[Z-man]

There are four modern technologies that I like in a car:
- ABS braking.
- Airbags.
- Portable GPS units
- Heated seats

Granted, I've lost the 'feel' of braking without an ABS equipped car, but in panic situations on the street, it does allow one to steer - and there is a good chance of being able to steer around something hard and immobile rather than plow into it.

Airbags have been shown to be effective in minimizing injury when the ABS isn't good enough to prevent plowing into something hard and immobile.

I bought my wife a portable GPS unit a couple of years ago - she and I both love it! For day to day driving, it isn't of much worth, but on vacations in an unfamiliar town, or for those trips to the racetrack -- it is definately worth using. And frankly, I don't really care if the government or some other agency can see where I've been via my GPS - I've got nothing to hide.

Heated seats? Yeah - there's nothing like a bun toaster on a cold winter day. Call it shameless indulgence, if you will...

As far as distronic (radar guided cruise control), night vision, PSM/ESP/PASM/whatever-you-call-your-traction-control-system, heated steering wheels...etc. - I don't really see a lot of value in them. Granted, they all offer some element that makes the car safer - but the technology is replacing good driving skills - and that's bad.

-Z-man.