Busting The Myth - Are New Cars REALLY Longer Lasting And More Reliable Than Old Cars?

[@VioletTorch]

A strong dollar that wasn't rapidly losing purchasing power due to inflation meant that buying a brand new car every few years wasn't nearly the financial strain that it is now. The proliferation of junkyard rescue videos of vintage autos show that there wasn't really anything wrong with the engineering. In fact, a 50 year old auto that can be revived in just a day or two after sitting abandoned for 30+ years is quite a testament to the engineering and quality of build.

[@mrbig7718]

And for less than the price of a new car, that barn find or junkyard rescue can be built or refurbished to a very capable and head turning automobile

[@mrbig7718]

@@manitoba-op4jx why not a HEI Distributor? Don't have to set it

[@jimmydesouza4375]

The issue with what you are saying is that if you are taking out a loan to purchase the car, which is also something the video creator assumes to be the case, then buying new cars over and over is actually better than buying when the currency is sound and stable because each loan you take out decreases in cost due to the inflation, as long as you have set interest. As an example, say you earn 50k a year, and you take out a 40k car loan with 5% annual interest, meanwhile inflation is currently at whatever amount it is but your pay rate increase ends up also being 5% (it won't match inflation but...). If you pay 4k a year then at year 1 you'll be paying 8% of your yearly wage to pay off the loan, by the time the loan is paid off (Year 14) you'll only be paying 4% of your yearly wage to pay it off. That is actually why institutions which get a lot of debt (like governments) aim for the highest amount of inflation they can sustain without collapsing the economy, because it means they end up paying less in the end.

[@mrbig7718]

@jimmydesouza4375 No, he's correct. You just sound smart. When those cars were new, they were only 3-8,000 bucks. A modern vehicle of its comparison is 30-40,000 dollars. You can pick up a junkyard rescue for, let's say, 500-1,000 bucks. If it has a strong following like a camaro, mustang, chevelle, etc. you can easily find parts very affordable. Depending on what level you want the car to be and your skill level or how deep your pockets are will be the deciding factor of how much it will cost. For instance, I built an 88 Monte Carlo for a little over 8,000 dollars. That includes the purchase of the vehicle. All work done myself took a year to complete. Done well enough to win a couple of trophies. Its been done for 8 years now and still runs great. So, an 8,000 dollar investment lasted 8 years so far, and for shits and giggles, the odometer has 27,000 miles on it. I don't know how many times it's been flipped, but if I abandoned it, some jerkoff will say "look it has low miles on it" 🤣 Oh yea, the engine itself is an 84 that's never been rebuilt. Runs good, no problems

[@geraldscott4302]

@@mrbig7718 My '64 Fairlane and '72 Pinto wagon have points. I haven't touched them in many years. They run fine. I set the points gap years ago with a business card. That's just how simple they are to work on. And if there is a problem, it is super easy to find and fix, unlike anything electronic.

[@mcemct7434]

I survived the '70s due to built-in obsolescence. $100-$200-$300 hand-me down muscle cars were the order of the day through the 1980s.

[@Scarredfan]

Absolutely! We benefited from all those cars that were let go for the newest models AND we had U-Pull junkyards for everything and anything we needed!!! General Motors did us a solid by using the same parts throughout several makes & models!!! Can't do it today with anything... Now the junk goes to a Copart and maaaaybe someone gets lucky of a collision parts car for something they already have... mayuyybe

[@rolandgard6984]

I had a Road Runner,Charger, Sebring, R/T, '67 Dodge truck,'67 Ford truck, '67 Coronett(factory air) and '73 Ford Truck. Total price for all : $4000.00

[@MrTheHillfolk]

We laughed at my buddy for paying 3500 for a 67 gto with wavy rear quarters back in 89.

[@thisisyourcaptainspeaking2259]

@@mcemct7434 yeah, no kidding! I passed up on several fortunes because mine was doing fine. Still driving the same vehicle, lol. You could have a Road Runner in good condition but needed exhaust and a battery for about $1,000 We had no idea this was coming to an end, we loved driving those "American Junk" cars.

[@sebbonxxsebbon6824]

@@thisisyourcaptainspeaking2259 Really nice 327 1967 Camaro, $3600.00 in 1985. My 1969 Pontiac Grand Prix with swivel buckets 400ci engine 375hp...needed fuel lines and carb rebuild $75.

[@wigletron2846]

Cars peaked in the late 90s early 2000s. Modern comfort and performance without the overcomplication and difficulty of repairs/maintenance of modern cars.

[@steveclark..]

I totally agree, I'm in the UK, cars of that era are the best for home mechanics like me.

[@heldbymynutsacsplight2663]

Agreed always felt the same way.

[@AegonCallery-ty6vy]

I remember my dad saying " this car has been around the clock 2 times". It was actually a form of pride..

[@LongIslandMopars]

I remember when our family Coronet rolled over once and then the second time. Still have it at 207k miles. Right now I'm going to push our 2013 Acura RDX to 200k (has 182k on it now).

[@efandmk3382]

And that was a form of pride because it was rare. Today, nobody expects an automobile to go any less than 250K.

[@doubleduty1703]

I just sold my newer truck and putting the money in my 79 bronco Can’t beat the style and character and lack of plastic

[@churchking2527]

Malaise era cars aren't particularly reliable.

[@zarkeh3013]

lack of air bags and body safety structures and updated Starter Relay ... die like REAL Man! grr! rawr... got me a '78 F-150 300 np435 np205 with a '96-ish EFI. edit: lol

[@danielkapp9468]

I just got an 84 Fiero in a condition and price that could not be passed on. It's a no rust car (in WI). It did need some mechanical work but nothing too crazy. It's now back on the road as a summer driver. 120K on the car and it's going strong. It still needs some work but, but most of it can be made small weekend projects. Yea I won't argue with you on the plastic (as that's all the body panels) it has held up remarkably well. Though if it was all metal it'd make the car weigh close to 2 tons. I've noticed that everything after 2000 just starts to look the same, it's like everything is heading to some areodynamic blob version of the model T. Hands down the best part about these old cars/trucks is they bring a smile to most that see it. That's one of the things I like most about this car in addition to the 80's vibe. And as for Broncos and Blazers. That generation had some of the best looking SUV's ever made. It's amazing how expensive those things have gotten, make sure to take good care of it!

[@timothykeith1367]

OBS Ford and Chevy trucks are popular projects. Ram has less body and trim support. A GMT400 Chevy is a "forever" truck. The Ford's are popular as well - I love long beds that others skip.over

[@LongIslandMopars]

​@@danielkapp9468awesome!

[@kennethperry8122]

Been daily driving my 71 SS 454 Chevelle for 4 years now. I've racked up 23,000 miles over those years and it's been great. If I die with the highest mileage real SS 454 in existence, I'll be a happy camper.

[@samuelgoodman2825]

Trailer queen's have no street cred.Keep on keeping on bro.

[@mikepalmer1971]

How many miles a gallon does that thing get?

[@BruceLee-xn3nn]

Only bad thing is having it get stolen.

[@MichaelDevlin-s8r]

My first car was a 73 SS Chevelle with a 454. Sold it 43 years ago. Wish I still had it.

[@MichaelDevlin-s8r]

@@mikepalmer1971my 454 stock 73 Chevelle got 9 mpg if I babied it.

[@70stastic]

I remember my parents getting heckled for driving to church in their '76 Dart when everyone else was showing off their brand new 1997 Pontiacs and Oldsmobiles. While they kept up with the Jones's, we kept driving '70s Mopars and still do. I daily an '81 D150 and my '80 Duster. Old cars just keep going

[@rickreese5794]

GM guy here, same with the OBS trucks, 88-99. Had a friend with a 77 D150 slant 6, cool rig😊

[@shawnbottom4769]

My, isn't that Christian of those people.

[@gfshaw6969]

​if "Christians" knew the scriptures they probably wouldn't be "chasing worldly things" Sad part is alot of the major churches don't teach principles written in the bible - they actually twist these things. That being said , as written in the bible - people are imperfect. The Bible also doesn't say we can't have nice things. The Bible does say to be humble, modest and to focus on the "more important things". That would be the preaching and teaching work, sharing the good news, loving your God and your neighbor, taking care of family and raising them to love Jehovah. Mathew 7:13,14 Go in through the narrow gate, because broad is the gate and spacious is the road leading off into destruction, and many are going in through it; 14 whereas narrow is the gate and cramped the road leading off into life, and few are finding it.

[@spaceghost8995]

@@70stastic Not where I live they don't. Dusters and 1970's and 1980's Dodge trucks rusted away and fell apart 30 years ago in northern Indiana. lol

[@spaceghost8995]

@@gfshaw6969 How about slavery? Your god is TOTALLY COOL with slavery. Should churches teach and enforce Deuteronomy,Exodus,Numbers,Leviticu and the like? LOL

[@HarpersInfiniteSystems]

You're not going too long, Uncle Tony. This channel is your legacy and there are many viewers, present and future, who will benefit from the additional detail you provide when "rambling." Don't hold back, and thanks for sharing. Keep up the good work!

[@mindeloman]

I saw a mint green 69 ss chevelle in a garage and saw the owner and stopped and talked to him. He bought it new. I asked him how many miles were on it and he said, "oh about 500K." I couldn't believe it. Even asked if it was the original engine, and it was. He said he just changed the oil regularly and never beat on it.

