Simpler Cars \ stacker news ~Design

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554 sats \ 47 comments \ @Satosora 22 Jun Design

I was just thinking as I was driving. Would people buy a stripped down version of a car if it was cheap? Something that had absolutely no frills, manual transmission and good gas mileage? I feel the world has kind of moved away from this, but in third world countries you still see a lot of these vehicles being kept up. Because they just keep on working and working. What do you think, should we become more simple and want less?

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114 sats \ 1 reply \ @DiedOnTitan 22 Jun

For me, it's not just a stripped down car that would be of interest, but a car built to last forever because every single part was designed to be easily repairable. Nothing proprietary. Made 100% from open source components with full instructions that can easily be made by sourcing the stock components globally. This may sound too good to be true, but it is happening with tractors. And if you think about it, tractors and agricultural equipment grow our food and should not have vendor lock-in and proprietary parts sourced from only one supplier. Looking at you John Deere.

I recognize that tractors are usually driven on private property sidestepping a lot of regulation that apply to cars. But it seems like a step in the right direction.

Came across the LifeTrac 6 and I love the concept.

50 sats \ 0 replies \ @Satosora OP 22 Jun

The LifeTrac 6 looks very cool! I like that the japanese companies support a lot of their older vehicles. Tractors have been taking a hit lately. I remember the Deere scandal about updates and stuff, making them inoperable.

150 sats \ 11 replies \ @Undisciplined 22 Jun

Have you ever listened to Eric Peters?

Simple cars are basically illegal in the US, because they can't meet all of the safety and environmental regulations.

Essentially, cars have to be heavy because of all the safety requirements and then, because they're heavy, they have to be complicated to meet the environmental standards.

42 sats \ 6 replies \ @anon 22 Jun

Good example of this is the Toyota trucks built for the UN: https://www.offgridweb.com/transportation/toyota-gibraltar-the-secret-factory-that-builds-trucks-for-the-un/

Dead simple and illegal to import to the US.

0 sats \ 5 replies \ @Satosora OP 22 Jun

Yeah. They also have the land cruiser troop carrier in Australia that is very nice. Simple and nice, I wish I could buy one of those. They last forever, and still have leaf springs! oh, I just looked at the article, this is the same thing we are thinking about. The NGO use all of these cars.

40 sats \ 4 replies \ @anon 22 Jun

I would love to be able to buy one. Beautiful utilitarian vehicles. North American vehicles have far too many frills and other nonsense.

30 sats \ 2 replies \ @itsrealfake 22 Jun

Start a group buy?

1 sat \ 1 reply \ @Satosora OP 22 Jun

no, that wouldnt be possible. The vehicles are out there for some, not for others. You just have to live with the restrictions.

0 sats \ 0 replies \ @itsrealfake 22 Jun

Start an NGO?

11 sats \ 0 replies \ @Satosora OP 22 Jun

I believe the same thing. I drive a 1992 Mazda Protege, its very simple and easy to use. I wish it held up better too rust, but it is what it is. The beauty is in the utilitarian value of the vehicle. Always loved how the simple white toyotas looked.

21 sats \ 3 replies \ @Satosora OP 22 Jun

What? I am sure that cant be true. Meeting safety regulations doesnt mean in needs to be unnecessarily heavy. I feel like cars have become too luxurious. If they didnt have ac or radio, and everything mechanical, I bet the weight could be cut a lot. Even with all the safety features needed today. I havent heard of eric peters, but I do know of chris harris lol

40 sats \ 2 replies \ @Undisciplined 22 Jun

I'm extremely ignorant of almost anything related to cars, but I've heard him interviewed a few times. That's his claim, at least. He also thinks there would be a substantial market for those simple cars, if they could be sold.

21 sats \ 0 replies \ @Satosora OP 22 Jun

I think there would be, too. I remember years back a family friend bought a yaris. It was so stripped down, but elegant. Everything was that cheap plastic stuff, though.

0 sats \ 0 replies \ @Satosora OP 22 Jun

I really like this episode from Chris Harris. Its many years old but the old him had a bit more energy than he does now. He has also kept this car all these years, even though he trades and sells his other ones. https://youtu.be/FzOPR7STqrQ?si=bSgX-8DAv83vXidF

30 sats \ 5 replies \ @cristaiji 22 Jun

I’m increasingly looking at robust petrol and diesel cars around 20 years old particularly German and Japanese. A big Toyota is my current plan, maybe a Landcruiser.

11 sats \ 4 replies \ @Satosora OP 22 Jun

Mercedes made some good diesel engines. Toyota has good engines regardless, they are very robust.

30 sats \ 3 replies \ @cristaiji 22 Jun

Absolutely. And the other point is getting a car that I can fix myself or a local mechanic. And easily mod.

The brand new electric and hybrid vehicles are just not feasible.

11 sats \ 2 replies \ @Satosora OP 22 Jun

You are a surfer, right? Anything older would do, maybe get a station wagon? The new cars are nightmares to work on, you need all these gadgets to plug into the ecu.

20 sats \ 1 reply \ @cristaiji 22 Jun

Yes that’s right . I need a car with space for surfboards and kids. What people have told me about brand new cars sounds like a nightmare as you say.

0 sats \ 0 replies \ @Satosora OP 22 Jun

I would say range rover classic, but they are a nightmare to work with! But the elegance and style it has....if it is number 2, no one can be number 1.

