New cars in 2026 are getting even worse, and I’m tired of watching people normalize dropping $50k, $60k, $70k on what’s basically disposable plastic junk. In this video I break down how manufacturers have shifted away from durability and reliability and moved all the money into giant touchscreens, ambient lighting, and “features” that keep you distracted and broke. I’m reacting to real examples: brand-new trucks with rod knock at 10,000 miles, Escalades dying at 1,276 miles, and dealerships acting like warranty work is some kind of hostage negotiation. I also get into why modern interiors are turning into iPads on wheels—climate controls buried in a 14-inch screen, gear selectors replaced by sensors and dials, and software that can brick your whole car over one glitch. Under the hood, it’s the same story: more plastic everywhere (oil pans, drain plugs, coolant pipes, thermostats), which is basically planned obsolescence because plastic gets brittle and fails. My takeaway is simple: if you want something to last, stop buying cars like they’re fashion accessories. In my opinion, Japanese brands like Toyota, Honda, and Mazda are the safest bet if you actually want long-term ownership instead of a rolling subscription to repairs.