DRIVING AIDS

Iceweasel

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81986519#Comment_81986519

That sounds very strange - any examples of that happening?

sheramber

Remember to advise your insurance company of any modifications you add.

Frozen_up_north

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81986554#Comment_81986554

He is probably thinking about those cars where you pick the extras on a "shopping list", and have the factory fit them before delivery to a basic model, compared to a deluxe one that includes pretty much all you could think of.

paul_c123

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81986519#Comment_81986519

I would say that different trim levels, where that trim level includes significant or desirable features that other trims don't have, definitely add to a car's value. For example heated seats, parking sensors, reversing camera, leather, electric seats, high-end stereo, sunroof, etc. And the same is true if its a desirable optional extra (rather than being part of a higher trim level) but you'd need to do your research to be sure of what a car is fitted with - which is quite easy if buying retail because you can see the car beforehand, or ask the dealer to check/confirm fitment of equipment.

IOWJJBTM2025

One further comment - not all cameras are the same!

We previously had a Nissan X-trail and the 360 camera was brilliant and could be relied upon.

The next car we had was a Peugeot 5008 which had just rear view camera only. The camera in this car was not great. It was digital and when reversing it froze all the time. You thought that there was space behind you and then it would jump. When I complained on the first service I was told it was a common complaint but there was no fix.

The current MG4 has 360 camera and is brilliant.

If you are buying a car and a key buying point is the camera it is worth trying it out first. Just select reverse and get someone to walk behind the car and you will be able to see the quality of the image.

highlander58

With a bit of care & attention, you can manage without retro-fitting all these costly parking aids. With rearview & side mirrors plus a bit of practice - just like drivers have done for decades!
When I bought my 1st car I was a little apprehensive: 5 years after passing my test & I’d rarely driven since. So I booked a couple of refresher lessons, as suggested above. I was particularly concerned about parallel parking, which wasn’t included in the driving test back then. But after the 1st lesson, during which the instructor checked my driving & parking technique, he said I didn’t need any more - just practice & the confidence that comes from that. I then had to parallel park every day on the street where I lived, & soon became expert at it!
If you’re a careful, thoughtful driver - you’ll be fine too.

Car_54

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81990369#Comment_81990369

As well as the mirrors, the Highway Code tells you you should be "looking mainly through the rear window".

Failure to do so would normally be a fault on test, unless you were physically unable to turn around.