[@kennethperry8122]

A body gm cars are the best daily drivers

[@LongIslandMopars]

​@@kennethperry8122They ride and drive very nice. My Mopars with torsion bars and leaf springs don't ride as nice as a coil spring car.

[@samuelgoodman2825]

I believe it.Maintenance is the key.

[@mindeloman]

@kennethperry8122 - They were a hell of a bargain. The level of driveability and reliability vs. cars made 20 years prior is sort of astounding. I knew a guy that had a 70 Malibu that someone order with the 350 sbc 300HP option. P/b p/s and a/c and T400 auto on the column. They ordered it with the high 2.90 rear end. What a neatly optioned car. This thing was a freeway flyer but still had plenty of "pep." I think back on that car and think, now that's a car I would like to have. That's a car that interests me. When you go to car shows, you don't ever see cars like that.

[@gertvanderhorst2890]

@@mindeloman As in too bland ? Always miss the 4-doors, even the 4 door hardtops all got to the scrapyard.

[@3644Darrell]

One of the reasons that older cars didn't last as long was that transmissions didn't have an overdrive gear, so they were pulling pretty high rpm's compared to modern cars while driving. It wore out the engine's quicker

[@mkaestn]

So true my 70 toyota as shot at 120k. 3.9 rear end 3500rpm at high way speeds. 1980 same car with a overdrive transmissions would make 200. Rust was the killer.

[@actually5004]

They didn't even know what seamsealer is. Silanes hadn't been invented yet. Nobody used cavity wax.

[@themanguy2110]

Great news for my '76 Corolla Sport Coupe, running at 4,500 RPM at California highway speeds.

[@skvltdmedia]

Ohhhh man, though OD gears were very-well present back down to 50s. My 52 Studebaker would angrily scream if it wasn't for its OD gear, and even with that and its V8 it still tops out at 90.

[@todddenio3200]

Tony, you hit the nail right on the head. My parents didn't believe in replacing anything just because it was out of style.

[@samuelgoodman2825]

Mine too,I thank the lord for that.

[@F3udF1st]

Give it time it will be back in style again anyway.

[@CasperC-oq6cd]

I have a 2011 passat with 515 000km 2.5L I also have a 2022 passat with a 2.0L turbo 117 000km. Both of these cars are rust free and have been problem free, the 2022 has only ever needed oil changes, the 2011 has needed a water pump brakes oil changes normal things like a tie rod over the years but this car looks n drives just like it did brand new. I can’t think of a single instance where I have witnessed any car from 60s-80s drive 500 0000km and only need a water pump and brakes. I remember replacing water pumps left right n centre with the 80s chevies I’ve owned I also know for a fact rotting out was common within 5 years with those vintage cars you will never see a 70s car drive 500 000 km need next to nothing n be rust free through winter n all. Its frame would rot off before it even reached 500 000km

[@CasperC-oq6cd]

My point is new cars are better styling is a matter of opinion and no way actually reflects which car is better I feel like some of you need to go back to daily driving a vintage car for a year n have a refresher there’s a reason you have to carry spare parts with a vintage cars cause they like to cause issues. I love vintage cars but I also appreciate modern cars n what they offer us

[@todddenio3200]

@@CasperC-oq6cd all I drive is vintage and I don't carry any spare parts and have never needed any. As for styling? New cars SUCK!!!. New cars aren't as comfortable as old cars either. I ride in a newer car for 20 minutes and my back is killing me. I ride in an old car and I am good for at least an hour. Modern cars are way too stiff for people who have severe back problems.

[@amusingarts]

You are 99% right but for one niggling detail. That 6th digit on the odo was also govt mandated to prevent rollbacks which were common back then. Just a minor detail that doesn't refute anything else you are saying.

[@BUTCH0120]

Nobody is going to be able to pull a modern vehicle out of a junkyard after it's been sitting there 20 years and get it running again. Too many electronic doodads. Correction: I should have written garage or barn rather than junkyard.

[@kimdearrington258]

You are absolutely right, unless they convert everything to analog, or old school in you prefer.

[@TwoDollarGararge]

Not really 90s and 2000s injection is easy to revive it's not rocket science not ooga booga fuel toilet suck and blow it work now easy but it's easy and cheap to fix.

[@Sulfuron41]

Barely anybody pulls old cars from junkyards either. The vast majority is not interested in learning the inner workings of their cars, whether for better or worse.

[@TwoDollarGararge]

@@Sulfuron41 it's also a title issue once it's in a yard for parts just take the parts in many states it's impossible to get them out at best difficult or you know the owner some setup like that.

[@johnnyz1781]

Tons of dudes are restoring and building 80's and 90's cars.

[@williamjenkins5132]

My first car was the 1966 Mustang my folks bought new. The upper ball joints had no grease fittings. My first big chore when I was 16 in 1980 was to cut the old ones out with a cold chisel and hammer. Between things like that and living in Connecticut where cars dissolved from road salt in 5 years accounted for the 100,000 mile death sentence.

[@MrSloika]

Yup, it was the rust that killed the old cars and made them not worth repairing. Remember all the aftermarket rust-proofing businesses that were common on every American highway? Eventually it was proven that most didn't work or worse, they actually made your car rust out even faster.

[@richarddavey5991]

My dad had a Chrysler New Yorker that was washed every week as long as it was above 32 degrees in new york. It always looked good my cousin bought it when dad sold it he still drives it today in Idaho. Great car dad changed the oil every 2500 miles and did all maechanical work that was needed:).?

[@VinnyMartello]

I daily drive a 66 Chevy. It is more REPAIRABLE than a new car. There’s a big difference between reliability and repairability. When a new car breaks you ain’t gonna fix it.

[@bbb462cid]

I'll be working on my 66 Chevy later today!

[@vultureguy33]

This. I don't know much about fixing cars but I've been able to get my 69 Dodge Super Bee started through simple fixes. The other day the alternator went out on me, so my dad came over and pushed it with his car and we push started it (it's a manual). Can't do that with a modern manual without frying the electronics or worse. Whenever my 2023 car starts giving me problems I have no faith that I will be able to solve any of them.

[@petergrey7125]

Nice! Me too. 66 Impala four-door hardtop. When something breaks, it’s easy to fix and get it going again.

[@lynnh7694]

Don't be afraid of the future. Gas and oil never sleeps!

[@craigpennington1251]

@@lynnh7694 That makes no sense.

[@tombob671]

True story, my dad bought a 1954 Mercury Monterey. Gosh it was gorgeous even as a 4 door. By 1963 I was going to get it as I was turning 16. About that time we were transferred from Tulsa Ok to Calgary Canada. The car had 80k on the clock. . Pop said it was time to get rid of it. It did not use oil and the yblock didn't have the external oilers. Pop was a fanatic on maintenance. Havoline 10/40 every 2k miles and filter. Did his own grease jobs. I think he was marketed to sell it. A guy from Grandma's church who was a welder on the pipeline took it and put another 80000 on it. So at 160 k it still ran like a top. 2 years later I bought a tricked out 55 Belair with a hopped up 283. That Mercury drove like a limo. I can tell you this you could repair those old cars with a crescent wrench and a butter knife

[@setharp]

I have a 1955 Mercury Monterey. Owned it for over 20 years. The guy who owned it before inherited it from his Dad. They were house painters and used the car for the business. The car was in service for over 50 years before I got it. Its parked on the street now. All I do is maintain it. A LOT of stuff is very loose on it but whatever.

[@ThatsMrPencilneck2U]

I've understood that they designed cars to be maintainable, from the beginning, but in the 1970's, the emissions controls became a nightmarish mess, and when they started getting it right was in the 1980's, and we had a good run for 25, 30 years. Now, they're not made to last as long as your bank loan.

[@MrSloika]

I agree. So much plastic used on cars now that it becomes impossible to repair after a few years.

[@MrTheHillfolk]

I thought we learned a lot about rustproofing, and pinch welds, and seems,. All the new vehicles have way too many of these and I see a lot of rust.... Even the work truck was showing rust staining on the paint at a lot of pinch welds after 3yrs. Nice on a truck that cost 38k in 2016 and that was a "steal" as most were closer to 50k by then. I'd say the early 2000s was the peak of rust prevention that's built in.

[@jadyneasterday2504]

That is true my parents bought a 2009 Nissan Murano and the transmission went out long before the final payments

[@ThatsMrPencilneck2U]

@@MrTheHillfolk Now, you reminded my of why cars used to have to be replaced. The rust monster ate my 1973 Datsun 240Z, and I image it dined on a lot of American steel, before then. When I was sold on buying the ugliest car made, the Chevrolet HHR, I read that the whole body was made of galvanized steel, except for the roof. Too bad they're making the rest of the vehicles out of paper mache. They don't even put check plugs on transmissions, any more.

