Interesting video about older vehicle ownership
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GON
$150 Site Donor 2025
Much of the world concurs with the video producer's theory. The key to make the video producer's theory work is the selection of the vehicle. Not every vehicle can be kept on the road reliably. It takes more than just being an old car, has to be a old car that meets certain criteria.
dnewton3
Staff member
Agreed.
And yet, this is where the concept often falls apart. The OEs have no interest in us maintaining older vehicles; they often drop support of crucial components necessary to keep an older ride fully functional. OEs would rather sell us new vehicles; not help maintain old ones. We're left with either shoddy aftermarket choices, or used parts of Ebay, etc. And with the ever-increasing use of electronic modules (sourced from questionable long-term suppliers), cars today are more likely to be beached not from mechanical problems, but electronic ones. I've watched countless videos over the last few years where vehicles simply cannot be repaired by using new OE parts. Folks are left with the choice of either disabling some failed function, or relying on the "iffy" parts from Ebay.
Some platforms are more simple, and when made by the bazillions, the vehicles can be maintained fairly well. One that comes to mind is the Ford Panther platform; v-8, body-on-frame, RWD. Pretty simple and robust. And because there are so many of them, the parts supply is decent. Same goes for any older truck which was sold in high volumes.
This is what scares me about my newer cars ... will I be able to enjoy them 10 years from now?
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Checking in with my daily driven 94 Suzuki Samurai. I have been driving it for nearly 20 years now.
I generally agree but often they reach a point where they need very regular maintenance as parts age out.
I generally agree but often they reach a point where they need very regular maintenance as parts age out.
I promise not to send this to my friends who are broke: who go to work for the banks that own all their stuff, drive vehicles and have toys that drop in value every day, and have no problem being owned by however many banks it takes to be happy not owning any of the stuff they don't need.
^ I haven’t bought a new vehicle in 30 years, though I could pay cash for anything I want. This is my latest ‘ acquisition ‘ ! I love the straightforwardness, feel utility, and simplicity. We have a week Long Beach trip planned in three weeks. Will report back.
This is a key point for those desiring to keep older cars. My DDs are an '86 Daytona and an '05 Caravan. Since the former is basically a glorified K-car under the skin, parts - even NOS - are still easy (and cheap) to find. And there were so many Chrysler minvans built, the parts situation is equally good. I look forward to having both for many more years.
The Panther platforms you mentioned, along with the pictured XJ Cherokee, are also great choices. Owners and prospective buyers would do well to seek any of the popular vehicles and avoid the obscure for maximum parts availability. Daewoo Lanos, anyone?
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Unfortunately for us rust belt people, it's hard to keep a vehicle on the road long term. I do a pretty good job of keeping rust at bay on my cars/trucks, but eventually it takes it's toll. Had a 2000 Chevy Silverado 2wd with the 4.8L and 4sp auto that I really liked but rust pretty much took it out after 20 years on the road. Sold it to a guy that was going to use it as a yard truck to haul parts around his business. Still ran great with 200,000 miles on it. Wasn't my most reliable truck but was comfortable to drive and relatively easy to repair.
There are many reasons my bride and I moved from central WI to NC ten years ago. One of the major reasons was road salt.
Agreed. My wife is originally from Shawano and I'm from MKE. Once we left for the USAF in 1996, we knew we'd never be back. Every time we return for a visit it amazes me how many new-ish cars are rotting. My sister's 2013 Caravan is as rotten as a pear.
It is a VERY long story (several years' worth). But, my 2004 Ford Explorer only has 152k miles on it. I have done A LOT of work on it; A LOT.
But, I cannot get a replacement PCM for it. I am on my 4th used one now (this one off eBay, came from OH). Over time, it causes the engine to buck and jerk under load when it is hot inside the engine compartment.
04 was the first year of throttle by wire for this vehicle. Upgraded system and upgraded PCM in 05 that is not compatible.
An old friend of my that is a parts manager at a Ford dealer searched nationwide through multiple part number supersessions. There is not a single new one available anywhere.
The PCM I have now is in the early stages of failing. It will get worse over time and then that will be it.
~
I should have bought a Crown Vic, like you mentioned. Arguably one of the greatest vehicle platforms ever built, IMHO.
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That's one great thing about living in the SE USA. Rust on cars is just an abstract thought here.
Our beloved '06 Acura TSX has 235K on the clock and has lived on M1 5w30 5k OCI, or less. I never check the oil.
A year ago I put Michelin Pilot Sport A/S tires on. This car is perfect.
We gave it to a friend due to too many vehicles; I miss it. I still service it.
A year ago I put Michelin Pilot Sport A/S tires on. This car is perfect.
We gave it to a friend due to too many vehicles; I miss it. I still service it.
It's nice because i don't have any payments but as of right now I'm getting pretty tired of having old cars and strongly sniffing around the used car lots for something made in the last ten years
My old daily drivers ....
GRAND Marquis:
- Having some sort of fueling issues
- Driveline vibrations
- WILL NOT STOP SHAKING!!!!!!!!
- Still need to replace some suspension parts
- Starting to rust
F-350:
- Major rust
- Clutch is starting to feel funny
- Parking brake cable snapped (again)
- Head gasket is leaking oil again, not going to fix this time.
It would be nice to just hop in and go and not worry about it.
My old daily drivers ....
GRAND Marquis:
- Having some sort of fueling issues
- Driveline vibrations
- WILL NOT STOP SHAKING!!!!!!!!
- Still need to replace some suspension parts
- Starting to rust
F-350:
- Major rust
- Clutch is starting to feel funny
- Parking brake cable snapped (again)
- Head gasket is leaking oil again, not going to fix this time.
It would be nice to just hop in and go and not worry about it.
Each to his/her own, but I agree with you. I used to drool over the drop dead gorgeous cars, especially the German ones, in my work's parking lot. So many 3 Series and MBZ. But the Porsches... OMG the Boxsters were off the freakin' charts!
I coudn't understand how these people made so much money? Well, those cars are gone, and so is their money. I worked hard at paying off my home before considering such a big expense. Now I can buy what I want.
But still, perfection!
Never pay interest on a depreciating asset.
I agree, but its a challenge to keep an old car on the road. My kid has my old Xterra 100 miles away. It owes me nothing, but over the last year I have had to drive there twice for misfire - not sure if it was coil or plugs but both times swapping both fixed it. The plugs are fairly new - I maybe got a bad batch. I have all new coils for it - when it comes home I will swap all of them.
It has 2 ball joints with split Boots. Waiting for it to come home for that also.
Now the AC quit. I checked the fuses. I didn't have time for much else. I told kid that 4-60 air was all I had at her age.
It comes home in a month so I will have lots of work to do. Paying a shop to fix it wouldn't make sense I don't think. Keeping these old things running is a hobby for us few.
It has 2 ball joints with split Boots. Waiting for it to come home for that also.
Now the AC quit. I checked the fuses. I didn't have time for much else. I told kid that 4-60 air was all I had at her age.
It comes home in a month so I will have lots of work to do. Paying a shop to fix it wouldn't make sense I don't think. Keeping these old things running is a hobby for us few.
Paying a shop is cheaper than buying a new one. Sometimes it is cheaper to replace an old beater for another $5k car though.
If you can find one you trust. Or know enough you just go tell them what to fix.
I have seen so many reports of shops doing the wrong thing - here and other forums. Thats the issue - spend $3K, problem persists.
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