Community Chat

[CelticCrafter]

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@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.

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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.

[Stevie Nix]

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.

[Desertdi]

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

[Abrowneyegirl]

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

[millieshops]

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!

[SaRina]

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.

[Judaline]

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@bri20 wrote:

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@jackthebear wrote:

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

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I like that too.

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

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@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.

[CrazyDaisy]

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

[151949]

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.

[2blonde]

@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!