HA!
Hey... while I have your attention... Do you know of a source for the rear control arm ball joints and bushings? Post or PM me... Thanks!
Since we are talking about opinions...
All modern production cars are designed to meet two objective - the lowest common denominator and staying on the main road.
You hardly see style innovations any more and you have to look closely at the insignia to make out the maker.
The technical advances are worthy of better and more innovative styling.
But of course, all the above is only my opinion.
KYB Struts at about $65 bucks apiece... 10 dollars shipping...
https://www.rockauto.com/catalog/catalog.php
And the ONLY rear control arm ball joint I could find were at Midwest Bayless, used, but with a lifetime guarantee. They have left and right for about $400 for the pair.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/301349424519?item=301349424519&lgeo=1&vectorid=229466
I haven't been able to find any suitable replacement ball joint anywhere. If you have any of the particulars and specs we MAY be able to make and adapter and then bolt a "universal" ball joint to it.
If you have some insight or the links Bernice, I'm sure we would all appreciate it. Thanks...
The vast majority of motor cars designed and built today are a commodity specifically designed to meet these requirements.
Proof and definition of a mature consumer product.
Most motorist want a vehicle that simply works and meets their needs and idea/belief of what is best for them. The manufactures respond by pandering to these consumer desires by producing vehicles that are designed and produced to meet this. For investors looking for return on investment, it is all about moving product and strictly economically driven. The design and engineering folks are there to serve these requirements, not to "do their own thing." These and more are the reasons why the modern motor car and many products today have become what they are..
Worthy of mention, consumer products need to have a specific service life before they are no longer serviceable and must be recycled or disposed of. If the item simply lasted too long, repeat customers will be limited thus limiting profits and growth.
Where one does find true originality and innovation are in budding technologies and industries where much of what is being done is new and never tried before.
Bernice