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Old 07-22-2013, 02:53 PM   #51 (permalink)
redpoint5
Human Environmentalist
 
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Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Oregon
Posts: 12,742

Acura TSX - '06 Acura TSX
90 day: 24.19 mpg (US)

Lafawnda - CBR600 - '01 Honda CBR600 F4i
90 day: 47.32 mpg (US)

Big Yeller - Dodge/Cummins - '98 Dodge Ram 2500 base
90 day: 21.82 mpg (US)

Chevy ZR-2 - '03 Chevrolet S10 ZR2
90 day: 17.14 mpg (US)

Model Y - '24 Tesla Y LR AWD

Pacifica Hybrid - '21 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
90 day: 85.85 mpg (US)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by brucepick View Post
My theory on this is, its almost unavoidable. People who buy new cars want nice stuff, otherwise they would buy older worn ones. So they're more likely to want bells and whistles. We on the downstream end of it are more likely to want something cost-efficient but the manufacturers build for those who buy new.
True.

I am extremely frugal, but even I choose to buy a used luxury car (TSX). One day I blew a fuse that ran the circuits to things such as the remote operated trunk and door locks. I couldn't believe how much of a hassle it was considering my previous car had no power options. Or consider how much effort it takes to open every window on a car when it's hot and you want to cool it off. With my power windows, I can open all 4 with 1 hand while I'm driving the car. No need to walk to each window and crank it down. I don't even know how you'd safely get the windows back up after you have started driving.

The only option I would change on my car is the power seats. It's annoying to wait so long for a motor to adjust the position when I could have it done in 2 seconds manually. Then again, it is neat that the car automatically adjusts to my fiance's settings when she unlocks the doors.

If anything, I have experienced a higher rate of failure with manually operated systems than electric operated. I drove a Beetle that had stripped out door handle cranks, a Volvo that had a broken sun roof crank, Dodge van with a sliding door that didn't close right, etc.

Problems on my 80,000 mile 2006 TSX- blew a fuse while incorrectly installing a backup camera. Also, the original battery died last year.

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