mercurymichael Posted January 29, 2009 Share Posted January 29, 2009 Large taillamp lenses that do not completely light up--what is the point? exposed windshield wipers-they should duck behind the back edge of the hood I too hate airbags, highmount brakelamps, child seat hook up points, child locks and most of the government mandatory "safety" crap that just adds weight and expense to a car side markers that are not integrated into over all design--just stuck on (current Malibu) "blue" headlights door locks that do not unlock with when door handle is pulled dull dash boards--very few have any flair or design anymore extremely large hazard light buttons smack in the middle of the dash cigarette lighters and ashtrays--should be optional airbag warning stickers needless advertising of cars features on fenders, dashes etc red dashboard light i.e. Pontiac--they are light one big trouble light gone bad nets for map pockets interiors with little illumination engine compartments without a light imposible to remove oil filters front seats that have room to move back further, but have too short of track rear door windows that do not roll down completely--or even close to it dash board symbols instead of words dash board typesets not consistant headrests that do not tip forward new style power window butons--more government mandates just to name a few Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alex D. Posted January 29, 2009 Share Posted January 29, 2009 Don't know if you could necessarily call this a "feature" per se, but I absolutely loathe those ugly brake dust shields in some wheels (Cobalt, Maxima to name a couple.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alex D. Posted January 29, 2009 Share Posted January 29, 2009 I hit 0 MILES TO E as I was pulling in the gas station today. 0 miles to empty? You deserve an award! How many gallons did you put into it vs. your overall fuel capacity? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alex D. Posted January 29, 2009 Share Posted January 29, 2009 (edited) Oh, and another one is traction control. Seems I can do a better job modulating wheel spin with the throttle than the computer can by applying brake. Edited January 29, 2009 by Alex D. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RangerM Posted January 29, 2009 Share Posted January 29, 2009 But you sure can drive 30 miles with that light on and still coast on in to the nearest gas station on fumes no less! Been there, done that. When I started sputtering, I floored the gas and got up to about 75. I coasted for about 3/4 of a mile on a flat right up to the pump. I was in an unfamiliar (and rural) area, and mistakenly assumed there'd be more gas stations. The other thing I've learned to never do is allow my gas to get below 1/4 tank before I pass through a major city. When you have a truck/trailer, it can be a PITA to find a station (within a large city) where you enter/exit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Noah Harbinger Posted January 30, 2009 Share Posted January 30, 2009 (edited) See the picture Fer cryin' out loud, I know about the frickin' bumps already! I knew about them before I made my first frickin' post! The point is, you have to feel or look -- I can just DO it. Edited January 30, 2009 by Noah Harbinger Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RichardJensen Posted January 30, 2009 Share Posted January 30, 2009 (edited) Fer cryin' out loud, I know about the frickin' bumps already! I knew about them before I made my first frickin' post! The point is, you have to feel or look -- I can just DO it. You mean you drive with your hand on the cruise control stalk at all times? Because if you don't, you still have to feel/look to find the stalk. ------- And besides, how often are you fiddling with the cruise control anyway? Ron says, "Set it and forget it!" Edited January 30, 2009 by RichardJensen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Noah Harbinger Posted January 30, 2009 Share Posted January 30, 2009 You mean you drive with your hand on the cruise control stalk at all times? Because if you don't, you still have to feel/look to find the stalk. With just as much difficulty as you hit the turn signal. Maybe that's a good mental comparison? And besides, how often are you fiddling with the cruise control anyway? Ron says, "Set it and forget it!" I work a few hours offset from rush hour; 90% of my daily commute can be done on cruise control, but there are lots of speed limit changes and places where cops hang out that I gotta adjust frequently, even if there are no cars. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ford Jellymoulds Posted January 30, 2009 Share Posted January 30, 2009 (edited) Low fuel warning alarm,When the nearest gas station is 50 miles away, the chime/flashing light adds to the high drama....... LOL With nearest watering hole 50 mile up road, vinyl seats have melted on your old Falcon its 220c inside the car and it's a cool 45c outside with no shadows to hide under apart from your Sheila & a couple of winging poms you picked up 10 miles back for company life does not get much sweeter eh JPD Still it could be worse JPD you could be stuck on Yorkshire Moors stuck in 6ft of blast of Russian snow this weekend -6c with only T-Stag an escaped local lunatic who broke out from an asylum in a BL Triumph which he failed to start for company boring you death with Jaguar/Land Rover & how the whole world will be buying Nano's this time next year as TATA take over the worlds automovive industry with a little help & know how from J/LR of course, as folk around the world go completely off their golf trolley. It must have been that dodgy batch of Peckham spring water that done it. Edited January 30, 2009 by Ford Jellymoulds Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RangerM Posted January 30, 2009 Share Posted January 30, 2009 Still it could be worse JPD you could be stuck on Yorkshire Moors stuck in 6ft of blast of Russian snow this weekend -6c with only T-Stag an escaped local lunatic who broke out from an asylum in a BL Triumph which he failed to start for company boring you death with Jaguar/Land Rover & how the whole world will be buying Nano's this time next year as TATA take over the worlds automovive industry with a little help & know how from J/LR of course, as folk around the world go completely off their golf trolley. It must have been that dodgy batch of Peckham spring water that done it. Boy, perspective would help on that one. I have none, and barely understood what you're saying here. My "southern" must be my hindrance. "What we have here is.........FAILURE......to commun'cate." