Phones are supported well beyond their average ownership lifetime. In stark contrast, automakers are struggling to work out how long their “smartphones on wheels” can be kept on the road.
The main issue is that the NHSTA requires a backup camera, which requires a screen. Since they have to make room for that screen, manufacturers now want to make it a premium thing they can use to justify up charging.
I don’t see a solution to this until someone actually tries to make things cheap again and small screens become the trend.
Luckily modern cars are generally a lot safer to drive than your old magna. Air bags (not new, just better), crumble zones, automatic emergency braking, lane assist/departure warning etc. have come a really long way in the past 30 years. They’re not only less likely to be in major crashes, they’re also safer for both people in the car and outside the car (bikes/pedestrians) if it happens.
Hehe you forgot ABS :) It’s up to me to pulse the brakes to keep steering, learned that in a defensive driving course.
I have a newer 2003 Verada as well but it’s decided it no longer can find TDC (code 22, 23) so I’m saving up for the diagnostics and possible repair or replacement.
I agree a newer car is safer, and am hanging out for an EV when I can afford one. In the mean time the simple reliability of the Magna is a trade off I must make.
As for repairability, I’m aware that I will soon need to replace the capacitors in the ECU and TCU on the Magna since they die of old age. It’s a failure mode for older cars that people might not anticipate - same as how all electionics die eventually.
The main issue is that the NHSTA requires a backup camera, which requires a screen. Since they have to make room for that screen, manufacturers now want to make it a premium thing they can use to justify up charging.
I don’t see a solution to this until someone actually tries to make things cheap again and small screens become the trend.
Is that a new rule? For all cars?
https://www.transportation.gov/briefing-room/nhtsa-announces-final-rule-requiring-rear-visibility-technology
If by “new” you mean decided a decade ago and implemented 6 years ago, then yes.
I didn’t know. Maybe it’s not a law in Australia or I just haven’t been paying attention as my '96 Magna is still going fine.
Reversing technologies that meet the new standard must be installed in all new vehicle models from 1 November 2025.
Apparently Australia only got around to it last year, but they’re requiring it to be implemented a lot faster.
TIL. Thanks.
Luckily modern cars are generally a lot safer to drive than your old magna. Air bags (not new, just better), crumble zones, automatic emergency braking, lane assist/departure warning etc. have come a really long way in the past 30 years. They’re not only less likely to be in major crashes, they’re also safer for both people in the car and outside the car (bikes/pedestrians) if it happens.
Hehe you forgot ABS :) It’s up to me to pulse the brakes to keep steering, learned that in a defensive driving course.
I have a newer 2003 Verada as well but it’s decided it no longer can find TDC (code 22, 23) so I’m saving up for the diagnostics and possible repair or replacement.
I agree a newer car is safer, and am hanging out for an EV when I can afford one. In the mean time the simple reliability of the Magna is a trade off I must make.
As for repairability, I’m aware that I will soon need to replace the capacitors in the ECU and TCU on the Magna since they die of old age. It’s a failure mode for older cars that people might not anticipate - same as how all electionics die eventually.