Hi all, I just purchased my first "proper" car.
Got my hands on Merc A200 AMG with all the bells and whistles (reverse cameras, voice control, self parking etc etc)
But what do you keep inside your car that's practical? This includes gadgets.
What's your tech setup like? Anything useful/cool?
What about xiamoi products?
Thanks!
@Munki:
What type?
Nostalgiethylene?
The only special plastic I know is the one used in the late 90's by Nintendo on the N64 console, controller, and GameBoy. I think they named it "Atomic Purple".
@Munki: He might be talking about the new "3310 3G". They crack just in presence of the genuine old-school Nokia version
No one is jealous of an A200.
But but but… it’s the AMG… :~(
yep, real Mercedes are not FWD
But but but… it’s the AMG… :~(
Actually, it's not even an AMG as stated by the OP. It is an A200 with an optional AMG Line pack that costs only $1,490. The only A-Class AMG is the A45. OP won't tell you these facts. Too busy bragging.
@Drifter: I know. That makes it even funnier. It’s like “M Sport” from BMW or “S Line” from Audi. It’s not an M3, it’s a 320Ci with a body kit and some decals…
It’s kind of like sticking the HSV name on a Holden Astra. :D
@pegaxs: Audi S's vs A's enjoy a power increase of around 40-50%. It would take a pretty harsh marker to call that cosmetic.
@sabracad: But pegaxs didn't talk about any Audi S's. He referred to the S-Line which is an optional cosmetic pack (and sports suspension from recollection)? So his point still stands.
Only car worth of jealousy is a c63 mmmmm
@FriendlyPhillip:
HSV Astra SV1800
…the…engine delivers and astounding [!!] 79kW of power.
I especially love the way they state "…to get even more performance from the body before we open the bonnet" given they never opened the bonnet — they had the same asthmatic 1.8 litre as any other 1.8 litre Astra or Pulsar of the era!.
Hey mate, I appreciate your input.
You're welcome haha
If I wanted to gloat, I wouldn't do it anonymously from behind a keyboard -
Haha OK…I didnt mean for it to come across as an attack, it was just an observation. If you genuinely don't think your gloating, then fair enough, but it does seem like it. Looks like a few other people agree with me.
Maybe gloating is a bit harsh…boasting might have less negative connotations?
as a matter of fact, if you perceive this as gloating, you'll be surprised what the big bad world has on offer for you bud.
Growing up in middle class Australia, I've lived a pretty sheltered life and lucky life (relatively speaking). Thanks for the weird, ambiguous tip.
Here's one for you: "perception is reality". You'll probably realise this as you get older.
On another note, your post comes across as if you're just a tad bit jealous (to me). Is that your insecurity?
I'm not below the poverty line, but I have a stupidly high mortgage with relatively low disposable income, so I am slightly jealous to be honest…I don't see how insecurity comes into it…I just want more money haha
I forgot to answer your actual question…
In the boot (for emergencies):
Thankyou mate
Will keep a couple water bottles in there!
Don't mention the car. Ozbargain is a Toyota community so anything other than that you will get bombed!
Mentioning the car in this instance was for nothing other than making people aware that OP now has a Benz. (It’s in the sale contract for any German car that you must inform as many people as possible of your new purchase.)
He got bombed for making reference to the make of the car based on it being totally irrelevant to the topic he was asking the question about, not because it wasn’t a Toyota.
@pegaxs: actually I'd like to know if instead of mentioning the Benz, Op put "I just got myself a Toyota Corolla". Would he stil get bombed for it ;-)
@tomleonhart: OP took time to mention it was a “proper” car (as if all others are inferior), also mentioned all the bells and whistles and went on to individually list all of the features…
Replacing that irrelevant information with the identical information for a top of the range Corolla and I’m sure there would still be people mentioning it being pointless to the question…
The difference is that Corolla owners don’t feel the need to tell everyone about their new purchase…
@pegaxs: lol "proper" car. Give it a couple of years until the "proper car" is broken by the side of the freeway with all the others passing it
@steff: Honest question - are they actually unreliable?
Its great that we all hate on those who drive base moddl European cars, but it must still be a better drive than a corolla.
I thought the Ford girl had a decent following too?
