I have a 2010 Toyota Corolla. She’s been my trusty steed for the last 14 years and is in good working order. I recognize she won’t last forever, and if, god forbid (mostly for her) I get in an accident, I will need to get a new car. So what dumb cars do you drive, and what would you replace them with?
“Dumb car” is kind of relative. Computer engine controls have been around since the mid 1970’s. And while the first ones were not very good, they have become pretty darned reliable over the intervening years. And as someone who has owned cars and other heavy equipment with mechanical points and down draft and up draft carburetors, you won’t ever see me willingly own a car with any of that anymore.
If you really want to minimize the electronics as much as possible, look at 1990’s to no later than 2010 models.
Though to be fair, much of the problems with cars are caused by the accessories like power windows, door locks, air conditioning, and power seats. Those are far more problematic than the basic car itself.
When people refer to “smart” vs “dumb” cars, I don’t think they’re referring to the ECU. They’re referring to internet connected vs non-internet connected cars, in which internet connectivity is still a fairly recent development.
I daily drive a vehicle with a factory tape deck and CD changer, where all the electronics work flawlessly, from the sunroof to the back window rolling down. My wife wants me to ditch it, but they’re going to have to pry the keys out of my cold, dead hands.
I’ve read through your comments, and honestly, you’re just going to want to buy an old civic or another Corolla, and if you need to, swap in a new engine. You really have to choose working on an old car to keep it running, or live with even the basic standard safety features like a backup camera. Keep in mind that the new lane assist or collision avoidance stuff can be turned off in virtually all new cars. Plenty of new cars don’t have an obnoxious infotainment screen as well.
Plenty of new cars don’t have an obnoxious infotainment screen as well.
maybe list them for OP instead of hinting at their existence.
I mean, I can’t list every one of them? It all depends on if you find a 6 inch screen too big or something Tesla sized.
I know my Ford Maverick and my wife’s Kia Soul are pretty tame with the infotainment system.
just having a couple brands and models to look into is pretty helpful. I know i’m sick to death of massive screens with touchscreen buttons for everything. i drive my step mother’s recent model BMW sometimes and trying to just change the radio station is a chore that involves clicking accept on a screen with a huge disclaimer warning you not to get distracted by the touchscreen while driving before you can even operate it.
Keep in mind that the new lane assist or collision avoidance stuff can be turned off in virtually all new cars.
Manufacturers are making this more and more difficult to control by the user.
Can you clarify exactly what you mean by a “dumb car”? Do you just mean that it doesn’t have a screen in the cockpit? Or something else?
Internet connected (smart) or non-internet connected (dumb). At least that’s what this phrase means with all other context.
Understood, but OP mentioned that he wanted something without a backup camera, so that’s why I was asking for clarification.
Not OP, but my most recent car is a 2016 Hyundai Accent, and I think it’s perfect. The doors and ignition operate with physical keys, the displays are all physical indicators directly behind the wheel, all the controls have tactile, physical buttons instead of a touchscreen, no infotainment system, and no subscription options.
I don’t think I’d ever want a car more “smart” than that, but I’m not sure such a thing even exists anymore.
My 2016 Audi A3 is also very analog/dumb and it’s perfect. Physical controls for everything, seemingly no privacy concerns, and I easily added a module for Android Auto/Apple Car play to it.
For about ten years prior to 2020, I only had a company car. I’ve gone the past four without a car but I’m looking around for something to make it easier to visit family and take short trips.
Not only is the cost of a new car mindmelting, all the crap they put in them now is detrimental to me considering anything made in the past few years. I would sooner opt for a car with roll down windows and an AM radio than have to drive down the street with a giant computer screen shining in my face pinging me with all sorts of distractions. And that’s coming from someone who spent over ten years installing car stereos and remote starts, etc.
I don’t know what to do either. I’m looking at cars made around 2010-2015. I’d probably drive less than 2,000 miles a year but I’d still worry about wasting money on something that isn’t going to last me at least ten years. I also have a thing for cars that feel good to drive, typically German cars, so these cheap little Hyundais and such probably aren’t something I’d consider.
If at all possible, consider replacing your car with an E-bike. Way cheaper, both in upfront and maintenance costs. No insurance, no gas, no registration fees, etc, etc. With the right set-up you can haul a week’s worth of groceries in the rain and not even think twice about it.
My 2019 Hyundai Ioniq SEL has been incredibly reliable for the last 5 years. It’s a very boring car compared to alternative hybrids, but I save money on gas, which is what I got it for.
Is 2002 recent? Still loving my vintage wrx.
When the wheels fall off I’d like to go with something electric, but those tend to be phones with wheels. Maybe a used volt?
Hey if it still runs and they were readily available. In terms of recent I was talking newer than my car, old enough not to have a computer system or backup lights.
Every car you could buy in the past 20 (probably 30) years had a computer system, because you can’t meet emissions regulations without fuel injection.
In Europe, the Dacia Sandero base model is a car that literally only comes with what’s needed to drive or mandated by law.
The previous generation was still available with wind-up windows, no power steering and no radio.I don’t know about any offerings in the US market.
I think OP is probably thinking of the kind of car computers that require you to use a touchscreen to control the windshield wipers, or turn off heated seats if you haven’t paid your monthly rental fee. Not a car built entirely without microchips.
Technically? It’s 3 years off from antique.
Alternatively, does anyone know of (a) car(s) which are easy to remove any computer systems?
You cant remove just any computer systems. Your current car would not start without all the chips inside.
New regulations require the use of several sytems ranging from ABS to eCall.
If you don’t want any of those, just repair/buy an older car.
There are still cars being made without tablets in the middle if you just want that.
I have a 2015 Dacia Logan, that’s just smart enough (can connect to Bluetooth).
This is only tangentially related, hopefully someone else here knows, are the newer fleet vehicles coming out still barebones? It might be a consideration if so
I’m rocking a 1998 Toyota 4runner and when she dies I’ll replace her with another one
Your best bet would be to go for something used in good condition before 2014 that’s when cars started being internet connected and having controls being software buttons in screens and the like. If you have a bunch of money you could try to import something but the 25 year rule is an issue if you live in the US
Get something similar but cheaper. Those things spend decades in the sands and humid cimates and they’re still rolling around. That Toyota will probably outlive you and your kids if you treat it well.
They’re like those Diesel powered Mercedes from the 90s but much cheaper and easier to fix.
I think what is a good choice greatly depends on your location, which affects prices, availability, spare parts availability etc.
Whatever vehicle it is … you should get the option for rich Corinthian leather interior