Complexity is the enemy of affordability, and cars have an affordability problem. An automobile has always been a big investment, but now, more than ever, the problems come once the car leaves the dealer's lot. While an out-of-warranty repair or a minor collision was once somewhat affordable to fix, even the simplest-seeming parts of a car can cost thousands of dollars. A new bumper, for example, is no longer something simple and relatively inexpensive to replace.

 

Cars becoming rolling computers isn't a new complaint, but we're not talking about a fairly basic ECU chip or sensors for the engine and brakes anymore. We're referring to full computer systems that pull data from all around the car, and this tech controls the vehicle based on that input. Even fairly basic driver-aid systems like adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring can require cameras, radar, and even lidar (consisting of laser imaging, detection, and ranging).