[Sburn]

Originally Posted by Power Hungry

What I am waxing nostalgic about was the sheer simplicity of the older vehicles, where anyone with simple hand tools and Haynes manual could work on it and repair most problems. Nowadays, you need thousands of dollars worth of diagnostic equipment and specialty tools just to find a bad $25.00 sensor. Not to mention the hours and hours of classes on diagnostics, troubleshooting, and maintenance of today's electronic control systems.

Very true. 30 years ago, when you did break down for bad points or whatever, with a couple of combo wrenches, and a scredriver or three, you stood a pretty fair chance of finding the problem and using your 1970's autoshop 101 skills to get back on the road.

Today, unless you happen to have a code reader or laptop/VCM with you, along with the training and skills to use it, it's pretty much a foregone conclusion that you're on the tow truck to a dealer or shop.

As for repair parts, you could be assured of finding points, wires, plugs, etc.. day or night, just about anywhere. New cars now -- it's "BOHICA" at the dealer only for a very expensive module or sensor. And you're not going to get those parts on the spot if dealer is closed for the weekend.