Are Modern Cars Getting Worse? A VLOG and a Rant in a Toyota Avensis

[@jacobthompson8507]

My Audi slammed on the brakes for a parked car, at the side of the road, for no reason. 40mph to 0 with no warning, I nearly had a Land Cruiser in the back of me. And my Honda, won't let me move off unless I've got my seatbelt on, which is a nightmare in a drive thru or car wash, etc. And don't even get me started about how much they both beep and bong at me for everything I do! I can't even turn the Automatic headlights off the Honda. They are constantly on. These things put me off modern cars, and to gain my sanity back, I climb into my S2000 to get away from these stupid things!!

[@TheMentalblockrock]

This is why it is HEAVEN to drive one of my Morris Minors from time to time. Pure analog driving how it used to be. This is why a lot of people LOVE classic cars, even with all their flaws.Yes, I too HATE modern automatic headlights and especially if they try and switch between main beam and dipped very badly for you. DISASTER!.

[@christiann7320]

What honda is that ? I own a recent 2017 HR-V and i;m lucky i dont have that

[@jacobthompson8507]

@@christiann7320 I had a 2016 Honda HR-V EX, so yours must be similar to mine.

[@christiann7320]

@@jacobthompson8507 interesting. I never put my seat belt on, while moving it around in my yard, and don't have problems

[@jacobthompson8507]

@@christiann7320 That’s strange, mine did in car washes/ car parks etc. Was still a lovely car though, I enjoyed it. I part-exchanged it last year for a Volvo XC40.

[@richardhowlett9424]

The best cars ever made , and will ever be made , are now 15 to 20 years old . They had all the kit you want , without all the electronic “safety” bollocks you don’t.

[@-BuddyGuy]

Sweet spot for me was early ncap, before manufacturers started drastically changing designs to have thicker doors, higher sills, higher bonnets, fat bumpers, thicker pillars. You still had ABS and airbags, but you could have a low aggressive looking car. It also coincided with the time after OBDII was introduced, so you had onboard diagnostics, electronically controlled injection etc. Cars weren't venting oil and other shite to atmosphere, but engines weren't yet riddled with the excessive emissions bollocks they have now. 1999-2000 is the very peak in my opinion, with the 90s and 00s being very good in their entirety.

[@ThorburnJ]

Agree with this 100%. A friend declared after, for the second time in a year, rear-ending another car on the M4 that his next car would have auto-braking - I suggested he pay attention to the road! We picked up a new Octavia vRS a couple months ago and specced it with no additional assists, but lane departure and parking collision brakes are standard. In the first week of owning it the lane departure warning tried to stop me steering back into the left lane whilst cars (fortunately some way in the distance) were approaching because I wasn't indicating after completing an overtake, and then a few miles later on a narrow section of road tried to steer me at speed into the verge because the painted lane narrowed to less than the width of the car. The next day the parking collision brake slammed itself on and wouldn't let the car reverse the final 2ft into a parking space because there was a bramble sticking out of the hedge. Both systems are now permanently disabled!

[@andrewausterfield6710]

Don't tell your insurance company..

[@ThorburnJ]

That I've turned off a feature that twice almost caused an accident with a brand new car? I think they'd be thrilled.

[@andrewausterfield6710]

lol btw - I had exactly the same discussion with a colleague when he's just rear-ended another car. He just replied that he found driving incredibly boring and with the distraction of 2 small kids he realized he wasn't always on top of his game. With that in mind, he probably made the right decision!

[@andrewausterfield6710]

James Thorburn give them a call and ask them..

[@ThorburnJ]

That would just be asking for trouble. Interestingly, did some searching into the matter and found this on Direct Lines page about Lane Departure Warning "The technology is without a doubt very clever. For driving predominantly on main roads and the motorway network, it is worth choosing. However, for those who spend the majority of their time driving around urban, suburban or country roads, lane keeping technology is unlikely to be suitable for their needs." As I live in rural Somerset I think that's basically an insurance company advising me NOT to enable it!

[@BringIt96]

I love being able to drive my car and not have my car drive me. All these half smart assists are making drivers lazy and less aware on the road. Yes some of the technology is good and helpful but others just simply can't replace human instinct and intuition. Either way I enjoy my car because I have to drive it. Great video man! Still loving the shirt!

[@stephenclark8859]

BringIt96 that shirt is the best yet

[@MrCroky123]

Resistance to change (POSITIVE change) baffles me ... I enjoy my car while alive, thank you ...

[@andrewgurney6019]

To the man with the very loud shirts, well said!! I agree with every word you say, and one of the reasons I now drive classic cars!

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Thanks Andrew

[@henryhol8538]

I get what you mean. I prefer driving my 14 year old Alfa Romeo GT to our nearly new family hatchback. I always look forward to its responsive steering and engine and its precise manual gearbox (complete with ferrari like alloy gearhead) and an actual handbrake.

[@Shishizurui]

the problem i have is long ago there was alot of cool stuff in the 90s, and the 2000s and then cars hit a brickwall right as i got a job to start considering a new one. to me the most important aspects of a car is performance and reliability however in most reviews they'll go on and on about the infotainment system that will be junk in 5 years, and all the driver asissts.i currently drive a 10 year old impreza it is by far a dinosaur and i like it that way.

