Reminds me of a short scifi story I read in the ~1992, cant remember the title of the novel or the book it was published in :(

Deep space mission is send to a distant solar system where signals of civilisation have been discovered. As they approach the planet all the signs, radio waves, artificial lights, etc progressively disappear. Meanwhile on the planet we are introduced to the civilization that solved all of the world problems by providing everyone with a job, all thanks to invention of a timed catalyst able to disintegrate any matter after coded period. Every item on the planet is programmed to turn into dust when expired. Clothes one year, car 3 years etc, perfect planned obsolescence on a global scale. Unfortunately there is an accident at one of the catalyst producing plants at the time deep space mission approaches. Giant spill creates chain reaction eating everything on its way. Narrator goes back to the space mission, now landing on a barren planet, with astronauts embarking and looking around confused at the sight of an empty world.

"What do you mean my four-year-old car has been end-of-lifed?"

Just do what Japan does and put into place super strict vehicle maintenance and emissions standards...that go into full effect when the car is six or so years old. Though in this case it wouldn't be a truly complete obsolescence, since the owner could just spend more to keep up with the standards.