[@lucky7s94]

I can say with confidence that my '79 F-150 Ranger would still be running if it had not been neglected for at least two years prior to my purchase. Neglect of a classic vehicle is not good in any case. I got it to run without much issue when I bought it, but I had no idea it's days were numbered until I went to investigate a dead cylinder and replace valve cover gaskets... there was rust EVERYWHERE in that engine... and the only way that happens is if the engine sits long enough for the parts to lose their film of oil. The dead cylinder was from a pushrod being broken because it was severely pitted with rust. I tried everything I could to save the engine, but it did eventually spin a bearing or developed piston slap... depressing as it may be, there will be good things to come of it's demise. For one, the 335 series 400 was not a very highly regarded engine, so it's not very well supported by aftermarket companies. They were deemed pigs. Although they made dismal power figures, this was due to the smog de-tuning of the engine. Aside from the bolt on emissions stuff, the cam timing was retarded by as much as 6°. If you want to make a noticeable difference in torque and power with a 400, then order a "straight-up" timing set for it. One for a 429 works, FYI. A second reason im not upset, is because I get to put a 385 series 460 in it now. Likely a 90s efi unit 😁

[@miguelgonzalez9681]

There was an old guy who had a small shop. Think brake lathe, general parts, custom brake lines, oil. He was old enough to have fought it World War Two. Every time we'd stop by for some part he would talk to us and reminisce about just how different things were back then. Not in a bitter way that some people do but he would give us a view of the past; What our city was like before it became more populated, just how many shops were open on our main road before service got to be so expensive. It was always nice looking into the past through the lens he provided. History only tells us so much. Without the perspective of someone who lived through it you miss out on the context and the emotion people felt. You're not as old as that guy Uncle Tony but your ability to really show us what was going on, context and all, is really appreciated. I find your perspective very valuable and I would love to hear you go into more detail about how engine components have changed with time.

[@Lolatyou332]

Old cars are just easier to fix up and work on... Imagine having an engine bay where you can actually access something... A 1993 truck has a wide open engine bay and a new 2020 you can barely change a battery without taking apart like 6 things.

[@bluemouse5039]

Years ago I actually enjoyed tackling a engine repair on my older cars, I always bought GM cars with small block V-8s, there was so much room to get a socket or wrench on or take a screwdriver and loosen clamps, I never liked working on a exhaust system though and always took it to a shop for that, but overall everything else was within the skill level of a back yard mechanic, Now the motors are shoehorned into engine bays where even something that was super easy on old vehicles like changing spark plugs or a water pump where I would be thinking this cant take me more than 1 hour to do this! Now I look at that same job on a new car and think Man this is a major ordeal and start rethinking it, maybe taking it to the shop is easier

[@rdhudon7469]

That reminds me of a story my dad used to tell me about when he bought a brand new impala . I was six , he comes out and finds me literally inside the engine bay wrenching on it . I had the air filter off when he got to me . I can attest there was more room in the engine bay's back then .Lol .

[@pl7868]

Have an 81 gmc 1/2 ton an i sit in the engine bay with the hood up for tinkering all the time and can pull all the plugs clean them in half an hour lol

[@Bloodbain88]

That's why I chose an '83 chevy K30 for my Cummins swap. Old engine came out in an hour. And the Cummins dropped right in and bolted up. No cutting, welding, or anything. On a newer truck the amount of fabricating you would have to do I don't even want to think about. Even the manual trans went in and all I had to do was move the cross member back an inch. It was so easy. These old trucks, you can put whatever combination of engine and transmission you want in there, not to mention suspension, axles ect. That's what makes them so great. They're excellent platforms. Or leave them stock and they're easy to keep running and on the road.

[@toddtheisen8386]

Older cars also required more constant maintenance. Folks forget the burnt points, the flooding carbs from sinking floats, the dragging starters, the failed alternators, the thrown V belts, blown bias ply tires. It was not if you were going to have things go wrong but when.

[@cutl00senc]

In the 50’s and 60’s, people drove fewer miles because they had decent railroads and they didn’t work 50 miles away from home. It wasn’t that common for vehicles to see 100k miles. Today, cars are just appliances like refrigerators. The technology has ruined the cars we want to work on.

[@CB12345]

I agree, plus cars have just become boring in general. Too many of them look the same, break down easily, and are heavy.

[@kevinpatrick8788]

Also in the 1950s-60s the average household could live pretty well on only the Father working if he had a decnt job . They only needed 1 vehicle for work and could afford to buy a new one every 4-5 years .

[@mattwolf7698]

Passenger railroads were on life support then, that's why Amtrak was formed shortly after. I think what was going on was that there was less urban sprawl as suburbs were still new and the population was just lower.

[@actually5004]

The American automotive industry is exactly what Americans deserve because it's what Americans paid for. Screens got bigger and better the moment Americans found out you could watch boobas on them.

[@MaseraSteve]

I saw your post on other comment thread, and all of that classic collection you're able to own under $80k is a steal! What I disliked about the modern car is definitely the locked up proprietary computerized system. And especially, those battery powered key fob (an obvious hogwash originated from "fancy" european cars). After witnessing many tech failing on modern car that the company decides to render your car useless because of one of it's sensor failing is crazy.. I had enough! and I wanted something built with no hassle. After many of research, It all leads to one path : it's gotta be a custom made from ground up. There's a "boutique" car maker specialized in replica and Hot Rod. Yeah.. those same workshop that made some bizzare stuff we all seen on TV! The same principle of making a custom chopper bike! Ultra customizeable! They made it just like the day before everything being computerized and that's what I'm looking for! The only advanced tech on it is android based music player.. and maybe a digital speedometer.. I loved that simplicity! Soon I will have this dream realized!

[@Z_732]

My family knows me as "the carburetor dude" I'm not proud as a carburetor specialist by no means. However. If it's carbureted... I can likely hear what's wrong. Good vid UT

[@jacobrzeszewski6527]

I'm kinda the opposite. There's sensors to do the listening and adjusting for me and all I have to do is read the codes. It's either working or not. And when it's not, it's usually a sensor.

[@SANTIGO_DA_1]

Nothing worng with that man, good skill to have

[@rolandgard6984]

I was your neighbor with the old cars.I was the guy,who was known as the guy with the really nice old cars.When I interviewed for a job that I retired from the department director wanted to see my license and transportation. He couldn't believe I was driving a '67 Dodge.

[@humbleevidenceaccepter7712]

My first ever car was a 1967 Dodge Charger, just like the one in the thumbnail.

[@RobsNeighbor]

After 25 years in the business New cars are not lasting longer, my 2006 sienna with 322k is the last of the Good stuff, I say pre 2012 or older the better! Its all junk now. Love the content! Our local scrapyard is full of junk 2010 and up cars with bad transmissions and engines that are not worth fixing.

[@LongIslandMopars]

Those junkyards must be full of Nissans and their CVTs.😂

[@325xitgrocgetter]

I'd say peak car is the 2000 to 2011 Ford Panther platform. You have robust construction with reasonable technology. We inherited a 2005 Buick Lacrosse with the 3800 V6. It essentially runs and drives like new. It's not perfect but we keep current with maintenance and it keeps going.

[@chrishensley6745]

Your Right man.....2000-2007 models on ALL makes were/are better than the last 10 for SURE and they cost double ......newer the model.....newer/pricy the problems/parts.

[@jeremybennett5547]

Agreed. Cars peeked in the late 2,000’s No desire to own anything new

[@actually5004]

Just paid $5K cash for my 2012 Sienna with 256k on the clock. I can't pirate Toyota software like I can BMW software and because I do combo collision repair on all models every car can last forever like the Ship of Theseus so reliability doesn't matter to me. I can sleep in this one and was able to buy aftermarket sun shades for every window without making them myself so it's cool.

[@GwynnOak1]

Hi Tony! A crucial point you didn't mention about the new vs old cars is the difference in lubrication. The old paraffin base oils that absolutely killed so many of the old cars with sludge. I had a 56 Chevy, a 2 dr 150, that was a old taxi. It was a taxi from 56 till 66, ten years as a cab, who knows how many times the odometer rolled over before I got it? But, it belonged to one of the owners, who was absolutely religious about maintenance. Oil change and greased every 3000 miles, tuned every 10,000, you get the picture. He said it had been overhauled, notice I said overhauled, not rebuilt. A couple clutches, after letting someone else drive it each time, which he refused to do after the second clutch. Proves my point though about longevity with care, even with old oils. You can tell how long ago, how many two door stick shift cabs you ever see, eh? Dating myself too! lol

[@jamesbosworth4191]

Thank you.

[@SuzukiJim]

I was waiting to hear tony talk about the oil! Probably another video. There were 2 bad brands, and 1 got sued for causing many engine failures. You had to change those oils often. Motorheads knew to use Valvoline, the brand used in most racecars. Cars sponsored by bad oil brands got caught putting Valvoline in their own containers! Yeh that, and the bad choke (fix it!) and salt rust, robbed us of many sweet 50's & 60's rolling sculptures. I must add; when a fine running old car would only bring $200-$500 on the market, when it broke, most people (non car guys) would just junk it. Criminal.

[@jamesbosworth4191]

@@SuzukiJim That was SO common, junking a car just because it wasn't new. Sad what was lost.

[@actually5004]

A metric ton of them at Cruisin the Coast every year...

[@zworm2]

Remember in It's a wonderful life, the son, Pete says to his Dad - The neighbors got a new car! George responds what's the matter with our car! My Dad only ever bought one new car, for my Mum.

[@jamesbosworth4191]

I remember that!

[@sherilarsen8130]

And then the door wouldn't shut and George kicked it shut! LOL!

[@zworm2]

@@sherilarsen8130 You got it! Such a wonderful slice of life!

[@plap.]

Fun fact --- There is no such thing as Corinthian leather. It was completely made up to sound fancy and upscale to sell mopar products

[@3beltwesty]

Fantasy Island salesman hawked that leather on TV . LOL

[@plap.]

