Auto Gossip

Press, Volume CXIII, Issue 33252, 15 June 1973, Page 6

Auto Gossip

by

A.J.P.

Bad design? I cannot believe that car designers are unable to produce cars which are much easier and cheaper to service than today’s models, yet still have comparable performance and comfort. Too many cars have design errors that double or triple the time and expense of repairs and replacements. Today, with garages charging up to $6 an hour, and more, for their time, time is definitely money. Labour is the main cost in most repair jobs, jobs on many cars are taking longer and longer to do, and more of them require special tools and equipment to which the world-be home mechanic has no access. In short, today’s car-buyers are being taken to the cleaners. Too much service The added difficulty of repairs and maintenance would not be so infuriating were it required less frequently than used to be the case, but it is not uncommon for a typical fourcylinder light car of the 70s to need a transmission overhaul at 40,000 miles, a suspension overhaul at 50.000 miles, and an engine rebore at 55,000 miles. Many garages, indeed, no longer recommend a ring job on

modern small engines. These jobs mean bills of about $l5O, $lOO and $5OO. respectively. Many cars of 30 or more years age were significantly more durable, although it must be conceded that they did not face the rigours of today’s many short, “cold engine” runs, and stop-start traffic. You get more car for your dollar today, but only rarely is it put together as well. I know of some small cars notorious for requiring expensive engine work at less than 25,000 miles. Finish and workmanship today is generally of a low standard, with the notable exception of many Japanese models (although some from Europe are also very good). In Japan’s case, the quality of finish makes up for occasional failings in other directions. and the sales charts show that buyers appreciate this. Hopeful signs There are hopeful signs that some manufacturers realise that motorists are getting tired of paying huge bills for labour on simple repair jobs, and are aiming to make cars easier to service as a result. One example is the Morris Marina, which was designed from the start with reliability and ease of service in mind. Sadly, the use of “welltried” components also resulted in a rather uninspiring vehicle, a sort, of Morris Oxford with a new body. But the old Oxford was an outstandingly durable car, and the Marina’s success, especially with fleet owners,

shows that buyers want solid reliability and ease of maintenance. A more recent example comes from the anticlimatic launching of the Leyland P 76: the makers emphasise the comparative ease and speed with which the engine and transmission can be removed and replaced. Basic quality Quality canno't be divorced from service costs and simplicity; after all. if the car is well-built and durable, repairs will be needed that much less frequently. In such cases, a little more complexity could be forgiven; but, sadly, some of the most difficult cars to service also seem to be the least re-

liable. I think, too. that some manufacturers and assemblers under-rate the importance of finish and reliability on today’s market, when buyers no longer have to take what is shoved at them, or go without. They fail to realise that many customers today prize finish and durability more highly than flashy wheel-trims. G.T. stripes and another 3 m.p.h. of top speed. “Does it go well, and keep on going without bits falling off?” is what they want to know. I know of three owners of expensive British cars who have changed to the products of another country because they were sick of their highly desirable but apparently unpredictable carriages “falling to bits around them.” as one owner put it. The quality and reliability of some models will have to change drastically if they are to enjoy continued sales on the New Zealand market.