Whats The Best New Car Feature?

"Sweet Trav" (thespunbearing)
09/18/2014 at 15:24 • Filed to: None

Old cars are fun to drive but often lack the refinement of new cars.

Oppo what is your favorite New Car Feature?

We're not talking engine power or performance, just design features from cars made 2000 - present.

For me my favorite new car feature is the auto-window down feature on my '14 Fusion. Press the unlock button twice, then press and hold for a few seconds and all the windows lower automatically. Great for airing the car out on those sweltering hot days before you get in, bad for those rainy ones where you do it out of habit when you leave the building. Thankfully when you follow the same process with the lock button the windows go up.

Add your favorite New Car Feature in the comments below!

DISCUSSION (67)

Alex B > Sweet Trav
09/18/2014 at 15:25

Kinja'd!!!

Keyless entry makes life a lot easier.

CalzoneGolem > Sweet Trav
09/18/2014 at 15:26

The unlock/trunk remote is the shit. This would be the only thing I'd miss driving an older car.

As Du Volant > Sweet Trav
09/18/2014 at 15:28

Factory stereos that don't make me want to stab my own eardrums with a screwdriver.

I've had many 80's and 90's cars. So many awful radios, so many paper speakers.

Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell. > Sweet Trav
09/18/2014 at 15:28

Every feature on my car could probably be found regularly found on pre 2000 cars. Favourite feature is probably the glass electric roof.

Textured Soy Protein > Sweet Trav
09/18/2014 at 15:29

Bluetooth music streaming. For phone calls I prefer a headset, but hooking music from your phone into your car's stereo with no wires is pretty great.

Money Hustard > Alex B
09/18/2014 at 15:29

Totally agreed, I have a 2012 Maxima right now, and I'm shoping for a Series-80 Land Cruiser to replace it. Out of everything, I think it's the feature I'd be most remiss to lose.

HammerheadFistpunch > Sweet Trav
09/18/2014 at 15:29

HEATED SEATS!!!!!!!!!

spanfucker retire bitch > Sweet Trav
09/18/2014 at 15:29

It would have to be either Keyless Entry/Start, or Bluetooth streaming. I haven't listened to the radio at all since I got my Mazda3 last year - all bluetooth from my phone. It's a god-send, no more shitty ass commercials.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Sweet Trav
09/18/2014 at 15:30

I literally can't think of a single feature in new cars that I like/deem necessary.

Maybe keyless ignition..?

ly2v8-Brian > Sweet Trav
09/18/2014 at 15:31

Auxillary inputs and satellite radio. Modern power trains. Actually I'll just put that in an old car.

Tapas > Sweet Trav
09/18/2014 at 15:31

Squeezing more horsepower (whore's-power heheh) from smaller engines.

Sweet Trav > Alex B
09/18/2014 at 15:32

To me key-less entry is nothing special. Most of the cars I had owned previous to the Fusion didn't have it. Plus I grew up in the country where nobody locks nothin' I still don't lock my cars, I figure I'd rather have them open the door and take whatever I was dumb enough to leave in there than have to deal with a smashed window.

Second, Key-less push button start bothers me, I like having a physical key for my cars. Perhaps I enjoy the tactile feel of turning an engine over, or maybe I don't like how little security is present at this time for them.

Alex B > Money Hustard
09/18/2014 at 15:33

I feel lost in a car without it.

mcseanerson > HammerheadFistpunch
09/18/2014 at 15:33

I was going to say a tilting wheel would be nice but this is pretty great.

phenotyp > Sweet Trav
09/18/2014 at 15:33

The (non-driving-related) thing I think I like the most is BMW's Comfort Access. It's a step beyond the remote unlocking. I've gotten so used to it that I expect every car I drive to just open for me when I ask it to.

Sweet Trav > spanfucker retire bitch
09/18/2014 at 15:34

I live in Michigan but I can Still get CBC Radio 2 for my morning commute. no commercials there too, plus lots of good music. But i also have Sync and Google Play Music Unlimited.

Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom > Sweet Trav
09/18/2014 at 15:34

Everything works? 72 month financing? That new-car smell?

