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I have a 2013 Chevy pickup, crank windows/rubber floors/regular cab and it has tire pressure monitoring and that was pretty basic 11 yrs ago.
sidebar, I got my uncles 2013 GMC 1500WT from his estate last summer....he ordered the actual WT package, and added only auto tranny, tow package, and the 4.8. it has manual locks and windows which means GMC had to remove this from the line to DELETE parts to add parts they really dont make as every other model has PW/PL. So I stop in walmart last night to get yet another key and they have this gizmo machine that just scans the keys and asks you some questions. The walmart guy says it takes card only so I look at the screen: $300 bill. Wha???? It says I have a FOB to program and that is what they charge for 2 seconds of work. problem is, I dont have a FOB, I have no power locks and no, it is not a security key!!
I don't disagree with the bulk of your comments, but with respect to modern cars, you can't deny that they are far more complicated than cars were, even as little as 20 years ago. Therefore, while they offer all of the "pluses" that you mentioned, when they do break down, repairing them is more complicated and expensive....
Internal timing chains are probably the one thing I hate the most about modern cars. Each engine requires unique tools and such to do the job and it's just a PITA overall due to what needs to be removed for access (vehicle specific).
What sucks is I anecdotally read about many vehicles having timing chain issues within the 100-150K mile mark that it turns me off. Sure, if you've done a couple dozen they might be no big deal, but for a DIY'er who might only do one on a particular platform and needs to acquire the tools and get up to speed on the unique processes required for that engine, it's a PITA. Almost better to sub it out and just fork over the $$$. Time vs money thing at that point.
I did one timing chain set on a Ford 3.5L (along with water pump) and the cost of the tools, plus time spent researching the job and doing it, I felt it wasn't worth it in the end. Next time I just pay someone and sit on the couch and relax.
We're a Honda family. Have a Civic and an Accord. Both very dependable and trouble-free. We do regular maintenance. We've had two Ford products before (Focus and Van) and both had too many problems
Internal timing chains are probably the one thing I hate the most about modern cars. Each engine requires unique tools and such to do the job and it's just a PITA overall due to what needs to be removed for access (vehicle specific).
What sucks is I anecdotally read about many vehicles having timing chain issues within the 100-150K mile mark that it turns me off. Sure, if you've done a couple dozen they might be no big deal, but for a DIY'er who might only do one on a particular platform and needs to acquire the tools and get up to speed on the unique processes required for that engine, it's a PITA. Almost better to sub it out and just fork over the $$$. Time vs money thing at that point.
I did one timing chain set on a Ford 3.5L (along with water pump) and the cost of the tools, plus time spent researching the job and doing it, I felt it wasn't worth it in the end. Next time I just pay someone and sit on the couch and relax.
I agree. It's not like the "old days" of GM RWD cars, where a timing chain can be replaced in one Saturday's worth of time....
We are still driving our 1992 Toyota Corolla (it's our beater). Every time we need service, the mechanics ask if we want to sell it. Just yesterday someone told us it's worth holding onto considering the price of used cars because the engine and drive train can last forever.
Also been told that they wanted to be mechanics, not electrical engineers, which makes perfect sense to me.
The thing with that is that those guys are retiring/dying.
So you buy a tool kit and some Chiltons and Motor manuals and learn how to do it.
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