Modern vehicles are essentially the same as older vehicles. Yes, we have seen advancements like EFI, DOHC, Direct Injection, traction control, anti-lock brakes, electronic ignitions, etc. But, as I see it, the problems we encounter with new vehicles can directly be attributed to government interference. EPA regulations have nearly ruined the automotive industry. EPA mileage standards have resulted in much lighter vehicles (which are not nearly as crash-worthy as they once were) as manufacturers try to meet ever increasing, ridiculous standards. My 1963 Studebaker was in a bad hail storm once, and suffered no damage at all due to its heavy steel panels, while many modern cars in the same hail storm were totaled. Additionally, and as many have lamented here and elsewhere, the EPA pollution standards have resulted in extremely expensive emission control equipment that is simply not reliable, stifles performance and requires idiotic, expensive additives that have very little shelf-life. Don’t even get me started on ethanol. Fortunately, modern diesel emission equipment can be fully deleted (EGR, DEF, DPF) in some states, and doing so will not only eliminate these emissions-related issues, but will increase both mileage and performance.
Modern electronics/ECMs also cause a lot of problems. Chasing down a check-engine light or some other electrical gremlin can be maddening and incredibly expensive. The very term “modern electronics” is an oxymoron. For being “modern” they sure do suck and they cause an inordinate number of problems, which may or may not outweigh the supposed benefits they provide, depending on your point-of-view.
What the hell have you been driving? I have only had mechanical break downs and damn few of them. CV axle and water pump in a 2012 Buick Regal. The biggest pain in the as was parts availability. 03 Honda Accord, trans 183,000, alternator at 210,000 and cat at 246,000 miles. Radiator on my F250 at 183,000. 85 Chevy Astro kept clogging EGR valves and had leaky injectors but the overall build quality sucked. Electronics have all been trouble free for me. You could delete the egr and DEF system I suppose but you don't want to do it before your warranty expires.
I have been responding to car wrecks since 1981 and can tell you, there are more people surviving wrecks than are being killed in them unless they do something really stupid. I have seen people standing next to cars that I couldn't see how they got out of them. Crumple zones, integral roll cages, airbags and other restraint systems, I'l take the car with the worst case scenario engineered into them anytime. Anyone thinking they are better off in a severe impact crash in a mid 50's or 60's tank hasn't been there and seen what really happens.
