I just read an article in the paper talking about how newer cars are less and less maintainable and repairable by independent mechanics and DIYselfers.

I dont remember the exact figures but the last Volvo has around 15 different computers monitoring hundreds of parameters. And more and more manufacturers refuse to make public the coordinates of these computers.

My question is: how is it with Subaru's 04 and 05 models? Do we still have only one Ecu for the engine's function monitoring and one for the AT or has Subaru gone the way of Volvo, GM and even Mercedes on this count?

when the car becomes a computer factory. BMWs are famous for the battery going flat when left for a few weeks without running.

I love the fact that I can leave my 99 Forester at the airport for three weeks and it starts right up.

15? That's nothing. New Caddies have 32! That's scary.

You guys probably already know that at least some manufacturers computers store information like speed, throttle position, braking effort, etc which can be used in the event of a crash.