Make it easier to get safety features.
 

It seems that if you want really good safety features with a Honda,
you've got to go out and spend big bucks for a bunch of stuff you may
not want or need, and I think this is unfortunate.

I've got an '05 Accord LX, which I like, but it seems that the best
safety features aren't available unless you drop the big change for the
EX 6-cyl.

I'd love to get an EX i4 with:

Traction Control
Stability Control
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
Emergency Brake Assist, and also,

DRL
4-wheel disk brakes (items not available on my '05 LX)

But it looks like I'd have to also end up paying for XM radio, dual zone
climate control, glass roof, etc., etc ... whether I need them or not.

I think the revamped i4 has plenty of horsepower for most dedicated
stick drivers, unless you happen to be hauling a carload of large adults
or something.

Would anyone else buy these safety features for a relative few thousand
extra dollars, or am I alone in this?
+-----------------------------------------+
| Charles Lasitter | Mailing/Shipping |
| 401/728-1987 | 14 Cooke St |
| cl+at+ncdm+dot+com | Pawtucket RI 02860 |
+-----------------------------------------+

Re: Make it easier to get safety features.
 

Charles Lasitter wrote:
> It seems that if you want really good safety features with a Honda,
> you've got to go out and spend big bucks for a bunch of stuff you may
> not want or need, and I think this is unfortunate.
>
> I've got an '05 Accord LX, which I like, but it seems that the best
> safety features aren't available unless you drop the big change for the
> EX 6-cyl.
>
> I'd love to get an EX i4 with:
>
> Traction Control
> Stability Control
> Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
> Emergency Brake Assist, and also,
>
> DRL
> 4-wheel disk brakes (items not available on my '05 LX)
>
> But it looks like I'd have to also end up paying for XM radio, dual zone
> climate control, glass roof, etc., etc ... whether I need them or not.
>
> I think the revamped i4 has plenty of horsepower for most dedicated
> stick drivers, unless you happen to be hauling a carload of large adults
> or something.
>
> Would anyone else buy these safety features for a relative few thousand
> extra dollars, or am I alone in this?

I think you're pretty much along in this one.

XM, dual-zone climate, etc. may all seem like frivolous things, but
they're those kinds of features that you'll find, once you've had them a
while, you'll wonder how you ever lived without them.


---
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Re: Make it easier to get safety features.
 

Charles Lasitter wrote:
> It seems that if you want really good safety features with a Honda,
> you've got to go out and spend big bucks for a bunch of stuff you may
> not want or need, and I think this is unfortunate.
>
> I've got an '05 Accord LX, which I like, but it seems that the best
> safety features aren't available unless you drop the big change for the
> EX 6-cyl.
>
> I'd love to get an EX i4 with:
>
> Traction Control
> Stability Control
> Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
> Emergency Brake Assist, and also,
>
> DRL
> 4-wheel disk brakes (items not available on my '05 LX)
>
> But it looks like I'd have to also end up paying for XM radio, dual zone
> climate control, glass roof, etc., etc ... whether I need them or not.
>
> I think the revamped i4 has plenty of horsepower for most dedicated
> stick drivers, unless you happen to be hauling a carload of large adults
> or something.
>
> Would anyone else buy these safety features for a relative few thousand
> extra dollars, or am I alone in this?

I think you're pretty much along in this one.

XM, dual-zone climate, etc. may all seem like frivolous things, but
they're those kinds of features that you'll find, once you've had them a
while, you'll wonder how you ever lived without them.


---
avast! Antivirus: Outbound message clean.
Virus Database (VPS): 0616-2, 04/18/2006
Tested on: 4/19/2006 8:30:22 AM
avast! - copyright (c) 1988-2005 ALWIL Software.
http://www.avast.com

Re: Make it easier to get safety features.
 

Charles Lasitter wrote:
> It seems that if you want really good safety features with a Honda,
> you've got to go out and spend big bucks for a bunch of stuff you may
> not want or need, and I think this is unfortunate.
>
> I've got an '05 Accord LX, which I like, but it seems that the best
> safety features aren't available unless you drop the big change for the
> EX 6-cyl.
>
> I'd love to get an EX i4 with:
>
> Traction Control
> Stability Control
> Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
> Emergency Brake Assist, and also,
>
> DRL
> 4-wheel disk brakes (items not available on my '05 LX)
>
> But it looks like I'd have to also end up paying for XM radio, dual zone
> climate control, glass roof, etc., etc ... whether I need them or not.
>
> I think the revamped i4 has plenty of horsepower for most dedicated
> stick drivers, unless you happen to be hauling a carload of large adults
> or something.
>
> Would anyone else buy these safety features for a relative few thousand
> extra dollars, or am I alone in this?

I think you're pretty much along in this one.