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ford Jellymoulds Posted January 30, 2009 Share Posted January 30, 2009 (edited) Boy, perspective would help on that one. I have none, and barely understood what you're saying here. My "southern" must be my hindrance. "What we have here is.........FAILURE......to commun'cate." LOL - If you ever visit London you won't get by without this Guide link Sarth London - Hooky Street lingo Guide Link.. Edited January 30, 2009 by Ford Jellymoulds Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lfeg Posted January 30, 2009 Share Posted January 30, 2009 OK, I am ready to weigh in on this one. Oversize consoles Floor shifters on automatic transmissions (or more properly, the lack of dash or column mounted alternatives)(I am not a teenager who needs to play speedracer) Tiny buttons close together Non-intuitive placement of controls (I prefer that I be able to adjust the radio and HVAC controls by feel only, I do not want to have to take my eye of the road to change the station, volume, or temperature) Too many functions on one stalk (a GM specialty - turn signals, dimmer, wipers, ws washer and cruise is just a bit much on one stalk) Displays on dashes that get washed out when the sun is at your back, or that force you to turn up the intensity to max when you have the wipers and lights on in daylight hours The lack of bench (or split bench) seats in everything but trucks and grandpa cars. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RichardJensen Posted January 30, 2009 Share Posted January 30, 2009 With just as much difficulty as you hit the turn signal. Maybe that's a good mental comparison? Well, seeings how most of the time when I'm highway cruising my right hand is off the wheel completely (resting on the arm rest and floor mounted shifter), adjusting the cruise control is a matter of arm movement no matter what. When my hand is on the wheel, it's as likely as not to be positioned where I can hit the cruise control switches without moving more than my thumb. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Noah Harbinger Posted January 30, 2009 Share Posted January 30, 2009 Well, seeings how most of the time when I'm highway cruising my right hand is off the wheel completely (resting on the arm rest and floor mounted shifter), adjusting the cruise control is a matter of arm movement no matter what. When my hand is on the wheel, it's as likely as not to be positioned where I can hit the cruise control switches without moving more than my thumb. Interesting -- I'm far more likely to have my left arm resting on the door's armrest (I'm right handed), with my right arm on the wheel (my elbow can still rest on the center console). So in this scenario, steering wheel controls are only useful to you when they're on the left-hand side of the wheel, no? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RichardJensen Posted January 30, 2009 Share Posted January 30, 2009 Interesting -- I'm far more likely to have my left arm resting on the door's armrest (I'm right handed), with my right arm on the wheel (my elbow can still rest on the center console). So in this scenario, steering wheel controls are only useful to you when they're on the left-hand side of the wheel, no? Well, I listen to radio, so the thing I do most is cycle through stations, and that's a right handed thing. I would imagine that unless my next car has audio controls on the left side of the wheel, I'll be using the console controls because they're closer to my free hand than the steering wheel controls, which is really kind of goofy when you think about it. My typical interstate driving position is left elbow on the arm rest, left hand at 9:00, and my right elbow on the arm rest with my right hand on the console shifter or the coffee mug. That's why I don't think I could ever leave Ford--the arm rests are always in the wrong spots. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
V8-X Posted January 30, 2009 Share Posted January 30, 2009 I too hate airbags, highmount brakelamps, child seat hook up points, child locks and most of the government mandatory "safety" crap that just adds weight and expense to a car Agree with most your post, but regarding this portion, it's clear you must not have kids. Cause I know I'm glad all those items are available to keep my little ones safe. But to each thier own I guess. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
