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Old 03-02-2023, 02:14 AM   #45 (permalink)
Isaac Zachary
High Altitude Hybrid
 
Join Date: Dec 2020
Location: Gunnison, CO
Posts: 2,075

Avalon - '13 Toyota Avalon HV
90 day: 40.45 mpg (US)

Prius - '06 Toyota Prius
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Quote:
Originally Posted by redpoint5 View Post
RWD isn't a problem.

Weak, inefficient, vulnerable and needy engines are a problem.

You know what I've never had to do on a modern engine? Valve adjustment. You know what I've never burned up on a modern engine? Valves. You know what I've never had in the cabin of a modern car? Exhaust from a leak in an air to air heat exchanger.

You want me to go on? You're sounding like quite the conservative here.
You also won't get a modern station wagon, a modern small van or a modern car with a rear engine.

I only see valve adjustments as being the main problem here. Burnt valves are caused by engine malfunction. A leak inside the exhaust heat exchangers is very unlikely, unless you're whole exhaust system is to the point of nearly falling off the car.

But yes, there are disadvantages to an older car design. Packing wheel bearings, is another example. Adjust carburetors, changing points, etc.

Everyone has an opinion. But mine is modern cars are LAME! Sure, they're practical. Sure, they're reliable. But where's the fun? Everyone and their grey wind brick and tablet on wheels can complain all they want about older cars, but I enjoyed them and miss them and do not enjoy the cars I own today.

What's to enjoy about an Avalon and a Prius??? There's not stick shift. I can't just reach down and move the heater controls without looking. They have zero peronallity. I'm not supposed to touch anything. Everything is designed for a mechanic with a Techstream subscription to work on them. I can't even change the brake fluid on them myself. There's no satisfaction from finding that little problem and fixing it. I can't even get my infotainment center to work on the Avalon. Stupid, lame new cars!

Quote:
Originally Posted by redpoint5 View Post
The 1970 VW Beetle 1.6L engine has 57 horsepower. Fuelly reports 22 MPG.
I got a solid 30mpg in my 1972 Super Beetle.
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