[@chriswilliams1096]

I have a similar 2016 Avensis estate but with the 1.8 petrol engine. Can't help but agree with you on most points. Most of what's wrong with it are down to modern "driver aids". Most of these are either due to new regulations or because they are cheap for the manufacturer to add. Cons: EPB that works the wrong way round (as you point out). However, you very soon adjust. Annoying and inconsistent media player/satnav thing. The media player sometimes forgets what was last playing and starts up the first track on its list. The sole USB socket for your mp3 thumb drive is buried in the depths of the centre console (also 12V power socket). Took me 6 weeks before I discovered how to turn off radio traffic announcements. Central dashboard display screen is too fiddly and unintuitive. The clock numerals are about 3mm tall and unreadable while driving. Clock turns off when the engine is off. You can only adjust some settings while the engine is on. Some lighting settings can only be adjusted while the lights are on. Climate control system is fiddly. Everything, apart from temperature setting, relies on identical little buttons that are hard to see while driving. Very thick A-pillar means a lot of head weaving at junctions and on bendy roads. Pros: 1.8 petrol has 144bhp, which is enough for all practical purposes. 0-60 in under 10 secs (if you rev it). I get about 40mpg on average. Steering, gearbox, brakes and suspension all get the job done. This is a stress-free car to drive. Cockpit is comfy (for me). Rear passengers are comfy too - middle passenger has no annoying lump in the middle of the floor. You can drive hundreds of miles without getting stiff and tired. Plenty of storage space for (in my case) wheelchair, luggage and fishing rods. Summary: If you want a big, comfy, affordable reliable car for shifting four people and lots of stuff then this could be for you. If you want excitement, luxury materials and chic design then best look elsewhere.

[@SkaMaRtiSt1991]

9:40 I have worked in the auto industry and I can tell that stop start features do not reduce emissions. What it does do is cheat the insane 3+ hours idle test that the US and EU have implemented in there emissions testing. If your car doesn't idle, you get an instant pass. The reality is that probably less that 1% of people will ever idle for that long, and if you do you're probably driving an ambulance or police car. Love the show btw

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Thanks!

[@markpaul1154]

My wife has a old 2004 avensis 2.0 vvti auto estate. It is boring as a house brick, under powered, greedy and dull. However, it just never breaks, it has passed every MOT first time, cheap to service and it starts, runs and just goes. I have had in the same time, a Mondeo tdci estate, flywheels, clutches, injectors, scapped at 130k, kapput. A mercedes E320 cdi estate, German engineering, wired up by the local nut house, air leaks in fuel lines, battery goes randomly flat, gearbox throws itself in to limp mode and yep, sold it, enough of that. The Toyota, its still there, like an old cart horse, it just keeps going. Would we buy another Toyota . Yes, are they boring, oh yes, very yes. Buy it does the job and nothing else.

[@watching88football]

That's exactly what I'm about to buy. Prefer old car cuz of their reliability

[@Acerimmer99]

100% agree. Feel like the industry is going a direction all gear-heads simply cannot follow.

[@aevans148]

Agree with everything in this, good video! Also, the general size of cars getting bigger on our UK roads is ridiculous! Fiat 500s are probably an exception but for example, Minis are no longer really "mini" and it seems to be that these people that cannot drive to save their lives are the ones who have the oversized cars for our narrow town roads. One example I have is the other week I was driving through my town and turned into a street in which cars park on one side of the road. Suddenly, coming out of a turning which wasn't even a junction was some sort of BMW Estate who didn't even look at the road to see who was coming and started driving towards me. This needlessly large car had come over the line onto my side of the road. Now, to save myself being hit head first, I had to pull my Civic to the left and at this point it was already too late to pull up behind a parked car and wait. So I ended up clipping a parked car's wingmirror with my own and smashing mine into a million pieces. The BMW driver was completely oblivious of this and kept on driving. I pulled over and stopped to check the damage and told the owner of the car and offered to pay for a new wingmirror which they declined, as well as having to buy a new one myself but the point I am making is cars these days are getting needlessly larger and in the name of "safety" which is rather ironic when their sheer size is a hazard in itself! Apologies for the rant but I think it is a point to add to your video. Thanks.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Thanks for your contribution!

[@baronvonjo1929]

Okay but minis are so small and impractical. I've been in one. Horrid experience

[@6chhelipilot]

@@baronvonjo1929 Poor use of space more than anything else.

[@NubletPie278]

I'm so glad I don't have an auto braking car, it always scares me that it would see something and slam on the brakes and cause a guy behind to go straight into me. And since I don't use the phone, do my makeup, fall asleep or anything in the car I'm not missing much benefit either. Generally the idea of the instructor grabbing the wheel or in this case, the computer, will confuse the driver and potentially make the situation more dangerous. I envisage situations where I could have avoided a crash by swerving or by accelerating or something but the car takes over, brakes and keeps the steering straight and I go into the back of someone. But the flipside is it's much safer for all the shit drivers on our roads and could save my life from one of those.

[@davidmwood560]

A man after my own heart. My daily driver is a 2006 Lexus GS300 SE-L. True Lexus through and through, with just enough "toys" to make me happy but not enough to prevent me from enjoying the driving experience. My next car will be either a Lexus LS460 (but not too new), or a Nissan Elgrand. I have yet to decide but it's got to fit my requirements and cost less than £10,000. I also own my first ever car. I got it in 1963 and it's a 1938 Triumph Gloria! 2·5 litre Coventry Climax engine and a "crash" gearbox. It too, is quite gast, and very comfortable; but most of all; I have to actually DRIVE it! In fact, I'm off for an evening drive right now. Love your videos James, great stuff, and you do find some excellent cars.

[@nallabor94]

I swear by my 02 Yaris, the newer ones are so much more flimsy and remove many driving elements. Yet to conk out at 180k

[@novalutiongsi1435]

All the rant points are basically why I wouldn't want to go newer than my 56 plate Astra, more and more tech, meaning less driver involvement. Yes there are some items which are great, things like Cruise control or the blind spot detection great, but that speed camera warning thing.. annoying! Fancy taking a proper basic car for a spin? No anything, manual choke as well...

[@ortoapp]

Totally with you. Much prefer driving my 2006 car to our primary modern BMW with all the beeping crap, keyless start and auto handbrake.

[@gpethst24]

Were they the gimmicks that seduced you to begin with? lol...

