Great technology around.

[GASWAGON]

While I don't fully agree with 'the system' of replacing cars every 3 yrs like some do, we are living thru some great times where engine technology is evolving at a rapid rate... In the last 3 years weve had the EcoLpi falcon, SIDI crummydore, Cylinder shut down on 6.0ltr Chevy, V6 'twin turbo' F 150 with (water cooled turbos), A Fiat diesel with Multijet injectors and Variable Turbo, And now we also have a 4 cylinder falcon that produces more power and torque than the old red head straight 6 used to..... I think its fantastic that manufacturers have gotten behind all the fuel saving technology... Things can only get better AND cheaper to run!

[GQ_Smooth]

Down side is, they are more expensive to maintain, once they are 5+ years old, they are worth very little (compared to original sales price) as the maintenance/replacement costs are astronomical, making purchasing a replacement vehicle a cheaper / more viable alternative in a lot of cases. Which is what the manufacturers want to keep the factories running and selling new models.

[GASWAGON]

Ye your right there mate!

[Trump]

Its called engineered obsolescence. From the point of view of the manufacturers, its sheer brilliance. As GQ mentioned, it ensures repeat sales in 3-5 years time, not 10-15 as was the norm not all that long ago. From the point of view of the end user, its disgusting as there it means they are forever paying for cars and the resultant waste of resources doesn't exactly scream efficiency and responsible use of finite resources.

[flappist]

Originally Posted by Loud_Noises

Its called engineered obsolescence. From the point of view of the manufacturers, its sheer brilliance. As GQ mentioned, it ensures repeat sales in 3-5 years time, not 10-15 as was the norm not all that long ago. From the point of view of the end user, its disgusting as there it means they are forever paying for cars and the resultant waste of resources doesn't exactly scream efficiency and responsible use of finite resources.

Ah yes but if they made cars that lasted 20 years they would be a lot more expensive.

40 years ago the average guy just wanted his car to have an engine, a wheel on each corner, 3 on the tree gear change, windows that went up and down and the ability to go 0-100km/h in under 15 seconds.

Now unless you have a 6 speed auto 200++ kw gollywogmobile with climate control, 20 speaker stereo, satnav, bucket seats, mag wheels and every other widget and throbotron possible the car is crap.

There are lots of 20 year old cars about which are in very good condition with almost no discernible wear. Of course none of these are $40k new Falcadores.

[Trump]

Originally Posted by flappist

Ah yes but if they made cars that lasted 20 years they would be a lot more expensive.

40 years ago the average guy just wanted his car to have an engine, a wheel on each corner, 3 on the tree gear change, windows that went up and down and the ability to go 0-100km/h in under 15 seconds.

Now unless you have a 6 speed auto 200++ kw gollywogmobile with climate control, 20 speaker stereo, satnav, bucket seats, mag wheels and every other widget and throbotron possible the car is crap.

There are lots of 20 year old cars about which are in very good condition with almost no discernible wear. Of course none of these are $40k new Falcadores.

I see plenty of EF-EL Falcons running about that look pristine for their age and running well too. On the flipside, the ratio of clapped out EF-EL's to good ones is probably 3:1.

So what would you consider a car (or cars) that is available new today that would more than likely live past 20 years?

[dimka100]

Ahh but that’s called Progress! These days everything is moving at a much faster rate of development and it’s not just cars …

30 years ago a new TV would easily stay current for at least 5 years, these days a top of the range panel can easily be outclassed by next year’s midrange panel … cars are no different, with every new model released there is more features, more tech, improved efficiency, greater power, ets …

If you don’t want to keep up and enjoy the advancements then don’t buy into it, but then I guess you could apply that logic to everything including phones, tablets, computers, TVs, stereos, ets …

Originally Posted by EF_6

While I don't fully agree with 'the system' of replacing cars every 3 yrs like some do, we are living thru some great times where engine technology is evolving at a rapid rate... In the last 3 years weve had the EcoLpi falcon, SIDI crummydore, Cylinder shut down on 6.0ltr Chevy, V6 'twin turbo' F 150 with (water cooled turbos), A Fiat diesel with Multijet injectors and Variable Turbo, And now we also have a 4 cylinder falcon that produces more power and torque than the old red head straight 6 used to..... I think its fantastic that manufacturers have gotten behind all the fuel saving technology... Things can only get better AND cheaper to run!

[xisled]

Originally Posted by EF_6

While I don't fully agree with 'the system' of replacing cars every 3 yrs like some do, we are living thru some great times where engine technology is evolving at a rapid rate... In the last 3 years weve had the EcoLpi falcon, SIDI crummydore, Cylinder shut down on 6.0ltr Chevy, V6 'twin turbo' F 150 with (water cooled turbos), A Fiat diesel with Multijet injectors and Variable Turbo, And now we also have a 4 cylinder falcon that produces more power and torque than the old red head straight 6 used to..... I think its fantastic that manufacturers have gotten behind all the fuel saving technology... Things can only get better AND cheaper to run!

It may be cheaper to put petrol in the car, but to keep it running and maintained will cost more in the long run. The average person cannot diagnose a problem in a car, unless you have a scan tool.

To get the code for the problem it cost you. So are we really saving or is it the perception that we are saving because most people base what a car cost on how much fuel it uses.

Another example. Broken CD player. New car you need to replace the whole unit, cost could be around $1000 plus labour. 15 years ago. Replace the unit with a $100 cheapo from local auto shop, another $100 to install.

[Cuyper]

Originally Posted by Loud_Noises

I see plenty of EF-EL Falcons running about that look pristine for their age and running well too. On the flipside, the ratio of clapped out EF-EL's to good ones is probably 3:1.

So what would you consider a car (or cars) that is available new today that would more than likely live past 20 years?

You missed a couple of zeros after the 3 surely

[GASWAGON]

Yes its certainly getting more expensive just to save a few dollars at the pump! That's why I wonder if I should just keep both of my EF's on gas.... Comfortable, reliable, easy to work on and cheap to run?