[DSK]

The technology of newer stuff on the one hand is nice but this seems to cover the major areas in where modern cars fall short.

I have had a few new cars on lease and gone back to old. Despite not having any major issues with either the new Astra or Merc E350, one can easily see how they will not last and where all the cost cutting has gone. Coupled with expensive repairs etc they are throw away items. The Astra a came out of the factory a bit **** poor but I lived with it for 90,000 miles. My family always had Mercs from the 70's, 80's and 90's when I was growing up and the E350 felt like an Astra compared to the old ones.

Even Volvo tech's who maintain my cars say the newer cars are designed to break and parts have shorter service lives so the manufacturers make more cash from the parts/repairs side as well as selling a car.