Notice how things are changing: 2003 Yukon, low milage only 154,000 miles

[billvon 3,120]

>As the economy gets poorer, and it is doing so, people will keep cars longer. Hence:
>what was a high mileage car of 60,000 miles is now hardly broke in.

They keep cars longer because they last longer. Overall the economy is growing now - and it is stronger in GDP per person than it was 50 years ago.

>Rust prevention was also the main contributing factor to auto longevity. When most of
>the parts are made from plastic and rubber, there's less corrosion.

Exactly. Another reason cars are more reliable today.

[kallend 2,150]

Croc

[quotePost:

Actually most of the mandated changes in design and construction of vehicles that makes them last so much longer were initially opposed by conservatives.


You mean like CNC machining?

Based on what we know about US car companies, they wouldn't have introduced advanced construction techniques unless it was the only way to meet the mandates.

So indirectly, yes.

...

The only sure way to survive a canopy collision is not to have one.

[billvon 3,120]

>You mean like CNC machining?

More like fuel injection, catalytic converters, seat belts, crashworthiness standards, airbags, rules on visible taillights, horns, effective brakes, efficiency requirements, cleaner fuel standards etc.

[CanuckInUSA 0]

Most of the innovations you see on the modern car (engines, brakes, tires, suspension, lightweight materials and yes safety) are the result of developments made in the world of motorsports racing not government.

Try not to worry about the things you have no control over

[Gravitymaster 0]

Did you forget "You didn't build that".

[Andy9o8 2]

CanuckInUSA

Most of the innovations you see on the modern car (engines, brakes, tires, suspension, lightweight materials and yes safety) are the result of developments made in the world of motorsports racing not government.

The two are in no way mutually exclusive.

[regulator 0]

airtwardo

***

Actually most of the mandated changes in design and construction of vehicles that makes them last so much longer were initially opposed by conservatives.

I didn't realize that until just recently. For the past 15+ years I've either bought new or barely used with very low milage.

I've been looking to get a used pickup truck for the past few weeks...anything 5 years old has 100,000 plus on it and they seem to be just getting broken in!



----------------------------------------------------
I have a 2008 Honda Accord with 139,000 miles on it.

[DanG 1]

I just traded in a 2008 Prius with 170,000 miles. Still got $5,000 for it.

I blame Obama.

- Dan G

[Gravitymaster 0]

DanG

I just traded in a 2008 Prius with 170,000 miles. Still got $5,000 for it.

I blame Obama.

I traded in a 2002 Harley that I paid $16,000 for and got $7000. I blame Bush.

[wmw999 2,589]

Damn. 7 years ago I traded in a 10-year-old Harley I'd paid $14,000 for and got $9000. I didn't think that either Clinton or Bush had much to do with it; I was just happy not to have to pay sales tax for my new bike (which cost less than the $9000), or the new jacket, and to get a check back for the balance

Wendy P.

There is nothing more dangerous than breaking a basic safety rule and getting away with it. It removes fear of the consequences and builds false confidence. (tbrown)

[Gravitymaster 0]

What are you riding on now?

[Gravitymaster 0]

wmw999

Damn. 7 years ago I traded in a 10-year-old Harley I'd paid $14,000 for and got $9000. I didn't think that either Clinton or Bush had much to do with it; I was just happy not to have to pay sales tax for my new bike (which cost less than the $9000), or the new jacket, and to get a check back for the balance

Wendy P.

7 years ago, I can believe that. Things have changed dramatically since 2008 and motorcycle sales, at least of larger bikes, is way down.

With that said, I'm looking for another one right now. Can't decide between an Electra-Glide, Road King Classic, Street-Glide and a Road-Glide. Maybe I should just buy one of each.

[wmw999 2,589]

Ended up buying a Honda. It just fit better overall. My old Low Rider even lowered was hard to flat-foot, as was the Sportster I had before it. The Honda just felt right, and still does.

The Harley was sexier, though

Wendy P.

There is nothing more dangerous than breaking a basic safety rule and getting away with it. It removes fear of the consequences and builds false confidence. (tbrown)

[kallend 2,150]

My 1946 MG is worth 30 times as much now as it cost new. I blame Harry Truman.

...

The only sure way to survive a canopy collision is not to have one.

[Gravitymaster 0]

Traitor.

Check out the new Harley's when you are ready to buy again. My wife rather liked the new Street Bob and she's 5'4".

