Used cars retain designs and features more coveted than their replacements
Enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike are gravitating toward older cars and appliances, arguing they offer better value, simpler controls, and fewer privacy and software headaches than many new, connected models. Commenters cite high new-car prices, aggressive upselling, touchscreens replacing physical buttons, data-harvesting “smart” features, and costly safety and emissions regulations as reasons entry-level vehicles under $10–15k have effectively vanished in richer markets. Some see promise in kei cars, cheap EVs, or kit conversions, but note that battery costs, safety standards, and manufacturer profit incentives all work against truly affordable, minimalist designs.
Dislike of “Smart” Cars and Appliances
- Many dislike that modern cars and appliances are “servers on wheels” or “IoT with drums”: locked-down, data‑harvesting, app‑dependent, and fragile when screens fail.
- Touchscreen‑heavy interfaces and “smart” washers/dryers are seen as adding complexity without helping experts or novices. Simple dials/buttons are preferred.
- Some would accept connectivity only with local, documented APIs; they distrust cloud‑tethered products and vendor “relationships.”
Old vs New Vehicles & Features
- Older cars (late 90s–2010s) are praised for physical controls, less spyware, simpler mechanics, and still‑adequate safety and comfort.
- Desired mix: modern safety (lane keeping, braking assist, backup cameras, fuel efficiency) without subscriptions, telemetry, or all‑touch dashboards.
- Used cars often have the same or better feature set vs new, especially when you can afford a higher‑trim older model.
Cost, Pricing, and the Missing $3–4k Car
- New cars are viewed as “obscenely expensive”; many prefer 3–5‑year‑old vehicles as the depreciation “sweet spot.”
- Multiple commenters ask why there are no $3–4k new cars. Replies: raw material costs, crash and emissions regulations, and thin margins make that unrealistic in rich countries.
- Examples of past low‑end cars adjusted for inflation suggest ~$15–17k is the realistic floor for compliant new cars.
EVs, Batteries, and Alternatives
- Some like EVs for low running costs and simplicity, but complain that decent batteries only come in tech‑bloated, expensive models.
- Classic‑car EV conversion kits are admired but seen as far too costly for most.
- Interest in Kei‑style cars/trucks and tiny EVs exists, but current US rules and market structures hinder them.
Regulation, Politics, and Market Dynamics
- Safety and emissions rules are blamed for cost and preventing ultra‑cheap cars; others argue they add relatively little per vehicle and that design/marketing choices dominate.
- Discussion touches on over‑regulation vs under‑regulation, with some citing politicians who promise deregulation but don’t materially change things.
Workarounds and Aftermarket
- People retrofit older cars with Android Auto/CarPlay head units.
- For “smart” laundry notifications, some bypass OEM cloud features using energy‑monitoring smart plugs and local home‑automation.
Driving Less & Demand
- Some simply don’t drive enough (remote work, lifestyle changes) to justify a new car or dealer waitlists.
CVT Transmissions
- Mixed views: some owners are satisfied; “car people” in the thread tend to dislike CVTs and claim they’re unsuited to high‑torque drivetrains.