*shrugs*

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Sweet Trav
09/18/2014 at 15:34

Bluetooth for your phone.

And direct injection is pretty sweet.

Also "smart" traction control, that lets you slip a while before the nannies step in

Hill assist for manual transmissions.

ly2v8-Brian > mcseanerson
09/18/2014 at 15:34

tilt wheels aren't that new.

HammerheadFistpunch > mcseanerson
09/18/2014 at 15:34

I would like a telescoping wheel in my 80, but I NEED heated seats. One day.

Money Hustard > Alex B
09/18/2014 at 15:36

I'm not going to be able to look around arrogantly while the car is starting itself with a face as to say "look at you other suckers, taking your keys out of your pocket and turning keys like slaves."

qbeezy > Sweet Trav
09/18/2014 at 15:36

The convenience is so freaking high. I don't take my keys out of my pocket. Ever. Its awesome. Wife want to drive? No problem just walk to the driver side. No worries of bending keys. Much more difficult to steal. Pretty awesome.

IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK > Sweet Trav
09/18/2014 at 15:37

Bluetooth, Jesus Christ Bluetooth.

chuck07 > HammerheadFistpunch
09/18/2014 at 15:38

I believe Heated seats have been out for close to 40 years.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercedes-…

jariten1781 > Sweet Trav
09/18/2014 at 15:38

Leaving your door unlocked will not keep thieves who are doing smash and grabs from smashing your window. I know this from experience, twice. It will, however, invite thieves that are prowling for unlocked cars to pop yours open and take a look-see.

norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback > Sweet Trav
09/18/2014 at 15:38

Swtichblade keys. Gets the actual key out of the way when in your pocket and it's fun to play with. Keyless entry is my least favorite.

mcseanerson > ly2v8-Brian
09/18/2014 at 15:39

Yeah but if you don't have one you sure would like one. I don't mind my manual locks, manual top, crappy radio, no abs, no tc.

Sweet Trav > norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback
09/18/2014 at 15:40

Yes. I play with my switchblade key all the time. I'm sure its annoying to everyone else.

Sweet Trav > jariten1781
09/18/2014 at 15:42

The most expensive thing left in my car at any given time is a $3 Ikea Umbrella, $10 Mini-Usb Charger, $15 jumper cables in the back and 37 cents in the change thing.

I take my Golf Clubs and Hockey Equipment out after each use (Mostly because hockey equipment stinks to high heaven)

ly2v8-Brian > mcseanerson
09/18/2014 at 15:44

Fair point. Also manual windows would be nice to have again.

norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback > Sweet Trav
09/18/2014 at 15:46

I don't have a car but everytime I drive the Equinox that's literally all I do. I'm sure if I get a VW that's going to be what I do instead of pen clicking in class.

Sweet Trav > Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom
09/18/2014 at 15:46

Leasing and getting a new one in two years is my personal favorite.

CRider > Sweet Trav
09/18/2014 at 15:47

Line Lock, bro!

yamahog > jariten1781
09/18/2014 at 15:49

This is why I just leave my Jeep windows open if it's not raining. Half the doors don't lock anyway, and I don't have anything worthwhile in there besides extra motor oil.

mcseanerson > ly2v8-Brian
09/18/2014 at 15:49

I love manual windows but I have power windows in my Miata and even though I just replaced a regulator on my Jeep I'm glad I have power windows in the Miata. If I had a window knob it would just cut into my leg.

Steve in Manhattan > Sweet Trav
09/18/2014 at 15:50

Rented a Civic recently and was surprised how helpful the backup camera was.

As Du Volant > norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback
09/18/2014 at 15:51

in your pocket and it's fun to play with.

That's what she said.

norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback > As Du Volant
09/18/2014 at 15:54

I didn't mean play with it when it's in your pocket.
And I'm just going to stop here.

jariten1781 > yamahog
09/18/2014 at 15:55

But then you invite shitty high school kids to toss half drunk milk shakes into your car. I also know this from experience.

As Du Volant > norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback
09/18/2014 at 15:58

...switchblade key lying on my desk.

...not much going on right now...

