Selling your classic car? It's FREE to list your car on Honest John Classics | No thanks

Why are modern cars so complex and costly to run?

I am becoming increasingly alarmed at upgrading our cars to more recent models. My wife and I operate three petrol cars: a 1996 Ford Mondeo V6, a 2008 (original shape) Ford Ka and a 1971 MG Midget 1275cc. These cars give good service with the Mondeo never failing. Current cars seem to me to be very costly to the buyer in terms of their increased complexity and likelihood of failure. Scary stories abound of dual mass clutch failure, diesel particulate problems, service charges, auto headlight and windscreen wiper operation, electronic diagnosis, ABS and ESP failure. I am very concerned if I have to upgrade to a modern car. My preference would be for a 1955 Ford Zephyr Mk 1 with cruise control, if that is feasible.

Asked on 5 March 2011 by JH, via email

Answered by Honest John
One famous car company’s philosophy for the past 40 years or so has been to build cars that are easy to repair and replace components, and to fit them with components that need replacing. Very profitable. But now extensive lobbying to the EC by component manufacturers and by manufacturers has led to a situation where cars are increasingly becoming more complex and loaded with safety and emissions kit that have a limited lifespan. Inevitably that gives them a shorter life because the point where cost of repairs is greater than the value of the car is significantly reduced.

I don't see the manufacturers complaining, and attempting to lobby the EC against these policies will not get ordinary people anywhere. We simply have to wait for Europe to collapse, as it inevitably will do under the weight of its Eurocracy. But then the Chinese will take over and every value anyone ever thought they had will go out of the window. Especially the Court of Human Rights.
Similar questions
My elderly parents have a dilemma. Their BMW 318is is now eight years old and, to date, has been reliable save for a few minor problems. They are after advice as to whether they should run the car into...
Our son-in-law has owned a 1991 Ferrari Testarossa for the two years. I would be embarrassed to tell you just how much this car has cost him in repairs and maintenance. I am convinced that this car was...
I am thinking of buying a 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer 1.6 Equipe. Can you give me your view on build quality, dependability and durability please? I am paying £4000 and it has done 24,000 miles.
Related models
Easy to drive and economical. Handles better than Fiat 500. More room in rear than the Fiat.
Immense fun, cheap and cheerful, especially to fix
 

Compare classic car insurance quotes and buy online. A friendly service offering access to a range of policies and benefits.

Get a quote