XM, dual-zone climate, etc. may all seem like frivolous things, but
they're those kinds of features that you'll find, once you've had them a
while, you'll wonder how you ever lived without them.


---
avast! Antivirus: Outbound message clean.
Virus Database (VPS): 0616-2, 04/18/2006
Tested on: 4/19/2006 8:30:22 AM
avast! - copyright (c) 1988-2005 ALWIL Software.
http://www.avast.com

Re: Make it easier to get safety features.
 

On Tue, 18 Apr 2006 20:01:28 -0400, Charles Lasitter
<spoof@address.com> wrote:

>It seems that if you want really good safety features with a Honda,
>you've got to go out and spend big bucks for a bunch of stuff you may
>not want or need, and I think this is unfortunate.
>
>I've got an '05 Accord LX, which I like, but it seems that the best
>safety features aren't available unless you drop the big change for the
>EX 6-cyl.
>
>I'd love to get an EX i4 with:
>
>Traction Control

Buy an extra set of wheels and switch between winter tires and summer
tires. You will have all the traction control you need.

>Stability Control

Not sure if I would like that or not.

>Electronic Brakeforce Distribution

How is this different from ABS?

>Emergency Brake Assist, and also,

If you mean something that helps you slam on the brakes, I'l pass. I
don't need a computer to second guess how much brake pressure I want
to apply.

>DRL

Turn your headlights on.

>4-wheel disk brakes (items not available on my '05 LX)

Surprised that Honda is still using drum brakes on the Accord.
Anyway, I don't think these add much to safety.



>
>But it looks like I'd have to also end up paying for XM radio, dual zone
>climate control, glass roof, etc., etc ... whether I need them or not.
>
>I think the revamped i4 has plenty of horsepower for most dedicated
>stick drivers, unless you happen to be hauling a carload of large adults
>or something.
>
>Would anyone else buy these safety features for a relative few thousand
>extra dollars, or am I alone in this?
>+-----------------------------------------+
>| Charles Lasitter | Mailing/Shipping |
>| 401/728-1987 | 14 Cooke St |
>| cl+at+ncdm+dot+com | Pawtucket RI 02860 |
>+-----------------------------------------+

--
satyr #1953
Chairman, EAC Church Taxation Subcommittee
Director, Gideon Bible Alternative Fuel Project
Supervisor, EAC Fossil Casting Lab

Re: Make it easier to get safety features.
 

On Tue, 18 Apr 2006 20:01:28 -0400, Charles Lasitter
<spoof@address.com> wrote:

>It seems that if you want really good safety features with a Honda,
>you've got to go out and spend big bucks for a bunch of stuff you may
>not want or need, and I think this is unfortunate.
>
>I've got an '05 Accord LX, which I like, but it seems that the best
>safety features aren't available unless you drop the big change for the
>EX 6-cyl.
>
>I'd love to get an EX i4 with:
>
>Traction Control

Buy an extra set of wheels and switch between winter tires and summer
tires. You will have all the traction control you need.

>Stability Control

Not sure if I would like that or not.

>Electronic Brakeforce Distribution

How is this different from ABS?

>Emergency Brake Assist, and also,

If you mean something that helps you slam on the brakes, I'l pass. I
don't need a computer to second guess how much brake pressure I want
to apply.

>DRL

Turn your headlights on.

>4-wheel disk brakes (items not available on my '05 LX)

Surprised that Honda is still using drum brakes on the Accord.
Anyway, I don't think these add much to safety.



>
>But it looks like I'd have to also end up paying for XM radio, dual zone
>climate control, glass roof, etc., etc ... whether I need them or not.
>
>I think the revamped i4 has plenty of horsepower for most dedicated
>stick drivers, unless you happen to be hauling a carload of large adults
>or something.
>
>Would anyone else buy these safety features for a relative few thousand
>extra dollars, or am I alone in this?
>+-----------------------------------------+
>| Charles Lasitter | Mailing/Shipping |
>| 401/728-1987 | 14 Cooke St |
>| cl+at+ncdm+dot+com | Pawtucket RI 02860 |
>+-----------------------------------------+

--
satyr #1953
Chairman, EAC Church Taxation Subcommittee
Director, Gideon Bible Alternative Fuel Project
Supervisor, EAC Fossil Casting Lab

Re: Make it easier to get safety features.
 

On Tue, 18 Apr 2006 20:01:28 -0400, Charles Lasitter
<spoof@address.com> wrote:

>It seems that if you want really good safety features with a Honda,
>you've got to go out and spend big bucks for a bunch of stuff you may
>not want or need, and I think this is unfortunate.
>
>I've got an '05 Accord LX, which I like, but it seems that the best
>safety features aren't available unless you drop the big change for the
>EX 6-cyl.
>
>I'd love to get an EX i4 with:
>
>Traction Control

Buy an extra set of wheels and switch between winter tires and summer
tires. You will have all the traction control you need.