[@tobyhall7617]

I don't like we're the car industry is going

[@hughmungus1572]

Where

[@ianwalters11]

A ridiculous amount of safety that ironically can be dangerous taking away control from the driver, suddenly braking etc. And I loathe how it’s all going with all electric. They are not environmentally friendly especially all the components being mined for the batteries. Petrol cars are the cleanest and most economical they’ve ever been, let’s keep to those until we have something better than electric. And the second hand car market for those of us who like cars but don’t earn decent money? I don’t want a 1.0 turbo 2nd hand car.. the engine will be on its last legs at even lowish miles, too hard a life getting power out of a tiny engine. Those 5 cylinder Volvo engines were never going to win any mpg trophies and were quite thirsty but offered 180-250 bhp from 2.0 - 2.5 that run for at least a quarter of a million miles with regular oil changes. I sold a 2.3 850T5 to its next owner with 258000 miles on the clock. Yes we have 1 litre 3 cylinder engines tootling about with a big turbo, decent bhp and low emissions that might be ok as a new car but they won’t last. Admittedly way out of my price range but it’s sad to see V12’s, V10’s and even V8’s going out of fashion in exotic cars. You cannot beat the character and sound. And environmental arguments are ridiculous for these cars. A V12 Ferrari is never going to be made in mass production so it really doesn’t matter if the CO2 and fuel economy are not comparable with run of the mill cars. Worlds gone mad.

[@TheMentalblockrock]

The modern car industry is headed to electric cars for the rich only. Push bikes/ public transport for the rest of us.

[@ianwalters11]

@@TheMentalblockrock you hit the nail on the head. Sad but true.

[@TheMentalblockrock]

We have to get rid of all this climate change crap and get back to petrol and diesel vehicles. Electrics are not very good really!

[@lunarshteve]

this is exactly why i drive a 1997 honda prelude as my daily, as an audi/VW tech i see the issues these moderns cars have on a daily basis. They really dont make them like they used to.

[@Jo3sX]

The German's with optional everything leads to some weird spec vehicles. I had the displeasure of driving a 2020 Mercedes Sprinter while I was doing courier work last year. It had an electric handbrake that I could never get to work, front parking sensors but none on the rear, which just makes no sense on a van and the push button start was the worst thing I've ever used. Seemed to be about 50/50 as to whether it would actually start the engine or not. I stalled it once coming out of a junction and it took me a good 30 seconds to get the damn thing to turn itself on again because it turns out the auto restart function only works on ones with stop start, which weirdly this one didn't have.

[@paulelephant9521]

Totally agree about all the beeps and bongs from "safety" systems distracting and sometimes misleading people. In fact the recent 737 crashes are pretty much due to a hidden safety system that was meant to operate invisibly without the pilots even realising, malfuntioning, too many lights and sounds stressing the pilots and disaster ensues. Obviously the results in a car are generally much less terrible,but there are a lot more people driving cars, and car crashes are still serious. I also wonder how well these things will age, lots of stuff to go wrong and as you say , if folks come to rely on these systems and then they pack up , it could be a major problem.

[@saddoncarrs6963]

Toyota Avensis estate - more practical than an SUV, cheaper to buy than an SUV, cheaper to fix than an SUV, more economical than an SUV, more reliable than an SUV, more durable than an SUV, better handling than an SUV and arguably more comfortable than an SUV. Yet Toyota, like many car manufacturers, now don't make large estate cars because there are too many people now trying to fix whatever is missing in their lives, by buying an SUV. I fear for the future of mankind.

[@fossilfish786]

J you are a great presenter and it must be hard to speak to a camera but you do it well. Totally agree with your views, at work I'm ribbed about the heaps I find and drive. Audio, camera work and editing is top notch.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Cheers!

[@ivaniii9707]

Collision warning systems are lethal. A family member has an E class with that and during winter I guess there was snow or ice build up on it so on the highway it did a full emergency stop in the winter on a snowed road

[@Jo3sX]

I was driving my bosses Skoda Superb with this feature. I was in lane 1 on a motorway to exit at the next junction and it slammed the brakes on as I tried to pass a truck that was in lane 2. Shit myself.

[@emgee9775]

I agree some modern cars can be unnecessarily fussy, but I think you’re being way too picky. Toyota build far better than even prestige German brands. It makes me laugh how many people overrate so many brands, putting up with their rubbish faults, yet still stay with them! Toyotas, even the one Avensis I had, were hands down a million miles better at giving me peace of mind reliability and economy. I’m fed up of hair raising nightmares of crap cars (even prestige ones) leaving me stranded, but a Toyota I’ll trust all day long (even with that pesky beep)And that, for me, is worth every penny. As for the electric handbrake, it’s an acquired taste, but you have to remember that many people wear out the teeth on normal handbrakes by not pushing in the button. With this system there’s no chance of that wear .The Corsa has one of these. I remember the handbrake on my Porsche was a little weak, and on going over a speed bump, the connecting spring came off, came noisily crashing down in the engine bay and then sounding like a fridge was being pulled along! I thought the engine collapsed!!! My God, I nearly had a heart attack!! As I didn’t know what it was, and was too frightened to drive it, i had to be recovered home (very embarrassing having your Porsche towed I must say). It stayed outside my house for a further month before my garage could oblige and had to spend £200 to have it towed up there. Nah, sod that, I want to get where I want to go, and not take chances. Crap cars have made me miss or be late for work and waylaid me and my children on the motorway at night . Not fun. Toyota are brilliant, easily put other brands to shame and will still be going when others will be recycled into sardine tins.

[@dimitrihadzitomov]

Kinda late to this video. Just wanted to say, check out the handbrake on the Renaults. My 06 Renault Laguna has an electronic hand brake that is activated by pulling a little lever and it's released by applying enough gas to make it go forward (works like a hill hold when starting on an incline). Works very well, at least for me.

[@antonycharnock2993]

I was a little late to comment. I always had Renaults until recently I bought a 17 plate SEAT Leon. I've encountered all the problems Jay mentions in the video. Only the other day my collision warning sounded merging onto the M1 with no obvious hazard. Scared me to death. Its also done it on sharp bends with the chevron signs. And I HATE the electronic parking brake. Just not as much control as with a manual handbrake. I've had rolling issues as it disengages as soon as you touch the accelerator.

