What accessories do you want in your next car?

dmclone

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Oct 20, 2006
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I find that a lot of times it's the little things I end up using the most and the big things I don't. A few of these features I've just used on rentals so maybe if I had access all the time, I'd like them more/less.

Not a big fan
GPS-I find that they tend to date the car since the software never gets updated and the maps are usually out of date. Even though I've never used it, I think I would like what Honda is doing where it displays your cell phones GPS. In addition, a lot of companies are still charging $2k for something that's no better than a $150 Garmin.

Cooled seats-OK but it makes you feel like you peed your pants. Probably owuld appreciate it more if I live somewhere hot.

Adaptive Cruise Control-Someday maybe but from what I've seen it's not ready for prime time. Constantly braking. The people behind you will think you're on crack and it leaves so much room that people will cut you off and which time the system will jam on it's brakes.

Speech recognition-If you know exactly what to say it's ok. "Call Beth office".

Mobile Hot Spot-Cool but no way I'd pay for it. Can do the same thing from my phone.

Some audio systems-I've seen cars with 10+ speakers that sounds like junk. I'd rather see automakers put quality speakers rather than more speakers.

I'm a Fan

Rearview cameras-I think all cars are required to have these in the future. Even better are the ones that give multiple angles. Also the beeping as you get closer to an object.

Seat adjustment memory-The ones based on who is driving. I also like that when you get out of the car it's moves the seat back and puts up steering column.

Heated seats/Steering wheel-Nice. Thought the steering wheel was a gimmick but I like it even more than the seat heater.

Climate Control-Drives me nuts that my wife adjust fan speeds instead of just setting it to 72.

Blind Spot Mirrors-Most people have their mirrors set up incorrectly so this is a no brainer.

Bluetooth-For calls as well as streaming audio

Remote start-I'm almost always in the garage but this is a nice to have. Even better if you can start it from your phone.

Hidden storage-Love how trucks today have so much interior storage. The Ram I had even had storage under the floor.

Seat Message-Never have experienced it but I don't see how it couldn't be wonderful

Never owned one but I love how Jaguar has hidden HVAC vents

Tons of USB ports for charging

Had a Honda CRV back in the 90's that had a built in picnic table. Seemed so simple but such a good idea. Now Honda has some minvans with vacuums built in. The Ridgeline has the built in cooler in the bed.


What are some accessories that you like/dislike?
 

jbindm

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Dec 2, 2010
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Des Moines
I'd love for my next car to be Bluetooth enabled, have rearview cameras, remote start and a heated steering wheel (which I didn't know existed until now, but I definitely want one).
 

Gunnerclone

Well-Known Member
Jul 16, 2010
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DSM
Night vision mode on backup and side mirror cameras. Directv capabilities through my touchscreen in a small car. Hidden compartments.
 

wxman1

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Jul 2, 2008
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My wants in my next car...

Bluetooth calling/music and podcasts
plenty of storage
good speakers

That's about it...big step up from my 1997 Civic with an inop radio, junk speakers, rusting and the clear coat or something is starting to come off the hood.
 

Acylum

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Nov 18, 2006
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I couldn't care less about a heated steering wheel. Just figure out a way to keep my feet warm and my windshield defrosted at the same time.
 

2020cy

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Aug 7, 2006
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I thought a heated steering wheel was the dumbest idea in the world. Now that I have one, I can't live without it. I love it and hardly ever wear gloves anymore.
 

cymate

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Oct 28, 2011
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Ames, the labb
I really want the KIA soul. I love the damn thing even though most people dont. the loaded up version has so many sweet options.

I really want a panoramic sun roof, bluetooth, backup camera, auto start, and heated seats and steering wheels.
 

ccruzen

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Aug 19, 2009
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One thing I don't have but my wife does that is great is the push button start/proximity lock/unlock. It's so nice to never have to get your key out of your pocket.
 

dmclone

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Oct 20, 2006
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I remember as a kid my sister had an 80 Z-28 with these. Every time I rode with her I would make her open them up. What's sad is that a Priius is probably faster than that Z-28.

80-Z28-scoop--300x225.jpg

Although I don't know how they would look on my family car.
 

dmclone

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Oct 20, 2006
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One thing I don't have but my wife does that is great is the push button start/proximity lock/unlock. It's so nice to never have to get your key out of your pocket.

I forget about keyless entry. Although I hate the cars that have keyless entry but no push button start. Another nice feature is that when I get within a few feet of my car the lights on the doors light up.
 

Cyclonick182

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Oct 12, 2007
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I'd like it to have this...

large.jpg
 

3TrueFans

Just a Happily Married Man
Sep 10, 2009
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Ames
We just recently got a new Highlander and the only thing I think I wish I would have sprung for was the adaptive cruise. I know you say it might not be quite there but I've heard from people who just love it. We also didn't get remote start as I heard the Toyota system had terrible range which would make it useless, will probably try to add this when some good aftermarkets come out for it.

Things I Wouldn't want to live without:

Smart keys/push button start - every time I get in our other car without it I feel like a god damn neanderthal, having to use keys to unlock and turn on a car? Unthinkable.

Bluetooth - Mostly for phone calls

USB plugs - charging phones, USB drive w/ music

Heated seats - I could live without cooled, although I do like it, but heated is a necessity with leather

120v AC plug in the back for the kids' ipads/gamesystems or whatever on trips

Blind spot notification and rear cross traffic - I thought this would be annoying but it's honestly amazing, lights up the mirror when someone's in the blind spot, beeps when someone is driving across my path when backing up.

Backup camera/sonar - great for getting out of a parking spot when someone parks right behind you too

Could do without:

Navigation - I don't know if I'd buy the car without it, since it usually is included with the nicer stereo and touchscreen, but using my phone is just as easy and the car won't let you do certain things while it's moving.

Heated steering wheel - ours doesn't have this but I don't understand the appeal anyways
 

dmclone

Well-Known Member
Oct 20, 2006
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We just recently got a new Highlander and the only thing I think I wish I would have sprung for was the adaptive cruise. I know you say it might not be quite there but I've heard from people who just love it. We also didn't get remote start as I heard the Toyota system had terrible range which would make it useless, will probably try to add this when some good aftermarkets come out for it.

The adaptive cruise works good on rural 2 lane roads. It will actually come to a complete stop, which is cool. It just struggles on interstates.
 

3TrueFans

Just a Happily Married Man
Sep 10, 2009
63,109
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The adaptive cruise works good on rural 2 lane roads. It will actually come to a complete stop, which is cool. It just struggles on interstates.
Interesting.

Also I forgot to add Self-Driving to my list of wants.