They didn't last that long back then? I was always under the impression that old cars were built hardier than what we have now. I still see Model As on the street around here. I can't imagine our 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan lasting that long... - Spidra Webster

My brother was "co-owner" with me. He drove it into a deep ditch one night and totaled it. One of those life-lessons that was hard-learned. (Don't co-own a car with a brother who goes out and does stupid things late at night.) - Jkram|ɯɐɹʞſ

Well, there were a lot of old cars, but most were running on a rebuilt/replaced engine. Engines seldom lasted more than a 100K back then. It wasn't unusual to overhaul a 1950's vintage engine at 60K or 70K. Different manufacturing methods and tolerances, and different lubricants. If a car was treated with TLC you might get 100K, but it was unusual. The engines didn't last as long, but it only cost a few hundred bucks to rebuild/overhaul one, so there is that. - Jkram|ɯɐɹʞſ

Huh. Thanks. I didn't know that. (Of course, I don't know that much about cars so that's not surprising...) - Spidra Webster

I do think the bodies were much more durable (and heavy) back then. The paint and painting methods weren't quite as good, so rust was a big issue. Now days the paint is better, but the metal is a lot thinner, so rust is STILL a problem. - Jkram|ɯɐɹʞſ

@Spidra car reliability is very, very, very good these days. http://www.truedelta.com/car-rel... - mjc