This has been a very interesting and funny thread to read. It is fascinating to read what features people like / miss / want / from their cars. The BIG worry I have when buying a car is: "Am I going to be disappointed?"
All the research and a test drives, does not fully prepare you for actual ownership. Lexus cars are initially underwhelming on first acquaintance. The longer you own them the more you seem to appreciate the cars. Regarding equipment / accessories; I am convinced there is a big difference in owner expectation, depending on your age. Younger Lexus owners require more tech - especially when it comes to playing music and phone compatibility. For older owners (like me!) what was once very important, is now no longer a big issue. There are features on my 1998 LS 400 that I am sure I do not use - sunroof / heated seats.
My first priority, in buying a car, is reliability. An unreliable car would drive me crackers (try owning an old Ford!). Comfort and build quality would come second.
What features do I like?
ABS braking
Air bags
Automatic Transmission - Well I am also sold on automatics, provided they have a powerful
engine.
Air conditioning / heater – we forget that not many cars had these years ago
Reversing sensors
Radio / CD player
Power Steering
Trip computer
Electric windows
Electric door mirrors
Remote petrol cap
Folding rear seats flat
Heated rear window
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What features could I live without?
I am not rubbishing these features, JUST saying I could forgo them.
Fast 0-60 times
Lane departure / Radar cruise / Pre-crash system
Self-parking gismo.
Cruise control (It would not be a hardship to be without this feature here in the UK)
Heated seats (I forget to put mine on in the winter! – Though they are lovely!)
TPMS – Tyre pressure monitor (something else to go wrong)
Air suspension
Phone connectivity (answering phones, even hands-free I think is a real distraction from driving)
Electric tailgate
Electric adjustable seats and steering
Sunroof
Headlight washers
Rear camera
Navigation system (Use Tim Tim)
Rear side blinds
Handbook – complete waste of time! Too long to read! Just post on here if you want to know anything! (*)