How was it in the 60s-80s?

75slant6 said

I read the other day where a member said he doesn't like taking his car on long drives for fear of what's gonna break next. So that got me to thinkin, how was it back when these cars were used for everyday transportation or even for y'all who drive y'all's classics daily? Could/can you go on a long trip without worrying about what's gonna go out next? Can these cars be as dependable as any other car? I believe they can but what are y'all's thoughts?

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The cars were not technological wonders like they are today. The old cars were not very sophisticated and required routine maintenance to keep running reliably. If you kept up on your maintenance they would go all day. And IF something did go wrong and your car broke down: a) often you could fix it yourself if you were mechanically inclined and carried a tool box in the trunk or: b) service stations with a mechanic on duty were everywhere and they usually had the part you needed and could get you fixed and on the road again in a couple of hours or less. As the cars became more reliable the service station mechanics became a dying breed and are all but gone now. So, if you're out on the road in your old car now, you better have your tool box in the trunk, know how to fix your car yourself, carry some spares of the most common parts to fail, or have a good road side assistance membership like AAA or something.