Why you should buy a Used Car ( Part 2 )

Today, we're delving into some crucial aspects that might just make you reconsider whether sticking with your trusty old car is the way to go or if exploring the used car market is the smarter move.

Reliability: Unraveling the Modern Mystery

Ever felt like older cars have an aura of indestructibility? We've all been there. In our quest for the perfect ride, let's uncover why reliability in modern cars seems to be taking a back seat. The automotive industry, regardless of the brand or price tag, appears to be shifting away from emphasizing reliability and long-term ownership in new car production.

The burning question for every car buyer is why they're investing in a car in the first place. It's usually about utility and functionality tailored to their lifestyle. And at the core of these requirements is the desire for a reliable companion on the road. However, modern cars don't always check that reliability box, and we're about to explore the reasons behind this paradigm shift.

Back in the day, cars, especially Japanese ones, were built to last. The warranty period felt more like a formality rather than a crucial aspect, as these vehicles rarely encountered issues. But fast forward to the present, and the story is different. Premium brands may still cost a pretty penny, but the longevity and robustness of older models seem unmatched.

So, what's changed? The way cars are built today involves a significant reduction in long-life parts, often replaced by cost-effective plastic components. While this strategy reduces initial production costs, it comes at the expense of the overall lifespan of various components. Computer simulations, which were not available in the '80s and '90s, now allow optimized designs, but the time-tested reliability of older methodologies is compromised.

Planned Obsolescence: The Silent Player

Ever wondered why a plastic thermostat housing replaces the conventional metal one? It's a classic example of planned obsolescence – a strategy where components are designed to function for a shorter duration than their counterparts made from more durable materials. This isn't just about whether the material can do the job; it's about how long it can keep doing it.

Manufacturers opt for this approach to cut costs, as plastic components are cheaper than their metal counterparts. Applying this logic across various car components, planned obsolescence becomes a finely tuned science for manufacturers to keep costs low while maintaining a sleek façade for new car buyers.

In essence, planned obsolescence is a profit-driven science. The trick lies in making informed decisions as consumers. While manufacturers play their cards to meet government regulations, market expectations, and profitability, your choice in the used car market can be the game-changer.

So, here's the takeaway: planned obsolescence might be a part of the automotive game, but as consumers, we have the power to shape the market trends. By opting for reliable used cars with proven track records, we become the architects of our automotive destiny.

Remember, it's not about fighting the system; it's about navigating it smartly. Your ride, your rules.

Decoding Long-Term Running Costs: A Roadmap for the Savvy Car Enthusiast

Long-term running costs – a labyrinth of debate that often requires a seasoned eye to navigate. Most car owners, let's admit it, aren't speed junkies or car aficionados. They see their vehicle as a practical tool, a reliable companion serving a specific purpose. Manufacturers, well aware of this, capitalize on the notion that a new car is inherently more reliable than a 15-year-old one. The appeal is undeniable, especially with the safety net of a 5 to 6-year warranty that's become standard practice.

For those swapping cars every 3 to 5 years, this formula works like a charm – they're consistently covered by warranty. However, if your vision extends to the long term, and you're eyeing a somewhat premium brand, brace yourself for post-warranty surprises.

True, old cars have their issues and upkeep demands. New cars, under warranty, shield you from the maintenance hassle, but at the cost of steep depreciation, particularly in the initial years. Conversely, older cars, especially of Japanese origin, tend to retain their value longer. Balancing high depreciation and potential post-warranty issues, the overall ownership cost favors used cars over new ones, especially over a 10-year ownership span.

In my personal journey with both new and old cars, those built post-2010, across various brands, have shown a decline in reliability compared to their earlier counterparts. This sentiment echoes through observations and conversations with garage owners – a collective acknowledgment that cars aren't crafted with the same robustness as they once were.

Sustainability: Navigating the Emotional Landscape

Sustainability, a concept deeply rooted in collective human consciousness, takes a curious turn when it comes to consumer behavior, especially regarding cars. We often find ourselves making eco-friendly choices at home, yet impulsively purchase brand-new cars, discarding perfectly functional older ones that could last another decade. This pattern extends to various possessions – wardrobes, furniture, electronics – replaced long before their intended lifespan concludes.

Car manufacturers possess the technology to create exceptionally durable products, yet they toe the line dictated by consumer behavior. Consider the frequency with which people upgrade smartphones, giving in to the urge to stay in sync with the latest models. Our world is shaped by our collective desires, and the automotive industry aligns itself with this trend to remain profitable, compliant with regulations, and technologically up-to-date.

Imagine a hypothetical sustainable car, 'Car-X,' crafted from fair trade materials, easily upgradeable, and repairable by the owner, priced significantly lower than conventional models. Logically, Car-X should dominate the market, right? Yet, consumer behavior defies logic. The majority still leans toward conventional cars. A parallel can be drawn with 'Fairphone,' a sustainable smartphone model that sold 115,000 units between 2015 and 2019, while Samsung's S6 sold 10 million in a month in 2015. Sustainability, it seems, takes a back seat when human behavior influences certain product choices, and the automotive industry is no exception.

Automotive Sustainability: Unveiling the Veil of Complexity

Regulatory bodies in the automotive realm focus solely on the immediate condition and emission standards of a running car. The emphasis is on the on-road performance rather than the longevity, sustainability, or cost-effectiveness of the products manufacturers create. This grants manufacturers significant latitude, allowing them to produce exclusive spare parts, often designed to be non-repairable. Examples like a water-cooled alternator or a plastic intake manifold with a molded-in, non-removable intercooler underscore this approach, where an entire assembly must be replaced instead of repairing a specific component.

Manufacturers justify these design choices with technical explanations tied to fuel efficiency or reduced emissions. Regardless of the rationale, this is the prevailing modus operandi of the industry.

The COVID-19 pandemic, with people staying home and reduced car usage, highlighted that vehicle emissions contribute minimally to global emission levels, with air pollution levels remaining relatively constant.

Moreover, automobiles lack 100% recyclable components, rendering the conventional practice of scrapping old cars and recycling a few components both unsustainable and wasteful. Electric cars, often seen as a beacon of sustainability due to reduced emissions, face their challenges. The expensive battery packs, lasting around 10 years, pose a significant disadvantage. When these packs need replacement, the cost often exceeds the resale value of the decade-old electric vehicle, leading to considerations of recycling or scrapping. Currently, only 5% of electric vehicle batteries are globally recycled, raising doubts about the long-term sustainability of electric vehicles.

Reflecting on the past, incentives once encouraged European car buyers to opt for diesel engines over petrol ones due to perceived environmental benefits. However, perceptions shifted over time, and diesel engines were deemed less environmentally friendly. One wonders if a similar evolution awaits electric vehicles as considerations of battery replacement costs, resale value, and overall sustainability become integral factors.

In conclusion, the intricate interplay of planned obsolescence, profitability, and sustainability renders a definitive conclusion elusive. The ongoing debate is both complex and perpetual, ensuring that it will persist for the foreseeable future.

As we wrap up this insightful journey into the intricacies of automotive sustainability, planned obsolescence, and the evolving landscape of our driving choices, I extend my heartfelt thanks to each one of you. Your time and engagement in this discussion are invaluable.

Remember, the decisions we make as consumers shape the automotive industry's path. Whether you're contemplating a new purchase or cherishing your existing vehicle, your choices contribute to the ongoing narrative of sustainability and longevity.

Thank you for joining me in unraveling the complexities of the automotive world. Your awareness and thoughtful decisions pave the way for a more sustainable and conscious driving future. Until our paths cross again, safe travels and thank you for being a part of this conversation.