If you need a laptop to work on it, it's not shade-tree mechanics...

Main reason I can't part with my 83 280SL.

Problem is you have a lot of old timers that are not able to make the jump to the new technology.

unfornately thats where automotive technology is headed and its done to keep shade tree mechanics from doing the work and dealership making more money. For example you need a scan tool to bleed brakes on more and more makes. its been said that todays cars are complicated as a spaceship.

newer cars are easier to work on in terms of diagnostics

To get good mileage and creature comforts, there will be complexity. You need a scantool to bleed the brakes because those are anti lock brakes. You can't get good emissions without fuel injection. I know I sold the wife's ATV of 1 year because it was carbed. Changed to EFI and we can go to high altitudes WITHOUT having to screw around with the carb. That sort of thing does not come free.

you need a scan tool to bleed brakes not because its abs because the hydraulic system pressures are computer controlled from how much pressure to the calipers, functioning of the calipers. New gms and some mercedes had solenoid controlled calipers. You still had brakes if the electronics failed. most cars with abs doesnt require a scan tool to bleed the brakes.

An OBD scanner will take a lot of the fear and mystery out of working on new cars. Some cars even display the codes without needing the scanner. Its not so bad. My car told me it needed a new crankshaft position sensor (Pxxx code). Who would have guessed? Instead of taking it to a shop, I ordered the part online, popped it on the car and its good as new.

in that respect working on new cars has gotten easier

Aye and where's Scotty and LeForge when you need 'em?


In all seriousness, there are some cars I would not buy because I don't like how they look. New or old.

In Michigan, you can't find a class anywhere that teaches use of the PC on your car, for diagnosis or tuning.

The governor cut back funds to the only state college that had a degree in auto tech, so now there's no BA/BS in auto technology in the state.

This is a part of her program to increase diversity in manufacturing. Huh?

Yet all I ever hear from her is that" Education is the silver bullet."

Yes, we'll make everyone marketing sociologists, they can ask everyone how they feel about certain consumer products.

from their phone.
In the call center.
At $ 5.20 an hour.

I wonder if he would think that they're fun if he had an '80s something VW to tear into? he - he :D

Changing the oil/filters is my kinda car too.;)

Just like my women, old and easy!

I don't mind wrenching at all.
But, for a daily driver, I value reliability and ease of maintenance very highly. No time to turn wrenches on a DD.