While inflation has played a role, the biggest reason is that modern vehicles are far more complex than the cars of previous generations. Modern Cars Are Packed With Expensive TechnologyOne of the biggest reasons repair costs have increased is the amount of technology built into today's vehicles. Even a relatively minor fender bender can become a surprisingly expensive repair once sensors need replacing and recalibrating. For some buyers, the appeal of an older vehicle isn't just nostalgia—it's the possibility of avoiding expensive modern repairs. Modern Cars Are Better, But Complexity Has a CostToday's vehicles offer benefits that were hard to imagine decades ago.