Are New Cars In 2017 Worth The Buy?

What's the big deal about the latest year in cars? Is there any real improvement aside from vague statements of "faster", "more reliable", or "more torque?" Yes, actually, but you need to be sure that you care about these new additions and changes. Here are a few features to think about, then keep an eye out for as you search for a new car.

Understanding V2V And V2I Technology

Syncing up your phone to your computer and other devices was only the beginning. As cars became a hub of productivity like anything else, the desire to link up communications and deliver new services was too tempting for automobile manufacturers. Actual owners might like the new toys, too.

Vehicle-to-Vehicle and Vehicle-to-Infrastructure (V2V and V2I) technology allows vehicles to relay information between different vehicles, as well as infrastructure pieces such as traffic lights, kiosks, and toll bridges. For drivers, the information relay delivers road conditions, weather, and other relevant drive information.

While convenient for drivers--and helpful when internet isn't available--it's actually a test for autonomous driving. Self-driving cars rely on data about the information around them to make decisions on driving techniques, and additional information from other vehicles or trusted infrastructure can make those decisions much more accurate.

Does "new technology" creep you out? Afraid of hacking? Just turn it off. It's not Hollywood; there's no magic hacker lock stopping you from disabling vehicle communications, so enjoy having the choice either way.

Blind Spot Awareness

Here's another great technology that empowers both the technology-loving and human-in-power driving camps. Blind spot technology can take a lot of guesswork out of driving that shouldn't be there in the first place.

Every vehicle has a blind spot, and although side mirrors and rear view mirrors can help a bit. Instead of just relying on what you can see through the mirror or the always awkward turn-around-and-look-back technique, new cars can come equipped with sensors that detect vehicles in your blind spot.

It's not to be relied on alone. In fact, it's often placed on the side-view mirror, encouraging you to look for a possible obstacle anyway. The guided cues embrace traditional driving skills instead of taking skills away, and are also valuable information-gathering points for self-driving cars.

As you look for a new car, think about how these features affect your driving and your quality of life in general. Be sure to know how to turn the systems on and off, and speak with a car dealership to discuss any concerns you have about new car features.

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