It is official. We are NEVER getting a new car. Dad took his 19 year old car in for a repair this week, and they gave him a brand new 2023 as a loaner. Perhaps it is their subtle hint that it is time to upgrade? At first I was lured in by how much technology has changed since 2004, that is until I realized not all the bells and whistles are worth the change!
I admit I am impressed by the big screen that we can program directions for our adventures. It sure beats the MacGyver inspired setup Dad uses now, where he Velcros his phone to the dashboard. Speaking of adventures, the moonroof is exactly what I need for my telescope, to make tracking UFOs a lot easier. Another feature that makes using the car easier for dogs is the push button start. Since the dexterity of turning a key using a thumb is not needed, with Asa’s help on the pedals, I’m confident I could drive the car in an emergency. In addition with the automatic braking, if Asa gets distracted working the pedals while I’m watching a UFO through the moonroof, I think the car will stop for us if we’re going to hit something. The camera for backing up is also a welcome change. It takes the pressure off Asa and myself to start barking if Mom is about to back into something. Therefore I do admit that these upgrades would be a welcome change.
I have mixed feelings though about some of the new features. The satellite radio is intriguing, but does have its drawbacks. At least with the CDs that Asa insists on playing, we have some control and context over what song is coming next. Allowing Asa to make roadtrip playlists could be dangerous. There’s just so many times we can listen to “Baby Shark” on an adventure! Yet being able to synch it with Mom’s phone so I can listen to my favorite podcasts, would make long drives more pleasurable. Also this is a minor complaint and can be easily corrected, but I don’t like that new car smell and pristine interior. I’m sure though that after a few shakes to distribute fur, as well as a post-beach ride with soggy dogs, we can get it to have the familiar scents we know and love.
However, that is not the reason why I refuse to allow Dad to replace our beloved 19 year old vehicle. I overheard Mom and Dad discussing the safety features, including blind-spot detection and rear cross-traffic alerts. These warnings require beeping. I HATE beeping!!!! I instinctively want to flee to the safety of my backyard when I hear beeping, even if it is coming from the television. Can you just imagine my distress if the car is constantly beeping out warnings? We’d have to keep turning around to get to the safety of my backyard!
Hence why although some people may enjoy the “bells and whistles” of owning a new car with all the latest technology, it is exactly the bells and whistles that make this dog prefer his old car. I’m sure just like smoke detectors, cats have played a role in this design!
Asa: So where do we stand in terms of saving for a self-driving car? Because I have some ideas for how to use that money instead.
