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Originally Posted by arpad_m
The only features that can and will become unavailable are the ones relying on a remote server, e.g. OnStar or software updates. What's already in your car will keep working as long as the hardware remains functional.
The bigger question is if the aftermarket will be able to provide new hardware when something breaks, given how much the software is locked down. I've seen a bunch of Android head units that vastly improve the infotainment experience, but those aren't 100% integrated with the rest of the modules.
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I agree. But I wonder about certain things, take climate controls as an example. On the new Mustangs, nearly everything is done through the screens. So what happens years down the line when they go out, you can't turn on the heat or A/C? Our cars are a little better, in that there are at least buttons/dials for where you want the heat to come out, fan speed, etc. That said, it is still electronic, and is more prone to failing than a truly analog system like on my base Honda. When you turn the knob for the airflow to come out by the feet or dash vents, you literally feel it opening and closing the damper doors.
Quote:
Originally Posted by GreyGhost702
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.
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Good points. I do think, or at least hope, that this car can hang on quite awhile with good maintenance. It's just interesting to think about how the 6th gen will age, considering it is the most tech driven Camaro. Like you said, even relatively minor stuff like the infotainment system not working can prevent you from accessing certain features and options related to the car.