NationStates Jolt Archive

So I just ordered a new car (a Renault New Twingo, suits my needs for a quite affordable price, and it has a very good km per liter ratio). It came with a minimal optional pack (well above my own needs anyway): that is ABS, power steering (on a 900 kg car!), air conditioning, front fog lamps, and even a radio/CD - I don't listen to radio or music while I drive, but it came for free.

So, I was wondering: what kind of optionals do you want on your own car?
Poll coming.

I'm rather minimalist. I want a comfortable car with a decent radio. I like manual shifting, so an automatic transmission is unnecessary. I don't like ABS. I don't need AC. A turbo would be fun, but it isn't essential.

*edit* I'm not likely to buy a new car any time soon anyhow, though. I'll probably buy a '98-'99 Dodge Neon with whatever options the first buyer chose when it was first purchased.

Mine has a table, bed, and closets.

It doesn't have a stereo or air conditioner or heater or windows that roll down (they slide backwards). It also has a tent I can attach to the side of it.

I could go for a stereo. I had one but it got stolen.

1. i'm a gadget freak, so the more cool gadgets it has, the better

2. i'm also concerned about safety while driving (a result of being in 2 nasty crashes before driving for myself).... so ABS is a must, and power steering is kinda agiven. my car also has ESP (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_stability_control), which, after having it, i now consider a must as well >.>

3. i always listen to music while i drive, so a CD player is essential. MP3 player would be even better, but i'll have to wait for my next car for that

4. i'm one for my luxuries. i'd have an automatic gearbox, though i don't mind. AirCon is expected, but its other, fancier things that interest me - such as Mercedes' heated, massaging drivers seat, HUD, lots of power, etc. i want it quiet, too. this (http://www.autobytel.com/images/Autoshows/2006/Geneva/400/Mercedes_CLS350_CGI_2.jpg) will be my next car (second or third hand, of course, lol). if i won the lottery, i'd probably have a Maybach (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Mercedes_Maybach_57_and_62.jpg) :P

this (http://www.autobytel.com/images/Autoshows/2006/Geneva/400/Mercedes_CLS350_CGI_2.jpg) will be my next car (second or third hand, of course, lol).
I had to move one of those on a job once and I was overwhelmed. I started to look for the button that opened the bay doors and deployed the satellite. There were so many bells and whistles it could have single handedly formed the German Bell and Whistle Orchestra.

...

I got a million of these...

Are power steering and ABS even options on new cars anymore?

I thought safety standards required them nowadays (at least in the US). :confused:

Are power steering and ABS even options on new cars anymore?

I thought safety standards required them nowadays (at least in the US). :confused:
TBH, that's what i thought here, too
I had to move one of those on a job once and I was overwhelmed. I started to look for the button that opened the bay doors and deployed the satellite. There were so many bells and whistles it could have single handedly formed the German Bell and Whistle Orchestra.

...

I got a million of these...

lol :tongue:
i used to pretend to be a space pilot in my parents' car when i were a wee lad. one time i messed around with stuff so much the battery went dead within about half an hour. they were'nt pleased, but i thought a hill start was awesome fun :P

I've never ordered a new car, so I pretty much get what I can afford that is mechanically functional, whatever "options" come with it, I live with.

I have found things I "miss" when I get a car without them though....

*power steering
*defrost
*rear defrost
*delay setting on the windshield wipers
*trunk release


I did not like the cars I've had without those things, it makes driving much more frustrating.

I don't really care otherwise. My car gets me from point A to point B and if I arrive without major damage, I'm pretty cool with that.

Power steering, ABS, and a stereo system that causes earthquakes.

Anything more is nice but not absolutely necessary.

I'm going for the max luxury, so I want one with seats, windows, an engine, the lot! :D

my car has front and side airbags, ABS, automatic transmission (I would like standard, but would be a bitch in Boston), CD player, radio, ability to get satalite radio, Ford SYNC system (voice control for audio system), USB/line in ports, bluetooth, cruise control.

Of these, I demanded airbags, ABS, and transmission. I really wanted the SYNC system, which got me all the assorted audio stuff...I only really use the USB. Cruise control can be nice sometimes.

man i wish i had (radar) cruise control... i got them to fix normal cc for me when i bought the car (its 2nd hand) and they charged me £400 for it. but it never quite worked right, and a few months later i took it to another garage, who disconnected it totally, saying that it was hooked up to the brakes directly and it was "dangerous"

i want my £400 back, but the Peugeot garage i bought the car from are ignoring us. plus the cruise control they fitted was a cheap 3rd party piece of crap, and not an actual Peugeot cruise control (which we asked for). and they lied to us in the first place about the car's previous owners, and didn't put that it had been in a crash on its history. never buying a shit from them again

I've never ordered a new car, so I pretty much get what I can afford that is mechanically functional, whatever "options" come with it, I live with.

