty but even they can have there problems..

[mik]

For sure recycling an an old car can be a good thing, and certainly less headaches puttting an old simple car back in pristine order, I'm in two minds about this, it is also easy to keep buying new cars and trading them before they become problematic................. assuming they are not problematic from the get go :-) .

I see my young brother spending countless hours modifying and refurbishing his 1990's luxo barge full of electronics, it makes me wish I had my XR 289 to fix up, what an easy car to work on and maintain that was.

[Blue Roo]

Toyota's have a Self Destruct Button at 200,000kms.

[93EB_SXR6]

I think it's ironic some people are posting "No, new cars are good and will last a long time. I replace mine every few years when the warranty runs out".
No offence meant to anyone but seems ironic given what the point of the thread is. In my experience, older cars tend to have been more "solidly" constructed and it seems like many parts on newer cars were designed to fail.

[PepeLePew]

I don't think anything is designed to fail, but the longevity of the parts is pretty well factored in advance, but they're generally the wear and tear items and just because we have more awareness of how long they may last now doesn't make them any lesser quality a part. We are more focussed on the whole warranty thing as they get longer these days too. Back in ye old days 12 months cya later problems are all yours,. And anyone who believes the simpler vehicles of old were issue free is living in noddy land (well i live there I think I've seen you around)... Of course the electrical stuff is a whole lot scarier these days......stick to XT's

BUT...at least you know if you've screwed your own creation together you know who to blame when it's buggered And SOO much more satisfaction than just walking away with the finance companies keys.

[barra240t]

I find it ironic this thread is about not buying new when there is a whole other subject on factory closures.

[barra240t]

Originally Posted by stevz

If Aussie manufactured cars go then I will definitely not be buying another new car for as long as I live.

Just curious, what cars have you bought. Brand new I mean.

[chevypower]

If your mentality is that new cars tend to be money pits and new cars just run forever with just a bit of periodic maintenance, you probably want to think again. Of course it always depends on which new cars and which old cars you're comparing. If you're talking old V8s, be prepared to spend a lot of money on them and a lot of time not ready to drive on the road. If you're talking about a 1970s 4 cylinder Toyota or Datsun with a manual, it probably won't be a money pit. Good luck if you're ever in a crash in one though.

[pottery beige]

Originally Posted by jay289

I will never buy a new car again!

To me it makes more sense to restore an old car and not have the bullshit problems with electronics.

And I mean in restoring an old car, adding big disc brakes, tuff gear box, diff etc.

Would this be more economical and reliable then these plastic **** boxes we are expected to buy these days??

Any thoughts??

P.S: Might get one more new car, the last falcon and thats it.

your state of mind has merit

new will never replace cool

but new cars are nice

very nice