Old or New?

[Motorhead350]

I just wanna know how everyone prefers their cars in here. Do you like it when they are simple and have as many features as something from 10 years before or do you like having the latest idea in your wheels? Examples such as traction control, mp3 player, AWD, navigation, fuel injection... yes fuel injection, on board computers... exc.

Do you like any of these things cars come with/options these days or do you prefer basic?

As far as my word goes I love the old stuff much more. I don't care about navigation, mp3s or anything. I say the more features, the more can go wrong, the more we can be charged and the less dependable a car is... at least from my experience. I also think the older cars are much easier to work on, cheaper to fix and just more fun overall for me, but I still love My Marauder! So what about you?

[Leadfoot281]

New cars are worthless. I hate 'em. The only reason I bought the car was to pi$$ off some people that were suing me.

The more posts I read here about the Marauder, the less I like it. One blown up engine after another. It's been an endless parade of wrecked engines since I first got here. Then there is the smoking issues, bad trannys, crazy wipers, creaky suspensions, ect. When I hear expressions like ;"Paris Hilton sized connecting rods" it makes me fear getting on the throttle.

At 46k miles I've still never had a single issue with my car. I'm just getting a little freaked out.

Heated seats are worthless when you don't drive it in the winter. Adjustable gas/brake peddle is silly (I'm the only driver). CD is dumb too (I just listen to AM radio). Anti-lock is for people that sleep while driving. Fuel injection is guru voodoo.

I can't fix it with a hammer or screwdriver. It depreciates. It's too new for car shows, and not old enough for the local Ford club.

My next car is going to be a Maverick with a 351w, tunnel ram, 5k stall converter, ladder bars, gutted interior, roll cage, and tape deck. I'll go 10's for $3000. I won't be owned by a bank or dealership.

[LVMarauder]

I love all the gadgets. Going from a 740 il to the Marauder kinda sucked at first becuase it wasnt as wired and electronically orientated. Im contemplating double din in-dash 7" touch screen with GPS/Nav , MP3, etc etc do get the electronics package back. The marauder is way more badass than the bmw though, in looks, and performance.

[Leadfoot281]

Before I forget here's some other "new car" favorites of mine.

Paper thin rotors that warp if you look at them wrong. (for saving weight and MPG). They can't be turned either.

Blocks that generally can't be bored over.

Thin head castings. Thin sheet metal (or sheet plastic).

Being the dealerships b1tc$ when you need a tune-up.

Throw away "Torque to yeild" fasteners.

Much, much higher foriegn parts content.

Engines that are "cheaper to replace than diagnose".

1970 vs 2004. 5mph frontal crash. $0 then vs $3,000.00 today. There's an improvement huh?

Mini spare tires.

Subscribing to radio stations, and "help me" buttons.

No vent windows, drip rails, or ashtrays. Warning stickers galore in new cars.

1970. Cars designed by artists like Larry Shinoda. 2007. Cars designed by wind tunnels and MPG requirements.

[Motorhead350]

Engines that are "cheaper to replace than diagnose".

:lol: I can relate!!!

[LordVader]

As for me I'm from the generation that likes it simple. I mean disk brakes are a great improvement and so is some of the audio electronics (much better than the old eight track), but really some of the dashes on new cars require way too much attention away from driving. Use mapquest at home if you don't know how to read a map.

[KillJoy]

I like doo-dads :up:

AWD > RWD or FWD or 4x4

MP3 > Tape or CD or Radio for that matter

Navigation > Than letting the wife read the map!!!

Heated Seats = Less complaining wife

Flip Down LCD DVD Player = Happy, non-whinning kids on long trips

On-Star = Never being TOO far from help

Run Flat Tires = Never changing a flat on the side of a dimly lit road that has a high speed limit, in the middle of a spring down pour at 11:00 at night

.....I can go on :up:

KillJoy

[magindat]

I'm in the middle. I'm young and electronics savvy, yet was raised old school. I like the FI and PCM, but I also like big heavy car with a frame. I like simple, readily available common parts and long production history, but I also like uniqueness. I like simple installation and well documented repair and install info, but I also like electronic conveniences.
All in all, the Marauder has been the perfect platform to satisfy then desire for a nice repectable (even world-class) car while allowing custom work which isn't impossible due to unruly integration.
Me likey.

[Dragcity]

I have had them all.....

Gotta love fuel injection (over carbs) and Electronic ignition (over points) Where I live, the weather can change three times daily. Had to adjust carbs and timing all the time, still do on the T-Bird..