I have found things I "miss" when I get a car without them though....

*power steering
*defrost
*rear defrost
*delay setting on the windshield wipers
*trunk release


I did not like the cars I've had without those things, it makes driving much more frustrating.

I don't really care otherwise. My car gets me from point A to point B and if I arrive without major damage, I'm pretty cool with that.
you know...I never realized that trunk release was an option untill I realized my new car totally doesn't have it. I was searching for the damn lever for about two weeks.

you know...I never realized that trunk release was an option untill I realized my new car totally doesn't have it. I was searching for the damn lever for about two weeks.

I was pretty pissed the first car I got without one. I didn't realize how often I used it.....

I was pretty pissed the first car I got without one. I didn't realize how often I used it.....

ditto. My car does have one of the remote door lock thingies, which is good, but still very strange to me.

I'll probably never own a new vehicle, more out of choice than anything else. Too many safety/convenience features are offered in cars today that produce more power and performance than ever before. And it is these feature that tend to make us complacent and therefore dangerous drivers. For those who are skeptical, try driving a very involved vehicle versus the standard commuter car.

I own a mid '90s sedan, about the only features on it are an automatic transmission, a form of brake assist, front airbags and winter tires. I also own an early 1980 pickup truck. It has a 4 speed manual, steel dash, all season tires and is a rear driver. Which one sounds like a more pleasurable/easy experience to drive? Probably the car. Which one would make me a more involved driver? Without a doubt, the truck.

And here's a good article on the subject. (http://www.popularmechanics.com/science/research/4308670.html)

As for options and accessories? I'd take a manual over an automatic any day and a radio or stereo is a must. Some balls under the hood as well.

Everything, and a hooker in the back ;)

anything that increases horsepower or torque ( if a truck).

It better be an Renaultsport Twingo. Although, they should have put the F4R engine in it - would've been a sight to behold.

Anyways, I'm very minimalist with my car accessories. I'd like a driver's airbag, ABS and switch-offable traction control, if the car has enough power. That would probably do me.

More stuff is nice, but probably not necessary most of the time. And it makes cars heavier, which is the root cause of most car-related problems in this world.

Everything, and a hooker in the back ;)

and the officers in charge of that Missing Persons case wanna talk to you about that...

I was thinking about my 'dream' cars, and accessories aren't really much of a factor. Apparently, doors are even optional. (http://farm1.static.flickr.com/162/377557770_8dad191135.jpg)

Looking at some of the cars I want, I'm a bit of a minimalist, to say the least:
MG TC (http://www.allsportauto.com/photoautre/mg/tc/1947_mg_tc_02_m.jpg)
TR-3 (http://www.stof.at/Mitgliederbilder/triumpf-tr-3a.jpg)
Porsche 356 Outlaw (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3124/3170871334_99a7f30cb9.jpg)
Alfa Romeo GTV (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3249/3151393066_fb137fabf0.jpg)
Old school Mini Cooper S (http://farm1.static.flickr.com/191/449834877_55c0327c0b.jpg)
Alpine A110 (http://www.allsportauto.com/photoautre4/alpine/a110/1973_alpine_a110_berlinette_1800_grIV_01_m.jpg)
Bugeye Sprite (http://farm1.static.flickr.com/97/244984397_c1a9131eff.jpg)

About the only one with something akin to options and accessories is 'ability to become a boat.' (http://www.slmannion.com/images/amphicar_8.jpg)

I was thinking about my 'dream' cars, and accessories aren't really much of a factor. Apparently, doors are even optional. (http://farm1.static.flickr.com/162/377557770_8dad191135.jpg)

bodywork is largely optional on one of the cars i fancy ;)

http://img4.imageshack.us/img4/2295/arielatom23420front1280.jpg (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WaWoo82zNUA)

bodywork is largely optional on one of the cars i fancy ;)

http://img4.imageshack.us/img4/2295/arielatom23420front1280.jpg (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WaWoo82zNUA)

That would be a fun car. Too many twisty roads near me that would tempt be, I'd end up arrested or fused to the underside of a truck...If I have something that bad ass it has to not be road legal or I'll do a bad bad thing...

I got my New car a few months ago ( Mid november, sold the lease on my Civic SI for it ).

