topic Is it even possible to buy a car today without all the bells and whistles? in Community Chat

Is it even possible to buy a car today without all the bells and whistles?

Big Sister — Fri, 28 Oct 2016 11:16:58 GMT

I don't need a lot of bells and whistles, just sell me a car that I will know how to work everything I do now.

Re: Is it even possible to buy a car today without all the bells and whistles?

jackthebear — Fri, 28 Oct 2016 11:18:32 GMT

@Big Sister wrote:
I don't need a lot of bells and whistles, just sell me a car that I will know how to work everything I do now.

what don't you like?

Re: Is it even possible to buy a car today without all the bells and whistles?

AngelPuppy1 — Fri, 28 Oct 2016 11:22:31 GMT

@Big Sister wrote:
I don't need a lot of bells and whistles, just sell me a car that I will know how to work everything I do now.

@Big Sister

LOL! I hear ya!

I don't know if that's possible! Let me know if you do find one!

I bought a new car last year. The salesmen went on and on about all the stuff about the phone technology, etc., and all the other stuff, and I was just like blanking out and I kept saying --- o.k., o.k, yeah, o.k. and I told him -- this is all great -- but I am not a techie person. Don't have a smart phone, and all that, so he was just wasting his time and mine, but he was just on a roll. I realize that this is important to a lot of people and having bluetooth, and wifi, and all the other stuff, but not me. They could deduct a bunch of money from the list price for those of us who just don't care about these things!

To me, I just want a nice, smooth riding, dependable car that will start every day and hopefully will be low maintenence!

Re: Is it even possible to buy a car today without all the bells and whistles?

bri20 — Fri, 28 Oct 2016 11:25:27 GMT

It depends what you consider bells and whistles?

Re: Is it even possible to buy a car today without all the bells and whistles?

aprilskies — Fri, 28 Oct 2016 11:34:32 GMT

ITA! I was just saying this yesterday to someone. Give me a solid car with electric windows and doors, seat warmer and cd and no computerized systems that can be overwritten by hackers.

I don't use most of the bells and whistles anyway and I resent having to pay more for them.

Re: Is it even possible to buy a car today without all the bells and whistles?

Pook — Fri, 28 Oct 2016 11:52:28 GMT

I so agree!! I bought a new car last year and the salesman said he would set up my phone for hands free use. I told him do not bother because I wasn't a person who had to use their phone constantly and if I were ever going to use mine in the car I more than likely would be broke down so I wouldn't be driving and have the need for bluetooth. He looked at me like I was strange! It has 4 USB ports and two regular car charging ports. Only need one of each. I hate the hand controls on the steering wheel and I often hit one accidently and activate the voice command or change the channel. Talk about distracted driving with all that stuff!! For me not a convenience but a nuisance! I do have to say I like the menu that shows what direction I'm going, temperature, tire pressure in each tire, estimated number of miles I can go with the gas I have, calculation of gas mileage and notifications when there is a system problem, etc.

Re: Is it even possible to buy a car today without all the bells and whistles?

Big Sister — Fri, 28 Oct 2016 11:56:51 GMT

@jackthebear I'm sure I will forget to list some items I don't need, but here goes:

I don't need or want: I need or want:

remote key lock

Moon roofs CD player

"Cloth" seats

Leather Seats Electric windows

Blue Tooth

GPS

Phone system (if that is even offered)

I don't want to learn a whole new system just to drive to the neighborhood stores. Maybe I just should stick with my 2009 car that's in great condition.

Re: Is it even possible to buy a car today without all the bells and whistles?

jackthebear — Fri, 28 Oct 2016 11:58:23 GMT

have to say that I love the rear view camera, that is the most useful thing

Re: Is it even possible to buy a car today without all the bells and whistles?

Moonchilde — Fri, 28 Oct 2016 12:01:20 GMT

I think there's going to come a time in the lives of most of us where the "stripped" model of more than just cars does more than we as individuals may care about. AFAIC, cell phones and tablets are already going there for me. New models tout things I could care less about.

But the trend to not even bother manufacturing totally stripped down models, and then to nickel and dime for every individual feature, has been on the wane for quite a few years already. They "just don't make em that way any more."

But technology doesn't move backwards. Just don't use what you don't want to use. In January, I got a new car for the first time since 2002. Even though I wanted the tech it came with, it took me months to slide into using it all; I finally do now, and finally fully appreciate it all - and I don't have "all" the bells & whistles. Just take your time; you don't have to learn it all, and/or use it all, right away if ever, if you don't want to. But it is going to be there - they're not going to leave it out.

Re: Is it even possible to buy a car today without all the bells and whistles?

bri20 — Fri, 28 Oct 2016 12:01:20 GMT

@jackthebear wrote:
have to say that I love the rear view camera, that is the most useful thing

I like that too.

I still turn around and look, but it's an extra layer of protection, IMO

Re: Is it even possible to buy a car today without all the bells and whistles?