Relaibility of todays cars truely outperforms the days of old.....

Let's consider rust prevention. Prior to 1980, cars would rust out after 2 winters up here. Not just body panels, but entire frames..... Panel prep and construction has made it so cars go 10 winters without showing any ill effects or cancerous tumors....

Style - Not so much any more. Some manufacturers are trying, but not like pre-1970... Sacrifices....

Safety - ???? I'm all with the 5 MPH impact comment. Holy crap! Can't bump into a snow bank wihtout causing major "Bumper Cover" damage. Friggin bugs do damage to out bumpers..... I would love to fit Titanium bumpers on my Marauder.... I really don't get the idea of killing chrome bumpers....? ABS is WAY over-rated in my opinion. I can stop faster without it and remain in better control of the car.

Comfort - I think todays cars are much easier to drive and more comfortable than the old ones. Much more of a sure footed feel.

I do miss the days of being able to put a crescent wrench and flat blade screwdriver in the glove box and be ready for anything.... Although the X-Cal II sure is a handy device...

Audio - Too much is too distracting.... I do like my CD player though. Radio only goes so far. There is nothing like the nastalgia of listening to oldies on the AM though....


It seems one comment is contradicted by the next in my post.... I like aspects of each, old and new. I do miss the old cars, the simplicity, knowing I could fix anything quickly and cheaply, alone.

My T-Bird has 486,000 miles on it. I would not be too worried about jumping in it wiht some simple hand tools and running it for a few thousand miles. I just can't afford the gas......

[SlkMerc]

Being 46 and the son of a hot rod builder, I have owned and enjoyed a few really nice rides.

I have a 46 Ford sedan: Stock steel body, Late model 5.0 w/ FI from a Tbird,
Lincoln rear w/discs and an aftermarket IFS....Love this car! has all the creature comforts and still has the kickass old school style.

Also a 56 Ford big window F100. This one has a 5.4 from a Navigator and loads of aftermarket goodies. Again best of both worlds.

I would not have a flathead or carbs or stock 3 spds. Just too much hassle. Sure restored cars are nice and I admire the dedication. Those cars are tough daily drivers, try and find a set of points locally. As for the value? Both my girls have been appraised well over 50k each and appreciate as I drive them.

My MM is an 03 and basically a stock daily driver. I bought it over a CV because after I saw one, settling for a CV wasnt gonna happen. I do plan on more mods,none that will take away from being a gorgeous daily driver.

:beatnik:

[Bluerauder]

Do you like any of these things cars come with/options these days or do you prefer basic?
Old vs. New. What a dilemma.

I guess it depends a lot on what you classify as old. My experience puts me in a category where I can remember when heaters, radios, and floormats were options. At that time, most cars came equipped with 2-70 air conditioning (two windows open – 70 miles per hour). Somehow we made it and those cars served the purpose. My family’s 1953 Plymouth Cranbrook (in basic black) was what you might call a “basic old” vehicle.

I prefer New for a lot of reasons …. Safety, performance, comfort, and reliability are among the top considerations. Do I need all the "bells and whistles" ... definitely not. But things have changed considerably since the 1950's and '60s.

Safety Features – seat belts, padded dashboards, headrests, power steering, power brakes, disc vs. drum brakes, airbags, ABS, crumple zones, TC, ESC, fuel cutoff switches, rear window defoggers, heated mirrors, power door locks, etc. (Overall the new cars are safer. The gains are partially offset by dumber drivers.)

Comfort – air conditioning, dual zone climate control, power seats, lumbar support, heated seats, anything but vinyl bench seats, power windows,carpeted floors and mats, cup holders, map pockets/storage areas, consoles, vanity mirrors, etc. (New cars are far more comfortable than “back in the day” …. Especially for those extra long trips.)

Entertainment – AM/FM/FM stereo radio, cassette players, CD, MP3, DVD, Multi-screen DVD screens, Navigation systems, GPS, Sirius/satellite radio, etc. (None of this stuff is really necessary … it’s nice to have for those that feel the need. Some I feel fit into the next newest toy category).

Newer cars are harder to work on, are more complicated, have many more expensive and sophisticated parts, are more costly to repair, more easily damage in “minor” fender benders (it doesn’t take much to cause a $2000-3000 repair bill). Older cars had “Style” and used sheer mass and huge bumpers for safety and generally rusted out in less than 5 years.

[Dragcity]

Old vs. New. What a dilemma.

