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They tell you valuable things about occupant protection and crash avoidance, but they do not promise that the vehicle will be inexpensive to repair. A modern car can perform brilliantly in a severe crash and still produce a painful bill after a parking-lot collision.

Modern windshields carry more technology and cost much more to replace than the simple panes many drivers remember. That does not automatically make the glass more fragile, but it makes every crack feel considerably more painful.

One second the roof looked normal, and the next there was a deafening bang followed by broken glass. Now the dealer says it’s an insurance issue, while you’re wondering why a factory-installed roof wouldn’t fall under the warranty.

A factory-installed touchscreen can be legal, attractive, and convenient while still demanding too much of a driver’s eyes and concentration. The real issue is not whether the screen came standard, but whether essential tasks can be completed quickly without losing awareness of the road.

Calling an old sports car “therapy” is enthusiast shorthand for the pleasure of escaping routine and doing something personally meaningful. Research has linked enjoyable leisure activities with positive mood and broader well-being, although that does not turn a hobby into clinical treatment. Your friend is exaggerating, but he may be describing a real emotional benefit.

A convertible purchased for pleasure does not need to cover thousands of miles to justify itself. However, seeing it remain parked through one good weekend after another can create guilt instead of excitement. The question is whether the car still improves your life enough to earn the money, space, and attention it consumes.