30 sats \ 1 reply \ @Signal312 22 Jun

This one looks great: 'Toyota’s $10,000 Future Pickup Truck Is Basic Transportation Perfection' https://www.roadandtrack.com/reviews/a45752401/toyotas-10000-future-pickup-truck-is-basic-transportation-perfection/ Not available likely where most of us live though.

0 sats \ 0 replies \ @Satosora OP 22 Jun

I saw this a little while back. Its a shame it wont be imported to the USA.

30 sats \ 1 reply \ @Akg10s33 22 Jun

I think that all extremes are bad... and that technology and society have advanced a lot... I would say bordering on exaggeration... soon you will be able to see flying cars everywhere... while in places in South America like Peru or Venezuela continues to use cars that are more than 50 or 60 years old and can be seen rolling through the streets... there is a lot of inequality between societies and while there are people who would only like a bicycle 🚴 there are others who could not live without their iPhone.. 🤦

0 sats \ 0 replies \ @Satosora OP 22 Jun

Im not saying it needs to be extreme. If only some cars could be simpler yet safe. We dont need arm rest charging places in our cars, that just luxury.

30 sats \ 7 replies \ @BitcoinAbhi 22 Jun

I believe, cars should be follow all safety features. Otherwise life will always be at risk.

11 sats \ 6 replies \ @Satosora OP 22 Jun

Im not saying they shouldnt follow the safety guidelines. I am saying that they should be made simpler, and with less luxuries so everyone can afford one that is reliable and easy to make maintain.

20 sats \ 5 replies \ @BitcoinAbhi 22 Jun

Tata company had launched a car in India. that is neno. very cheap. but that car was a big flop.

11 sats \ 4 replies \ @Satosora OP 22 Jun

why was it a flop?

20 sats \ 3 replies \ @BitcoinAbhi 22 Jun

Because people do not like to buy a car which has the word cheap added to its name. And there are also so many other reasons. The engine was not powerful and no A/C was installed in the base model. All these things contributed to a poor-quality ride. The on-road price of Tata Nano was 2.59 lakh rupees instead of 1 lakh, as promised. Its close competitor, Maruti 800 was priced at 2.88 lakh rupees. The Nano's marketing failed to counter the negative connotations of being a "cheap" car, hindering its ability to stand out in the market. Distribution Challenges: Limited availability and distribution channels impeded the Nano's accessibility, restricting its market penetration and potential success.

11 sats \ 2 replies \ @Satosora OP 22 Jun freebie

I dont know man. The Lada Niva has done well for many years. Its as cheap as they get.

31 sats \ 1 reply \ @BitcoinAbhi 22 Jun

https://m.stacker.news/36393

Same in india

https://m.stacker.news/36394

0 sats \ 0 replies \ @Satosora OP 22 Jun

Yes this one. Too bad it isnt sold in the USA!

reply on another page

30 sats \ 1 reply \ @SatsMate 22 Jun

I would. I would like roll up windows, no screen and basic ac. All this newer stuff just breaks.

0 sats \ 0 replies \ @Satosora OP 22 Jun

I had this discussion with a friend. Roll up windows arent a thing anymore because the motors dont break. I also like roll up windows.

30 sats \ 1 reply \ @16d86e9daa 22 Jun

One of the most obvious benefits of small cars is that they are a doddle to park

0 sats \ 0 replies \ @Satosora OP 22 Jun

YES! Not only that, but they can fit in tight spaces where others cant, so you always are able to find parking!

33 sats \ 1 reply \ @Jon_Hodl 22 Jun

i would absolutely buy s cheap car with all of the basics and none of the frills like Apple car play and power windows.

0 sats \ 0 replies \ @Satosora OP 22 Jun

Same. Less can go wrong. And its just a car, it goes from place to place.

20 sats \ 1 reply \ @kingzing131 22 Jun

Personally I like newer cars, better fuel economy and sound isolation etc. I love the heads-up display, with reverse camera etc. Really makes it a lot easier to drive long distance

0 sats \ 0 replies \ @Satosora OP 22 Jun

They are so easy to drive, it makes you feel like you are going to fall asleep.

20 sats \ 1 reply \ @BitcoinIsTheFuture 22 Jun

It all comes down to money. That’s what they want!

0 sats \ 0 replies \ @Satosora OP 22 Jun

It depends on how much money they want to put into a depreciating asset.

20 sats \ 1 reply \ @Msd0457890 22 Jun

I have always liked cars, especially those that have become legends due to their design, model and durability over time.

0 sats \ 0 replies \ @Satosora OP 22 Jun

Yes, me too. Im especially a fan of the toyota land cruiser. I do like the shape of a range rover classic, too. They are just not as reliable.

20 sats \ 1 reply \ @lightworks 22 Jun

I always did, drove mainly late sixties or early seventies cars whenever I could! :-)

Did my own mechanical work for decades too, ripping out & replacing a gearbox alone is way better than going to some stinky gym hahaha

These days I drive on 2 (and sometimes 2/3) wheels only, the simplicity of especially my classic style 250cc surpasses even classic cars :-)

0 sats \ 0 replies \ @Satosora OP 22 Jun

That works, too. I always like the Honda cbs. They looked elegant and comfortable.

0 sats \ 0 replies \ @Tutankhamun 3 Jul

Of course, in the Third World, although the economy is weak, it is more productive than the First World countries in the current period