:P
@Superannuation: absolutely. Take a look at used cars - these drop in value significantly and you'd struggle to sell one out of warranty (Golf for example). Whereas Japanese/Korean hold their value much better due to ease of maintenance, reliability and ample spares
In a few years that Corolla will have a better resale value than that Merc!
@pegaxs: it's also in the contract to take a photo in front of it at the dealership with the bow and shove it in everyone's face on social media etc too
@jno: Nah nowadays it's just a picture of the key fob with the logo clearly visible. You know, they're not all entirely classless. ;)
@steff: i have a golf and i love it. Drives so nicely and has been sturdy and reliable. Have no want to get rid of it.
@snook: Golfs are very nice cars. When I was looking at getting one (about 6 months ago) I decided against it due to the many (supposedly) gearbox issues and maintenance costs compared to others in its range. Also doesnt seem to hold its value well either (again, comparatively). Have a look on whirlpool for the mechanical nightmares.
Touch wood, nothing happens to your though!
@steff: I bought mine with 8k on the clock. It's up to 80+ now. 2011 model. Get it serviced on time. Haven't had any problems with it. I love the dual gearbox auto. I have a local guy who does the servicing and there's not a discernible difference in cost. I definitely wouldn't go to a dealer for servicing. It's a 2.0 diesel and I can easily get 6L per 100km or lower if I drive smartly and yet it has a ton of power to get moving if you want to suck the juice.
Agree that they don't seem to hold their value well but i don't care. It's a city car and it's been quite trashed on the outside from street parking and car parks.
I keep the Porsche for weekends ;)
@steff: Just had 80k service. It was $350. No idea what they did in the service though. I had someone else drop it off and pick it up. I don't consider $350 to be high. I had a 4wd once and i wouldn't do that again.
@snook: If it was a major service, it isnt too bad, considering they picked it up and dropped it off as well. You're right. dealerships are a complete rip off especially for older cars. thanks for your insights
it affects advice. for example if it was an AC Cobra i'd suggest keeping a chamois to wipe the rain off the seats. if it was a Jaguar i'd suggest keeping my RACV membership handy. if it was a MX5 you got to have a copy of Glamour magazine to get new hairstyle ideas. if it was a SLR 2000 Torana i'd suggest keeping a Clublock to bash the head of anyone sitting on the paintwork.
*SLR 5000. Only milk and juice come in 2 litres.
Nobody's gloating about an A-class Mercedes lol, though I will admit they would try. Can't turn a corner without seeing a Mercedes/BMW/Audi, they're nothing to gloat about, and if I buy one used it's because depreciation hits them so hard they're great deals specially the higher models. Mid-00's Audi A8 for 15k? Colour me tempted. I do see some interesting cars though, McLaren 570S, Audi RS7 Sportback, Maserati Ghibli (shit, yet beautiful), Honda Civic Type R (silly but is interesting), Aston Martin Vanquish, Abarth 124 Spider, Volvo 240 GL Wagon, Lexus LC500 etc etc. Looking forward to seeing my first Kia Stinger GT.
I have various empty coke cans, Dr Pepper cans, dirty clothes, KFC lettuce, maccas rappers, tonnes of leaves.
For the record I drive an Audi R8,
Just kidding, I am not gloating
"maccas rappers" - trying to think what rhymes with burger.
MC Donald
LOL - thanks.
If you wanna battle rap
Don't test me further.
I got bars for days
Like McDonalds got burgers.
You should’ve dropped the “s” from burgers, it would’ve sounded more authentic “gangsta” being gramatically incorrect.
lol KFC lettuce, dirty clothes and leaves. thats my car exactly
If you really are a uni student the only thing you need is condoms in the glovebox
No glove, no love!
I know a place where he can get them for free
Thanks to OzBargain no less :P
Something your father should have used.
ROFL
salute
Made me chuckle a bit.. Savage hahaha
I think you have just won ozbargain comment for 2018 with 11.5 months to go.
SAVAGE!!!!
One negative vote to your comment, wonder who that could be…
You're gonna need more than a fancy car in life mate…. ;)
Not so good an idea the heat will perish the rubber.