@@3beltwesty Ricardo Montalban

[@jamesbosworth4191]

Ricardo Montelbon. Yes, we all knew that was fake, but is SOUNDED good.

[@bradrock7731]

I have an 85 Bronco, 74 LTD 2 door & a 77 Coupe Deville. I feel I am set for life.

[@craigpennington1251]

The LTD & the Caddy are nice. Love those two cars. Not a fan of Broncos

[@averyalexander2303]

Those LTD's seem like nice cars. My neighbor had his 1976 LTD with the 351M since the 80's and it's far from a show car, but still a reliable daily driver. Never left him stranded once. It's needed the normal maintenance stuff over the years which he has been very good about, but it's still on the original engine, transmission, and rear axle and shows no signs of dying any time soon. He lost track of how many times the odometer rolled over, but he thinks it's over 500K by now. He's not really a car guy, he just really likes that car and sees no reason to replace something that's still reliably getting the job done and has been so simple and cheap to keep going. Imagine how much money he saved by just maintaining the trusty old Ford for the last ~40 years instead of buying new cars all the time! It's great to see pristine garage kept classics at car shows, but to me, it's just as cool to see classics still being used as reliable daily drivers this many years later.

[@howardgrover8908]

I have a 64 Rambler, 64 Sunbeam, 71 Maverick, 72 F-250, 88 Bronco, 94 Ramcharger, 01 Elantra, 01 F-150 and 01 F-250 Super Duty that is my daily driver.

[@bradrock7731]

@@howardgrover8908 My first car was a Sunbeam IMP, funny little car.

[@samuelgoodman2825]

You are

[@iamthecheese2737]

In the 60s and 70s it was only a few months wages to equal the cost of a new vehicle. Today it's a few years wages to equal it.

[@actually5004]

Average price of a car in 1965 was about $2400. $2,400 in 1965 is worth $23,937.14 today. There are about 3 Chevy Trax and a Buick Envista on the lot right now for less than that, it's not hopeless.

[@ericdolby1622]

I daily a 1956 Chevy!

[@spaceghost8995]

@@ericdolby1622 Liar.

[@3beltwesty]

My grandmother passed away in 1963 ..her mint 1955 was appraised at 230 bucks for her estate. But since the front bumper had a dent the worth dropped to 150. We had it for 6 months after she passed and were the ridiculous laugh of the neighborhood when we were in Detroit metro area. They were not collected then. More like an old car nobody wanted. In the mid 1960s in Indiana a neighbor built trailers with 55 and 56s etc. Had two trunks over one axle. At county fairs these 1950s cars that were obsolete or totaled were used as charity fund raisers. You beat them with sledge hammers for 50 cents.

[@animalcorvair]

still have mine

[@samuelgoodman2825]

I daily a 65 Dart GT 273

[@philmansfield8825]

My family goes through cars like socks...I have two dailys...64 Volvo and a 69 Ford F250 They run beautifully

[@paul41to45]

Fantastic perception, sir. Been a motorhead all my life, wrenching on them has been my hobby since teenage, your intelligent talks on these subjects puts you in the subset of mechanics that actually are erudite in your speech, and the subject matter you present. Thank you, wish you were my uncle, Tony.

[@lukemarks92]

I will keep driving my 90s vehicles till they give up on me. And even then ill probably rebuild them. Love the 90s. 60s and 70s? I bet are more reliable and durable then people think. However the 90s i feel like is the peak of when vehicles were super reliable. Easy to work on. And stylish. The frames are solid. Body panels solid. I bet even more so for cars in the 60s and 70s

[@timewa851]

90s? You got a Honda Accord & a Ford f-150, or 150 van. Don't you? Yeah you do.

[@lukemarks92]

@@timewa851 nope not at all. I like a simple vehicle to work on. I got 2 toyotas there bud

[@davidduplessis7800]

I've got a 2001 Ram 2500 Quad Cab with the original 8.0 liter V10 in it. Has somewhere between 450,000 & 500,000 miles on the engine. Never even changed the valve cover gaskets on it--it's never been opened up! Doesn't burn any oil. Runs faster and stronger than the day I bought it with 54,000 on it. But I always drive it easy until it's warmed up--then all hell breaks loose! I drive my cars harder than everyone else I know, by far! They definitely don't make em like they used to! Also have a 2012 Ram 2500 Mega Cab with the Cummins..... 277,000 miles. HARD, tuned miles. But I'd never buy anything newer.

[@rogerdodrill4733]

​@@lukemarks92glad u proud of u toyotas, so manly

[@actually5004]

You are certified insane, good luck finding the right EEPROM flasher my guy.

[@heimatliebe116]

Uncle Tony, you are so on point!!! Please do more on this topic! I could listen to you for hours.

[@Carstuff111]

My 1992 Honda Civic with its 1.5 liter 4 cylinder now has over 300,000 miles. My grandparents had a 1997 Chevrolet Silverado with a 350 that had over 300,000 miles on it before they passed. I have a friend with a 1978 Chevrolet C30 with a 454 that has nearly 450,000 miles on it, and it has been in his family since 1978. My friends with the C30 are the odd ones out because that truck was bought brand new and maintained by his family since new as it passed from person to person. It is a manual transmission, that has been apart for resealing a few times and synchro replacement, the engine needed a refresh with seals a few times and it did get new valve train when a valve spring broke about 400,000 ish. The truck isn't the prettiest thing on the road, but I would trust it in a heartbeat to drive across the US from coast to coast. Oh, and they did at some point put in a taller geared rear diff. because they wanted more highway friendly gearing as they stopped using it as a tow vehicle sometime in the early 2000s. The point of all this is, engines themselves have been figured out for decades for long term reliability with proper maintenance. It is just a shame that, especially now, there are so many people unwilling to learn any thing about proper maintenance of literally anything and NO ONE willing to help reverse that considering consumption is the way instead of doing better. It does suck having mechanical sympathy and understanding, because we are looked at as weirdos now for caring about, well, anything in the world now it seems.

[@jamesbosworth4191]

I feel you.

[@VWbusmarketcrash]

Please do more of this Uncle Tony. It's fascinating.

[@martinwallingford3773]

My dad bucked the trend of getting a new car every 3 years. He bought a '66 Oldsmobile F85 station wagon and we put over 200,000 miles on it until 1979 when he got in an accident.

[@skin2117]

Answering your opening question before getting into your video. . . no way do today's autos out last cars from the 60's, 70's and most of the 80's. The plastic's may last longer if kept in the shade!

[@ericknutson602]

The style of side marker lites. I liked the 68 MoPar small round ones.

[@LongIslandMopars]

My dad bought one new car in his life that he kept forever. It's now in my garage. I rebuilt the drivetrain at 200k miles. The body is solid because he took care of it and drove it for 30 years straight before it became a weekend warrior. 1966 Dodge Coronet 500 SE crew cab (4 door sedan) with a little 273 2bbl.

[@davidpowell3347]

@@Bangkok-ik1fp I believe that 330 was heavier and had more guts than the more recent 403

[@robertsmathers7959]

Tony, You said so many things that many of us (gear heads) inherenty know, but you wove them all together, beautifully, to enlighten those who instinctively confine themselves to the shallow end of the pool. Very well done!

[@johnrutledge3817]

My moms 75 Nova was bought at police auction. Drove that car to almost 400,000 miles before I had to rebuild the motor for it. Drove it to our shop with blown head gasket.

[@gertvanderhorst2890]

You don't live in the rustbelt, do you ?

[@johnrutledge3817]

@@gertvanderhorst2890 nope. Charleston SC. Salt air

[@patrickcannell2258]

And cop cars were thrashed! Says somethin about the Nova!

[@johnrutledge3817]

@@patrickcannell2258 I've had 3

[@1991MN1]

Tony PLEASE do more on this topic. Your content is GOLD. Thank you.

[@phillipstott8881]

Tony, when I was 18, a 1964 eh holden was OLD, rusty, not worth more than $400 aussie dollars. Today my daily is my late wife's 15 year old car that still looks relatively modern. But the cars I love are my 1959 left hand drive thunderbird and 1968 ford f100. And when I take them out, modern day aussies drool and won't leave me alone without talking my ears off. I get exactly what you're saying brother.

[@MsKatjie]

Aussies and I am one of them; are city dwellers. Most highly urbanized country in the world, so I am led to believe. 351C, 4V cammed Clevo's, were not designed to be in a traffic jam! I don't life near no city, with no space. By design. Bush cars got car crushed, all throughout the N.S.W. outback, about 20 years ago. I kept my few bits of, Junk! Even 10 years ago, they were not worth that much, and now unobtainium but for the rich. I got a ZH, that will see $ 50 K in engine, diff and manual box. forget paying that much, just to start!!! Cheers.

[@mikevale3620]

I get the same with my Aussie built 1970 Valiant Pacer hardtop. A Dodge Dart in the US.

[@MsKatjie]

@@mikevale3620 VJ ute with a ford disc rear. Awaiting me to sort a running engine! Cheers.

[@jamesforge8107]

@@MsKatjie ZH is one of my Favourite Fairlanes along with ZC/ZD and NA/NC because none of those look much like the Falcon on which they are based. I love my 1992 DC LTD. Compared to my 2002 BA Fairmont Ghia it's quite pov spec but the leather on the seats is far better quality.

[@MsKatjie]

@@jamesforge8107 Hello, yes ZH, the last of the Yank Tanks. It's getting 406 cubes and 4V CHI. First though, FE standard 4V's. Lets see what 55 year old tech can do. Have a good one.

