Absurdly Expensive Progress: Modern Car Features That Can Bankrupt You During a Breakdown

There are always those who love new cars and those who sigh over old ones. New cars have many useful features, while old ones have what's called soul. A soul is good, but, for instance, a stability control system, 360-degree cameras, seat ventilation, and other features are also nice. However, these smart gadgets periodically break down, and their design often makes repair costs painfully high.

Cheaper or More Expensive?

New car features don't always aim to make the car more convenient, safe, economical, or reliable. Often, they're designed to reduce manufacturing costs. Take electronic dashboards: they're cheap to produce and offer endless possibilities. They can easily change design, displayed information, and the overall interface, boosting the owner's self-esteem. Yet, their low cost has driven their widespread adoption. They may show gibberish in cold weather, but they're cheap and look good.

Brighter and Brighter!

LED headlights are great until they break. For example, an original LED headlight for the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro can cost $1,200-$1,333. Some sellers offer it for $400, but its authenticity is doubtful. Similarly, LED headlights for the Geely Coolray can reach $1,600. However, Chinese car parts prices can vary wildly, even for identical parts and manufacturers. This discrepancy can be attributed to different interpretations of what constitutes an 'original' part and some sellers' lack of scruples.

For European cars, the situation is different. Audi Matrix LED headlights, introduced about eight years ago on the Audi A8, have been a sensation. They cost between $5,333 and $8,000 for the Q7 model. Following these, laser headlights emerged, with a used one for the Rolls-Royce Cullinan costing between $12,000 and $13,333. A simple xenon headlight for the Rolls-Royce Wraith is much cheaper, at $867-$1,333.

Rear LED lighting, often connected by a horizontal LED strip, is becoming popular despite being more expensive to replace after an accident. For instance, the rear light-strip on the Voyah Free costs $1,133-$1,333. European cars like the Porsche Macan have central brake lights available, costing between $1,333 and $4,667 for a new original piece.

Not Just Glass

Windshield heating is not new, but with added rain and light sensors, replacement costs increase. An original heated windshield for the Chery Tiggo 4 costs around $533, while alternatives cost $93-$133. However, the functionality of these alternatives with automatic systems is questionable. For a Mercedes S-Class (W222), an original windshield can cost $26,667, and the rain and light sensor is an additional $133-$160.

Rearview mirrors have evolved from simple reflective surfaces to complex systems with cameras and blind spot sensors. A camera for a Volkswagen Tiguan mirror costs around $120-$133, while a complete used mirror for a Volkswagen Touareg can reach $1,333.

Where Else to Splurge

Engine and transmission technologies offer ample opportunities for expensive innovations. For instance, replacing a dual-mass flywheel can cost over $1,333, with the original part for an Audi Q5 reaching up to $4,800. Fortunately, alternatives are available, like a Valeo flywheel for around $1,733-$2,000.

High-voltage batteries for electric cars like the Nissan Leaf cost around $6,667-$9,333 for a good condition used one, while a new battery for a Toyota Prius hybrid is no more than $2,667. However, a battery for the Mercedes-Benz S 400 Hybrid can cost at least $24,000.

While the introduction of more electronics makes cars more convenient and safe, it doesn't always reduce overall reliability. It's important to observe how modern electronics perform in the future and what new and absurdly expensive technical solutions will emerge.