Prompted by the reference to 12v electrical sockets which are mentioned in a different thread, I think all mid-spec cars should have:
1. Multiple electrical sockets, and in more useful places. One on the dash for the RoadAngel or whatever, some in the back for the kids, one or two in the boot and under the bonnet. And they should be decent sockets, not these silly 'cigar lighter' things which are huge and waste space.
2. A standard radio interface (I know there have been several attempts)
3. A standard mobile phone interface, connected to the speakers and with a built in microphone. Just purchase a standard holder for your make/model of phone and plug it in.
4. The hazard-light switch in a common position.
There must be some others ...
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A good driver.
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I was going to say a safe, careful driver when I first saw the thread..:-)
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Many cars are fitted with 26 Way GM ISO plugs, but as they have filtered through, they became obsolete, and nowadays cars are coming through with bluetooth built into the audio system to communicate with bluetooth phones, the trouble is, what is standard one year will be obsolete in 3.
I agree with the 12v socket suggestion. what do you mean by a radio interface? the way it interfaces with the car, or other things interface with the radio?
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Variable-speed intermittent wipers.
I've been crying out for these for years. Then I drove a Chrysler that had them. Then I found out that my 525i has them, I was completely unaware. Not aware of many cars that do though. Do more modern cars with automatic wipers have that sort of thing?
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My 1982 Ford Granada Ghia has variable intermittant wipers that work really well and I quite miss them in my company 2003 Astra I drive during the week. The Granada funnily enough also has courtesy lights in the back and a rear cigar lighter which is handy! I also like the Granada's battery charge and oil pressure gauges, all cars should have those!
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How about:
* Intermittent wiper setting, front *and* back
* Proper spare wheel
* Decent jack & wheelbrace
* Full centre rear seatbelt (if applicable)
* Recycle setting on air blower
* Dashboard level indicators for all fluids
* 'Lights on when parked' warning tone
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My 1992 Celica has all these except for the fluid level indicators and the centre seatbelt (not applicable)
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And the front intermittent has 5 different intervals
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Heh.. slight overkill really..
1. Oh, I think I saw a spot there
2. Ooh, it's starting, we're in for a bad one, look at those clouds!
3. Did you bring the washing in?
4. Aren't you glad we aren't out in this eh? Oh look, they didn't take coats!
5. Who stole the road?
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The laguna gets 6 out of 7
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An intelligent, computer controlled fully automatic gearbox. Manually shifting a load of cogs about with a stick is so 1950's.
Should have disappeared years ago.
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You don't enjoy driving then?
But if I lived in a big, traffic busy city....
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Strikes me that inefficient auto's are so 1960's, check out MPG and CO2 emission figures for any intelligent, computer controlled fully automatic gearbox.
Even when they get this right, they'll still charge a ridiculous amount of money for the privilege of an auto.
I accept that auto boxes cost more than manuals but not by the huge amount we are currently expected to pay.
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Even when they get this right, they'll still charge a ridiculous amount of money for the privilege of an auto. I accept that auto boxes cost more than manuals but not by the huge amount we are currently expected to pay.
Only in the UK.
Here, the average premimum for an auto gearbox is about £1000. But in the USA it's about $1,000 and in Europe it's about 1,000 Euros
Take a look, for example at the websites of Ford or Toyota around Europe. Take a common model like a mid-spec Focus or Mondeo ... and you'll see that we pay more here for autos both in absolute money, and as a percentage of the rest of the price.
Then take a look at the comparitive prices in the sector in each country. In the UK, all mid-range makers charge about £1,000 ... and in France all mid-range makers charge about 1,000 euros
Time for a cartel investigation?
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* Dashboard level indicators for all fluids
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Ford thought of this years ago on the 1981 Escort.
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Four wheel drive and a turbocharger, just like my Impreza.
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Somewhere to brace your left foot.
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A 5 star Euroncap safety rating
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Standardised control layout for wipers, lights, indicators and horn, as well as the hazard warning switch mentioned already.
I know that technological developments might lead to different control mechanisms in the future. If these arise, then sure, fit them and motorists will get used to them. But why fit basically the same technology (switches) in cars but not use a standard layout?
