Are You a Fan of German Automotive Engineering? Why or Why Not?
As a car enthusiast who owns a VW Polo, I've had firsthand experience with the renowned engineering of German vehicles. The German engineering prowess is celebrated for its reliability, performance, and robust design. Cars like the VW Polo are built like tanks, with engines that do not disappoint as long as regular maintenance is performed.
The journey towards reliability in European automakers has been a long one. Over the years, cars from Germany, Sweden, and Japan have earned a reputation for dependability. As these manufacturers started incorporating reliable parts from the USA, the quality of their vehicles improved significantly, leading to more dependable performance and durability.
My Experience with German Cars and Their Reputation
I have primarily owned vehicles designed in Germany, Sweden, and Japan, and in all cases, the German cars have stood out. However, I have also observed that the reputation of German engineering is not without its flaws. While the cars are reliable and perform exceptionally well, the initial investment, especially in terms of brand new models, can be astronomical. The high depreciation rates and costly electronic/electrical investigations add to the financial burden of owning a German car.
German design and engineering, by and large, do not surpass those of other regions. They leverage their reputation effectively, much like the British once did with manufacturing, but this era has shifted towards money laundering, and the focus on manufacturing has waned.
German Cars in Rental and Ownership
German engineering can be a delight when witnessed in rental cars, where the cars are owned by someone else. Rental cars, designed with comfort and driving enjoyment in mind, often use the finest materials and offer unsurpassed fit and finish. The driving experience is akin to listening to classical music, with refined ergonomics and clever details that cannot be replicated by other manufacturers.
Some French cars may come close to matching the quality of German cars when it comes to design and materials. However, the inherent unreliability and reluctance to prioritize repairability in German engineering can lead to exorbitant repair costs when something does go wrong. For instance, the German engineer's pride in their work can sometimes lead to seemingly impossible breakdowns, such as a simple fuel pump relay failing in a 1990 Mercedes 300 SE. This claim of impossibility often backfires, as evidenced by the extensive repair process required to fix the issue, such as replacing the fuel tank.
Sticky Repair Situations
The heart of the problem lies in the design philosophy of German engineers. They often overlook the possibility of component failures, as evidenced by the statement, 'impossible that the fuel pump relay will never break.' This mentality leads to cascading repair costs when issues do arise. For example, the 1990 Mercedes 300 SE, despite having only 137,000 original kilometers, faced a catastrophic fuel pump relay failure in the middle of a drive. The repair required removing the fuel tank and replacing it with a new one, a costly and time-consuming process.
Conclusion
German automotive engineering is a combination of excellence and perfectionism. While German cars excel in terms of design and driving pleasure, they often fall short in practicality and repairability. As a car enthusiast, I acknowledge the superiority of German engineering, but owning these cars requires a careful consideration of the maintenance and repair costs.
When it comes to German cars, my advice is to enjoy them as rental cars or when they are owned by someone else. If you're looking for a reliable and high-performance vehicle, German cars are undoubtedly worth considering, but do your due diligence and factor in the potential repair costs before making a purchase.