[@keyboarddancers7751]

The good news is that there are literally thousands of really good quality second-handers around. A modicum of an internet search will give you all the info you'll ever need about reliability and ease of maintenance etc for whatever type of vehicle you prefer. I daily drive an 18 year old diesel Octavia hatch. Totally unexciting (I have a motorcycle to properly enjoy myself on the road) but ridiculously easy and cheap to keep on the road and I can carry all my camping gear or whatever for very long trips. I used to have a Celica Gen 7. Quite possibly one of the best value sporty-ish cars you can get to *really* teach yourself a lot about very fast handling in the twisties without the risks of massive top speeds *BEFORE* you go on to spend big money on a more powerful machine. Analog motoring = driver alertness + safety.

[@kevincross9206]

Why does anyone buy a Toyota? Reliability, not for excitement or to be flash, just a regular reliable work horse, so you hit the nail on the head. I had a 1.8 VVTi Avensis Tourer, because I needed something practical and reliable. Sold it with 180k + miles on it, and only let me down once 🤷🏼‍♂️. Couldn’t justify running a premium brand car for the ridiculous servicing / parts prices. Now have a Honda HRV sport and love that.

[@neillthompson2]

Collision warning is awful. I drive a Tiguan (Not through choice). I live in the country and the collision warning would constantly apply the brakes or shriek at my when hedges were to close. On country roads it decided hedges were all ways to close. Turned that right off asking with 'Lane assist' which instead of assisting would fight me on the motorway, it was flat out dangerous when you want to change lanes.

[@mr-wx3lv]

I agree with what you say, modern cars are like a commodity, an appliance, like a washing machine. There's no individuality, just generic designs with the ugliest alloy wheels imaginable..

[@machidaman]

Agree with pretty much everything you've said here. Struggle with most new cars including premium and sports cars they all seem to detach you from the process to varying degrees. Have a bike (Hornet) as my daily and my car of 12 years is a V5 STi Type RA, which to this day remains one the very best drivers cars ive ever driven and I just cant part with it.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Love the look of the RA

[@nikolaslarson6891]

You are soo right. I’m around 60, lucky enough to have two rather fun cars from the 80ies (I just happened to keep them and I’m happy for it) but now and then I have to use my wife’s 2 year old car. I don’t think I managed to release the electronic hand break one single time the right way in 2 years time...

[@alankeyes8267]

As an Avensis owner I agree with you. I especially hate how large the thing is.

[@amjadsami9910]

Hi James, Thank you for the video. I had thought long about the handbrake apparant counter intuitive operation. The reason that the driver needs to push to activate the parking brake and to pull to release it is simply due its location at the front. It mimics the pedals operation and the old foot parking brake that was seen in the Mercedes S-Class from the 80s and the Toyota Crown UZS131. Now if it was located where the hand brake was, then it will operate as you expect it, pull to active and push to release, like the Audi. I agree with everything else :)

[@superthierry1]

Just to be nerdy the 1.6 and 2.L derv units are sourced from BMW. 👀

[@dungareesareforfools]

3 years later and I have something to add to this list - digital displays replacing the main dashboard dials. What is the point when usually they just mimick analogue dials and in a lot of cases aren't even reconfigurable? They use display technology which will almost certainly look a bit crap in 5 years, why not just stick to classier analogue displays that won't age the same? They also hide the fact that the car's lights aren't on (along with front daylight-running lights, there's another thing...) as drivers are accustomed to only seeing the dash illuminated when they put the lights on. I've seen a lot of cars around in the dark with no lights on except for the dazzling front DRLs.

[@dorbellbuster2011]

Old cars all the way for me. You know where you are with them. I own 3 A Nissan Micra from 1996, A daewoo Nexia from 1996 and a Hyundai Lantra from 1995. The end :-)

[@mrsabidji]

... which are some of the reasons why I only drive - and own - older cars (namely a 1995 Saab 9000 Aero, a 1999 Nissan Stagea RS4-S and a 2000 Ford Fiesta 1.6 S). Sure, stuff may break every now and again - because they're older - but usually you're able to fix them, and more importantly, you get to drive them, not the other way around. So, yeah, totally agree.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Stagea is super cool

[@mrsabidji]

Yes it is. Does hold the road better than the Saab, that's for sure. :D

[@jackb1888]

They definitely are, too much reliant now on electronics and electrics, going back to analogue dials a proper car key and a handbrake in next motor can't wait to get rid of current car

[@antonycharnock2993]

Modern cars are slowly becoming like smart phones change up after a few years for the latest high tech model.

[@BuyOneGetOneFree]

And the pain of your car failing MoT's when these useless systems start going wrong. A faulty tyre pressure warning light = Major Fail and a £500 repair bill! Give me back my 1990 Micra GSX... the only electronics it had to go wrong was a clock!

[@howardkerr8174]

I have 2 cars, one a 2009 the other a 2005. Both cars still have hydraulic powered steering, brakes, and few power options on one and full power options on the other. The only option the car that I learned to drive on had was a heater. No power steering, brakes, windows, mirrors, seats, an outside rear view mirror or even backup lights. The few accidents that I have had over the years were caused by 2 things: driving too fast, and being run into by inattentive or drunk drivers. Luckily, I have never been seriously injured, and I am also not sure that most " safety aids " in today's cars would have been any use in preventing the accidents I had. As far as safety features that I welcome, antilock braking systems are at the top of the list. I loathe the automatic door locking feature of 1 of my cars, and have had mixed results from the backup camera.

[@antonycharnock2993]

I had my first proper accident driving in Spain a year and a half ago. I was in a new Golf with EPB. I was getting ready to go and the car rolled into an oncoming car as you cant hold it like with a manual hand brake. Luckily no one was badly injured as the other car travelling at about 60mph just caught my bumper. I seriously dislike them now.

[@nestorjrabalos1998]

Most stupid modern trend on new cars are the electronic parking brake and push button gear selector for automatic transmission. Really annoying.