*click* *clack* *click* *clack* *click* *clack*

norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback > As Du Volant
09/18/2014 at 16:00

Yeah pretty much. I have those pens that you click and about 85% when I'm not writing with it I'm clicking it.

Sweet Trav > Steve in Manhattan
09/18/2014 at 16:02

That's the flip side of the functional greenhouse we discussed in "Whats the best Old Car Feature"

Sn210 > Sweet Trav
09/18/2014 at 16:02

I love rolling down the windows with my key fob! Second favorite feature: auto-tilt mirrors for reverse.

Helps me keep off my lawn when I back out if my driveway in the morning. Good for spotting parking spot paint and wheel-hungry curbs

yamahog > jariten1781
09/18/2014 at 16:03

Meh, it's a Jeep, it's usually covered in mud inside and out anyway. Luckily, I'm a grownup with offstreet parking far from high schools and a job that is not close to any high schools, and no one fucks with the cars in my gym parking lot because it's an MMA gym owned by a gun enthusiast and former pro fighter.

Quadradeuce > Sweet Trav
09/18/2014 at 16:04

As someone living in Wisconsin: Remote start and heated seats. God bless 'em!

Galileo Humpkins (aka MC Clap Yo Handz) > Sweet Trav
09/18/2014 at 16:09

it's not all that new of a feature, but satellite radio...i've discovered some really fun channels since i subscribed 3 years ago and some really shitty ones...granted i sometimes just want my music so i switch over to the internal hard drive or attached ipod...i usually listen to ESPN, Comedy Central, or Blues and Classic Rock

Sweet Trav > yamahog
09/18/2014 at 16:17

Because the only thing scarier than a man with a gun is a jacked former professional mixed martial artist with a gun.

PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > Sweet Trav
09/18/2014 at 16:20

good sound systems. Any decent new stereo blows away the high-end stuff form 15-20 years ago. I'm fairly certain my 8+1 400W fender unit is better than the sound systems on W140 S-classes and E39 M5's

Steve in Manhattan > Sweet Trav
09/18/2014 at 16:29

Exactly. In that car, like so many nowadays, the C pillar and high rear deck combine to make reversing difficult.

deekster_caddy > Sweet Trav
09/18/2014 at 16:30

Two things in my Volt I find really nice (common to other GMs as well):

Built in remote start - aftermarket units are only good for a couple of years, then good for a bunch of headaches.

Automatic heated seats - they turn on when they sense a cold car and a butt in the seat, and lower and even turn off as the cabin warms up. Very very very well done!

deekster_caddy > HammerheadFistpunch
09/18/2014 at 16:32

Telescoping wheel? My '54 has that, and my '76 Caddy had that too. Not a new thing!

KamikazePigeon > HammerheadFistpunch
09/18/2014 at 16:36

The absolute BEST for dates.

deekster_caddy > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com
09/18/2014 at 16:36

Hill start assist has been around for a long time. I taught my wife how to drive a stick on our '08 Passat Wagon which includes that feature. But we did it all with hill assist OFF. It has remained off since then. There are some very steep hills in town that include traffic lights. I'll never forget the day she called me very excited because she made it through that intersection without a conscious effort and without stalling!!!

HammerheadFistpunch > deekster_caddy
09/18/2014 at 16:36

Direct injection aint new either...but it is.

deekster_caddy > Galileo Humpkins (aka MC Clap Yo Handz)
09/18/2014 at 16:37

Every time I find a channel I really like they kill it or change it enough so that I don't really like it that much anymore. Sirius/XM is great, but sucks hard at the same time.

getFuckedHerb > Sweet Trav
09/18/2014 at 16:53

Remote start via App. Just landed and your car is in the middle of nowhere parky land but it's cold as F*#* out? No problem, just open the app and push start it'll be nice and toasty by the time you find it. (can also panic / lock / unlock too!).

Tangent: this could really save your bacon if you loose your keys but have your phone, you can now get into your car, start it, and stay warm/cool while someone shows up to tow you.

That and 'keyless' everything. Have the key in your procket? Great! Walk up to your car, open it, it's now unlocked. push the button, it's running. drive away.

Oh and heated steering wheels.

OH and vented seats.

Am I doing this wrong?!

