I hate the newer designs of cars

[runkpanole]

I have a 2009 Chevy Malibu. Has been a great car. The headlight went out. I go to AutoZone and pick up a new light and quickly realize that replacing that thing is going to be a PITA. Call the dealership and it is likely going to run me about $100 in labor to replace the thing b/c you basically have to pull off the front bumper to change the freaking headlight.

 

[F4Gary]

If this 7 year old can do it, pretty sure you can do it your self...

 

[runkpanole]

I'm sure I can if I can find the time, but designing a car that requires a bumper to be removed in order to replace a headlight is stupid.

 

[dmm5157]

I'm sure I can if I can find the time, but designing a car that requires a bumper to be removed in order to replace a headlight is stupid.

I agree with you, but it's not new at all unless you consider the 80's new. It's poor practice.

I remember helping a friend of mine in college to change the light on her 2001 VW Bug and I had to take the battery and a few other parts out to be able to remove the tube housing for the lights. PITA for sure.

 

[OrlandNole]

Why do you people always overcomplicate things? Don't drive at night. Done.

 

[Gonolz]

I'm sure I can if I can find the time, but designing a car that requires a bumper to be removed in order to replace a headlight is stupid.

I agree. I guess the engineers like to help out the service departments in generating profits.

I recently helped a friend change the battery in her Sebring. I had to jack the car up and take the friggin tire and inner fender off to get to the battery. WTF?

 

[West Duval Nole]

Why do you people always overcomplicate things? Don't drive at night. Done.

Or just go buy a new car. Why buy a light bulb when you can just buy a new car?

 

[fsu1jreed]

I agree. I guess the engineers like to help out the service departments in generating profits.

I recently helped a friend change the battery in her Sebring. I had to jack the car up and take the friggin tire and inner fender off to get to the battery. WTF?

Yep, I had a Sebring.....what a POS car.

 

[Fijimn]

I am handling a fire case involving a Fisker Karma -- you want to talk about jamming as much as possible into the engine compartment. Fisker is bankrupt now.

 

[EveryoneBleedsGarnet]

Headlight went out? Time for a new car. If you think about, the money you save replacing that light bulb will put you way ahead of the game on your next one.

 

[billanole]

GM had some '80s model car that required loosening motor mounts or something similar to change one of the plugs. I went to swap out the thermostat on a Buick for my mom and stopped because I thought I was gonna wring off one of the manifold studs (manifold had to come off to replace thermostat!).
If engineers had to do the work....

 

[HerdOfNoles]

I have a 2009 Chevy Malibu. Has been a great car. The headlight went out. I go to AutoZone and pick up a new light and quickly realize that replacing that thing is going to be a PITA. Call the dealership and it is likely going to run me about $100 in labor to replace the thing b/c you basically have to pull off the front bumper to change the freaking headlight.

Consider the amount of work you ought to replace both light bulbs.

and hire a 7 year old.

 

[seminole97]

I'm sure I can if I can find the time, but designing a car that requires a bumper to be removed in order to replace a headlight is stupid.

I would bet most of that design has to do with easing the manufacturing process and reducing costs on that end.
Now that I think about it I've only replaced a headlight once in ~25 years of driving and owning cars. It was an '84 Z-28, and you just had to lift the hood and remove a few screws.

 

[runkpanole]

I would bet most of that design has to do with easing the manufacturing process and reducing costs on that end.
Now that I think about it I've only replaced a headlight once in ~25 years of driving and owning cars. It was an '84 Z-28, and you just had to lift the hood and remove a few screws.

It has more to do with safety (or so I've been told).

 

[seminole97]

It has more to do with safety (or so I've been told).

I wouldn't be surprised if there isn't some regulatory influence on the design. I read they had to bring the nose of the Corvette up after the C5 in a bid to improve Corvette vs. pedestrian survivability.

 

[KitingHigh]

I agree. I guess the engineers like to help out the service departments in generating profits.

I recently helped a friend change the battery in her Sebring. I had to jack the car up and take the friggin tire and inner fender off to get to the battery. WTF?

Chrysler! We had a Concorde that was the same way.