[@DrewSawyerMayor]

In the 70’s I was working at a Pontiac/Buick dealership. I distinctly remember customers coming in to see the new ‘77 full-size models which were downsized from the ‘76 models. Their comments were mostly negative. “ OMG , they’re so small !! “. Fast forward to the early 90’s and I’m running my own shop. I have my grandfather’s ’86 Pontiac Parisienne (Canadian car) in the shop and customers comments were , “ Wow, this thing is really BIG !! “ Shows how perceptions change. When you mention chokes and choke pull offs , it makes me think back and realize that one of the first things (automotive) outsourced to China was probably Rochester 2&4 barrel choke pull offs. My auto parts store used to have them coming in loose in boxes of a hundred. Which makes me remember ignition resistors for Mopars loose in bags of a hundred. Those were the good old days.

[@josephmclennan1229]

My friend has a 64 Falcon 4 door , 260 v8 , with 180.000 on engine and body, it has been maintained according to the manual. It runs great but never run hard and is in a rural area .

[@Grumpy_Stiltskin]

That's 3,000 miles a year. I guess they only drove it to church on Sundays. 🤔

[@spaceghost8995]

@@josephmclennan1229 They don't live where I do.

[@RichMander1]

I’ve got a ‘73 Fury with a 318 that has well over 200k with the original head gaskets. It’s getting weak, but still gets 16 to the gallon, and starts almost every time.

[@jamesbosworth4191]

When you need a new engine, maybe put the Poly-head version in just for fun and have people ask what kind of engine that is!

[@LongIslandMopars]

Awesome. I rebuilt my dad's 66 Coronet 273. I think it only gets 12 mpg with a mild Isky E-4 cam. 😢

[@jamesbosworth4191]

@@LongIslandMopars Performance cams can do that. Are you sure the carb is working well with that cam? Often you need to rejet when you go to a hotter cam.

[@LongIslandMopars]

@@jamesbosworth4191 it runs great, it's just a pig no smoke, just a thirsty little engine. I'm pretty sure the metering rods are out of the jets a lot more than they need to be and now I'm going to put a big fat 4bbl on it because why not.....😁

[@jamesbosworth4191]

@@LongIslandMopars Make sure you don't go too big on the carb. That's not a big engine. If you overcarburate, it will run out of vacuum when you floor it and go dead lean on you. I'm not an expert on CFM, but I think you should stay under 500 CFM for that engine.

[@deanstevenson6527]

I devanned Two still running Buick Straight Eight Coupé's, one silver, one metallic green. Both still running and the two barrel Carter still has accelerator pumps free available..70 year old running cars.

[@andrewjones6239]

Tony, I liked the way you connected some of the factors of planned obsolescence and presented it in your typical style. You make a very compelling argument. I would like to see more of this in deeper detail. Can you go into the evolution of components that created the "modern reliable automobile", piece by piece? examples would be engines, transmissions, suspension, steering, brakes, electrical...etc. I am interested in your take on what developments in automotive engineering lead to modern reliable cars.

[@heregulmithal7063]

My dad has a 76 Chevy truck with a straight 6 . One day I asked why there was a screwdriver in the carburetor? Ha.

[@rescue270]

To keep the faulty automatic choke open. A pencil was also commonly used.

[@darrellteague8629]

Keeping the choke open so it won't flood

[@smittywood-wp6he]

Remember the customers that were happy they only needed a modulator valve for 30 bucks and not the valve job the dealer said they needed🎉😢

[@anthonysoulard9938]

perfect video! i live in canada and i hear people shouting at old cars being un reliable and rust buckets..... and my father, just to ease my cringe would say : nobody where rust proofing their cars, it was'nt a fashionable thing in those years! nobody cared, money was good and nobody new that someday a hemi car would worth a fortune it was just a lousy car!

[@jamesbosworth4191]

FACTS.

[@rogerdodrill4733]

The $ value of a car isn't the point, its how much u enjoy it

[@jamesbosworth4191]

@@rogerdodrill4733 THANK YOU. Not everybody is into minimalism.

[@joeteejoetee]

Around @17:35 I remembered from back in the 1980's the can of "Carb Cleaner" was labeled "Carb & Choke" Cleaner .

[@nlemonj]

It still is if you go to buy it at parts stores.

[@yehornaumov5893]

Only thing I admire is how strong iron blocks are. Aluminum falling right apart

[@rickreese5794]

💯👍😎👌

[@britjohnson1990]

Yes. Cat iron blocks are hard, heavy and extremely rigid so the cylinder bores and other critical clearances stay round and therefore last longer. One huge issue is using aluminum cylinder heads on many iron blocks. The aluminum expands more than the iron when hot so the head gasket wears out. Gaskets have gotten better but nothing beats cast iron for durability

[@jamesbosworth4191]

@@britjohnson1990 And, aluminum heads on iron blocks causes electrolysis - the iron tries to destroy the aluminum.

[@MsKatjie]

Meaning, you think they rubbish but for that?!

[@jamesbosworth4191]

@@MsKatjie What I mean is that those two different metals, iron or steel and aluminum, cause the iron or steel to corrosively consume the aluminum because the iron or steel acts as a cathode, and the aluminum acts as an anode. That phenomenon is called Electrolysis.

[@wkfg]

I bought a 67 Charger from the original owner around 1986 that had 220,000 miles on the clock with original motor. The owner told me he read an article in the mid sixties where an auto engineer was discussing the question of why a Mercedes Benz last so much longer than an American car. He concluded, that the American car was built good enough. That if it was maintained like the Mercedes, that it would last as long as the Mercedes. Have not added any miles since then, but still in the stable...

[@LongIslandMopars]

Nice! My 66 Coronet has 207k miles on the original drivetrain although I rebuilt the engine and transmission at 203k.

[@humbleevidenceaccepter7712]

My first car was a 1967 Charger. Yellow with black vinyl top and 383. Parents bought it as a used car in '68 and I got it with my license. Drove it until 1984.

[@LongIslandMopars]

@@humbleevidenceaccepter7712 I had a picture poster of that same car. Yellow with a black vinyl top. Never seen one out in the wild though.

[@rogerdodrill4733]

​u mean u have original driveshaft & r end, whopee

[@lawrenceveinotte]

I knew a taxi with over 600,000 miles, it was a mid 60`s Mercury, that's when the taxi driver/ owner sold the car, he kept records of every cent he spent on the car, and every fill up with mileage, a friend bought the car drove it a few years and sold it, $10 says the car is still around.

[@mexicanspec]

I am sure today it would be sold as an original mile car just like all old cars are.

[@HansensUniverseT-A]

My grandpa gave away his Volvo 240 wagon, around mid 80s model year i believe in the early 2000s with over a million km, over 600k miles. He used it as a hauler for his work for many years, heavily abused and neglected but he kept with it, all original motor and driveline. My jaw dropped when i learned in recent times that the car is still registered and on the road...

[@richardsmith579]

I remember a Car And Driver issue in the sixties with a headline something like ‘Detroit bends its metal for 68’. Underneath the technology was pretty similar but being in fashion was everything for the consumer.

[@CoopersRepair]

For the last few years I've been driving a 1968 polara and one thing that drives me insane is someone added the 3rd brake light which I am going to remove because it doesn't work. However I'm happy they never added the sticker kit to the speedometer to adapt to kph when Canada made the change in 71/72

[@avlisk]

I remember my parents' cars lasted about 5 years. They were so rusted out that when my Dad got $50 for our '55 Chevy wagon, he was thrilled. Same story for the neighbor's '57 BelAir. (Boston area, lots of salt on the roads.) It was all about rust in the northeast. I don't know if it's still that way, as I moved to the southwest 30 years ago, and there's no rust. Seeing all the old, classic cars running around was such a treat.

[@vintage76vipergreenBeetle]

Rust is still a issue here in New England.

[@chewy98ta28]

The winters the last few years there hasn't been as much snow as the 80's or 90's and definitely not the 70's. Barely any snow even the last two years 45 minutes south of Boston. Boston got 7 feet of snow 7 or 8 years ago but that was just a fluke. A couple of snowy winters in the early to mid 2000's. I've talked to body guys and they still have 6 or 7 year old SUV's come in for rust repair after paying huge money for them new but they look great the first 5 years. The rocker repair on the newer Suburban/Tahoe/Escalade/Yukon I was told they have to replace the whole door assembly up to the roof. Big money. I have a 2005 Suburban with 260K and it's crusty underneath. The frame itself is still pretty good. The stuff that connects to the frame will need attention over the next 2 or 3 years. The spare tire holder not the hoist is really bad and one of the upper shock mounts ripped off and I had that repaired for $150. The rear bump stops have nothing to hold them on so no more bump stops but as long as I don't tow anything heavy or throw a pallet of shingles or bunch of plywood I don't need them. I worry about the upper spring mounts because that will be the death of this one so planning on getting another 40,000 miles or so and selling it for whatever. This is a well made truck compared to the newer ones. All the weatherstripping is like new and the cloth interior is still in really good shape with no rips. I'll get another Suburban the south to replace it. Still rides like new. Most of the money I've spent on it is because of rust. 3000 for rockers and rear quarters. 1000 for brake lines and another few hundred for rear parking brake hardware and the rear brake dust shields that held that on. I bought it with 215k for $3000 five years ago and as of right now it runs great and still looks decent. Still way cheaper than buying a new one for over $60,000 and wondering if it will have factory defects in the drivetrain.