We have two 10 year old VW's, a Golf and a Passat. Their controls are the same except the Golf's steering wheel has a centre section you press for the horn while the Passat has two thumb buttons on the spokes. I don't hoot the horn very often, but sometimes I fumble pressing the wrong bit of the wheel!
Cheers, Sofa Spud
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A lot of effort has gone into giving cars good aerodynamics. So most cars have a streamlined appearance for the sake of economy, aesthetics and pedestrian safety.
If the low drag coefficient of a smooth shape is so effective at reducing fuel consumption, why is the underside of most cars such a mess?
Why don't manufacturers fit moulded plastic undertrays to mass market cars. They wouldn't be heavy, and they'd prevent the build up of mud on the steel structure.
I know that there would still have to be open space below the engine, around the exhaust pipe and the suspension mountings, but surely the big area below the cabin / boot could be steamlined.
Does anyone know if this would give a few extra mpg in high-speed use?
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"* Intermittent wiper setting, front *and* back
* Proper spare wheel
* Decent jack & wheelbrace
* Full centre rear seatbelt (if applicable)
* Recycle setting on air blower
* Dashboard level indicators for all fluids
* 'Lights on when parked' warning tone"
Hey, even my rather basic Berlingo has 6 of these (only oil level indicator - not that I trust it - and only warning light for coolant level)
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A timing-chain and not a (cam) belt!
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Rear wipers on saloons.
All external bulbs checked when ignition switched on.
Warning triangle stored in boot lid like MBs
Switches that select rear fog lights BEFORE front fog lights and auto cancel when the ignition is turned off.
Plenty of storage locations like a Yaris
Rake and reach adjustable steering wheel
Front and rear parking sensors
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Agree with absolutely everything you say there Henry ...apart from the fogs - not too bothered about who I blind ;-)
All of these features have been available on different cars so why not put them on all?
Adam
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* Power steering
* ABS (& ESP or DSC)
* Remote control central locking
* Radio
* Nice, competent service staff at main dealers
Hmm. That'd do for me!
--
Lee
MINI adventure in progress
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A fridge in the glovebox so you can get a cold drink whenever you want one. £55 as an extra with an Audi A4 - standard on a VW Passat?
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A fridge in the glovebox so you can get a cold drink whenever you want one. #
And on a Fabia with aircon.. well sort of, a hole with conditioned air coming out of it in the glove box.
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All of these features have been available on different cars so why not put them on all? Adam
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I agree. It certainly is not rocket science.
Some more
Wing mirrors that can be folded remotely.
Wing mirrors that tilt to look downwards when reverse gear is selected
Brake pad wear warning.
Coolant flow rate monitor.
With no oil pressure gauge, a REDUCED oil pressure warning
Auto transmission low fluid level warning.
Been RTFM as I am new to owning an auto
Handbooks says the dealer checks it (so dont worry?).
Haynes needs a third of a page of type to describe the process.
This seems to be a tricky task only for serious types.
Do any vehicles have an automatic monitoring facility for this?
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How about a 10 year, all-inclusive, warranty...
Dream on...
Splodgeface
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Intermittent wipers - why? They're present on the M reg Hilux, but I really don't see the point.
Otherwise, my 12 year old Audi gets 6 out of 7.
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A 30mph 'button' for use on heavily camera'd roads
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An electrically heated front windscreen, as per the Ford "Quickclear".
--
L'escargot by name, but not by nature.
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...a badge on the bumper saying
"I'll be there at 5 past nine"
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Has anyone else noticed that when one uses a plug in mobile charger in the cigarette socket,the charger plug ruins the socket itself so the lighter is a sloppy fit when you push it in? It often doesn't work after that. Mikey
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Factory fitted vandal damage, you know, a few key marks down the sides etc.
Maybe some factory fitted bumper scuffs and door dents just like you get after leaving your car in a public car park.
It'd save others the trouble of doing it to your car for you.
PP
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You know I hadn't noticed that. Thing is, I don't use the lighter. So as long as the phone charger fits I'm happy.
I have to open my ashtray unit to get to the lighter socket which is a bit annoying and when my phone is charging I can't put it in the holder or else the cable gets in the way of my gear changes. So I have to sling the phone in the passenger footwell when it's on charge.
But the car was built in 1991 so I can't expect BMW to have anticipated the rise in mobile phone use.
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