Its a 2007 Impala SS, Its got

5.3 Liter 303hp V8
Variable Assist Power Steering
Traction Control
Automatic Transmission
Leather
Sunroof
Alloy Wheels
4 Wheel Disc Brakes
OnStar
Bose Sound System
CD Player with thingy to plug my Zune into
Remote Start
Power everything

Was a steal at 25 Grand ( almost 10 under sticker )

About the only one with something akin to options and accessories is 'ability to become a boat.' (http://www.slmannion.com/images/amphicar_8.jpg)

I think you meant this car instead. (http://www.watercar.com/) Way better performance on land and water :D

About the only one with something akin to options and accessories is 'ability to become a boat.' (http://www.slmannion.com/images/amphicar_8.jpg)

I think you meant this car instead. (http://www.watercar.com/) Way better performance on land and water :D

I'm sorry but neither of your... amphibious automobiles got anything on the hovercraft. (http://www.bigracing.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/mefast.jpg) Wheels are so yesterday. :rolleyes:

I don't drive.

I'm sorry but neither of your... amphibious automobiles got anything on the hovercraft. (http://www.bigracing.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/mefast.jpg) Wheels are so yesterday. :rolleyes:

In that case, two dimensions are so yesterday. :p (http://www.engadget.com/2005/09/29/m400-skycar-prototype-available-at-neiman-marcus/)

In that case, two dimensions are so yesterday. :p (http://www.engadget.com/2005/09/29/m400-skycar-prototype-available-at-neiman-marcus/)

If you're gonna be like that I think this here Interstellar Corvette (http://www.metaltv.com/images/full/corvette.jpg) has your Skycar beat.

I think you meant this car instead. (http://www.watercar.com/) Way better performance on land and water :D

Doesn't really fit into the no frills theme I had goin' there, but sure...nice. Still want an Amphicar, though. I'm old school like that.

If you're gonna be like that I think this here Interstellar Corvette (http://www.metaltv.com/images/full/corvette.jpg) has your Skycar beat.

I see your interstellar corvette and raise you

http://minininja.files.wordpress.com/2008/07/delorean.jpg

and

http://imcdb.org/images/014/240.jpg

And to make a swift return to the topic at hand: If I had $10K, I could have bought a DeLorean last year :(

Are power steering and ABS even options on new cars anymore?

I thought safety standards required them nowadays (at least in the US). :confused:

But I'm not in the US.

Also, generally, in Europe we have lighter cars, so power steering is sometimes unnecessary, and so is ABS (btw, having a manual shift actually helps not to block when braking).

It better be an Renaultsport Twingo.
?
The model is New Twingo, in the Sport+Sound setup. Engine 1.2 l multipoint, 60 kW.


Anyways, I'm very minimalist with my car accessories. I'd like a driver's airbag, ABS and switch-offable traction control, if the car has enough power. That would probably do me.

I'm even more minimalist. I wish I could turn off ABS, because I like to control the brakes myself. And I don't like power steering, but there you are, I went for the best bargain.

A roof hatch is nice, but I won't be fitting it: trailer hitch, though.

I see your interstellar corvette and raise you

img snip

and

img snip

And to make a swift return to the topic at hand: If I had $10K, I could have bought a DeLorean last year :(

You haven't got a chance in Hell... (http://a.media.abcfamily.go.com/abcfamily/Specials/25-Days-of-Christmas/Schedule/Chitty_Chitty_Bang_Bang_large.jpg)

If I had $10K, I could have bought a DeLorean last year :(

Just 10000 US$? That's about what I'm paying for the Twingo...

A real, functioning DeLorean, or something out of the scrapyard with the DeLorean logo on it?

You haven't got a chance in Hell... (http://a.media.abcfamily.go.com/abcfamily/Specials/25-Days-of-Christmas/Schedule/Chitty_Chitty_Bang_Bang_large.jpg)

You win.

Just 10000 US$? That's about what I'm paying for the Twingo...

A real, functioning DeLorean, or something out of the scrapyard with the DeLorean logo on it?

A real, functioning DeLorean, in operating condition, with some minor hail dents, perfect interior, and one stuck door.

Caveat: I didn't actually see the engine running and the car rolling under its own power. It was parked in a warehouse owned by an auto body business. The owner's business partner is the one who told me it was for sale.

If you're interested, I can make inquiries :D

A real, functioning DeLorean, in operating condition, with some minor hail dents, perfect interior, and one stuck door.