[@mowmanjones3353]

Also remember back in the day they could turn back the odometer so some cars may have lots of miles on them

[@mrbig7718]

Every 100,000 miles you get a new car lol. The next goal is to get it to 30-40,000 miles and sell it as low mile car 😂😂

[@timothykeith1367]

You still can reset the odometer with the right tool

[@mrbig7718]

@@timothykeith1367 drive it in reverse 🤣🤣

[@MrSloika]

@@timothykeith1367 Back in the day the 'right tool' was a wire coat hanger.

[@MidnightOilsRestoration]

@@mrbig7718like the old NAPA commercials lol

[@johnnyz1781]

Fuel injection also meant you no longer had to re-ring the engines every 3 years. Technology, crash testing,.emissions and safety systems also caused development time to stretch out. So from a 3 year cycle to a 7 year cycle.

[@jamesbosworth4191]

The rings will last more than 3 years on anything with an air cleaner. You guys just refuse to service it, preferring to take it off instead, then wonder why it needs a ring job so soon.

[@kenneth9874]

No one had to get a ring job in 3 years unless they ran it without a air filter

[@Jared1970Monte]

Them Tail FINs never be outta style. 🙌

[@augustusgarton58]

Ya Man 😊 My first car was a 1961 Chrysler.

[@stickshiftdriver1832]

By 1960 those fins were passe. They became novelties and consumers couldn't wait to unload them

[@someonethatwatchesyoutube2953]

My Dad ran the accounting department at the Fisher Body plant and he schooled me on “planned obsolescence” when I was about 10. MOST car guys get it completely wrong. Thank You Tony for explaining the topic so accurately and eloquently!

[@pyrobob208]

You hit the nail fair on the head. I had an Aussie 302 cleveland, ( cam, intake manifold, carb, headers) do 400,000km of hard driving before it needed a partial rebuild.

[@johnkelly8525]

Pretty good but pretty slow

[@pyrobob208]

@@johnkelly8525 350hp wasn't that slow.

[@johnkelly8525]

@@pyrobob208 mate I worked at a ford dealership 1979 until1987 ,they are slow

[@shadyman6346]

I’m nearly 60 and I’ve NEVER had a car payment. Buy cars that you can actually afford.

[@michaelcox9855]

Well then, no cars for the vast majority in this day and age. Too bad the US is too large to walk everywhere.

[@64bitmodels66]

Not too large. Terribly made cities ​@michaelcox9855 The vast majority shouldn't even need a car to get around. Most people hate driving, the younger gens especially.

[@rogerdodrill4733]

70 in same boat

[@rogerdodrill4733]

​@michaelcox985im sure u can afford old used car5

[@williamwigfield7296]

Please do more on this subject. As a history nut I'm fascinated by what regular people's motivation vs the engineers thought process leads to why things transpire in the marketplace.

[@Bbbbad724]

I have had 60s cars and still do. The oil is better. An older car will last much longer now. I agree Tony. I have brought back undriveable cars with a tube of grease, trans service, and an oil change. Just a regular tune up, and I did this on a 58 Edsel, and it drove beautifully. Btw, I love your 66 Charger! Did you put it 440 in it? The 361 was a neat engine. I drove a grain truck with a 361, the old 65 Dodge Grain truck, the Ford FT grain trucks, the old growling 351ci V6, neat old stuff.

[@Bbbbad724]

The Checker Cab. They ran forever!

[@Bbbbad724]

Btw, if you run across a Ford 427 Agricultural/ Industrial cheap let me know. I have built these into killer hot rod engines, especially natural gas or propane fueled, I tore them down and no wear at all. And they didn’t have a ridge in the bores. Great iron.

[@philstewart2245]

We have all seen the old model T that has not been restored. In my area a guy drives his great grand dads 1919 T touring car, never restored , in the family since new. The point about planned life span is spot on. In the great white north rust is the enemy, many a good runner has gone to car heaven due to structural failure rather than mechanical.

[@rdhudon7469]

That's what kills Honda's and Toyota's in Canada.

[@kevinjokipii4260]

Rust from road salt is what sent my Astro van and Saturn wagon (front subframe was swiss cheese) to the crusher. I hope their drivetrains lived on in other vehicles.

[@Eggwelder]

rust, once you are aware of how it works and why it does what it does, is fairly simple to mitigate. Had a 2014 dodge ram, got the rustproofing and all that. Two years later, rust bubbles started around the fender lips and leading edge of the hood. Traded it in immediately. Did not get the rust treatment. It’s a 2017. Twice year i pop the fender wells out, and clean inside every nook and cranny. You`d not believe the amount of dirt that builds up in those unseen places.. i figured this out when i removed a 5 gallon bucket of good Saskatchewan dirt out of the rocker panels of a 1958 Pontiac a year or so earlier. It had sat undercover in a barn for a year or so, and the dirt inside was wet. The only place that i got rust in my 2017 is the rear bumper , as i thought i was getting the dirt out, but missed the corners.

[@phillhuddleston9445]

The sixties through eighties cars and truck would get around 120K to 160K on the high side on the engines but now they usually go over 200K before the engine gives out but todays cars are basically disposable because they are so over complicated that it's not worth rebuilding the engine, the cost of engine replacement far exceeds the value of the car. With older cars it was cheaper to have the engine rebuild comparative to todays cars and home mechanics could easily swap engines or even rebuild them themselves. Today minor things like spark plug changes, brakes, batteries are complicated and costly to change so the cost of repair exceeds the value much faster than with older cars.

[@hotroddinwillie2364]

Not sure if anyone made mention of these points. 1 lubricants have come a long way. This has made every car or truck, regardless of era, last many more miles. Tires today last much longer than tires of years ago. The materials used in drive belts and cooling hoses today are far advanced than the parts of years ago. Poor rebuilt or used parts were also the death of older cars. Even the import Chinese parts today are superior to the rebuilt water pumps, alternators and starters of years ago. Great video Tony.

[@Sulfuron41]

Think about the features that come standard in car that you had to pay extra for back then. Imagine paying extra for power brakes, power steering, power windows, AC, FM radio...

[@jamesbosworth4191]

@@Sulfuron41 I can live without power brakes, power steering, power windows, AC, etc. What I CAN'T live without is room, a nice soft ride, quietness, and sturdiness. I refuse to pay a lot for a car that rides like a buck board and has all the room of a mouse hole.

[@benzracer9]

excellent video and you hit it right on the head! I'm a 3rd gen mechanic and have been at it since 1981. I am constantly telling my customers to just maintain their cars and fix small probs before they get big & their car will last a long time. IT is the most financially smart way to go. I also practice what I preach, currently own 13 cars and the NEWEST one is a 2003,,,my only car built in this century.

[@rgregoryful]

Better oil today, better coolant today. That is the difference.

[@MrSloika]

Yup, the modern oils and other fluids are head and shoulders above what we put into our cars in the 60s and 70s. There is no comparison between modern tires and bias ply tires. Modern batterie last much longer. Remember adding distilled water to the old batteries to top them up?

[@matthewcalifana488]

Also fuel injection .

[@bennyhill3642]

Just differant ways to make you pay more for that oil,gas,air filters,tires what else?

[@747fa]

Yeah, the oils, etc., are better but the electrics on later cars can be a problem.

[@kevinquinn1993]

Better oil today, yes, especially synthetics. But rather than better coolants, I think it's more a case of better coolant SYSTEMS. A self-contained system with a pressure controlled overflow tank that is built with components that are less vulnerable to corrosion is key. Prestone is the only brand I will use. I keep some 50/50 "ready to use" on hand to top up my system. Haven't replaced a radiator since the 1980s.

[@AzureKnightmare32]

Man, I forgot how good this channel is! It's been a bout a year since I tuned in. No worries, I get to binge on a year's worth of Uncle Tony. If I still lived in NY on western LI, I'd visit his shop regularly to pick his brain and collect pearls.

[@samuelgoodman2825]

I daily drive a 65 Dart GT 273 mileage unknown,I built the top end on a mystery bottom end.Its going to go as long as we have fuel to burn.

[@davidrte.664]

Don’t ever sell it drive it forever. If you change the oil replace hoses and belts before on schedule it will get300,000 no problem.

[@AtZero138]

Mopar A Bodies Forever 🇺🇸... Daily Driver 68 Dart Grandma special Slant6 to 318 .. 120k on V8..

[@timothykeith1367]

I have a '65 Valiant Signet with 273. Nice body, but I don't know if it runs. Seller said it was in a flood. Got another like it in same deal with 225.

[@mexicanspec]

@@AtZero138 I am in that club. I have one even though it has a beak.

[@howardgrover8908]

I had a 66 Dart slant 6 in the 80s. Loved that car drove it all over the country. In 88 I had stopped to visit a friend and a drunk in a stolen Trans Am ran a stop sign didn't make the turn and smashed my Dart into the car parked behind it. I still miss that car.

[@tellucas]

Im a bit younger and started with 80s GM cars with eletronic carbs. I consider the 90s to early 2000s the high water mark for longevity. As many cars had port fuel injection, distributorles ignition, electronic egr, cam, crank and oxygen sensor. These cars started right up and had electronic controls only where it benefited. Malfunctions were easily diagnosed most of the time. Also many transmissions gained electronic shift which made them more reliable. In todays cars every button and switch has to talk to a module before it can operate a function such as lowering a window, unlocking a door, turning on lights ect. Transmissions are now programmed to slip the torque converter clutch to dampen vibration and have soft shifts which kills the unit faster. Engines have internal water pumps and wet belt oil pumps to help kill them.

