The Dishonesty of Car Companies

[jcp123]

Don't forget the lowly Echo...244k on mine, it's been through hell and it's still going. If I had $1000 to put in it I'd bet it'd roll another 150k at least. Timing chain is a lifetime item on em...it needs a cat again, maybe some new O2 sensors, and at least one coil plus some other routine maintenance. Still on all the original hard parts. Leaks a bit of oil and has a miss under load, runs some uncomfortably high fuel trims, that's about it besides the cosmetics/convenience items. Still returning 40+ and has regular segments over 50 without P+G.

[E.Roy]

Designing a car these days that doesn't have something fail, with all the gadgets, is very hard. Manufacturers should stand behind their stuff though. Seriously, what car company doesn't have issues and good and poor models. I'm less than thrilled with my 2008 Odyssey van.

[XYZ]

Originally Posted by E.Roy

Designing a car these days that doesn't have something fail, with all the gadgets, is very hard. Manufacturers should stand behind their stuff though. Seriously, what car company doesn't have issues and good and poor models. I'm less than thrilled with my 2008 Odyssey van.

Maybe you are discovering why they called it the Odyssey.

[H-Man]

Originally Posted by XYZ

Maybe you are discovering why they called it the Odyssey.

It should be able to make it home, even 20 years later.

[XYZ]

Originally Posted by H-Man

It should be able to make it home, even 20 years later.

Ah, but Odysseus' ship was not designed by a modern auto manufacturer.

[jamesqf]

Originally Posted by Mustang Dave

The body is rusting apart, but my fuel economy is the best I've ever seen.

Due to less weight, as things rust away :-)

[niky]

Originally Posted by jamesqf

Define "simple". I'll agree that current technology is often different, but I'll take tracking down a code or sensor problem over e.g. trying to balance an SU carb setup, tune a conventional carb, file and gap distributor points, etc.

Then you have a whole spectrum of problems that just don't happen with modern engines, like tuning. Nor do I know that trying to fix/replace an electric power steering motor is any worse than doing the same with a hydraulic one - and at least you don't have to regularly check & replace the power steering belt. As for variable geometry turbos, CVT transmissions, and the like, I have a simple fix: I just don't buy cars that have these things. Any new technology needs a few iterations to work out the bugs.

Completely agree... carbs are a right pain in the behind when you're trying to tune them... just imagine if someone were to make a EURO V carb, the jungle of vacuum tubes and actuators it would be...

-

I like electronic throttles better than cable throttles... they're cheap and easy to replace. But while EPS requires less fiddly fluid changes, belt changes and hose maintenance... you can repair a leaky hydraulic rack... most electric racks are built to be non-service items (ergo... no replacement parts... whole assemblies only).

[jamesqf]

Originally Posted by niky

But while EPS requires less fiddly fluid changes, belt changes and hose maintenance... you can repair a leaky hydraulic rack... most electric racks are built to be non-service items (ergo... no replacement parts... whole assemblies only).

Well, you win some, you lose some. Don't have enough personal experience to say, but my guess is that, averaged over the whole fleet, the savings on maintenance &c of hydraulic PS would more than make up for the cost of the rare but expensive EPS failure.

[jcp123]

When we're talking about car companies not standing behind their products, Mitsubishi always comes to mind. Back in the early-ish 2000s they would send "spies" out to automotive events to record VINs of Evos which were attending - even those in the parking lot not participating. Warrantee work would later be denied. I somewhat understand the concept of denying warrantee work when they can prove that the car was not used in a sanctioned manner...but then, what else is an Evo made for, if not to have the snot flogged out of it? It really sullied my view of Mitsubishi.people as into their cars as Evo owners will talk, and talk negatively when something like this happens.

On the flip side, my parents had a pair of VWs leased new in 2000. The dealership was very gracious in going above and beyond to stand by the vehicles they sold. If I ever had any doubts about getting a VW (and I do), that dealership did VW a huge service by crafting loyalty. I wouldn't have hesitated to take delivery of a VW from that dealer.

[jcp123]

Originally Posted by jamesqf

Well, you win some, you lose some. Don't have enough personal experience to say, but my guess is that, averaged over the whole fleet, the savings on maintenance &c of hydraulic PS would more than make up for the cost of the rare but expensive EPS failure.

I'd also venture to say that as much as EPS is panned for its lack of road feel, we'd have auto journos breaking out the champagne if hydraulic systems were put back in greater use. The average driver couldn't care less though.