Really Worth It?

Did you know that the replacement cost for a Cadillac windshield is about $2,200? There is a lot of electronic sophistication in the windshield of a modern Caddy, which explains the cost. Does it justify it? If the primary headlight burns out, that's about $1,100 a pop. The average Cadillac has roughly 32 computer modules built into it, built on about five networks. After my conversation with the insider who told me this, I began to think that this has wider implications than I at first thought.

If you want a Caddy, and you can afford it, go for it. Same goes for a Lexus, Mercedes, even (to a lesser extent) a Hummer. But I don't want to feel the pressure of carrying anyone's insurance rates on my first gen Neon because they cracked their windshield. I don't want to feel the pressure of paying higher gas prices, just because they can sell it at whatever price they pick to the wealthy gas guzzler. And I don't want to pay for extra, unnecessary electronics in my car, included just because that's what the market says should happen.

Interestingly, as time goes on, I find that people who are in the automotive hobby are becoming increasingly distanced from the current market. Even the import scene -- comfortable with the highest level of technology -- is going to older and older cars. They are more fun, and easier to work on. How could any amateur car lover even lift the plastic engine cover off of a vehicle with 32 computers? The higher the level of automotive technology, the more I'm glad I have an old carbureted V8 in my hobby car. Now if gas prices would just get low enough that I could drive it. (And I'll save house prices for another day...)