What is the Right Amount of Technology for You?

Its funny- over 50 years ago, car buyers would actually shy away from power options such as power windows, power seats, cruise control and other creature comforts for fear they would break. In contrast today, not only does virtually any new car on the road today contain those as standard items, but a whole lot more since the introduction of computers. Since the 1980s, onboard computers increased automotive technology exponentially.

Except aficionados of early automobiles, how many drivers prefer to crank their engines or manually control windshield wipers? On the other hand, fast-forward to today- how many want to give up the thrill of driving a manual transmission or even let the car drive by itself?

One thing is for certain- our human desire for continued technological advancement is endless. As technology advances, so does the great love/hate divide of the technology when systems perform properly versus when those same systems fail.

When you see the automotive media review today’s cars, trucks and SUVs, keep in mind that over 95% of the vehicles tested are new. Even their long-term tests do not include vehicles over two years old. Then there is also the increased cost factor- the more onboard functions, both standard and optional, the higher the cost to the consumer.

The good news is that across all brands, the automotive industry builds better cars today lasting well over 200,000 miles. Sometimes today, length of ownership is more determined by computer and related electrical issues than by the life of the drivetrain.

As a car aficionado, do you prefer to drive something more advanced, powerful and efficient or something older that is easier and cheaper to maintain or repair and does not push back like accelerators or lane-keeping resistance in the steering wheel? Then there is the controversy of gas vs. electrically charged. Mass media outlets extol the benefits of quiet operation, power and reduction of the dependence on oil. But they rarely discuss the drawbacks- actual higher plug-in costs, potential power failures that prevent time to charge (20 minutes to overnight) and the toxicity created in the manufacture and disposal of batteries. What about a hybrid that integrates the benefits and minimizes the shortcomings of both?

So if you are looking to purchase a newer vehicle and still prefer to be in control behind the wheel, keep in mind that with each passing model year, manual transmissions are disappearing while more automated features like lane keeping and driver monitoring are becoming more common. Another option is to maintain or modify an older vehicle to your taste and liking. So what is the right amount of technology for you? 6 volts, 12 volts or 48 volts? contributed by Alan Power

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