...solid durability for "whiz-bang" technology. I think the transition started when they started using plastic components in the coolant system. And that extended far beyond the plastic composite radiators. Every time I think about buying a newer German auto, I just have to remember how they are made. And if you think German autos are bad, they're still far ahead of English and Italian autos...lol Bottom line: if you want the least ownership frustration, buy Japanese automobiles. If you like BMWs, Mercedes or Audis, buy Lexus, Acura, or Infinity instead. Disclaimer: I think Porsche is still considered a "buy," except for their massive screw up with IMS bearings. How could they let that continue for a decade? They should have reengineered a better bearing as soon as they started failing. Aftermarket companies came out with improved bearings fairly quickly, so why didn't Porsche jump on it? Feel they had the solution from the start, but waited until 2008 to implement it? Inexcusable!