Description
Why are modern cars and trucks such junk, and is it only getting worse? In this talk video from the truck, I share what Steve and I have seen fixing cars since the '80s: vehicles from the last 10–15 years, and especially the last 5, have way too many problems. From a $3,500 water pump job buried inside a twin-turbo EcoBoost engine, to a Yukon vibration the dealership couldn't fix, to a brand-new Tahoe with a transmission shudder, a work truck that went through two transmissions, and our 2018 Kia burning about a quart of oil a week.
Back in the day a water pump was 40 or 50 bucks and you could change it yourself. Now parts are buried so deep in the engine that simple jobs cost thousands. If you're shopping for a vehicle, my take is you might be better off buying an older car or truck you can actually swing a wrench on.
⏱️ TIMESTAMPS
0:00 New cars & trucks are junk
0:43 $3,500 oil pump jobs
1:13 What car should we buy?
1:40 The Yukon vibration nightmare
2:22 Brand new Tahoe, bad transmission
2:52 Our work truck ate two transmissions
3:12 Kia piston rings & oil burning
4:51 Tell me your new-car problems
5:40 Buy an older car you can wrench on
❓ FAQ
Q: Why are modern cars so expensive to repair?
A: In my experience, parts are buried so deep in the engine that simple jobs take hours of labor. On an SUV like a Lincoln with the twin-turbo EcoBoost, the water pump is inside the motor, and I've seen it turn into about a $3,500 job.
Q: How much did a water pump job used to cost?
A: Back in the day the part was about 40 or 50 bucks. You could change it yourself or have your mechanic do it, and you weren't in there half the day.
Q: What happened with the Yukon and the Tahoe?
A: A buddy's new Yukon developed a vibration about a month in, and the dealership tried tires and more without fixing it. He switched to a new Tahoe, which developed a transmission shudder at around 8,000 miles. A fluid change smoothed it out for a while, but the shudder came back and the truck ended up at the dealership.
Q: Why does my Kia burn oil?
A: Our 2018 Kia burns about a quart of oil a week, and in our case it's from piston ring issues. Kia has had recalls and settlements on certain engines, so check your VIN with a Kia dealer or on NHTSA's recall site.
Q: Should I buy an older car instead of a new one?
A: My take is you're often better off with an older vehicle you can work on yourself, where you can get to the spark plugs and the water pump, like something with a Ford 302, a Chevy 350 or an old Mopar.
💬 Did you just buy a new car or truck that's already giving you trouble? Tell me what's going on in the comments. I want to hear it.
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Disclaimer
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