Remember the days when you could change the oil, adjust the carburetor or replace the spark plugs in less than an hour on your vehicle back in the 1960's and 70's? There was enough space around the engine that you could actually see the ground after opening the hood. Changing the oil filter was easy without getting under the vehicle or standing on your head under the hood trying to get to it buried in some difficult place.
Nowadays just looking under the hood is a nightmare with all the electrical systems, computers, sensors and other components that obstruct the view of the engine itself. There is a warning light for everything, including the tires. It becomes necessary to make an appointment at the dealership or a first class shop to do all the maintenance and repairs where labor costs are $80+ per hour.
I think back on the used 1963 Ford pickup I paid $800 for after getting out of the Army in 1968. It had a six cylinder engine and was easy to maintain and I even rebuilt the engine without too much profanity. The best thing about that vehicle was I could use a pocket knife or screwdriver as a key to start it. Sure wish I had it now as some days I don't know where my keys are anymore.
Cheers!
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