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| Problems experienced by original owners of three-year-old vehicles |
Looking at this chart got me to wondering if it is accurate. Maybe we aren't looking at the actual number of problems, but the psychological profile of people who buy these cars. Maybe people who buy Volvos and Volkswagens are more particular about their cars, and people who buy Lexii are just oblivious. Or maybe people who drive Lexii have other things on their minds and can't be bothered with problems with their car.
I drive a 1989 Power Ram. I bought it 2008 from a USDA auction. The truck had 25,000 original miles.
ReplyDeleteSince then I have rebuilt the transmission, new brakes, new alternator, new radiator, new bench seat upholstery. Plus the regular general maintenance. One week to rebuild the trans. The other repairs less than one day each.
Mother's 2022 Elantra has been in the shop for several electronic issues. All under warranty. The real problem is each of those have involved several weeks in the shop.
Just to replace the right mirror required over two months. Car not in shop that entire time although all told, one full week in the shop.
Do you think not having a right mirror is a safety item for an elderly driver? If it had been the left mirror. it would be unlawful to drive until the repair was completed.
I can imagine hitting a pothole could render a new car as undriveable, not due to suspension, but a motherboard becoming unhinged.
ReplyDeleteOr, the vibration and rattle over time may have the same effect.
Even battle hardened military aircraft, especially those on carriers, require big maintenance by trained personnel. Car makers aren't going to upgrade to that level. So, high maintence/short intervals reamains in play. That translates to extended shop time.
The really big question is how many maintainers are certified for the advanced auto electrics? I reckon repair takes a back seat to replace in that it would be more cost effective to replace. No one stocks the parts and Just In Time just ain't, so again, lengthy down time.
My experience of that chart is pretty much reversed when it comes to the trucks we have/had.
ReplyDeleteI would never buy a Dodge after the problems I've had with them- having to rebuild the trans and front end suspension with less than 100K miles.
The 2013 F-150 with about 100K has been in the shop twice- one for a trans shifter part and then for a recall about trans programming.
The 2013 Silverado at 220K has had more shop time and self repairs- window regulators, ball joints, brakes, door hinges, rear cab vents, It needs a body control unit if I want everything to work like new.
The 2017 F-250 200K (gasser) 200K- one coil pack.