atomaro Posted January 31, 2009 Share Posted January 31, 2009 I don't know if it was mentioned or not...but after having nothing bu VW's to work on today...wheel studs instead of lug nuts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fordtech1 Posted January 31, 2009 Share Posted January 31, 2009 (edited) I don't know if it was mentioned or not...but after having nothing bu VW's to work on today...wheel studs instead of lug nuts. I second that on the VW wheel studs. I could not imagine being on the side of the road at night trying to support the tire and line up the lug bolts and holes. Its difficult enough on a lift. VW is one of my most hated vehicles to work on. I will not purchase one because of the over engineered POS they are. The electrical diagrams are illegible. Oh and I know most European vehicle have wheel lug bolts. But I have just had non pleasent experiences with VW Edited January 31, 2009 by fordtech1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RichardJensen Posted January 31, 2009 Share Posted January 31, 2009 (edited) Ooooooo. I just found out what lug bolts are. Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr What is the POINT? WHAT IS THE POINT? Was there a staff meeting, where a picture of a wheel hub was put up on one of those flip charts, and the boss looks at the other guys around the conference table and says: "Okay, vee hafff complicated zee doorlocks. Vee hafff made zee routine serfiss a nightmare. Vee haff set zee 'check engine' light to come on efery zix veeks no matter vat. Vat vee haf not done isss make zee changing of zee tire somesing to leave zee owner cursing and zpitting. Vat can vee do boyssss?" And after a long pause a guy way down at the end of the table becomes famous forever by saying, "Vee can make it so zee owner needs tree hans to change zee tire. Two hans to hold zee tire and a tird hand to tread a screw in a hole. Zat vill make zee owner so mad he vill zpit." Edited January 31, 2009 by RichardJensen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sixt9coug Posted January 31, 2009 Share Posted January 31, 2009 I second that on the VW wheel studs. I could not imagine being on the side of the road at night trying to support the tire and line up the lug bolts and holes. Its difficult enough on a lift. VW is one of my most hated vehicles to work on. I will not purchase one because of the over engineered POS they are. The electrical diagrams are illegible. Oh and I know most European vehicle have wheel lug bolts. But I have just had non pleasent experiences with VW Forgot all about those. Thos suck! first saw those when i was with my cousin working on an 84 BMW he had. quite the WTF moment. OH! another Euro hating thing - Jaguar J gate and Mercedes staggared auto shifters. Also BMW "to the left, and up" Reverse on their 5 speed manuals in the 80s. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rmc523 Posted January 31, 2009 Share Posted January 31, 2009 0 miles to empty? You deserve an award! How many gallons did you put into it vs. your overall fuel capacity? According to my reciept, I put in 17.910 gallons, compared to 18.6 gallon capacity (as per the Flex brochure). So there's more left I guess.....the 0 is probably set early just to make sure you get gas before you kill the engine by running out of gas. Fer cryin' out loud, I know about the frickin' bumps already! I knew about them before I made my first frickin' post! The point is, you have to feel or look -- I can just DO it. I'm able to just DO it.....with a stalk you also have to remember which direction you push/pull the stalk forward/backward/up/down to do different functions. Well, I listen to radio, so the thing I do most is cycle through stations, and that's a right handed thing. I would imagine that unless my next car has audio controls on the left side of the wheel, I'll be using the console controls because they're closer to my free hand than the steering wheel controls, which is really kind of goofy when you think about it. My typical interstate driving position is left elbow on the arm rest, left hand at 9:00, and my right elbow on the arm rest with my right hand on the console shifter or the coffee mug. That's why I don't think I could ever leave Ford--the arm rests are always in the wrong spots. That's how I drive. Was there a staff meeting, where a picture of a wheel hub was put up on one of those flip charts, and the boss looks at the other guys around the conference table and says: "Okay, vee hafff complicated zee doorlocks. Vee hafff made zee routine serfiss a nightmare. Vee haff set zee 'check engine' light to come on efery zix veeks no matter vat. Vat vee haf not done isss make zee changing of zee tire somesing to leave zee owner cursing and zpitting. Vat can vee do boyssss?" And after a long pause a guy way down at the end of the table becomes famous forever by saying, "Vee can make it so zee owner needs tree hans to change zee tire. Two hans to hold zee tire and a tird hand to tread a screw in a hole. Zat vill make zee owner so mad he vill zpit." I was looking at those the other day on a VW. And Richard. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bleed Blue Posted February 1, 2009 Share Posted February 1, 2009 Going along with stupid things that over complicate something....................GM starters and shims. I replaced the starter on my sister's Sunbird once. as I pulled out the old one, all this "junk" falls out. I had no idea what they were, at least until I tried out the new starter. Ended up having to run around and buy more because the original ones were not enough. Not that Ford's are perfect but just a few bolts and some connectors sure simplify things. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Edstock Posted February 1, 2009 Share Posted February 1, 2009 Remember the joy of driving in the winter with no rear window de-fogger? IIRC, Europe led the way in the late 60's, but by the early 70's most domestics had rear-window defrost. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WC-MAN Posted February 1, 2009 Share Posted February 1, 2009 The stalk mounted horn AAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!!! Don't say things that remind of the 1982 Ford Granada! That was the worst debacle ever hoisted on mankind! And it wouldn't die dammit! We used to interchange keys between a '74 pinto, '73 F-series, and'73 club wagon. My list. 1. the oval air filter on my '82 GLC that nobody on earth made a replacement for. 2. The 2.8 GM V-6. 3. Odometers on automatic trannied cars that are bigger than the speedo. 4. Stereos with tiny buttons. 5. Chrysler auto trannies. 6. the wheels on my 03 neon. An economy car that required expensive low profile tires. 7. Horn Buttons Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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