We have a roll of toilet paper. When we are travelling I dont trust the facilities to be stocked. I usually have tissues in my bag when I travel in Europe for the same reason.
Anti-masturbating gloves. Most Benz drivers need them but sadly never use them. Come to think of it, all German cars should come standard with them…
How do you know someone owns a German car? They will tell you…
(profanity) gotta wank
In addition to what's been mentioned by others, especially, thetrain, jumper leads, LED torch, rope, duct tape, gloves, and a cooler box (in case I spot a bargain while passing a butcher shop).
I feel like with all the practical equipment mentioned here…. he should've gotten a 4x4 Ute-Dualcab instead, then Zombie proofed it.
Add “shovel” to @RoughMetaphors list and it’s starting to sound a lot like a murder’s kit bag…
That is exactly what I was thinking; right down to the cooler box for the "souveniers".
Don't forget the lotion… Or else it gets the hose again…
Mini esky (for putting frozen food in after going shopping)
Shopping bags (useful for many things)
Change of clothes
Pillow, towel
First aid kit
Tissues, toilet paper, feminine items
Charger cords & cigarette lighter charger plug
Roll of string
Safety pins & paper clips
Hair elastics, hairbrush
CDs
Book (on a rotating basis)
Portable battery
Spare tyre, jack
Jumper leads
A few bottles of water, non perishable snacks (bags of lollies mainly)
What's a CD?
I have an old car with no Bluetooth. It originally came with a tape player, the CD player is a luxury that was added later :-p
Maybe you need to add - "new car" to that list, if you have upgraded from a tape to a CD player already.
You have a cassette player! Get one of these and play off your phone.
www.amazon.com/Quality-Sony-Cassette-Adapter-iPhone/dp/B0057…
Certificate Of Deposit
(try and keep up) lol
It's like Spotify, except it doesn't need batteries or mobile phone reception
Ahem, A200 - with AMG sport pack.
Congratulations OP that’s a nice little car.
Make sure the indicators work. They all seem to be broken on the German cars during my commute.
Note: add “blinker globes” to must have car kit list. :D
Probably add some headlight fluid with that as well:-)
Indicator wand is on the wrong side of the steering wheel, perhaps there is too much effort to reach up and use it. (thank you cost cutting and contempt for RHD markets)
I find it super convenient. My car (Euro) has front and rear wipers, turn signals, and headlights all on the same stalk. You can prob guess which make it is.
My mums car I find it annoying that the wipers aren’t all together and that’s where you get the accidental wipers when you want to indicate issue. Though I drive enough of both types to not confuse the turn signals.
Hey OP
That didn't come across as gloating.
Congratulations on your purchase!
I personally think it's a very good looking car. Sure you can pay less for a car that can still take you from A to B. But if you enjoy the ride, comfort and the looks of the car, who are we to judge.
I think you pretty much covered everything except for maybe a bird poop remover? Something that you can keep in your boot for those unexpected bird poops to remove before it stains your paint.
Thanks mate!
Appreciate the support! I don't know if you're pulling my leg though - a bird poop remover?
If it's a real thing, I definitely have to get my hands on it!
I used my key to remove it. I actually did key my own car like this. (Hangs head in shame)
I keep petrol in the tank.
Enough humblebrag already!!!
Spare Micro SD 64/128gb — In the scenario where the micro sd in the dash cam stop working, I have a backup.
Spare universal phone mount — I am currently using a magnet phone mount however I switch to the non-magnet one time to time for the second phone. I use the gps (Waze) to navigate around so it's essential for me to have the phone mounts.
Hand Sanitiser — Sometimes you just need to clean your hands.
Portable Jump Starter — Save you in difficult situation when your battery dies.
Cargo net — Really helps with holding the groceries in place (My car came with the option to purchase this so see if your car can purchase this separately).
You really don't need much in my opinion but then again your needs are different from mine.
P.S. If you can hardwire the dash cam and not through the cigarette lighter. When you get your car service, those guys can't turn off the dash cam and joyride it. Set up the dash cam position to be difficult to take out the micro SD (e.g. next to the toll tag, where you have to remove the tag first before taking out the micro sd). Always be cautious.
Nice purchase :)
I'm a cracked ground 3310 kind of a guy