>Stability Control

Not sure if I would like that or not.

>Electronic Brakeforce Distribution

How is this different from ABS?

>Emergency Brake Assist, and also,

If you mean something that helps you slam on the brakes, I'l pass. I
don't need a computer to second guess how much brake pressure I want
to apply.

>DRL

Turn your headlights on.

>4-wheel disk brakes (items not available on my '05 LX)

Surprised that Honda is still using drum brakes on the Accord.
Anyway, I don't think these add much to safety.



>
>But it looks like I'd have to also end up paying for XM radio, dual zone
>climate control, glass roof, etc., etc ... whether I need them or not.
>
>I think the revamped i4 has plenty of horsepower for most dedicated
>stick drivers, unless you happen to be hauling a carload of large adults
>or something.
>
>Would anyone else buy these safety features for a relative few thousand
>extra dollars, or am I alone in this?
>+-----------------------------------------+
>| Charles Lasitter | Mailing/Shipping |
>| 401/728-1987 | 14 Cooke St |
>| cl+at+ncdm+dot+com | Pawtucket RI 02860 |
>+-----------------------------------------+

--
satyr #1953
Chairman, EAC Church Taxation Subcommittee
Director, Gideon Bible Alternative Fuel Project
Supervisor, EAC Fossil Casting Lab

Re: Make it easier to get safety features.
 

Charles Lasitter wrote:
> It seems that if you want really good safety features with a Honda,
> you've got to go out and spend big bucks for a bunch of stuff you may
> not want or need, and I think this is unfortunate.
>
>
The new Camry has all these features as either standard or as a
stand-alone option (traction control/stability control is not in a
bundle). That should force Honda to do the same with the next Accord.
Honda will probably make all that stuff standard across the Accord
lineup.

I wonder whether or not Honda will offer AWD on the next Accord. I'd be
surprised if AWD isn't offered on the next TL (all TL competitors offer
AWD) and since the Accord and TL share a platform...

Re: Make it easier to get safety features.
 

Charles Lasitter wrote:
> It seems that if you want really good safety features with a Honda,
> you've got to go out and spend big bucks for a bunch of stuff you may
> not want or need, and I think this is unfortunate.
>
>
The new Camry has all these features as either standard or as a
stand-alone option (traction control/stability control is not in a
bundle). That should force Honda to do the same with the next Accord.
Honda will probably make all that stuff standard across the Accord
lineup.

I wonder whether or not Honda will offer AWD on the next Accord. I'd be
surprised if AWD isn't offered on the next TL (all TL competitors offer
AWD) and since the Accord and TL share a platform...

Re: Make it easier to get safety features.
 

Charles Lasitter wrote:
> It seems that if you want really good safety features with a Honda,
> you've got to go out and spend big bucks for a bunch of stuff you may
> not want or need, and I think this is unfortunate.
>
>
The new Camry has all these features as either standard or as a
stand-alone option (traction control/stability control is not in a
bundle). That should force Honda to do the same with the next Accord.
Honda will probably make all that stuff standard across the Accord
lineup.

I wonder whether or not Honda will offer AWD on the next Accord. I'd be
surprised if AWD isn't offered on the next TL (all TL competitors offer
AWD) and since the Accord and TL share a platform...

Re: Make it easier to get safety features.
 

On 21 Apr 2006 05:26:25 -0700, dimndsonmywndshld@yahoo.com wrote:

> The new Camry has all these features as either standard or as a
> stand-alone option (traction control/stability control is not in a
> bundle).

I have to say a big THANK YOU for pointing this out.

With the Camry SE it looks like you get a lot stock and a lot more with
one optional package. I can't tell for sure, but it looks like the
'05 LX came with some air bags that you had to buy as an option with the
'06 Camry SE. Otherwise ....

Added "no charge" (mostly safety) features over '05 LX:

solid rear disc brakes (vs drum)
daytime running lights
electronic brakeforce distribution
dusk sensing headlamps
tire pressure monitoring
front fog/driving lights

With the "UG" VSC & Side Airbag Package ($1,300 list)

Vehicle stability control
traction control
brake assist

And the addition of these airbags, which I don't know quite how to
compare to the stock '05 Honda:

front side airbags
front and rear curtain airbags.

> That should force Honda to do the same with the next Accord. Honda
> will probably make all that stuff standard across the Accord lineup.

Lets hope!
+-----------------------------------------+
| Charles Lasitter | Mailing/Shipping |
| 401/728-1987 | 14 Cooke St |
| cl+at+ncdm+dot+com | Pawtucket RI 02860 |
+-----------------------------------------+

Re: Make it easier to get safety features.
 