[@rogerdodrill4733]

How does internal h2o pump kill engine?

[@tellucas]

@rogerdodrill4733 when some of them fail, they leak coolant into the engine oil, contaminating it, which destroys the engine. Plus, it is triple the cost to replace since everything comes off the front of the engine. The timing cover and chains need to be removed to get the pump out, and then you need to reseal the front of the engine.

[@lccdan1]

IMHO the overdrive transmission becoming common place allowed the engines to last longer.

[@michaellombard894]

Yes Tony! Re: zerc fittings; I had an '08 Chevy HHR (Ironically the styling inspiration was the '49 Heritage High Roof (HHR).... I did work on the brakes, steering, struts, control arms etc..... no zirc fittings as I recall. AND no drain plug for the tranny fluid pan!! You'd have to loosen the bolts and lower it, letting the fluid flow willy-nilly!

[@CharlieBinter]

Dude, you are a knowledgeable person , and I have learned a lot from you. I am your age, a Mopar freak, and have owned dozens of cars too. There is no denying that there has been a revolution in engine technology (in particular piston ring and engine sealing) which adds tens of thousands of miles of longevity to literally every engine and drive train configuration. You have accurately identified the consumer ideology of the previous decades, but even well maintained older cars would still wear out the cylinder walls and be leaking out of every orifice by 100,000 miles with little exception not to mention the unleaded fuel introduction which would cause clapped out exhaust valves, etc. The entire industry is planned obsolescence. Keep up the good work.

[@todddenio3200]

Worn out at 100,000 miles? Yikes. My dads 55 Chevy DelRay had 240,000 miles on it when it got broadsided and totaled and it still wasn't burning or leaking oil. My mom's 66 Pontiac Catalina station wagon had 320,000 miles on it when she sold it and bought a brand new GMC pickup that blew its engine twice before 75,000 miles. My 69 Buick Electra with a 430 in it was still running strong at 200,000 miles when it had an electric fire from the fuse box and it was totaled.

[@jamesbosworth4191]

It was usually something other than the engine that failed, people just felt that it "wasn't worth it" to fix the car, whereas today, with the outrageous prices of car prices today, they either fix their car or take the bus.

[@SuzukiJim]

@@todddenio3200 I could tell many similar stories of all the 50's & 60's GM cars I owned. My dad did buy a new 1963 chevy that burned oil after just a few years but that was an unusual experience. He bought a new 1972 chevy, after many miles and 8 years, he replaced the battery just to be safe!

[@todddenio3200]

@@jamesbosworth4191 I agree. Engines and transmissions if properly maintained would last for hundreds of thousands of miles

[@PMaynard-22]

40 year mechanic and zero truth to this except the leaking part. Any well taken care of engine barring design flaws have the same chance of life. In early 80's had many customers who took care of their mid 70's 80 vehicles with hundreds of thousand miles on them. Despite crappy oil claims In Mass usually rust condition and needing a transmission together sent most to junkyard not engines.

[@Midnightautorepair]

I do a little KZbin channel and I do revivals and it's amazing that some of these cars got parked for some really simple repairs that today aren't much to do... Usually it's as long as the engine turns and has reasonable compression it usually is a set of points and a condenser... Maybe a coil and most times they come to life... My record is 37 years parked... Engine seized up...3 days later it ran with very basic service... And a gallon of marvel mystery oil lol... I've only come across 2 that were parked because of catastrophic failure... Usually it's they went out of style and now it's back in style... Just requires cutting them out of the woods and getting them roadworthy again... Love your work Tony... Keep it up!

[@peterselten500]

I grew up in the 70 an hated cars when they lost chrome bumpers an always liked mid 50s to 70s cars an still drive my 76 f250 ive had for 35 yrs so i must be that guy

[@rogerdodrill4733]

U are😊

[@Possumliving]

You are absolutely 100 percent right about this, Tony. I'm happy to see you covering this subject. I've learned to not even bother arguing with people who believe that myth. Several times I've bought some old car for $100, that was parked in someone's back yard with weeds growing around it. Show up with a battery, gas can and a few tools, and drive it home. Then spend $300 fixing whatever it needed, and it became a daily driver again.

[@MH-53E]

So interesting, intriguing, just a well thought out assessment of what actually happened from an NYC perspective. Once a mechanic always a mechanic. The stories are rarely ever too long. Thanks for the sanity brother...

[@moparcasey3135]

My 65 Belvedere with aslant 6 has never been out of service for very long, it’s cheep and easy to maintain!

[@lezbarker2673]

I have a 65 Valiant AP6 made in Australia and it’s my daily driver and I love it. Parts are still available while my daughter’s BMW I took 20 minutes looking for a dip stick to check the oil before i realised there was none how bloody stupid.

[@Sulfuron41]

It only takes one time for that steering column to spear you through your seat. I absolutely love driving my classics, but there are many, many reasons why new cars are better than classics. I don't fool myself into thinking my classics are a better mode of transportation despite driving mine more often than not. I just understand the risks I inherently take by doing so.

[@jamesbosworth4191]

@@lezbarker2673 I refuse to buy a car with no dipsticks.

[@jamesbosworth4191]

@@Sulfuron41 Just don't crash!

[@LongIslandMopars]

Nice. Have my dad's 66 Coronet that he bought new. 207k miles on the 273 V8.

[@manonmars2009]

I bought a used '84 F150 in 1991 for $2,750. It had a ton of miles on it. Today, July 27, 2024, I still have that same truck. Parts are still plentiful but are now somewhat expensive. I also have a ton of parts for that same truck including motors, doors, tailgates, glass...the works. I did the same for the five Volvos I have that range from being 32 to 60 years old. I know I'm getting old, but the older cars and trucks have a unique character that you can hear and feel.

[@duane4972]

A big help with longevity was, In 1967 or 8, the Positive Crankcase Ventilation system was mandated by the government. Before then most manufacturers used a road draft tube from the block or valve cover to under the car to take care of blow by and vent the crankcase. That introduced a lot of dirt and dust into the engine. When it was a sealed unit it lasted much longer.

[@michaelbrinks8089]

Keeping dirt out of the PCV is good (a filter on vent tube would do.) But the sealed PCV system itself actually isn't better for an engine because you're taking dirty blowby gasses from the crankcase & sending it back into the intake to be reburned/recycled... (it's sorta like re-adding some exhaust gasses back into the engine to be reburned). But it's not really terribly bad for the engine either. Except on direct only fuel injection engines. It's very bad & quickly causes the intake valves to get carbon gunk buildup because no gas is hitting the valve to wash the crud off. The pcv was put there for air quality emissions at the expense of engine life.. If the PCV can be vented to the air. Without any outside dirt being sucked into the system. It's better for the engine. Many people who own direct injection cars. Reroute their PCV so their intake valves won't quickly crud up. Then if they need to do yearly emissions test. Set it back to stock to pass the test.

[@jamesbosworth4191]

Also, road draft tubes don't work very will at low speeds. Positive Crankcase Ventilation words well at ALL speeds.

[@samuelgoodman2825]

The only good mandate ever conceived by the out of touch alphabet agencies.

[@keithwiebe1787]

@@michaelbrinks8089 If you're talking about a catch can I doubt it really has any help in deposit build up. Just an old wives tell. Heck, my 428 PI would get valve deposit build up in 4k miles as did most engines back than.

[@MsKatjie]

Plus, raw fuel down the manifold, from flooding on start up; washed the oil off the rings!!

[@michaelpickarts7683]

I noticed more and more new cars that look like they have some kind of super thick looking paint that to me looks very durable I even see people painting late model cars with this new thick looking paint or whatever type of finish it is. It's some kind of Grey color I see the most

[@chrisfreemesser5707]

I don't disagree with the premise that people back in the day bought new cars more often for stylistic/appearance reasons, but keep in mind that if you live in the Rust Belt, corrosion plays a big part in how long you can realistically keep a car. Modern cars certainly aren't rustproof, but they're a whole lot more resistant to corrosion than the older stuff...

[@jamesbosworth4191]

That's because rust proofing is now standard, whereas before it was an option, and few people would spring for it because they felt they would be getting rid of the car by the time it started rusting.

[@hoonaticbloggs5402]

Agree. I’m in the U.K. and in reality for a daily driver , rust is the killer .

[@mph5896]

Yup. I just pulled the engine yesterday in a 2015 Ford Escape. Car looked clean as far as rust, but it came apart hard. Cradle bolts, I am very surprised they came out. Worked them for 30 min, crossing my fingers they would not break. Exhaust flex pipe nuts, nothing left of them. I took what was remaining off with a torch and air hammer/chisel. Engine is blown, a small turbo ecoboom that went boom. At a repair shop, prob a $12k repair. Used engine is $1k, and book time is 18 hours. Good thing I have $30k in tools to fix it and a lift. To just about anybody else, the car is unfixable financially.

[@cybair9341]

There is no rustproofing that can prevent rust here in Quebec. The nasty chemicals they put on the road always find they way into the unreachable nooks and crannies of the sheetmetal "frames" and bolts. After 10 years of winter driving, the car cannot be fixed at a reasonnable price. The consumer has been scammed into buying another "planned obsolescence" buggy while he struggles to pay the rent and food. No wonder why people can't afford to have kids anymore.

