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GaryBeu

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So Carla and I are sick of our 'newer' cars with all of the computer crap that goes wrong and we can't fix. What recommendations are there for the newest model mostly uncomputerized high end cars to buy? I don't know when all of this cumputerization actually started...I supose, basically, when fuel injection came in. Thanks.

Gary and Carla
 
GaryBeu said:
So Carla and I are sick of our 'newer' cars with all of the computer crap that goes wrong and we can't fix. What recommendations are there for the newest model mostly uncomputerized high end cars to buy? I don't know when all of this cumputerization actually started...I supose, basically, when fuel injection came in. Thanks.

Gary and Carla
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I don't know for sure either, but I've had similar thoughts of buying something like a restored 65 Mustang! LOL
 
Fuel injection was first out in the early 80s. GM had somewhat of a near computer in late 70s like Fords system. Chrysler started in the 70s with a reduced emissions system. Easy fix the 50s, not bad the 60s thru 70s and worse from then on. Unless you spend good money on diagnostics equipment.
 
I gave up
for daily driver I lease a car knowing it will work or go back under warranty.
so far with fords the last two lease were trouble free short of the airbag which honestly the lease will be up before they ever get the replacement parts.
 
thanks guys...this is helping. Sort of looks like a 70's car at the newest,huh ?
 
GaryBeu said:
thanks guys...this is helping. Sort of looks like a 70's car at the newest,huh ?
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A bit of background. In Ontario you have to get your car emission tested every two years. (tax grab!!!) when it started it was for cars 25 years and newer (tax grab!!!) and it was therefore to be a rolling exemption (tax grab!!!!) but of course poiticians never give up money so, not it is only pre '85 cars that don't need to be tested (Tax grab!!!)

Therefore, periodically I consider buying a pre '85 daily - and given that they salt the roads heavily here - I am always surprised at the choices. Yes, fuel injection, yes computers - but, simple computers and, honestly I believe fuel injection is the single most important contribution to reliability in the last 50+ years.

So, given that, I think there are some awesome choices, (not many North American I am afraid as I never considered it a high point of design the 70's & 80s.

But, Mercedes - especially diesel. 7 series BMW (not the 12 cylinder) Audi 5000/ 100. (I am partial to the wagon) Toyota Cressida maybe Saab - all seem to be cars that were pampered and here at least relatively low mileage, decent bodied cars are available for not a lot of money.
 
My '73 Mercedes had a computer but it only controlled the fuel injection.
 
I am slightly biased but I'd say look at a late 60s Cadillac or Buick. Both are quality cars with nicely built bodies on them.
 
1985 Benz TD was what I got Mitsy. Rock reliable so far,well into a second decade. Wear items have been replaced as needed. Over 250K miles now, and I have to replace the A/C next, as she has a "girlie" job and has to dress for it. Der Panzerwagen owes us nothing.
 
DrEntropy said:
1985 Benz TD was what I got Mitsy. Rock reliable so far,well into a second decade. Wear items have been replaced as needed. Over 250K miles now, and I have to replace the A/C next, as she has a "girlie" job and has to dress for it. Der Panzerwagen owes us nothing.
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And, for me, doc, AC is crucial. I look longingly at late 60's (wagons in particular) but, 70's to even mid 80's is a huge transition in terms of AC, comfort and even ride quality. I am told that as late as the early 90's Mercedes were bulletproof and after that they started building to a price.
 
I know several people here in western Canada who daily drive older cars, even in our cold winters...

One co-worker of mine drives a 1985 Olds Delta 88 to work year round, his car is a little rusty but still seems to drive fine...

One friend has a whole fleet of cars, at least seven cars, most of them 1960's cars... His 1961 Valiant two winters ago... He has lots of experience maintaining older cars...

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Another friend's current fleet is a Valiant and VW Westfalia, the only cars he owns... His vehicles aren't mint but are good drivers...

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I know other people like this, random samples, it can be done...

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Rick, I drive my Coupe DeVille as my daily with no issues, the 472 mated to a 400 turbo is a nearly bullet proof combo. I would also have to endorse the old Mercedes idea; they are very good old cars, I've owned a couple and both were excellent.
 
The first mass-produced car with electronic fuel injection on the market was the 1968 VW Type 3 (That does not include older mechanical type systems). Mercedes shared the same Bosch system, and very soon applied it to their cars as well. By the mid 1970s a good portion of German cars were fuel injected. All run by a very simple processor with less power than an Atari system. The last cars sold in the U.S. with carbs were the 1990 Olds Custom Cruiser, and it's sister, the Buick Estate Wagon. Small trucks, Isuzu held out until 1994, and bigger trucks, the last holdout was the Jeep Grand Wagoneer in either 91 or 92. In between there is an ever shifting balance towards computer control. In my opinion, newer cars are just flat out far more reliable than older cars. And they require only a fraction of the maintenance of older cars. It's just that when something does give, it is usually complicated and expensive.
If you're going old, then go OLD. stay away from late 70s and 80s cars that are running carbs loaded to the hilt with emissions equipment, or electronic feedback systems. They were in the Band-Aid stage of development and can be far more frustrating than trying to diagnose a computer car. Get back into the days when things were still purely mechanical, or keep in the modern era and get yourself a little scan-tool.
 
Bavaria, yes. 100LS, NO!

...this from a certified Porsche/Audi wrench. We used to joke that the LS stood for "Litres of S**t." But if I could find one, the late-70's Audi 5+5 version of the 4000 would tempt me.
 
JPSmit said:
Maybe a little far away, but, I would be looking for something like either of these (at about that price point)

https://www.ebay.com/itm/201424124421?rmvSB=true
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DrEntropy said:
Bavaria, yes. 100LS, NO!

...this from a certified Porsche/Audi wrench. We used to joke that the LS stood for "Litres of S**t." But if I could find one, the late-70's Audi 5+5 version of the 4000 would tempt me.
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I've noticed with classic cars that sometimes memories fade over time as to just how terrible some cars were when new. Apparently not so with the LS. Take a look at the comments on the car JP linked to: https://bringatrailer.com/2015/09/14/four-ring-forefather-1972-audi-100-ls/
 
Gary ...

1966-250se-us.jpeg


Mid-'60s technology. Quality throughout. Choice of carburetors or mechanical fuel injection. Four speed or automatic. A bus hits you, the bus needs help, but you drive home safe and sound. I used to drive one. No fancy electrics; no electronics.

66-Mercedes_250SE_Cabrio_DV-08-AIA_i04.jpg


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercedes-Benz_W108

Say - what do you plan to use the car for, anyway? Neighborhood and shopping, drive to work, cross country, ... ?

Tom M.
 
Jeez Wiz
Just buy a couple year old Honda Accord.
Change the tranny fluid occasionally and be done with it
Why would you want to buy a car you have to work on??
 
Regarding the LS:
...we’re glad to note this one’s a 4-speed manual–automatics were particularly lethargic and unpleasant.
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The four speed manual wasn't much better, IMHO. I'd rather have a K-car! At least parts for that would be cheaper and easier to find.
 
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