I guess it depends a lot on what you classify as old. My experience puts me in a category where I can remember when heaters, radios, and floormats were options. At that time, most cars came equipped with 2-70 air conditioning (two windows open – 70 miles per hour). Somehow we made it and those cars served the purpose. My family’s 1953 Plymouth Cranbrook (in basic black) was what you might call a “basic old” vehicle.

I prefer New for a lot of reasons …. Safety, performance, comfort, and reliability are among the top considerations. Do I need all the "bells and whistles" ... definitely not. But things have changed considerably since the 1950's and '60s.

Safety Features – seat belts, padded dashboards, headrests, power steering, power brakes, disc vs. drum brakes, airbags, ABS, crumple zones, TC, ESC, fuel cutoff switches, rear window defoggers, heated mirrors, power door locks, etc. (Overall the new cars are safer. The gains are partially offset by dumber drivers.)

Comfort – air conditioning, dual zone climate control, power seats, lumbar support, heated seats, anything but vinyl bench seats, power windows,carpeted floors and mats, cup holders, map pockets/storage areas, consoles, vanity mirrors, etc. (New cars are far more comfortable than “back in the day” …. Especially for those extra long trips.)

Entertainment – AM/FM/FM stereo radio, cassette players, CD, MP3, DVD, Multi-screen DVD screens, Navigation systems, GPS, Sirius/satellite radio, etc. (None of this stuff is really necessary … it’s nice to have for those that feel the need. Some I feel fit into the next newest toy category).

Newer cars are harder to work on, are more complicated, have many more expensive and sophisticated parts, are more costly to repair, more easily damage in “minor” fender benders (it doesn’t take much to cause a $2000-3000 repair bill). Older cars had “Style” and used sheer mass and huge bumpers for safety and generally rusted out in less than 5 years.



Nice Summary !

[Rider90]

I like new for the safety features. If an accident happens, I would like to be safe, and the older cars cannot provide that like the newer ones.

Other than that, I'd rather be driving a 1972 Chevrolet Blazer 4x4 Red/White (or Chevy Orange/White) with a 454 BB and a manual transmission. 6" Lift, 35" tires.... :drool:

[Motorhead350]

I'd rather be driving a 1972 Chevrolet Blazer 4x4 Red/White (or Chevy Orange/White) with a 454 BB and a manual transmission. 6" Lift, 35" tires.... :drool:

I hear you on that. Mines a few years newer, but I love this old Blazer. It's so cheap and easy to fix. :D

[ckadiddle]

I'm in the middle. I'm young and electronics savvy, yet was raised old school. I like the FI and PCM, but I also like big heavy car with a frame. I like simple, readily available common parts and long production history, but I also like uniqueness. I like simple installation and well documented repair and install info, but I also like electronic conveniences.
All in all, the Marauder has been the perfect platform to satisfy then desire for a nice repectable (even world-class) car while allowing custom work which isn't impossible due to unruly integration.
Me likey.
Well put, Rich! I have neither the tools, skills, patience nor vision to work on a car I have to depend on every day. I have owned a 60 mercury monterety montcair, a 68 pontiac lemans, and other older cars over hte years. They ate me up with repair bills but had no bank loans on them. My experience is that driving a thirty or forty year old car is just as expensive to me as making payments on a newer car with extended warranty. A large portion of the folks on this board are mechanically oriented at the very least, with a good sized contingent of professional mechanics or other automotive industry types. This isn't representative of the public at large. Most people are like me, they just want the car to work every time the key is turned. In two years, the only fatal error on the MM was the battery. I called AAA to come replace it in the driveway and I was an hour late to work. The other mechanical issues have been minor annoyances but could be scheduled as I wished. The fact that the MM is somewhat based on the other panthers was a strong reason for me to go ahead and purchase something out of the ordinary. That's also why I made sure to include a Ford ESP - it's a new combo of parts, things might have unforseen circumstances.

[ckadiddle]

...continued....
All CarsSuck!!! They suck money out of my like crazy. Old or new, doesn't matter. That being said, the Marauder is the most fun to drive that I have ver owned. I will keep feeding it premium fuel and fat tires as long as I can still drive he beast. I was shocked and happy to find there were so many things that could be done to enhance it when I joined this board. I am keeping it till the wheels fall off. :)

[KillJoy]

it's a new combo of parts, things might have unforseen circumstances.

...and THIS is why I will NEVER buy a BRAND NEW verision of a car :up:

(I am not including the MM since it was based on a CV/GM).

This is too bad for me.....since there are quite a few new radical cars out there that I kind on like (Scion XB for instance)

KillJoy