[@robertmarsh3588]

Have driven many miles in a partner's company car 2013 diesel Avensis. Rough, gravelly engine that didn't have a great power band, but by far the most annoying thing was the crazy handbrake, which is poorly thought out for use with the manual gearbox. Cheap, reliable and comfortable though. Driver aids are becoming more and more of a problem all round, especially bad anti-collision and lane departure aids. VW and Nissan are two of the worst I've had the displeasure of in recent years. Fortunately these were (again) my partners car that she uses mainly for big miles across the country, rather than mine. Not planning on selling my older BMW anytime soon....

[@raymondhunt6109]

Hols4I have the new Civic and don't like the collision warning system and had the same incident as you. The brake hold is good and holds the car for up to 10 minutes.Great videos Jay.

[@chriscuthbertson]

The parking brake switch is this way round so it is harder to release it by accident. You are more likely to press it my mistake than pull it up.

[@med86win]

I was born in the 80's and was well down the petrol head route in the 90's so I got to experience "normal" cars which you had to drive. I think cars are becoming to safe as manufacturers scramble to make their cars safer for people who can't concentrate for more than a minute. This was evident with a car I rejected not long ago a brand new Toyota Corolla 180bhp hybrid. Crash sensors kept going off turning the music off blocking up the instrument cluster with a warning and in some instances slamming the brakes on for parked vehicles. Nail in the coffin was when I was filtering and it picked up a passing car activated the brakes and a women nearly rear ended me. And the stupid bongs to tell you your engines on or your doors open or your keys in the ignition or park assist for people who can't park but it wants a space twice the size of the car or it won't except the manuever. We are are all living with rubbish lifeless boring robotic tech cars and paying for the privelige because of dumb people. I find myself missing the old school cars like the BMW E30, Sierra Cosworth, Renault 5 turbo, just fun drivers cars with character and personalities. Now we are driving about in overweight boring tech boxes designed to be recycled.

[@antonycharnock2993]

I drive a SEAT Leon. First car I've had with this sort of tech. When I had my car serviced last year I was talking to the service guy. He said he still drives an old SEAT Altea because he cant stand the modern tech in new cars. Annoys me when they do away with actual physical buttons and you have to go into a screen to change the bloody fan speed.

[@med86win]

@@antonycharnock2993 totally agree I to also had a 2016 Seat Leon DSG 1.8tsi brilliant car and very quick still had a manual handbrake faultless car no crash sensors either, 3 years later got the corolla hated it and rejected it. I went crawling back to Seat and got the 4drive Ateca TDI also with a DSG box. I must say these twin clutch gear boxes are the only bit of tech I like which is why I got another DSG but the handbrake is now electronic and I've had no issues with it but the Toyota one wouldn't release the brake if I reversed. Just poor real world development when designing and testing the cars. But least dumb people's cars won't roll down the street. 🙄😂

[@therealunclevanya]

The Avensis is an user reliable taxi. My wife's new electric car almost killed me auto braking as I was a little close to a left turning car and the brakes slammed on causing the lorry behind me to swerve. I couldn't apologise to him enough.

[@FreFa-ch]

It seems to me as if many people have forgot how to drive a car by themselves and how to make decisions related to them interacting with surrounding traffic. they rely on all these electronical systems and are completely lost when they have to operate the car without assistance.

[@treyquattro]

Yes! Yes they are. Too many electronics, and I DESPISE e-brakes! How are you supposed to do handbrake turns with an e-brake? Or finesse hill-starts and inclined parallel parking with an e-brake? Cars are becoming automated, interconnected transportation devices marketed at passive commuters, not driving machines for enthusiasts. Except that Caterham, of course. But even a GT3RS has an e-brake! Sad times.

[@geepersoilyrag1884]

Heel and toe ;) still no handbrake turns though sorry, you could just drift instead :)

[@scanspeak00]

Love a good rant. I hate the way things are trending and I'm sticking to my old-school manual RWD naturally aspirated BMW from here on. I disabled the seat belt warning beep which used to drive me bonkers. Still I see there's a place for these types of cars - the elderly, disabled or disinterested, just hoping they don't legislate away drivers cars altogether.

[@MrKeyboardCommando]

If the car is an extension of your soul and personality, I shudder to think what your shirt extends‼️😳😳😳

[@malcolmnicholls2893]

Love the shirt. Noticed crappy indicators on many cars not as good as mk1 Transit. (And cost £200. instead of £2. for a bulb). With an electric parking brake if you creep a tiny bit at the roundabout it's off without you knowing. If I use the headlights during daylight the instruments go too dark.

[@motleydude73]

I have a 2010 Camry. Basic, boring but beautifully functional in it's simplicity. And ridiculously reliable. 196000kms and faultless. It is economical, comfortable and is great on long trips. No silly driver assistance gadgets other than cruise control... which i rarely use. I have no interest in new cars with all their wizz bang wizardry...

[@adamwilliams9689]

I'm not keen on newer cars prefer the older 1s after watching this I think I will keep my 03 reg Rover 75 going for as long as I can

[@toonmag50]

Much chuntering about your personal dislikes. But at least get the descriptive name correct. It's the hand brake. It's a brake to be used in all manner of situations to control a temporary stop and help keep the driver and passengers relatively safe It's not a parking brake. Even today, with manual cars , to hold the vehicle safely, when actually parked, the hand brake should be used in conjunction with the gearbox,by leaving the car in gear It's a hand brake and it's very versatile and fundamental to safe driving.. It's a handbrake .- nothing else describes it's function. .

[@dungareesareforfools]

Totally agree with all of this. With regards to electronic parking brakes, it's as if designers were just looking for anything that was left that hadn't been computerised: "Look, these stills are still mechanical, urrgh... we have to do something about that." I mean, it's a well-proven safety critical component - where is the sense in replacing it with something that has a magnitude more failure points? Apparently one reason cited is "extra space in the cabin" by dispensing with the lever - so why do all modern cars still only have two seats in the front, unlike many larger cars in the 1950s (with the under-dash handbrake) which had a bench? Regarding the automatic collision avoidance - did you see the news story about a cattle grid on a hill somewhere in the UK? Apparently the council have "had to" change the road layout because of these stupid cars slamming their brakes on, mistaking the cattle grid on a gradient for an object in the road! Never mind fixing the problem, we're going to change our roads around these stupid things.

