It turns out that more technology in cars isn’t necessarily something customers want, and it’s not really improving their driving experience. We know my thoughts on the matter, but I’ll do my best to stay impartial on this latest survey from JD Power that shows most customers don’t appreciate technology in cars unless they can see a clear benefit to them.
JD Power’s 2024 U.S. Tech Experience Index Study evaluated over 81,000 drivers’ experience with “advanced vehicle technologies” in 2024 model year vehicles after 90 days of ownership, It turned out to be a pretty mixed bag when it came to what people liked using. There are a number of tech features that customers like using because they feels that it answers their needs, but at the same time there is a whole lot that don’t get used very often or are continually annoying, according to the survey.
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I don’t like tech in cars either… I like EVs bit the thought of dealing with that center screen for everything is just lame. Another thing that sucks are the fobs… Who asked for those? If I want to go swimming I now have to take apart a little plastic thing and stick it in my car
I really don’t like those either. I guess it’s okay to give people the option, I know that it’s handy to unlock the car from a distance if you’re loading kids or pets in the car. But give me a simple key/transponder if I just want to have a key on a keychain.
Also, I keep seeing more reports about those wireless unlock and remote start fobs being relatively easy to spoof, and the whole system seems comically insecure and fragile.
I can’t believe how much more money such a faulty feature costs too.
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That’s true, but then you see how easy it is to open up a car with a traditional lock using one of those shims.
True. As far as I can tell, most competent thieves can get in most cars, and it’s trivially easy to break the window out anyway with small tools. I’m not even sure of car alarms deter thieves anymore. The real deterrence is the interlock that prevents them from taking anymore than your stereo or loose change, and the interlock/transponder doesn’t require a fob.
Most cars won’t lock with the key fob inside them, and no one in the driver seat. So you might be leaving your car unlocked. That being said, the fobs are gasketed and water resistant, they should be able to handle a swim, no problem, but if you’re concerned, a ziploc baggie should do the trick.
I’d say the benefit of the fob outweighs the “cost”. Take it from someone who has had access to all 3 generations of entry tech (key, fob, keyless) at the same time, you’ll really miss it when you don’t have it.