BaconSandwich is tasty. > deekster_caddy
09/18/2014 at 17:30

You drive a Volt? Cool. I've been eyeing up used Volt prices in the San Francisco area. Anything up here in the land of the chosen frozen (Canada) is way too expensive.

Galileo Humpkins (aka MC Clap Yo Handz) > deekster_caddy
09/18/2014 at 18:06

yeah, that's happened to me a few times — i do like it when they make a channel all about a specific musician from time to time, featuring their music and interviews as well as them playing dj for a bit

SpontaneouslyCombustible > Sweet Trav
09/18/2014 at 22:46

I actually have a switchblade key for my MK6 Jetta.

I also have push start, so I never get to use it -_-

deekster_caddy > BaconSandwich is tasty.
09/19/2014 at 09:34

I absolutely love it. I've got 27,000 miles on my '13 now, my average MPG was 100 until I drove it to Florida and back (Boston) this summer, adding about 4,000 gas only miles and dropping my lifetime MPG average down to 80. I think I've sold 3 other people on them so far.

I've been thinking about selling mine and getting a new one, the used prices are just about what I owe, and I could buy a new one plus get rebates to bring the price down to exactly the same number... not sure what rebates are like in CA on EVs but around me they are good for $10K. ($7500 fed, $2500 state)

deekster_caddy > Galileo Humpkins (aka MC Clap Yo Handz)
09/19/2014 at 09:36

My favorite was "BoomBox" with DJ Liquid Todd. Far and away my favorite station, but then they finished merging and took him away :( Haven't found similar music since.

BaconSandwich is tasty. > deekster_caddy
09/19/2014 at 13:26

Craziness. I think if I were to get one, I'd want to get a 2012 or 2013. My understanding is that they added an option in 2012 for cold starts. My understanding is that below a certain temperature, the gas engine has to kick in to maintain battery temperature no matter what. On the 2012 and newer, they added the option to lower that temperature even further, so in colder climates (like up here in Canada), it means the gas engine doesn't have to kick in quite as often.

How do you find the trunk space?

deekster_caddy > BaconSandwich is tasty.
09/19/2014 at 15:14

Mine is a 2013. The 2011 and 2012 would cycle the engine on and off for anything under 25F. The 2013 they added a user preference for 35F or 15F as the cold limit. The electric heater is actually more than sufficient even under 15F but they had to meet a DOT defrosting regulation. So unfortunately for those who have shorter drives and could run EV only even with full heat on, if it's below 15F you are going to use a little gas no matter what. (there are a few people who have used resistors to mess with the outside air sensor to make it even lower or disable it completely...)

The trunk space is great for a small hatchback. With the back seat folded down I've moved bookcases and large amounts of lumber. We've done a weekend trip with the whole family (2 adults 2 kids under 10). For a much longer trip we would probably take my wife's wagon, but all our stuff definitely fits in the Volt.

BaconSandwich is tasty. > deekster_caddy
09/19/2014 at 15:44

Good to know that it was 2013 that they added that setting. For some reason I had it stuck in by brain that it was 2012.

BaconSandwich is tasty. > deekster_caddy
09/20/2014 at 22:30

Here's another question for you - do you only fill up the Volt with premium gas? I'm just reading about it on Wikipedia, and it says it only takes premium. That's news to me.

deekster_caddy > BaconSandwich is tasty.
09/20/2014 at 22:56

Yup 91 octane or better (we only have 93 here). There are some people who put 87 in it but I won't. For the amount of gas I save why cheap out? They tuned the engine to run as a generator and optimized it for premium fuel, plus have some statistics about premium storing longer. I used to spend $300+/mo on gas, now I average $25 (plus about $25 in electricity). So buying premium really doesn't sting any...

BaconSandwich is tasty. > deekster_caddy
09/21/2014 at 00:03

Interesting. Definitely good things to know. I've been doing a bit of reading about speculations on the next Volt. It's supposedly going to be announced in January. I'm kind of curious know.

My original goal was to own a Tesla (in 10 years, and the goal started a bit over a year ago), but I certainly wouldn't sneeze at the idea of a plug-in hybrid in a shorter period of time.