[@kieranbaker4213]

I'm so glad I'm not the only one who thinks modern cars are stupid. For me, automotive technology peaked between 2000-2002 when technology was introduced to increase reliability and safety and it had little detriment on the functioning of the car (i.e. they were driven the same a cars 20 years older). Now I think we've reached the "dicking about" stage where manufacturers are adding more electronics not because they are needed, but simply because they can. As you quite rightly pointed out - what's wrong with a cable handbrake? An electronic one offers no benefits as far as I can see. And don't even get me started on how difficult routine maintenance is on newer vehicles. The worst one ive heard so far is having to remove the wheel arch lining and front bumper of a new VW Beetle to change the indicator bulb! To date the newest car I've owned was a 2004 Corsa C and I plan to keep it that way, favouring 90s Japanese hatchbacks - simple, cheap and reliable motoring.

[@kylesoler4139]

I agree with the distaste for modern tech, but it isn't a good Idea to live in the past either (as some seem to do). We should be moving forwards not backwards, appreciate the past, not use it as a benchmark.

[@ryanmccormick2150]

Your my kind of guy James, I've loved cars all my life as well. Love your channel hopefully you will team up with Jack over at Number 27 because I love they way you guys work/ content and the way you guys come across 👍

[@JayEmmOnCars]

We already have

[@ryanmccormick2150]

JayEmm on Cars sorry that should of said team up with Jack again and do more videos together 😊

[@JayEmmOnCars]

There's another on the way and we will be doing more

[@konradc12]

I have the 2009 model when the T27 was first introduced. It is 1.8 (148hp) petrol manual TR version. The Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) in my version is auto release only, which Toyota changed to auto release and set about 2012. My car does not have stop/start. The diesels in the Avensis were changed BMW engines, like the one you are using. Toyota stopped making diesel cars, and the Avensis was the last to have diesel. I agree with the annoying beeps though. My car does not have those gizmos, introduced in recent years. The Avensis and the Auris has been replaced by the new Corolla for 2019, so you drove the last of the Avensis.

[@nepolitinis]

Yes! BUT. All those fancy fast cars are stuck in traffic most of the time, if you are driving them to have fun you are risking hitting schoolchildren. On top of that if you live in North Europe like I do, you want a car that starts when it's -25 outside and gets warm inside fast. Yes it is dull looking, yes not exciting to drive BUT you know it will start and drive each time. Which for me is what I like my car to do.

[@amcluesent]

Shout out to all GT86 owners!

[@ArmadaAsesino]

Shout out to all hairdressers!

[@aidan1585]

Fun fact, the 1.6 and 2.0 diesel are sourced from BMW and they are some of the best diesel engines ever made. The 2.0 143hp is far better to drive than the 1.6. The 1.6 was only introduced for low emissions and good (better) fuel economy

[@michaelv3340]

I recently had to drive a Volvo S60 when my car was in the shop. It was annoying. It reminds me a lot of your experience.

[@RoflOnMyWaffle.]

Having used a GT86 for a year now, I still don't like it much. It's dreadfully slow, and has piss all for grip. Yes it can be fun, but if you have mechanical sympathy, you don't want to drop the clutch out of every junction to have fun. Add to the fact its basically £30k. The build quality is god awful. Echoes when you talk in the car, all the infotainment system is slow and clunky. The buttons and feel of everything is cheap.

[@robertdobson2187]

My KIA Sorento presents a few of these annoyances, guess we are going to have to live with it, grating as it is. I enjoyed this episode so me no complain about changing subject matter, variety is the spice of life. Here in Australia that "Magic Roundabout" would be a crash repairers wet dream, most drivers don't like to back off when approaching a roundabout.

[@MrCroky123]

I do own a 2010 avensis and I LOVE IT. Probably the psychology of the "true" petrol head is not my thing - by your own standards of course - but I love cars. Not just in the same way you do. I understand you have a car oriented channel and you must look as mainstream as possible as a "car lover". You love fast cars, classics cars, the best cars. Me too but I don't own them, although I get to drive them once and a while on the race track. When I'm on the road, I love silent, safe, comfortable and low mileage with enough power cars. As looks go, the toyota avensis, it's subjective but it is a good looking car, imho and it serves the rest of my points. Not everyone has to ditch and criticize cars just because they aren't to your liking. In fact, toyota sell these as hot cakes. It is not a euro box like a citroen or a peugeout and they last for ever. Another plus point as a car owner. Bottom line, I'll surely buy another toyota next time. And if I buy used, I'll buy a last gen avensis. Now, you rant all you want XD. Ordinary ... lol

[@superthierry1]

I own an Avensis T spirit tourer 2.2 d4d. Needed a car that wouldn’t leave me stranded especially in the winter months and also sensible after my Accord Type R. So I pretty much predicted your first erk. Yes the parking switch. It bugs me too I just don’t get on with it. I’m in the classifieds for a Mazda 6 2.5. But let’s be realistic the Toyota will get you out of the bush 🤣🤣

[@jjperera3389]

I find new cars are too wide and they keep being wider, my polo is bigger than the old golf, look at the new mini

[@timelwell7002]

I hear you James! I don't like automatic/electric handbrakes either.Nor do I like the way many modern cars switch off the engine when you stop at traffic lights. Nor do I like automatic cars. INSTEAD my suggestion is that in order to cut down on pollution,why don't manufacturers and governments go for HYDROGEN CELL technology, which is the obvious solution, now being overlooked. This is LESS polluting than an electric car, with the convenience of being able to fill with fuel at a garage, and then go as soon as you've filled up - unlike electric cars which take an age to re-charge the batteries. Otherwise - safety features such as stability control, airbags and ABS braking aside - cars should be kept as simple as possible on principle. The same dilemma as to how much is automated is seen nowadays in aircraft design. The so-called 'fly-by-wire' aeroplanes take control from the pilot, and in the case of the Boeing 737 Max have caused 2 aircraft to crash - and there was NOTHING the pilots could do to prevent this. The result was that a whole lot of people died in terrifying circumstances. I am NOT a fan of the concept of driver-less cars, any more than I am of fully automated aircraft.

