CX-7 gauges..

[Silver Ecstasy]

I went to the auto show yesturday and took some quality time with the CX-7. I know the people waiting in line weren't too happy but I don't care.

The one thing that absolutely irked me, was the gauges. Theres no hash mark between 40 and 60. Our speed limits in the city are 45. So I have no idea what I can do but guess between the middle of the hash marks between 40 and 50 if it's 45. Granted I don't have to do the exact speed limit, but it is a comfort thing knowing exactly what i'm doing and as long as i'm abiding by the posted limit.

Also, the gauge is pointed at such a low point that I personally think it's uncomfortable now to check my gauges, it's so different to what i'm used to that it honestly takes me longer than normal to glance at my speed.

I just wish that we had the gauges like the CX-9. And that CX-9 is much bigger than the 7 obviously but I was surprised.

 

[offset_98]

The one thing that absolutely irked me, was the gauges. Theres no hash mark between 40 and 60.

There sure is...there's one at 50 MPH (unless you're talking about KPH in which case I don't care if there is or not since I'm in Canada once every 3 years or so).

 

[giddyup]

You own a Pontiac GTO and your worried about staying exactly at 45 mph in a 45 mph zone???

 

[Silver Ecstasy]

Yes, it's called keeping zero tickets on your insurance and license. Not all GTO owners are speed breaking jerks.

 

[Shaz]

Silver Ecstasy, how often do you manage to follow the 45mph speed limit? I sure don't but I've been speed ticket free for 8 yrs now. I sure don't want to have a ticket but I'm not anal about staying exactly with the speed limit. You just need to get used to it. I used to drive a Montero Sport for 9 yrs and yes, I need to get used to the gauges. If it bothers you too much, then don't buy it. But, boy, you're missing out on a lot of things. The CX7 is fun to drive.

 

[350goodreasons]

Yes, it's called keeping zero tickets on your insurance and license. Not all GTO owners are speed breaking jerks.

you are correct this can be a challenge to read, my only complain with the CX7 is that it need a more accurate speed gauge. an LCD repeater lke on our GTO would be more than welcome (mine is an 04 m6 PBM).

Still i love how it drives and borrow it as much as i can from my wife

 

[jmhumr]

I find that the worst part about not having tics at the 5's is not so much that it is hard to keep it at 45, but that I find myself mistaking the 50mph tic for a 45mph one. A lot of times I'll be cruising along at 53 and realize "crap!", I thought I was going 48.

 

[cruzdreamer]

I was not liking that either and it bothered me for a bit but now I am getting used to it. I figure if I am 5 mph over I won't get a ticket so no big deal....so i do end up going 5 mph over all the time. I prefer the digital number odometer like I had in my RX 8! Don't let it deter you...you can get used to it.

 

[Silver Ecstasy]

Silver Ecstasy, how often do you manage to follow the 45mph speed limit? I sure don't but I've been speed ticket free for 8 yrs now. I sure don't want to have a ticket but I'm not anal about staying exactly with the speed limit. You just need to get used to it. I used to drive a Montero Sport for 9 yrs and yes, I need to get used to the gauges. If it bothers you too much, then don't buy it. But, boy, you're missing out on a lot of things. The CX7 is fun to drive.

I went and test drove it again last night, and I don't know..I just couldn't get used to the gauges, took me too long to check my speed.

Don't get me wrong, I don't follow the limit on the DIME, but I like to have a glance point on the dash where I know i'm at a limit or so.

 

[nazgul350r]

I recently had the pleasure of a Kia rental and it was also mark in 10mph increments. I had it for two and half weeks and 1700 miles but could not get use to not have the 5mph increments.

 

[CXRabbit]

Call me bad but I don't watch my speed all that closely. As long as I'm moving with the flow of traffic or in the ballpark it's fine. I've also NEVER had a speeding ticket.

 

[Joffar]

I noticed it too, but as CXRabbit... I dont watch my speed that closely... unfortunately that also has led to a couple of tickets... but that was with my ex-Outback... and it has a mark every 5 mph

 

[mikey1981]

cmon what r u turkeys talkin about. Do u serisouly "watch" the speedo while ur driving. I may glance at it a couple times and thats about only when im alone on a highway. if ur watching ur speed too much, becareful while ur reading the speedo not to rear end me!

if i see the needle near 80 i slow down if i see it at 60 ill speed up a little. its not really that hard to judge ur speed . just go as fast as everyone else who cares what the needle says =)

 

[cruzdreamer]

What's a lousy 5 mph over? Have that as your mark to watch. You do really get used to it even if it takes you a month...it's no big deal. It's your decision though and if that's a deal breaker that's ok....you like things the way you do...no worries. If that's important to you than you may not be happy. For me it's way to minor in comparison to everything else like safety, price, fun to drive factor, styling, cargo! Good luck on whatever you decide!

 

[Grlluvsjerz]

Or use cruise control if it's such a big deal. And yes I live in the city and cruise control is not a hassel.

 

[koala]

Do people actually look at their speedo all the time? When I take off from a set of lights I generally know when I get to a certain speed... and even when I'm not sure I glance down and sure enough I'm at the speed I thought I was at.

 

[Platonium]

I went and test drove it again last night, and I don't know..I just couldn't get used to the gauges, took me too long to check my speed.

Don't get me wrong, I don't follow the limit on the DIME, but I like to have a glance point on the dash where I know i'm at a limit or so.

I agree. the Guages, while very cool looking and legible, are more difficult to interpret than they need to be. I also play fast and loose with speed limits, but do a lot of highway driving. There's a big difference in the minds of the state troopers between 77 mph and 80 mph. Not only are there no clear 5 mph incremental markings, the guage's needle is awfully thick. So far, no tickets <knock wood>, but I think it is an area the design refresh needs to address.