Reliability: Thank Goodness They Don't Build Em Like They Used To

Rick Carr, the service manager at Buff Whelan Chevrolet in Sterling Heights, remembers the old days when cars broke down as fast as mechanics could fix them.

In the past two decades, though, Detroit's automakers and their foreign competitors have dramatically improved quality and reduced defects. The most trouble-plagued cars today are still far more reliable than the best cars of 20 years ago.

It's a boon for automakers, whose warranty costs are lower, and good news for customers. But it is taking a toll on the service end of the auto business.

"They're just not breaking like they used to," Carr said.

Some dealers and garages are laying off technicians because of the drop in business; others are trying to offset the losses by staying open later, or by specializing in fixing today's high-tech, computerized vehicle systems.


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JRobUSC - 7/16/2007 1:47:46 PM

+3 Boost

you know what? Literally the MOMENT I started reading this article I said to myself "I wonder how long it took for a Lexus troll to post something negative about German cars". And sure enough GS you had the very first post. I knew you wouldn't disappoint me GS, let's all give 06GS300 a hand! Congratulations on continuing to be, well, to be you.

JRobUSC - 7/16/2007 3:01:19 PM

+4 Boost

GS, I've defended Lexus's from ignorant German fans on here, Audi's from ignorant Lexus/BMW/Merc fans, BMW's from the many many haters on here, the whole nine. I'm pretty equal opportunity. So you're right, in the "let's see who can prove they're an ignorant fan first" competition, you did in fact win. Good job. Here's your sign.

Neverfollow - 7/17/2007 4:41:58 PM

+1 Boost

Here here! Clap clap clap clap clap...............

M35MT - 7/16/2007 1:29:49 PM

+1 Boost

...or Land Rover

Interesting article, I hadnt thought about this side of it. Not only will they be in lower demand, but more well-trained technicians will be in high demand. Dealers must spend good money on training for new techs on all the comp based systems.

BentleyGT - 7/16/2007 2:26:29 PM

+1 Boost

Awww look at the stranded mother and kids with her new Lexus RX330.

JRobUSC - 7/16/2007 3:06:22 PM

+1 Boost

I'm sure you know this and are just picking a fight with GS but I'm pretty sure that picture is of a Toyota Siena (whatever it is it is not an RX) and those are very very nice vans. Not a van guy myself but if I had to get one and wasn't going to shell out the $$$ for a MB R-class, that's the one I'd get.

Htay7500 - 7/16/2007 3:44:12 PM

+2 Boost

tht in NO WAY looks like an RX. thts looks like a renault espace to me. I thought everyone knew a lot about cars here!!

Willis - 7/17/2007 4:10:02 AM

+3 Boost

Sure...

M35MT - 7/17/2007 8:25:43 AM

-1 Boost

hahaha so funny.

I'd buy a German car if they knew how to use electricity. How hard is it to get headlights and tailights to function correctly?

Not a crack at German makes, this is a true observation. Audi's are awesome cars, but at times it seems like they're possessed.

M35MT - 7/17/2007 8:27:42 AM

+1 Boost

mmmm RX-8...delicious. I'm in a Mazdaspeed3.

EnnNorak - 7/17/2007 9:34:38 AM

+3 Boost

Right on M35MT, I had 3 Audis in the eighties and all of them were plagued by electrical problems including those awful Siemens power window switches that had lead contacts that oxidized.. I only recently rediscovered Audi and only a few warning light mysteries remain but the car is an outsatnding luxury value for the buck. The AWD system with the Torsen differential has gotten me through the worst winter storms in the Rockies and one north of Lake Superior where they closed the road behind me. The Germans have always been excellent mechanical engineers but fell short in electrical engineering . German car makers would be far better off to source their electrical stuff from North America at lower cost and better reliability.

Htay7500 - 7/17/2007 10:10:15 PM

+1 Boost

my dad wouldve bought his friends 01 a6, greatcar, but maintaining electrical systems arent in his expenses. on most european cars, when their electrical systems malfunction, they could have a "mind of their own" at times. and with those complex MMI, idrive, COMAND systems, it makes them less reliable and more complex to repair. theyre just distracting to use when driving. come on! wtf is up w/ the am radio in the VWs? like I said before, I want simplicity, not confusion! lots of other creative things from the germans are nice, but when they break, its very costly. they should also supply their electronics to the japanese...

toDD73 - 7/16/2007 3:54:34 PM

-2 Boost

that is a Nissan Quest

Lexus - 7/16/2007 10:38:58 PM

0 Boost

Look like a Chrysler/ MB SUV in the picture above, anyway most those crooket mechanic deserve it anyway. There are so many crook mechanic shop in the U.S. you don't know who trust anymore. I just take it straigt to my dealer instead.

Kinger - 7/17/2007 4:40:31 AM

0 Boost

The car in the picture above is a Renault Espace: http://www.renault.co.uk/Productpage_home.aspx?mm=espace

Htay7500 - 7/17/2007 9:23:16 AM

0 Boost

thts wat I said...

Kinger - 7/17/2007 11:07:57 AM

0 Boost

Guess we're the only experts here then. ;)