[@thegirthquake8574]

What's exceptionally irritating is that I have to play Simon-Says with my Kia Forte GT (A sedan Proceed GT with the 1.6t for your market!) every time I go for a drive. All because I don't want the nanny state doing something stupid when I drive. Mercifully in the states the roads are massive but there's still an epidemic of completely oblivious drivers! People seem to get into their cars, put them in drive then turn their brains off like they're sitting at home doing nothing. It's genuinely concerning-- the new trend apparently is coming nearly to a complete stop to make any turn because they're deathly afraid of G forces.

[@cannaami3892]

I'm the beetle owner. We wouldn't get on. Love u

[@TheBokChoy]

I'm very happy that I'm not the only one who agrees with Jay

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Seems like a lot do!

[@TheBokChoy]

Aha the only electronic intervention in my car is the gong for when I leave my sidelights on. Even the on-board computer was an optional extra at the time

[@MrDziuka]

Just get 1.8 valvematic and convert it to LPG and drive for cheap. That's what I am going to do to compensate all the rattling inside 😂

[@robertasviskupaitis9195]

Hat collision warning too. Causes more accidents than prevents.

[@pmacca2967]

I love the content and thankfully I’ve found some new cars impact warnings don’t automatically brake the car allowing for smooth town driving

[@marinescucandrei]

You don't have to release the handbrake after a stop. You just put it in gear and it autorealeases when you drive off.

[@Keroppikun]

Yes! We are being dumbed-down in every aspect of 4 wheel driving. People/Drivers are getting stupider and stupider because they are not encouraged to think as much anymore. Airline pilots are even vulnerable to this over-automated syndrome. Technology should assist, never, ultimately control. For me: 4 wheeled Anti-lock ABS - yes. 2 wheeled, no thx. All the rest, I’ll pass on. I drive a 17 year old Twin Spark SW and ride a 1000cc twin cylinder Aprilia. Both are pretty much devoid of recent unnecessary technology. I see no reason to downgrade to more modern items, at all.

[@RichieRouge206]

Can’t stand modern cars in general. They are far too complicated, too computery, too cheaply made and yet expensive and utterly boring. The death of big engines is a big fall, and cars are too overfussy and anodyne. And who the hell needs crap like auto parking andcall the tech which actually takes driver involvement away. People need to learn how to actually drive properly on the whole. Great video and I totally agree with everything you say.

[@andrewausterfield6710]

Ok, I'd consider myself a petrolhead too, but I have empathy for the 'other side'. In fact it's important to understand that there's more of them than there are of us as is reflected in the number of interesting cars sold versus the number of bland cars. A petrolhead in any car is probably actively driving it whereas the others are always minimally driving. They don't enjoy the process so aren't paying much attention, hence the beeps and the nannying. You also have to understand the world nature of cars these days. Manufacturers are trying as much as possible to make one car for everywhere BUT, legislation is different everywhere, it must be a nightmare. BTW manufacturers make SUV's and taller vehicles because people want to buy them - it's as simple as that. BTW - pushing the handbrake to put it on.. that's just shit design.. Our Jeep has a foot pedal for the handbrake - push to put it on - push to take it off.. drives me nuts. If you don't push it down sufficiently the first time, you have to push it again to release and then push down again to set. You feel like a demented morris dancer... Aaaaagh!

[@timbre7999]

I remember you having considerably more fun with an old loaner E46 320d. But of course that is relatively old technology

[@Kofi_Mensahs_BurnerAccount]

My daily manual 06 Corolla only has abs and power steering. No auto braking, no traction control no electronic parking brake. My next car will be exactly similar because I have no interest in being driven.

[@psions555]

I worry about people that have never driven cars without assists. They are genuinely useful though although abs can worsen braking on loose or slippery surfaces. It's not just the driver aids though, modern cars have much wider tyres and bigger brakes than they used to. The ability to not be able to turn them off is what bothers me most on some cars!

[@Kofi_Mensahs_BurnerAccount]

@@psions555 I’ve driven an old E30 recently with basically no abs and power steering. Was quite the experience.

[@Sir-Prizse]

I am a total car nerd, however, I never had the money to get my license, let alone buy a car. Now with 28 years I finally get started with my driving license, have also already my first car a 1999 MX-5 NB I bought for my mother and me, as fun car... but now I'm thinking of buying a car just for me and the choice is the Toyota Corolla E12 produced from 2002 to 2007, a reliable, compact and uncomplicated car, I'll drive it until it breaks apart to learn the manual transmission perfectly and then I dream of a 2019 Toyota Corolla Touring Sports. A boring but reliable and above all practical car as a contrast to the incredibly fun MX-5. If you have the option, you should have a pure fun car and a practical car, simply to cover all eventualities.

[@doolar]

I’m a total petrolhead. I’m on my second Avensis, the current one exact like this one. Why? It’s cheap to buy and own. It will never break, my last one did 200.000 miles before it was hit in an accident and written off. Everything worked over the years, including aircon and all electrics. Boring and dangerously slow, yes. And it’s a estate, not a silly SUV. I mainly ride my motorcycle though, or my V8 Mercedes. But sometimes I don’t want to be noticed at the petrol station, Avensis it is.

[@tomworley8523]

Great vlog....interesting points, totally agree, like the way you keep the balance by accepting for many drivers these features will be welcome / useful, and Avensis is a great tool of a car, comfortable, reliable and so easy to live with. After your review I'm thinking of getting a newer one, but would love an proper older car too... Channel great, keep with what you enjoy doing and it'll stay that way, featuring boring cars is interesting too...coz that's what a lot of us have to drive...

[@JayEmmOnCars]

There's always something to be said about a car, no matter what people think of it! Thanks for stopping by

[@stevenaimson8286]

Spot on, cannot see " the progress " in a electric handbrake, over a more basic pistol grip, todays motors so over complicated menus, menus, just to change the time on the clock, To many gimmicks, screens, and to many awful " bloated" designs, Sat nav a useful tool, credit due for that, I am a car guy but for me the 80s and 90s where far better than todays guff, Regards ste.