On 21 Apr 2006 05:26:25 -0700, dimndsonmywndshld@yahoo.com wrote:

> The new Camry has all these features as either standard or as a
> stand-alone option (traction control/stability control is not in a
> bundle).

I have to say a big THANK YOU for pointing this out.

With the Camry SE it looks like you get a lot stock and a lot more with
one optional package. I can't tell for sure, but it looks like the
'05 LX came with some air bags that you had to buy as an option with the
'06 Camry SE. Otherwise ....

Added "no charge" (mostly safety) features over '05 LX:

solid rear disc brakes (vs drum)
daytime running lights
electronic brakeforce distribution
dusk sensing headlamps
tire pressure monitoring
front fog/driving lights

With the "UG" VSC & Side Airbag Package ($1,300 list)

Vehicle stability control
traction control
brake assist

And the addition of these airbags, which I don't know quite how to
compare to the stock '05 Honda:

front side airbags
front and rear curtain airbags.

> That should force Honda to do the same with the next Accord. Honda
> will probably make all that stuff standard across the Accord lineup.

Lets hope!
+-----------------------------------------+
| Charles Lasitter | Mailing/Shipping |
| 401/728-1987 | 14 Cooke St |
| cl+at+ncdm+dot+com | Pawtucket RI 02860 |
+-----------------------------------------+

Re: Make it easier to get safety features.
 

On 21 Apr 2006 05:26:25 -0700, dimndsonmywndshld@yahoo.com wrote:

> The new Camry has all these features as either standard or as a
> stand-alone option (traction control/stability control is not in a
> bundle).

I have to say a big THANK YOU for pointing this out.

With the Camry SE it looks like you get a lot stock and a lot more with
one optional package. I can't tell for sure, but it looks like the
'05 LX came with some air bags that you had to buy as an option with the
'06 Camry SE. Otherwise ....

Added "no charge" (mostly safety) features over '05 LX:

solid rear disc brakes (vs drum)
daytime running lights
electronic brakeforce distribution
dusk sensing headlamps
tire pressure monitoring
front fog/driving lights

With the "UG" VSC & Side Airbag Package ($1,300 list)

Vehicle stability control
traction control
brake assist

And the addition of these airbags, which I don't know quite how to
compare to the stock '05 Honda:

front side airbags
front and rear curtain airbags.

> That should force Honda to do the same with the next Accord. Honda
> will probably make all that stuff standard across the Accord lineup.

Lets hope!
+-----------------------------------------+
| Charles Lasitter | Mailing/Shipping |
| 401/728-1987 | 14 Cooke St |
| cl+at+ncdm+dot+com | Pawtucket RI 02860 |
+-----------------------------------------+

Re: Make it easier to get safety features.
 

Charles Lasitter wrote:
> On 21 Apr 2006 05:26:25 -0700, dimndsonmywndshld@yahoo.com wrote:
>
>
>>The new Camry has all these features as either standard or as a
>>stand-alone option (traction control/stability control is not in a
>>bundle).
>
>
> I have to say a big THANK YOU for pointing this out.
>
> With the Camry SE it looks like you get a lot stock and a lot more with
> one optional package.


The SE is a pretty nice unit. I test drove one a few days ago. The new
Camry nose is damn ugly, but the black-out grill on the SE even helps a
little with that. In the end I bought an Acura TSX this time around,
partly because Toyota dealers are still very proud of their new Camry
(high prices).

I also checked out the latest Toyota Navigation system in the '07 Camry
and it seemed very well done indeed. In fact, it is the only one I have
seen which is as good as or even better than the latest Honda/Acura Navi
sytems.

Ever since getting Navi on my '03 Accord it has become something of a
must-have feature for a new vehicle purchase. My wife liked my Accord
so much that she insisted I give it to her and get myself something else :).

John

Re: Make it easier to get safety features.
 

Charles Lasitter wrote:
> On 21 Apr 2006 05:26:25 -0700, dimndsonmywndshld@yahoo.com wrote:
>
>
>>The new Camry has all these features as either standard or as a
>>stand-alone option (traction control/stability control is not in a
>>bundle).
>
>
> I have to say a big THANK YOU for pointing this out.
>
> With the Camry SE it looks like you get a lot stock and a lot more with
> one optional package.


The SE is a pretty nice unit. I test drove one a few days ago. The new
Camry nose is damn ugly, but the black-out grill on the SE even helps a
little with that. In the end I bought an Acura TSX this time around,
partly because Toyota dealers are still very proud of their new Camry
(high prices).

I also checked out the latest Toyota Navigation system in the '07 Camry
and it seemed very well done indeed. In fact, it is the only one I have
seen which is as good as or even better than the latest Honda/Acura Navi
sytems.

Ever since getting Navi on my '03 Accord it has become something of a
must-have feature for a new vehicle purchase. My wife liked my Accord
so much that she insisted I give it to her and get myself something else :).

John