Age of vehicles.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by oil pan 4

We had almost the same stupid scam here back around 2008.
It was supposed to be an economic stimulus package. Only problem was it turned into economic stimulus for japan.

It was supposed to enhance the overall fuel-efficiency and decrease emissions of the American fleet, but the allegged 61% improvement in regard to fuel-efficiency is quite arguable compared to what could be possible if some of the vehicles could have been just fitted with a more modern engine instead of scrapped. The environmental impact of the manufacturing of newer cars and the handling of certain residues from the scrapped older ones should have been also considered.

Originally Posted by jamesqf

At least around here, one reason people keep older vehicles (besides not wanting the crap that comes on new ones) is that they tend to be a lot more rugged than fancier new ones. And if you use your truck for actual work - hauling firewood or hay, for instance - or drive on back roads, you don't have to stress out over the fear of scratching your shiny new toy's paint.

In my country, many people prefer older cars from a superior category instead of newer econoboxes due to the perceived higher quality of their interior trims and all the bells and whistles. When it comes to trucks, most of the ones used for actual work are those small car-based ones such as the Fiat Strada and the Volkswagen Saveiro, not just due to their lower purchase cost and enhanced fuel-efficiency but also due to the cheaper replacement parts.

[JockoT]

I usually prefer an old car that is more upmarket than a newer one that is the basic model. You can buy £30000 cars here for less than the cost of a £10000 car - same age and same mileage. When it comes to running old cars most people in the UK do so because they cannot afford any more, and with the luxury cars, repair and running costs put most people off. Lack of demand leads to the cheaper prices.

[redpoint5]

Cash for Clunkers is a political scam. Unfortunately, it's one of the few things that gets bipartisan support.

I gave up worrying about politics. History shows that no government can last forever. Eventually the system gets too cumbersome (are laws ever passed to remove previous laws?) and collapses, and a new, more efficient one replaces it.

[MetroMPG]

Originally Posted by JockoT

I think the reason we have fewer old cars on our roads is down to our stringent MOT annual testing

Bingo!

I've always been amazed at the prices of used vehicles in the UK relative to here.

Japan is another country with legendarily strict inspections. Less stringent countries (like Canada) benefit from extremely low-kilometers and mostly rust-free 15 year-old imports that are deemed not worth keeping there.

The province I live in only requires vehicles to pass a (fairly strict) mechanical inspection when transferring ownership. Some other provinces have annual inspections, while others require none at all.

I sometimes grumble about how nit-picky my mechanic can be when my new-to-me cars face inspection, but it could be worse! (The 27 year-old Miata is about to run the gauntlet.)

[JockoT]

For anyone interested, here is a list of what every car, three years old or older, have to go through every year, at their annual Ministry of Transport test (MOT).
It is the most stressful part of motoring in the UK. For an old car a fresh MOT can add £300 on to the value. Short MOT £100, new MOT £400.
https://www.gov.uk/government/public...cked-at-an-mot

[TheEnemy]

Originally Posted by JockoT

For anyone interested, here is a list of what every car, three years old or older, have to go through every year, at their annual Ministry of Transport test (MOT).
It is the most stressful part of motoring in the UK. For an old car a fresh MOT can add £300 on to the value. Short MOT £100, new MOT £400.
https://www.gov.uk/government/public...cked-at-an-mot

Neither of mine would pass...
One wouldn't pass in half of the US due to bumpers and headlight heights and several other reasons.

The truck needs a new sprayer for the windshield washer, 3rd tail light is out, the rear hitch bumper is a bit bent up, and it only has had a 4 pin not a 13 pin connector.


Oh yeah the license plate has faded over the years.

[ksa8907]

I wish they would start emissions testing across the board here. Not so stringent that you cant use aftermarket parts or you automatically fail for having a cel on but just exhaust emissions compliance.

[redpoint5]

Originally Posted by ksa8907

I wish they would start emissions testing across the board here.

Why would you want to subject everyone to another layer of bureaucracy, hassle, and additional fees to accomplish almost nothing? Half the of those who technically fail the test are passed anyhow.

It's a waste of time and resources that could be better spent doing something else.

Maybe we need a department that tests the testing centers, and then another department that tests that department, and so on and so forth. I think I've just solved the employment problem; everyone can work for the government!

[Ecky]

Vermont doesn't do emissions testing, but a CEL is an automatic fail. I feel the state inspection is actually pretty useful here as it keeps cars off the road whose tie rods, brakes and other important-to-safety parts are near failing due to rust.

[oil pan 4]

We don't need emissions testing here. Main air pollution here is dust and dirt.