[@ApothecaryTerry]

My current car has a ridiculous amount of tech on it (any car that can moisturise your arse while you drive qualifies for ridiculous), but there were only 2 options in the spec I chose, which were a sunroof and the auto braking stuff- I carefully chose not to have either, either I'm driving or the car is driving, I hate the idea of it intervening while I'm in control, at least until it really knows what it's doing. The electric parking brake is implemented perfectly though- I haven't touched it since I bought the car, it's fully automatic. Auto gearbox too of course.

[@noisemunga7845]

I had a 2012 Avensis diesel estate for six months. It was awful. It was boring to drive, my old Astra 1.2 ecotec was faster, as was my old Yaris 😂. It was way too big, I was surprised that it was a good half a foot longer than a BMW 5 series estate. By far the worst thing was the electronic hand break. It started to die and kept applying the rear breaks whilst on the move. Despite the car being under warranty, Toyota said that the electronic hand brake was not covered by their warranty as it was a "consumable part". They wanted £2500 to fix it 😱. I got rid of it immediately. I've never bought another Toyota since.

[@jimdennant8042]

I have the same vehicle as my company car but the base model, still fitted with a 1.6diesel 112hp a BMW unit I believe, need to use the gears to get power out of it, had it fin new and now done 95k miles with no issue. got all the safety kit as well. Excellent cars but not exactly exiting.

[@jason22spurs]

Love the shirt

[@joshbriggsDayZBeast]

I actually really like the avensis

[@Tom_Hadler]

It's all so horribly true. Give me a Caterham or something simple and pure. Wife's golf auto braked me when I swerved around a pothole, it presumably thought I might have a head on collision with the oncoming car that was miles away and about to turn away, while I swerved back in line. At no point outside of my lane either. Cars are basically rapists at this point, I didn't consent to it! Won't be long before cars tell us "I'm afraid I can't let you do that". We need to stand up for our liberties before its too late.

[@tmac3975]

Hey, I have to agree less seems more when it comes to kit in the car. I have to admit it's great to have gadgets but they need to function in the right way, beeps going off and making you look away from the road. If and when they work as intended then great but as you said the kit is only half smart, does jot replace a driver paying attention. Really good video

[@ianhaynes5898]

Very interesting. I am afraid I thought you were Australian to start with then I realized you were English! A lot of good thoughts there, it is a bad state of things when you start to rely on the car to do the driving for you, but . . . I do like the proximity warning on my car and the collision avoidance thing put the brake on once (this has only happened this one time in 6 years) when I was in danger of hitting a car in front. When I have rented a car that has the electronic brake I do find that awkward and for the reasons you have mentioned.

[@sinphus]

I love good auto brake systems but the bad ones are bloody dangerous

[@lucasboechat3869]

Sadly not a Raptor, but a Ford Ranger with a tasteless tacky Raptor grille.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Ah. I am nowhere near the Ford Expert.

[@unofsnd]

At least you have estates/wagons there. There are almost none here in North America. :-(

[@autofiras]

I like this channel A LOT

[@dasstig5274]

No way i'm buying a car with all these 'invasive' assists - I hate even Traction control on budget cars, it's so intrusive. And I want an Ignition that works off of a key, not a damn button. I got a rental car with button start and not being able to activate acc/on/start modes via mechanical action was infuriating.

[@TheMentalblockrock]

Modern cars are DEFINITELY much, much worse, for example, I much prefer my 24 year old Toyota as a daily driver to the Ford Puma I drive for my part time job. How come the Puma is a hybrid, 3 cylinder turbo 1.0L with stop start and "eco" mode, and yet my 24 year old Toyota beats it easily in fuel economy, oh and in gear accelleration the Toyota is faster, (put your foot down in the 24 year old car and you go faster, not so in the Puma, not a lot happens for a few seconds- HUGE turbo and electric motor lag). and boot space, terrible in the Puma and decent in the old car and the Toyota has a proper spare tyre under the boot space, AND has much better ride comfort and comfier seats. AND you can see out the back of the 24 year old car and the rear view from the Puma is a disaster, like trying to reverse by looking out a letter box. (YES< I know the Puma has reversing camera and annoying "beep beep " sensors, but the 24 year old car DOES NOT NEED reversing cameras and sensors because you can actually see where you are going in the mirrors and out the windows of the 1996 car. Oh and how come the Puma is much bigger on the outside yet smaller on the inside (like a reverse tardis). I'm only 5 foot 8 tall and the drivers seat set for me does not leave great leg- room for the rear passenger. Steering feel- 2020 Puma HAS NONE, but you can feel the amount of road grip in the 24 year old car. AND did I mention the HUGE car hiding rear C-pillar blind spot in the Puma??? It's scary, there is a car sized blind spot in the next but one lane in just the spot where they would move into the space you would like to occupy. Made worse by the NON-BLIND SPOT mirrors on this Puma. This car is being advertised A LOT and it's really not very good. In fact I can make a case that even a 60 year old British car is better in many ways. maintainance- I've owned my 24 year old car for half its life now and its very reliable, cheap to repair and easy to work on when you do need to (not often). The Puma at 17,000 miles had a burnt out clutch. So I had to drive a van that day in my job. Great! Plusses on the Puma??? I don't have to pay for the petrol and can get Planet Rock on the DAB radio. But, Oh DEAR, DAB reception is AWFUL/cuts out in large parts of East Kent, Really, FM radio was MUCH better! Planet Rock need to get on the FM band!

[@jam2010ification]

The 1.6 deisel is a BMW derived engine, I have an older Avensis with 177 hp 2.2 deisel, this is no longer available.

[@treyquattro]

"... if it then does believe you're about to have an accident it can then apply the brakes." Does Red Bull Racing know about this exciting technology?

[@VinnieNiZero]

driving isnt for most folks. if you cannae drive a manual stickshift you cannae drive, the end