[@PMaynard-22]

@@hoonaticbloggs5402 This combined with a transmission has sent most cars to junkyards everywhere

[@CharlesVanNoland]

As a kid who was born when the center brake light went into effect, I could sit through story time with Uncle Tony videos if they were 2-3 hours long.

[@todddenio3200]

A well maintained car from the 50's, 60's and 70's would last 200,000 and even 300,000 miles with ease. The keywords are WELL MAINTAINED, which most were not after a few years or so.

[@spaceghost8995]

@@todddenio3200 That is absolutely false. I LIVED through the 1960's . I can tell you for a fact that by the late 60's or early 70's virtually NO ONE was still driving 1950's or older cars. They were already rusted and long gone. Turn on a movie or TV show filmed in 1972 or so on real city streets. . Tell me how many old cars you see. Look at peoples family photos from 1978. How many pre-1968 cars will you see? Almost none. They rusted to nothing. Once the rot really took hold deep enough there was no reason to put money into replacing mechanicals. I feel like a lot of people on these threads have no idea what it's like to live up north. Cars were eaten up .

[@MrSloika]

@@spaceghost8995 I remember it well. I grew up in New Jersey when we still had winter weather and the roads were covered with salt. My father's Ford began developing rust holes when it was 5 years old. It wasn't just the American cars. I recall my sister's 1982 Datsun 210. You could hear that car rusting on a warm, humid night.

[@inharmsway526]

@@spaceghost8995still are pretty common to see 17 era Chevy pickups how bedsides or rust

[@spaceghost8995]

@@MrSloika I owned a 1978 210! Frame rusted in half around 1989! lol

[@spaceghost8995]

@@inharmsway526 What's 17 era?

[@nowherefastgarage]

Tony, this makes so much sense. I’ve never heard this explained so logically. My dad is of that older generation and he still has that mentality that 100k is the end. In fact when a car gets to about 50-60k he’s thinking about something new, even if it’s in perfect condition.

[@mikebrooka9395]

Oils and fuel + fuel delivery helps the thin rings of modern engines survive. The odometer thing was real! The trim and body changes were real. New body and trim SOS under it for years. Mikel

[@mikebrooka9395]

Most engine builders would run cast 1st ring. Me, heck no! Chrome or bust. Takes time. When seated in, it is golden! Mikel

[@JETZcorp]

I can definitely believe that a 1968 Nova is built to last longer than a 2018 Cruze. But I also think a 2018 Corolla is built to out-last either of them. Just change the oil every 25,000 miles, take it in for brakes when you feel the crunching noises in your bones, and get a new transmission sometime around 2056. A Toyota will put up with that, where a compact Chevy (Daewoo) won't. But, most cars either get EVEN LESS maintenance than that, or they hit stuff and get totaled out because headlight housings and windshields are $1,500. The new planned obsolescence isn't in the mechanicals or sheet metal, it's in the electronic toys. If CarPlay doesn't work with the new phone of the month, that car is dead to most people, and it's time to lease a new one.

[@ianhale4466]

Last month I was hauling ass in my 74 charger when I came up on a tesla with the hazards on, in the middle of the right lane, completely stopped. While I get 14 mpg at 120 mph 😂 my ramcharger has pulled ever vehicle my parents, sister and friends have ever owned at least once 😂

[@timothykeith1367]

Elon says "someday" Tesla will develop upgrades for their EVs - for now the resale stinks, dealers don't want them in a trade. Lots of Tesla owners choose to lease. I can wait until a new battery is the size of a suitcase, but 5 minute charging is necessary too - unless cheap beater Teslas do eventually prove to last 300,000+ miles wearing the original underwear

[@747fa]

The "Chargers" in my country (Australia) had big problems trying to "haul in" the legendary 4 door Ford production sedan, the 1971 Ford Falcon, 351 GTHO Phase 3, SuperRoo, especially on the race track! Man, what a car for that period in time!

[@Sulfuron41]

I'd much rather be in that Tesla in an accident than your charger, but would drive your charger over that Tesla any day lol

[@jamesbosworth4191]

@@timothykeith1367 I can wait until they design them with quick-change batteries, like electric fork lifts. Swapping batteries takes only about 5 - 7 minutes, just like getting gas.

[@jamesbosworth4191]

@@Sulfuron41 Are you sure? Some of those electrics have been having horrible battery fires that are almost impossible to put out.

[@JustinD912]

It's an interesting conversation. They last so much longer yet can get very expensive to repair and keep up. The old ones are simpler and can be easier to get running.

[@littlebluepickup204]

Best video of the month. The choke issue blows my mind. Keep it up!

[@c-man5679]

I love listening to the knolage just spewing out. It really is like hanging out with an uncle, thank you uncle Tony

[@augustusgarton58]

If you want to keep your car for a long time, get it rust proofed if you live in New Jersey. Or don't drive the car in the winter. Road salt for ice and snow will destroy you car with rust.

[@jamesbosworth4191]

You have to rust-proof a car when it is brand new, or have it sand-blasted, or else it won't work.

[@glenndoiron9317]

Also, add "don't live or work anywhere near a body of water" to that list.

[@jamesbosworth4191]

@@glenndoiron9317 Pacifica, California, is a prime example. Unless your car is a Corvette - they are made of fibreglass - it will be all rusty in 5 years.

[@mattkurtz8549]

They do the same thing now , with hundreds of sensors going bad. My uncle bought a 71 Torino brand new and drove it until he passed away in 2016 only having replaced alternator , fuel pump , water pump , and rebuilt the carb twice. 400k , my buddy bought it and its still going!

[@inharmsway526]

Love the 70-71 torinos

[@kimdearrington258]

Everyone should notice how a huge majority of the cars sold today are retro styled cars, like the mustang the Camero, and the Dodges like the Charger and Challenger. Because people love the older style of classic cars, and also for the performance of them that is no longer restricted on horsepower like the muscle cars were in the sixties and seventies 💪!

[@jamesbosworth4191]

You mean late 50s and 60s. 70s cars were slow-pokes!

[@grand73am]

Retro styled cars are far from being the huge majority of cars sold today. Just a small part of the market actually. Most of the general public just want an appliance to get around nowadays, since they didn't grow up during a time when styling was exciting, so they just don't care. I like the retro looking cars, and glad they still make some for those who want one. But personally, I prefer to own the real thing. I only own and drive old cars from the 60's and 70's. I haven't bought a new car since 1980.

[@jamesbosworth4191]

@@grand73am No matter how "retro" a new car is today, it still has computers and all that other crap. The real thing does not. I want the real thing.

[@blue6gun]

I'm not a Mopar guy but I appreciate everything you had to say. My car is only 38 years old but I plan to maintain it well into its 60's and beyond :)

[@jamesrogers5783]

a friend of mine built radial aircraft engines made during ww2 -- he said they had a mandatory overhaul @ 3000H iirc could have been 6000h and most of them ran like new--before they were overhauled . he said it was the oil had improved tremendously since the ww2 days --they just didn't wear out from normal use if the oil was kept fresh

[@barrycuda3769]

There was a man that lived across the road from me who was a mechanic in the RNZAF in the Pacific in WW2 , he worked on Corsairs.

[@kenneth9874]

They burned so much oil that it was always fresh......the P47's started out with a 35gallon oil tank and got larger ones...

[@barrycuda3769]

@@kenneth9874 Was that intentional ?, so that they were nice and loose and had room for expansion when they were being wrung out in dogfights?

[@barrycuda3769]

@@jamesrogers5783 There was another old boy in my town that was a RNZAF Corsair pilot , he told of taking his plane to a great height, and seeing what speed he could get up to in a dive , he said at about 700 mph everything started shaking .

[@rogerdodrill4733]

Maybe aircraft engines were overengineered, made better than cars, c failure was death or losing the war

[@randallblack9519]

Great show!!!! I started buying cars in early 60's. Most were over 5 years old. Many times i would purchase a titled car from the junk yard, get it running and repair major body damage. I'd drive the car for 3-5 months then sell it to a mill rat as his work car. For a kid in high school it was good money.

[@TheJhine5588]

I agree with everything other than the 3 year/100,000 miles thing. I don't think many people were driving their cars 33,000 miles a year in the 50's and 60's, especially because the average these days is 12,000.

[@3beltwesty]

Some regional Salesmen in that era drove a lot of miles.. after 3 to 4 miles the odometer would read 35k when it really had rolled over and was 135k They shipped those cars down south and detailed them. Replaced the brake pedal pads.

[@vilefly]

No one travels by car near as much today. There are more airports and planes now. Yesteryear....not so much. Luggage rails on the roof used to be pretty common, but no longer. I say the number was more like 4yrs/100,000 from what I've seen through the years. The debate will always rage on.

[@noisefuljoy]

Fwiw- My 14 Grand Caravan with a 3.6 pentastar and 6 speed trans is at around 570 k. It runs like new.

[@aussiebloke609]

14:58 80-100k miles in 3 years? Certainly possible, but that's waaaay more than most people put on their cars back them (and still today, now I think of it.) I suspect cars wearing out was more due to lubricants not being as good as they are today; neither was corrosion resistance, so body and frame failures would be likely by around the 100k mark.

[@sorryociffer]

Also tighter and more uniform tolerances in the drivetrain.