I think this comes down to overall wiper neglect. Many people do not replace them / clean them as frequently as necessary to stop them from making noise. I am guilty of this is several situations. Also, most cars with the “rain sensing” wipers are about as good as un-set Jell-O. My car frustrates me on both accounts…

I had a very similar experience with a 2001 Accord. Mine was a bit my fault however, in that while trying to un-stake the nut I broke off the tip of a screwdriver, now acting as a vice to keep the nut on...

For me, at least, it isn’t about snobbery and fear (other than the fear of losing manuals). I have driven an SLS AMG at a track event and wanted to marry that transmission (or just the whole car).

I have yet to be in a position to buy a new vehicle. All I can buy are the used remnants of others’ ‘new car smell.’