Technology isn't always for the better, personally I have an issue with all the computer assistance that drivers now have.
Automatic collision avoidance systems, automatic braking if you've nodded off to jolt you awake, automatic lights if it's getting a bit dark, etc etc. It doesn't matter if you're forgetful or can't drive, we'll do it all for you. And yet some people don't like the idea of Google cars because they do EVERYTHING for you.

Make everyone go back to driving an upturned pram, that's what I say. Plus you can probably fix it with parts salvaged from a passing lawnmower.
( drimble he'd been white, he'd been black, Mon 20 Jul 2015, 8:20, 1 reply)

I'd like a spartan car with manual windows, basic seats, no aircon and very limited safety equipment
But with a modern econoboost engine. Not built for power or speed, but to see whether you can get 100mpg out of it.

A ropey 1.6D Ford Escort from 1986 used to get 71mpg. Surely with a modern motor that car could go on forever.
( Grrrmachine the indifference engine, Mon 20 Jul 2015, 8:51, closed)

Feasible to build your own?

( drimble he'd been white, he'd been black, Mon 20 Jul 2015, 8:58, closed)

Physically possible, but not economically viable.
You'd probably have to transfer the entire vehicle wiring from the donor car (a newish Fiesta?) to the old car as well as fabricate a complete exhaust system. Lots of work. You'd be better off just trying to remove 240kg from the Fiesta.
( Grrrmachine the indifference engine, Mon 20 Jul 2015, 9:04, closed)

Take out the engine and you're halfway there!

( Peej, Mon 20 Jul 2015, 9:12, closed)

Tuning diesels for max economy
will cause them to pump out NOx like crazy.
( willenium Fist bump for verification, Mon 20 Jul 2015, 12:21, closed)

Which is bad news
Since the psychoactive substances bill made them illegal
( Greenbat, Tue 21 Jul 2015, 0:11, closed)