See, my problem is that I don't like to spend $20K or more on a car. Therefore, what I drive is used...sometimes very used. What happens when modern cars get to be 20 years old? Those of us who are still driving them can't always easily get the sensors, etc that are needed. I went through this mess before.
I have no doubt that there are good techs out there...I had one who was willing to help me with my mazda...over 25 hours of work to get it to idle and run without stalling. And good old NYS who banned me from putting a weber on it (It would have ended up running cleaner with a weber on it). That damn feedback carb and computer system was never right and when it needed to be fixed only one place in this area could hook up to it. Biggest improvement was turning it into a non-feedback carb.
I just don't like having to splice wires and fix plugs every time I work on the car...ever see how brittle this stuff gets?
Add to that every piece of equipment that I have been around that uses computer control in an ag/industrial environment has continuous electronic problems and those who use mechanical systems don't.
example: moisture in control solenoids for a genset vs moisture on control board for a genset. The old system can usually be fixed with a can of water displacer and a points file (or at most, replacing the control solenoids for $20 each). Or replacing the control board (if you can find one) for $400. If you can't find one, then trying to rig up something to work (like trying to make a Dyna-gen or a Gencontrol box work). Which one do you think is cheaper (and easier) for me to fix?
As to longeveity...In most apps that I see, the mechanicals are about the same, although the old stuff isn't disposable when it finally does crap out, whereas the newer stuff can't be rebuilt. I see alot of Ford 300's, 460's and even a 2.5 (carbed), old Onan engines, etc (Not to mention the DD's, Cummins, and Onan Diesels) that I know of with at least 5000 hrs on them and no mechanical problems. The newer stuff is usually junked before then because the electronics fail, and it's cheaper to replace the whole thing. If the mechanicals fail it is usually because of faulty installation (Forget the rain cap?) or a chronic problem (like leaking intake gaskets on the GM V6's).
I think the reason I like the older stuff is because much of it is still running after 50+ years, and NOTHING built since the 80's lasts for more than 10 years around here unless it is based on an older design.
As to the bodies....I do like the newer alloys and composites that don't rot out after 2 years.
Don't get me started on ABS, Airbags (I'm a short dude..a friend of mine was almost killed because she had to sit close to the wheel ot get the clutch in...the response was she should have purchased an automatic), and Electronic Stability Control. They SHOULD NOT BE MANDATED! If I want them I'll buy a car with tme....If not, I SHOULD be able to get a car without them.
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. fronts locked up, BAM, now i have a nice dent in a fairly new bumper 
