Car shopping question
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So I'm likely to buy a car in the coming months.
My question isn't about specific cars, its about features.
Last purchase (2013) I intentionally looked for a basic car with few features you wouldn't also find on a car from the late 90s. In other words, I had no interest in heated seats, keyless entry, infotainment, navigation systems, etc. etc. etc.
Part of that was I was still a city boy, cars were something I used infrequently and cared about not at all.
Fast forward 7 years, I've become more set in suburban life with cars being part of that. I can imagine some features being very useful (backup camera, for example). Others I can imagine being really nice to have (heated seats).
So here's my specific question:
What features or options do your more recent cars have that you really like and would ensure your next car had?
Also, what features does your car have that you wouldn't insist on (and pay extra for) in the next one?
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Heated seats are an absolute must.
Navigation is nice, but your phone will do it just as well, and there are mounts for the phone that are serviceable.
Backup camera is (now that my neck arthritis is getting worse) another must.
Keyless entry is one of those luxuries that you think you'd never need, but you'd really miss it if it were gone.
Sunroof/Moonroof? Nah. I never open it.
Adaptive cruise control is a wonderful thing, especially for highway driving. Works great, even in rush hour. I'd miss that if it were gone.
Super-geeky feature? My current car has a heads-up display. Not having it isn't a dealbreaker, but I'd really really miss it if it were gone.
"Now look here, you Baltic gas passer... " - Mik, 6/14/08
The saying, "Lite is just one damn thing after another," is a gross understatement. The damn things overlap.
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@george-k said in Car shopping question:
I agree with all of that, but I don't need heated seats here in VA
I don't have the adaptive cruise, but I have used it, I like it
And I like Car-Play system in the car. I have the iPhone in my pocket with no apps running. When I get into the car it knows how to start talking to the audio system and start playing music where it left off last time it played. So the iPhone music automatically plays on the car system.
Car-Play also plays Waze on the dashboard screen.
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Built-in infotainment has almost become obsolete. Make sure the car has good Apple Carplay or Android Auto. Absolute must-have.
I think every car has a back-up cam these days. Not even sure that's an option.
There are good safety features build into pretty basic models these days: blind-spot monitoring, brake-assist (if something shows up in front of you, if person in front of you slams breaks), adaptive cruise control. - you can get these features in low-to-mid trim tiers of non-luxury cars now.
CVT / Hybrid: This can be a bit confusing. If you're buying a hybrid, the Continuously variable transmission is not a bad thing (mechanically very different than other CVTs). If it's a regular gas car with a CVT - those have been pretty meh to-date.
Turbos are WAY more common than you remember (this is not a good or bad thing).
EDIT: Without knowing the form factor you're considering - I'll make a plug for the VW golf (car I've had for last 3 years). It's practical AND an absolute pleasure to drive. Always reviewed very highly by driving enthusiasts and gear-heads. The GTI trim has had a cult following for decades.
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Heated AND cooled seats.
Heated steering wheel.
Comfortable seats for long distance driving. (Nissan zero-gravity seats)
Lots of that smart car shit - lane warnings, adaptive cruise control, driver attention alerts, tire pressure (they all have this by mandate)
For my next one I want parking assist.
Run flat tires.
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Heated steering wheel is really nice when it’s cold. Maybe not needed in NY.
Cooled seats are nice, too, but they don’t make a huge difference.
My next car should have the ability to mirror my phone screen on the display, including touch control.
Ability to retract rear seats into a sleeping position is worth a lot when traveling with kids.
I have 4WD but I find it rather useless. I’d rather have the better mileage of 2WD.
I agree with George that sunroofs are completely useless.
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@jon-nyc said in Car shopping question:
Also, what features does your car have that you wouldn't insist on (and pay extra for) in the next one?
Built in Navigation. The new Subaru just links to the phone's map app. It's really cool
Heated seats are a must. Wish we had a heated steering wheel.
Good ortho-friendly seats. Inflatable and relocatable lumbar support is pretty sweet.
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Always remember, Operation Valkyrie was an act of sedition.
Warning: I post things that interest me. Read and comment at your own discretion. -
Embrace the suburban life, Jon.
What you need is a mini-van, a/k/a The Loser Cruiser.
Sure, get lots of heated bits. It will take your mind off the black, empty void in your soul.
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@klaus said in Car shopping question:
I have 4WD but I find it rather useless. I’d rather have the better mileage of 2WD.
Consumer reports did an analysis of the utility of AWD and found it's basically worthless in most situations. When we had the Cheddarshack, we had a steep hill which would be totally impossible without AWD. But for suburban/urban driving, I'd not miss it (and I love my Quattro!).
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"Now look here, you Baltic gas passer... " - Mik, 6/14/08
The saying, "Lite is just one damn thing after another," is a gross understatement. The damn things overlap.
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On turbos - the physics of the technology demand more "stress" in the engine. Good engineering and bad engineering will still determine longevity of the system.
That said - engineering good reliability on a turbo engine is likely a harder problem than engineering it on a naturally aspirated one.
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In the old days, turbos would fry. That's always been an issue, in how to cool it enough. Red hot is very hot, and baked oil is not good. If you're not a lead foot, then there is no reason why a turbo should decrease the longevity of the engine, at least not much.
I agree with everyone's suggestions. I would add that I like to sit higher, and I like mirrors that are large enough to actually be useful. We had a Cougar where the outside mirrors were sleek, small and stylish. But, were useless as a driving aid. Trucks have large mirrors. Get a big truck (F-350), you'll be a hero in suburbia.
Speaking of mirrors, I like heated mirrors. We frequently get frost, so it's a good option. And when it's that cold, it's nice to have a heated steering wheel. Heated seats are inexpensive (technology is just a heating pad), cooling seats with a separate fan and ducts is expensive. Never had it, but would be cool.
I'd also give some weight to the exterior lights. Some vehicles have huge rear brake lights just for the style. There are some cars out there where the rear lights are tiny. Bigger is better, for the guy behind you not paying attention.
Visibility is important. Cameras can only do so much. It gets old running over kids in suburbia. See-through headrests for rear passengers increase visibility when you look over your shoulder. Another style thing is smaller windows. Check height by sitting in the car and pretending to rest your arm on the door sill with the window down. New cars are sometimes so high, you could not rest your arm like in your old 57 Chev. High sides are why you can't see the motorcycle next to you.
I TOLD you to buy the Vette. You wouldn't be going through all of this now. Suburbia. God. Next you'll want wood paneling on the exterior, and then. . . an electric lawn mower with a long cord. Then you'll start wearing sweaters with matching slippers.
Might as well be dead.
