Car Family Feud Results: Top Mods, Annoying Features & Trivia

Annoying Modern Car Features

Car enthusiasts overwhelmingly agree: some "innovations" need elimination. When Donut Media and Real Mechanic Stu faced off in automotive Family Feud, these features topped the hate list:

Auto start-stop systems (19 points) frustrate drivers with jerky engine cuts. As one mechanic noted: "They wear starters prematurely and rarely save meaningful fuel in city driving."

Other Hated Features

• Subscription services (e.g., heated seat rentals)
• Overly sensitive autonomous braking
• TPMS warning lights (frequent false alerts)
• Giant touchscreens (distracting and glare-prone)

Notably, infotainment nanny warnings ("Don’t watch screen while driving!") ranked high for irony. Mechanics observe these often appear precisely when drivers need navigation glances.

First Mods for an EG Civic

Enthusiasts prioritize performance and aesthetics for Honda’s iconic platform. The survey revealed:

Coilovers (suspension upgrades) dominated answers. They improve handling and achieve the coveted lowered stance. As Donut Media’s team emphasized: "You fix the Civic’s wheel gap before anything else."

Popular Modification Path

1. Wheels and tires (immediate visual impact)
2. Exhaust systems (sound and slight power gains)
3. Shifter knobs (cheap tactile upgrade)
4. Steering wheels (better ergonomics)

Surprisingly, K24 engine swaps ranked lower despite their performance potential. Real Mechanic Stu explained: "Most owners start with bolt-ons before tackling drivetrain changes."

Stinkiest Car Culprits

Forget air fresheners—these offenders require industrial solutions:

Moldy AC evaporators (top answer) create musty smells that permeate cabins. "The stench hits when you turn on defrost," noted a technician. Combat this by running the AC on high before parking to dry coils.

Other Offenders

• Spilled food in cup holders
• Soggy floor mats trapping bacteria
• Pet accidents on upholstery
• Burnt clutch residue

Pro Tip: Mother’s Odor Eliminator targets biological smells at the source. Use it with AC on max recirculation for 15 minutes—critical for mildew infestations.

Defunct Car Brands

Automotive history buffs identified these departed manufacturers:

Pontiac (top answer) symbolized performance before its 2010 demise. Saturn and AMC followed, while Australian Holden earned niche recognition.

Why They Disappeared

• Oldsmobile: Stale designs despite early innovation
• Hummer: Fuel crises killed the gas-guzzler
• Saab: Engineering over budget realities

Mechanic’s Insight: "Brands like Pontiac died from badge engineering—rebadged Chevys couldn’t justify premium prices."

Actionable Takeaways

1. Disable start-stop: Check your vehicle’s settings menu or invest in defeat devices
2. Prevent AC stench: Replace cabin air filters biannually
3. EG Civic starter mod: Prioritize quality coilovers over cheap alternatives
4. Research subscriptions: Avoid models locking features behind paywalls
5. Preserve classics: Source defunt-brand parts via RockAuto or specialty forums

"Which modern car feature annoys YOU most? Share your rant below—we’ll feature the best stories in our next mechanic roundtable!"

Survey source: Donut Media x Real Mechanic Stu "Car Family Feud" special (2024). Answers aggregated from 100+ enthusiast responses.