@Odisaodi:

To keep weight and costs down, most auto components are made of cheap alloys, or more commonly plastics; I refer to German cars "Lego Cars" because of their huge plastic content, and in areas where plastic should never be used like water pumps, oil pans and timing covers.

Oil consumption is the norm because of long maintenance intervals, poor emissions equipment and the thin oils for used to wring out slightly better fuel economy. Multiple coolant and oil leaks are common with all of the plastic components.

Cars are safer than ever before, heavier than ever before due the safety gear, and tend to have the durability of papier-mâché because manufacturers are cutting corners while also trying to trim weight.

Once a newer car is out of warranty, I shudder a bit.