Right now I drive a 2014 Honda CR-V. It does everything I need it to do, and I have no reason to trade it in for something else, but today when I had the opportunity to drive a current model year Honda Accord it was pretty cool to see how many more bells and whistles they put into vehicles now.
The car had a keyless start system (which I know is pretty common, but not something I've ever had). It was nice keep the fob out of my purse except when it was time to lock or unlock the car. The back-up camera was much fancier than the one I have now, with a wider angle and better resolution.
This car sensed what the road speed was, and if I went over that number a little speed limit sign popped up on the dashboard to remind me to slow down. Not only was there cruise control, but it sensed when traffic ahead of me was slowing down and modified itself. If I accidentally moved even slightly out of the center of the lane (which happened often until I got the hang of the vehicle) the dashboard would display a large warning. If I had wanted to, I could have plugged my phone in and have it integrate with the car system to get directions, do hands-free phone calls, or get texts. Thankfully, I didn't need to take advantage of the fancy tire pressure monitoring system, brake assist, or traction control, but it was all there if I needed it.
If new cars now have all these bells and whistles, I wonder how many more will be available when I actually get around to buying a new one?
Five years ago today: Pretty Poinsettias
You just described the Honda Accord we leased 20 months ago. We like everything about it except that it isn't very comfortable for old people, and my husband has trouble getting in and out of it (arthritis). We do love the gas mileage though!
ReplyDeleteIt actually took me a while to get used to the way the seat; I've sat in more comfortable ones.
DeleteI bet repairs are a nightmare on them (expense and mechanic frustration). Just guessing. I figure the more toys and gadgets a car has, maybe the more it can break down, later on, and the more expensive repairs might be. But that may be old lady thinking.
ReplyDeleteI think most of those 'goodies' are standard features that can't be avoided, but I agree that the more moving parts, the more potential issues there might be.
DeleteWe got a new car 3 years ago. We paid more money for the car than loan money we took out on our house in 1976. We were short on the total house cost by a few thousand. But when you're paying between 40 and 50K for the car what's another 2K for the magic warranty?
ReplyDeleteThe car came with the 36/36 and 50/5y warranty. But for 2K more I got the 100/10y bumper to bumper warranty. And since we don't drive that much anymore, we'll hit the 10y long before the 100K. And since this was the first model year for the car, which I always advise people never to do, I thought the extra 2K was worth it. But, so far so good.
I'll keep my fingers crossed that your extra $2,000 is 'wasted'.
DeleteWhen we got the SUV it was rated 90+% by Consumer Reports. It has since dropped to a 48% rating. I'm glad I spent the extra money although I haven't had any problems. Just one major recall. Like I tell people, never buy a first year model.
DeleteThings change so fast we do our best to keep up with technology but it is not easy.
ReplyDeleteAmen!
DeleteI prefer to be the one driving. Too much can go really wrong and too much in fixing it.
ReplyDeleteIt will be driving itself! You will be unnecessary
ReplyDeleteNo thank you!
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