I think with the weight of modern vehicles, things like ABS (maybe traction and stability control) are pretty necessary. It’s fine to say that vehicles are too heavy, but they need to be with the amount of safety stuff thrown in. Even a small hatch (like a swift) is a tonne. Cars are so good at insulating us when driving now that I’m not surprised there are so many driver aids like lane departure warnings, etc.

While not a fan of stupidly large SUV’s, there is logic behind the smaller ones. They’re ergonomically much better for us than a low car, so I do see why some of them exist.

In my mini, I have a stereo with 4 speakers, an electronic speedo (works great/smooth generally, but I think I’ve got a grounding issue somewhere), a small GPS speed display and a twin 12v outlet on the dash. One is free, one has my wireless charging phone holder plugged in (amazing for Rylstone). I’ve got LED projector lights too, and they’re fantastic. The new version even look pretty similar to original halogen headlights (not talking about the ones installed in my van).

While I want inertia/retractable seat belts, it’s not so straight forward to install in a van. The static belts do a job.

I was weighing up electronic ignition, but had to replace the points, condenser and coil last year so it’s not critical yet.

Technology that makes a vehicle more reliable, usable, or dependable is what I’m all for. The whole over the top In-Car Entertainment system stuff is legitimately not necessary. When Honda replaced the GE Honda Jazz with the new GK Honda Jazz, there were many frustrated consumers due to the physical switches being replaced by touch controls. The same thing with the new Mk8 Golf, which went away from actual switches to integrating it all into the touch screen.

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1963 850 - laid up
1970 Morris mini K van - eating up the kms!

Yeah... I'm with you, I reckon electronic ignition is pointless

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did I tell you that I won a trophy?

Starting 2024 with one of your "Dad's jokes". A bit of room for improvement with that one, but you are a bright spark so should be no trouble if you get your timing right.

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ex-NSW Police 1970 MK II Cooper S
VMCI #43

It wasn't great was it, I wouldn't be surprised if people break contact with me

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did I tell you that I won a trophy?

He just needs advancing a bit (A bit retarded).

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Cheers Dave.

No need to dwell.

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SooperDooperMiniCooperExpertEngineering

All garage work involves equal measures of enthusiasm, ingenuity and a fair degree of irresponsibility.

We seem to hve ignited a bad joke spark

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Cheers Dave.

Yeah. It's Kettering out of hand.

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SooperDooperMiniCooperExpertEngineering

All garage work involves equal measures of enthusiasm, ingenuity and a fair degree of irresponsibility.

says you, getting a bit rich

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The bitterness of poor quality (or Crappy Workmanship) remains LONG AFTER the Sweet Taste of Low Price is forgotten.

Talking about dad jokes, we were at the supermarket and a Tesla came in and parked.
I said to my wife did you hear that Tesla come in, she said No, I said nor did I.
sorry

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Mk 1 Cooper S 1965
If you could erase all your mistakes of the past
You would also erase the wisdom of your present
Remember the lesson not the disappointment.

And the Tesla caught fire in the supermarket car park.
According to the reports it was Coles.

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Cheers Dave.

That was before the Tesla and we were at Woollies doing a direct to boot pick up. best form of grocery shopping, I love technology.

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Mk 1 Cooper S 1965
If you could erase all your mistakes of the past
You would also erase the wisdom of your present
Remember the lesson not the disappointment.

My wife absolutely detests my mini. She will not even sit in it. One day she came out with "I will never ride in a car without an airbag". The next day I received a parcel of mini parts and low and behold there is an airbag used as packaging. It sits in an appropriate spot. Hopefully it never needed to be used.