Back then it was simple, you bought one grade of engine oil and that was 20-50, now a degree in science is called for and an hour reading the can .

Brake fluid, clutch fluid, it was universal so you just picked up a tin and away you go, now you got to know your DOT1/2/3 and 4's before you choose .

Back then when you lifted the bonnet you could see an engine with a carb on an inlet manifold and on the other side an exhaust manifold, now it's got all these extra bolt on bits and then covered in plastic bearing no resemblance to an engine that I use to know .

Screenwash, yeah that was simple, now it's what colour is right, is it pink, blue, green or any shade in between and if it's a different colour does it matter .

Exhaust blowing, no probs either use some Gum Gum and a bandage or buy a new pipe, now there's a plethora of strange shaped boxes and wires poking out every few feet .

Needed a tow then get your mate to tie up a rope, now with a 4 wheel drive do I raise the back ? or do I raise the front on a dolly ? or can it even be towed without damaging the 4WD system .

Sometimes I wish it was as simple as back then

I share your look-back and miss the simplicity of those days (i speak of late 60's and 70's) and the lack of road traffic. However we must not forget the subject of reliability which was often dreadful until you and your mates had put it all right in your own shed/garage. Rovers and Triumphs and Land Rovers - all sodding blighters on cursed Derbyshire winter nights.

Being more of a motorcyclist than a car driver I've also cursed many hours over my Triumphs and Ducatis - now I only worry about them being nicked and happily ride them for weeks on end covering vast distances in foreign lands problem free - wonderful. In those yesteryears I'd be lucky to get to from home to Oliver's Mount for a days racing without something going wrong.

So today we've generally got reliable transport 2 and 4 wheel, but, we've got roads that are now so overcrowd that the pleasure of motoring is rapidly disappearing.

True, reliability and longevity has come forward in leaps and bounds although what I read on the forum could make me out to be a liar .
Like you many a day was spent repairing simply because it really was a job that anyone with basic knowledge could do, and I enjoyed it but now I'll pay rather than crawl under a car. Which leads me to believe that today, the majority have never had it so good financially.
I use to to go occasionally to Scarborough to watch the uphill racing at Olivers Mount, quite a rare event these days.

Don't forget the different colours of anti-freeze. (Past) Freelander 2 HSE 2010 MY In Rimini Red.
(Past) RR Evoque Dynamic Lux Si4 In Firenze Red.
(Past) RR Evouque Pure Tech in Barollo Black with bespoke Firenze Red colour coding.
(Present) Freelander Metropolis 2015 MY In Santorini Black with Ivory Premium Leather.

and fuel, bring back 4 star  freelander 2 SE black and beige - now sold

And bring it back at the same price, if only.

You forgot the starting handle. (OK; that was a bit more than 20 years ago.)

s7gpt wrote:

and fuel, bring back 4 star

Here here, then we would have no 2T needed and that would mean DiscoG having nothing to go on about  Former Mod/Member, with the most post & Chicken George Arch nemesis

My other "ride" is a 1965 Commer PA camper, recently "updated" to have Rover V8 lump... I know what I would rather rely on to get me places

wdw wrote:

You forgot the starting handle. (OK; that was a bit more than 20 years ago.)

But with all the problems, you've all got to admit... it was more fun back then.  We Don't Care About Pot Holes !!

I remeber back 30 years and when petrol went up to 50p a gallon. There was Hell on with the Government.

Back then you could have a good night out on a fiver. A few drinks, pack of cigs, a fish and chip supper, a call girl, a couple of gallons of petrol and change. Tell that to the young people today and they don't believe you!