Quote:
Originally Posted by JT6Speed
Funny, I've been thinking about this too, but more or less, what happens to the "technology?"
In many years down the line, I'm curious how the infotainment system will function for example, as I assume it will be unable to receive any updates. Will certain features be unavailable, or just completely screwed up? Who knows, but that's been on my mind for sure.
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The technology has always been a soft spot in modern vehicles. I think it's fairly safe to say, if everything works fine for the warranty period, it will likely last.
As long as the vehicle software doesn't cause conflicts, the hardware will last a very long time. At some point, there could be hardware failures due to a single or multiple components rendering an entire module useless and needing replacement. In PC's, we see a bad stick of RAM can cause a ton of headaches, while most of the time it won't completely gimp a computer, it can do as little as cause random crashes and be annoying, or if its bad enough make the PC completely unusable. The infotainment unit could go this way. Anything from screen pixels failing to bad memory could leave the unit gimped, and it is sole access for certain vehicle functions including custom ride settings. While factory units will remain available for a while, who is to say in 10 years you'd be able to find a new unit anywhere. At best maybe a refurbished unit. I'm not sure if the aftermarket makes a touch screen replacement with OE or better fit/finish, and integrates all the OE features as well.
Trying to anticipate what replacement parts to stock is kind of throwing darts blind. Particularly if you're commuting in the car, you'll chew up more variety of parts.
IMO, best thing you can do is shop the sales. Like when RockAuto has closeout sales or bulk discount sales. I got a nice deal on 10 WIX oil filters for the car and a couple sets of spark plugs. Deals on oil and other fluids, brake pads/discs. As we are all aware, things don't get cheaper over time. But if you're putting the miles on and don't see yourself getting rid of the car, having those wear/tear parts on hand could pinch some pennies down the road. But IMO I wouldn't keep an extra infotainment unit or set of headlights on my shelf. Stock up on maintenance parts when they are at a discount when you can and that will be the best favor you can do for yourself if you're keeping a vehicle long-term.