OK. Enough thread drift, back to arguing political crap. .

[rehmwa 2]

Andy9o8

***Most of the innovations you see on the modern car (engines, brakes, tires, suspension, lightweight materials and yes safety) are the result of developments made in the world of motorsports racing not government.

The two are in no way mutually exclusive.

you are correct, we immediately need legislation to take control of motorsports racing - for the children

...
Driving is a one dimensional activity - a monkey can do it - being proud of your driving abilities is like being proud of being able to put on pants

[rehmwa 2]

wmw999

I was just happy not to have to pay sales tax for my new bike (which cost less than the $9000), or the new jacket, and to get a check back for the balance

Wendy P.

excuse me, no taxes? please fill out this questionnaire and tell us who you pray to, the last seven addresses of each person you might have shown the bike to, which political party you belong to, and any donations to political efforts or charities. Also, what is your opinion on RSLs, AADs, and the PRO and Coach ratings. Lastly, have you ever sat near a CrW dog in the last 7 years?

thank you, we can't process that until you answer these questions (and maybe a few more)

...
Driving is a one dimensional activity - a monkey can do it - being proud of your driving abilities is like being proud of being able to put on pants

[CanuckInUSA 0]

Gravitymaster

Did you forget "You didn't build that".

You are correct. I didn't build it. The numerous engineers and mechanics from all the various private teams (some tied to large manufacturers, some operating as independents) spread around the globe in many different countries and which represent many different racing series developed components to make their racing cars faster, safer and more reliable. Over time many (but not all) of these innovations were adopted by the large manufacturers and made their way to the production lines to be used on the modern cars we use today on our public roads.

Try not to worry about the things you have no control over

[billvon 3,120]

>Most of the innovations you see on the modern car (engines, brakes, tires, suspension,
>lightweight materials and yes safety) are the result of developments made in the world
>of motorsports racing not government.

Yes, a great many innovations came from racing, and many came from plain ol' competition. However, catalytic converters, fuel injection, car computers, air bags, seatbelts, crash safety standards, high mileage cars and universal use of brake lights/horns occurred because of government intervention.

How do we know this? All the letters, editorials and opinion pieces by auto manufacturers predicting that these interventions would destroy the car industry as we knew it. A few quotes from the 1970's:

Lee Iacocca: if the "EPA does not suspend the catalytic converter rule, it will cause Ford to shut down."

Chrysler VP Alan Loofborrow: CAFE will "outlaw a number of engine lines and car models including most full-size sedans and station wagons. It would restrict the industry to producing subcompact size cars-or even smaller ones-within five years."

Ford: CAFE will result "in a Ford product line consisting either of all sub-Pinto sized vehicles..."

Yet those regulations did work. The Highway Safety Act of 1966, the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966, and the Highway Safety Act of 1970 resulted in seatbelts, redundant braking systems, crashworthiness standards, and minimum standards for headlights and brake lights. Likewise, the 1965 Clean Air Act Amendments, the Air Quality Act of 1967, the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, and the Clear Air Act of 1970 drove widespread acceptance of catalytic converters, fuel injection, car computers and EGR valves.

Nowadays we are hearing that EV's can't possibly work, that hybrids won't last, that higher MPG's will result in deathtraps, that new technologies will make cars too expensive. And the same people from the same companies are saying it.

[Gravitymaster 0]

rehmwa

*** I was just happy not to have to pay sales tax for my new bike (which cost less than the $9000), or the new jacket, and to get a check back for the balance

Wendy P.

excuse me, no taxes? please fill out this questionnaire and tell us who you pray to, the last seven addresses of each person you might have shown the bike to, which political party you belong to, and any donations to political efforts or charities. Also, what is your opinion on RSLs, AADs, and the PRO and Coach ratings. Lastly, have you ever sat near a CrW dog in the last 7 years?

thank you, we can't process that until you answer these questions (and maybe a few more)

Hey, get that over to the IRS thread.

[DrewEckhardt 0]

Croc

[quotePost:

Actually most of the mandated changes in design and construction of vehicles that makes them last so much longer were initially opposed by conservatives.

You mean like CNC machining?

That doesn't make things last longer, it just cuts labor and crushes unions.

80 hours making a complex part on a Bridgeport is a fun hobby today but doesn't compete economically with bolting it to a rotary table on a CNC mill, pushing "start", and getting a cup of coffee.