CelticCrafter — Fri, 28 Oct 2016 12:04:50 GMT

@Pook wrote:
I so agree!! I bought a new car last year and the salesman said he would set up my phone for hands free use. I told him do not bother because I wasn't a person who had to use their phone constantly and if I were ever going to use mine in the car I more than likely would be broke down so I wouldn't be driving and have the need for bluetooth. He looked at me like I was strange! It has 4 USB ports and two regular car charging ports. Only need one of each. I hate the hand controls on the steering wheel and I often hit one accidently and activate the voice command or change the channel. Talk about distracted driving with all that stuff!! For me not a convenience but a nuisance! I do have to say I like the menu that shows what direction I'm going, temperature, tire pressure in each tire, estimated number of miles I can go with the gas I have, calculation of gas mileage and notifications when there is a system problem, etc.

We must be related!

What I really hate is the keyless entry and ignition.

My husband went out one day, started the car and then realized he had forgotten something - used his keys to get back in the house and put them down on the table. Went back out without them because the car was running.

Luckily I saw them and was able to get in touch with him before he stopped and turned the car off, otherwise he was going to have a long walk home.

Re: Is it even possible to buy a car today without all the bells and whistles?

Stevie Nix — Fri, 28 Oct 2016 12:04:53 GMT

Best things in my 1-year old car: Eye Sight System - has back up camera, blind side detection, lane departure, warning if the car in front stops or slows, tells me when the car in front has moved. Probably more I can't think of.

GPS - Has guided me to destinations I'm not familiar with, gets me home if I'm lost.

What I don't like: Touch screen radio station selection - too easy to press the wrong button.

Hate the transmission, but that's not a tech item that we're discussing here.

Re: Is it even possible to buy a car today without all the bells and whistles?

Desertdi — Fri, 28 Oct 2016 12:08:05 GMT

I don't even know what all those "controls" mean. Still drive a "stick"..........

Re: Is it even possible to buy a car today without all the bells and whistles?

Abrowneyegirl — Fri, 28 Oct 2016 12:08:49 GMT

Our family friend who wanted safe, simple and reliable for her new car is thrilled to peices with her new Subaru!

Re: Is it even possible to buy a car today without all the bells and whistles?

millieshops — Fri, 28 Oct 2016 12:11:33 GMT

I suspect those of us who want a car without all the new tech additions are now a minority of new-car buyers so we'd probably have to pay more not less to get a new car without all the extras -- or buy much less car than I want to drive. I do like the comfort and safety of my largish sedan. However, I bought it used with low mileage and have driven it for just under 7 years now and plan to keep right on with it, maybe even until I no longer drive.

Or I'll go out tomorrow and buy a new car with a back-up camera and maybe even built-in GPS. Even I don't know!

Re: Is it even possible to buy a car today without all the bells and whistles?

SaRina — Fri, 28 Oct 2016 12:29:11 GMT

I also don't need or want extras in my car, especially in terms of technology. The last time I went car shopping, I was dumbfounded looking at a model that had all the blue tooth technology on the steering wheel..... but, get this.... roll-up windows! Now how in the world do you make a car like that? It also had only one point of entry (one lock) on the driver's side that did not have remote control. Also did not have an internal trunk release! Yet all this non-essential technology. If I need to talk on the phone, I pull over. I don't even like to converse with passengers when I'm driving. My attention is on the road.

Re: Is it even possible to buy a car today without all the bells and whistles?

Judaline — Fri, 28 Oct 2016 12:29:26 GMT

@bri20 wrote:
@jackthebear wrote:
have to say that I love the rear view camera, that is the most useful thing
I like that too.

I still turn around and look, but it's an extra layer of protection, IMO

@bri20 I know. I've finally stopped turning around to look. What you have to look at is each side- you're good going straight back.

Re: Is it even possible to buy a car today without all the bells and whistles?

CrazyDaisy — Fri, 28 Oct 2016 12:47:42 GMT

Many of these "bells and whistles" such as hands free calling or rear cameras are considered safety features.

Re: Is it even possible to buy a car today without all the bells and whistles?

151949 — Fri, 28 Oct 2016 12:52:18 GMT

We just bought a new car last week. I hate having to pay for a bunch of krap I'll never use and I absolutely hate those controls on the steering wheel.

Re: Is it even possible to buy a car today without all the bells and whistles?

2blonde — Fri, 28 Oct 2016 13:14:21 GMT

@Big Sister Right on, Sister! I'm so glad I bought my new Mustang in 2014. That was the last year you could just get one with all the stuff a sports car lover from waaaay back really wants and loves. This car is so much fun to drive (6-speed manual shift), and I actually like the style better than the newer design.

I have everything I need.......stereo, quick steering, great braking, power seats, A/C, and bright red with spoiler and black striping. After 50+ years of driving, I know how to use my mirrors and brakes, and I can back up a car without hitting anything. I NEVER use my cell phone in the car because I'm too busy watching all the crazy people around me. My only added accessory is the 160 lbs of free weights I put in the trunk for traction in the winter!