So when back up cameras first came out, I was like “It’s cool, but it’s for lazy people who can’t use their mirrors or be bothered to look over their shoulder” but now I’m actually glad they put them in these newer cars because the blind spots are getting so bad, I can’t see what’s on my rear corners backing out of parking spots that you can’t even see with the mirrors.
What tech did you used to “Meh” and now are “Thank the Manufacturer”?
Heated seats. Radar cruise control. The list is long!
Backup cameras are the bandaid solution for poor design choices that result in fat pillars, small windows and tiny rear view mirrors.
Back up cameras are... Da Bomb! for connecting to trailers by yourself. Never would have guessed how helpful a useless option could be.
I really miss steering wheel controls in all my cars now. And heated seats.
I'm really enjoying all these electric starters. I may stop carrying around a hand crank after all.
I mean, pretty much all of it. All of the things that I always say "oh I don't want/need that" turn out to be things that, when I buy new cars, I end up enjoying/using.
Backup camera, especially. I have never liked pulling out of parking spots at shopping centers, etc since vision is always blocked by the SUV next to you or whatever. I love having the wide-angle camera on the GTI for that reason.
heated mirrors, heated seats, android auto, big touch-screen displays, auto-dim rearview mirrors.....etc etc.
Honestly, even the blind-spot warning is growing on me and has saved me from a couple close calls (the GTI has a big blind spot and small side mirrors), and I find myself wishing my Porsche had that system (since it also has a big blind spot).
Only one I dislike is the front/rear traffic warning, which seems somewhat over-sensitive and only goes off at times when it really shouldn't.
AC. Daily drove for years without it and now I can’t have a daily driver that doesn’t have it.
Fitzauto said:AC. Daily drove for years without it and now I can’t have a daily driver that doesn’t have it.
This. I also miss cruise control when I’m on long trips.
As far as “modern” options, I like the 3-zone climate control in our van. I also wish the driver’s seat had memory settings, but that was a higher trim level.
In reply to bearmtnmartin :
I think you misunderstood the point of the thread
Backup cameras are amazing for both trailer hookups and parallel parking.
I have also really come to enjoy the adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, and lane keep assist on my F150. It all works with the enclosed trailer hooked up (supports up to 33' trailer) and makes towing just a bit more relaxing. Same for unloaded highway trips, you have to drive but it does help with overall fatigue and comfort.
Knurled, Sept. 2016: "I soured on the whole thing [Focus RS] with the words "electronic suspension". Sorry guys, this is where I get off the train. I have repaired enough failed electronic suspension bits to know that I don't ever want to be on the billable end of that equation when it fails." (Rally Anarchy thread)
Knurled, Nov. 2017: I BOUGHT A CAR WITH DRIVER ADJUSTABLE FEEDBACK-CONTROLLED ACTIVE ELECTRONIC SUSPENSION OMG YOU GUYS THIS KICKS SO MUCH ASS
bearmtnmartin said:Backup cameras are the bandaid solution for poor design choices that result in fat pillars, small windows and tiny rear view mirrors.
Fat pillars, small windows, and tiny rear view mirrors are a bandaid solution for horrific US DOT lighting regulations that not only allow, but require light to be thrown up high, so that any traffic ahead is blinded because it is important to.... see overhead road signs that aren't lighted anymore.
I want a 1969 Charger with option delete but then add heated seats, intermittent wipers, remote start and heated steering wheel.
Edit: I’d add cruise control. Definitely.
Cruise control is my main one. It was so crappy because it couldn't maintain speed up or down hills. Ever since I had a car where that problem was solved I can't live without (provided it works properly...some manufacturer's still can't make it work).
secretariata said:Cruise control is my main one. It was so crappy because it couldn't maintain speed up or down hills. Ever since I had a car where that problem was solved I can't live without (provided it works properly...some manufacturer's still can't make it work).
I use this and it works just fine on cars without one.
I learned that trick from my grandfather in his AMC Rambler.
secretariata said:Cruise control is my main one. It was so crappy because it couldn't maintain speed up or down hills. Ever since I had a car where that problem was solved I can't live without (provided it works properly...some manufacturer's still can't make it work).
Cruise control doesn't work uphill if you need to downshift. I have had cars that would happily give you WOT with cruise on. Made it interesting when wanting to accelerate to pass, only to find that the pedal was already crushing carpet.
Teh S40 would also, with cruise engaged, happily build max boost with the torque converter locked in top gear. I'd turn the boost down if I was towing for that reason. A lot of PCMs will switch to different maps when cruise control is on in ways that increase engine efficiency and decrease the amount of shifting the trans does. You can often get better fuel economy by "arming" cruise control even if you aren't actually using it.
Years back I had a car come in (an OJ Simpson style Bronco) with the concern that the vehicle would speed up downhill with the cruise on. Verified that, yep, going downhill, the truck would accelerate. Even if coasting. No, cruise control will not apply the brakes for you...
The new LATCH car seat for kids is great. (not sure when they started this)
Lane departure is actually great for people who need it. Though I feel better training is better.
Those little lights on the side mirrors that show when someone is hiding in your blind spot.
I love backup cameras for hooking up trailers but the one where its on the passenger side mirror and shows on the middle screen is amazing for people like my mother who are shorter.
Keys that open doors without being touched when your arms are full.
Cabin filters that actually filter the air.
Apple carplay!!
AC that turns off at full throttle.
Airbags are amazing now.
Also modern direct injection with turbos.
bearmtnmartin said:Backup cameras are the bandaid solution for poor design choices that result in fat pillars, small windows and tiny rear view mirrors.
I know this is the popular car curmudgeon opinion, but cars have always had terrible blind spots. Stuff and children have been being backed over for many decades and tech just finally reached a point where it was cost effective to do something about it. 500 kids a year are hurt in backing accidents and that is not a new thing.
Backup cameras are also great for backing your car up to the garage door as close as possible.
Never knew it existed until I bought the '96 Olds Aurora, but rain sensing wipers rock..and as I've been reminded by SWMBO I chose brute force (the 'V' not available on 2010's) over these ......
Now on the other hand the BU camera in her new to her 2012 CX-9 is scoreboard for someone recovering form MAJOR neck surgery resulting in limited 'range of motion'.....oh and power lift gates!!!
Backup Cameras and Blind Spot Monitoring. We don't have street lights on our road. My wife has the only car with a backup camera, and it's nice not having to do a walk around of the cars to ensure there are no cats behind it. We don't have street lights on our road. The Blind Spot Monitoring has also clued me into a car I didn't see at first once or twice. I'm a gradual merger, and always look over my shoulder, so I won't say it prevented a crash, but it probably prevented me from getting beeped at and scaring the hell out of myself and the other driver.
And, this isn't new car tech, but the tech has improved so much that it may as well be: Automatic transmissions. The advanced combined with advancing age and more arthritis pain in my left knee, and I'm ready to have my next daily not be a manual. The DSG cars I've driven have been incredible, I'll probably jump that way when I do buy.
I've always been a fan of traction control and vehicle stability, as long as they can be disabled for off-street use.
Heated stealing wheel. Laughed when I saw it but been using it every morning
Brett_Murphy said:Backup Cameras and Blind Spot s the Blind Spot Monitoring has also clued me into a car I didn't see at first once or twice. I'm a gradual merger, and always look over my shoulder, so I won't say it prevented a crash, but it probably prevented me from getting beeped at and scaring the hell out of myself and the other driver.
Agree. Can’t say it prevented a crash but it’s gotten my attention a few times
Amusingly the oldest vehicle I own is also the only one I've owned with functioning cruise control.
You'll need to log in to post.
