I don't find it a distraction, it's not like you can watch movies and a bunch of the features are disabled once the car is in gear. Turn by turn navigation shows up on the dashboard as well as the infotainment system so you don't have look down to use it. I don't look at it as a status symbol, I mean a crv isn't really much to look at compared to shiny new mercedes. This was the first new car I've owned. All previous cars were hand me downs that were beat to death long before I started driving them.
Yeah that's why I keep an unlimited wireless plan on my iPad because I can't listen to movies while I drive via my car's electronics, it's a shame. Getting stuck in LA bumper to bumper traffic listening to old 1930's movies keeps me from losing my mind, or at least whatever is left of it.
I'm vacillating on buying a very expensive (to me) car I simply want instead of need. I've had the ability to work on cars and my husband has the skill and equipment to work on these newer cars. But realistically these cars are engineered and priced to cost a certain amount to own over their life. You can pay it up front or you can pay it when you replace an engine, but you will pay it.
I want to spend less of my free time working on cars. I don't find it as enjoyable anymore, especially these new ones. So I'm thinking from here on out I'm going to upgrade every time my car's warranty period ends. The dealership can sell it for a nice price since we are gentle on our cars and I don't have to worry about what that sound means.
However my Probe is currently in restoration mode but I enjoy working on her. The newer cars are more akin to Bic lighters as we move to non-ownership of vehicles and instead just order one to drive over and pick us up.
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