Caveat: I didn't actually see the engine running and the car rolling under its own power. It was parked in a warehouse owned by an auto body business. The owner's business partner is the one who told me it was for sale.

If you're interested, I can make inquiries :D

Alas, too late. I already signed the contract for the Twingo (7500 € at the current €/$=1.3308, that makes 9981 $).

Also I doubt that a DeLorean would comply with my local laws on car emissions... anyway, *sigh*, a DeLorean.

http://imcdb.org/images/014/240.jpg


i see your Winnebago and raise you a

http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/5531/spaceballs6ts4uw.png

and a set of matched luggage ;)

I'll probably never own a new vehicle, more out of choice than anything else. Too many safety/convenience features are offered in cars today that produce more power and performance than ever before. And it is these feature that tend to make us complacent and therefore dangerous drivers. For those who are skeptical, try driving a very involved vehicle versus the standard commuter car.


This post completely confuses me. Too MANY safety/convenience features? Yea i HATE when my antilock brakes light up when i hit an ice patch, faster and more perfectly then any human reflexes or human touch can duplicate. How inconvenient not to kill someone or go to the bodyshop for repairs. And i also hate when soft airbags keep my face from hitting the nice hard dashboard too.

If you want to avoid complacent, i know a nice Amish community that will let you buy one of their horse and buggies. I hear there is all sorts of non complacent things to do to keep that whole contraption running, oh and bring a shovel.

I have a cherry red Mazda RX-8. Nice premium gas guzzler with a rotary engine that redlines at 10k RPMS. One of those cars with pilot back doors that open the opposite way and it has every feature you can think of (except autostart ignition) and i love every one of them. I had the seat heaters on a few months ago and my friend got out of the car and his ass was warm and he thought he peed his pants. Priceless.

?
The model is New Twingo, in the Sport+Sound setup. Engine 1.2 l multipoint, 60 kW.


I'm even more minimalist. I wish I could turn off ABS, because I like to control the brakes myself. And I don't like power steering, but there you are, I went for the best bargain.

A roof hatch is nice, but I won't be fitting it: trailer hitch, though.

1.2L? They even make engines that small? The smallest I have is in my winter beater, and its a 1.8 Honda.

O_O I have 5 of of those under my hood :D

Why would you want to disconnect ABS? Ive had it save my ass on a rainy day in the impala before.

and the officers in charge of that Missing Persons case wanna talk to you about that...
I wasn't expecting Dale Bozzio . . .

This post completely confuses me. Too MANY safety/convenience features? Yea i HATE when my antilock brakes light up when i hit an ice patch, faster and more perfectly then any human reflexes or human touch can duplicate. How inconvenient not to kill someone or go to the bodyshop for repairs. And i also hate when soft airbags keep my face from hitting the nice hard dashboard too.

If you want to avoid complacent, i know a nice Amish community that will let you buy one of their horse and buggies. I hear there is all sorts of non complacent things to do to keep that whole contraption running, oh and bring a shovel.

And that's exactly my point. These safety features were put in cars as a last resort. They don't relieve the driver from driving safely and responsibly. By equipping a car properly (say, winter tires in winter) and driving for the conditions your ABS should never have activate other than in an emergency.

i see your Winnebago and raise you a

http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/5531/spaceballs6ts4uw.png

and a set of matched luggage ;)

*pushes Pure Metal into the self-destruct button*

On topic again:

I prefer RWD over FWD just because it's more fun to drive, wish I had 4WD in winter, and would like to eventually try driving an AWD. My FWD Neon is a good car, and has decent handling & OK power, but it's just not as fun as a pony car would be. 30-35 MPG is good, though.

giant, big rig type outside rear view mirors, with a fish spot too. high ground clearance and a skid plate to protect the oil pan, or better yet, completely noncombustion propulsion system (batteries, compressed air, fly wheel, wind up), flanged wheels to run on steel rails, (or at least a set of hirailers, hydraulically raised and lowered railroad wheels).
hilift jack, mounting points for full size ready to go spare everythings including extra go juce. a place to carry traction augmentations.

first aide kit. camping and survival supplies. a waterbed. hydraulic parking leveling stabilizers. a bleeding edge computer with broadband earth station satilite direct. solar charging system. complete galley with propane stove and propane or low voltage dc refrigerator. gps of course, with dashboard map display.

a years supply of vacume packed, freeze dried, and otherwise rotproof rations.

that's about all i can think of atm off hand.

although i really think i'd rather just teleport, or ride the little people sized trains, and not have to worry about maintainence and so on.

AWD, plz, kthxbai.