I'm starting to get serious about buying a Max. I know most of what I want (colors & options) but I can't decide on VDC. It seems like a good thing to have on a FWD car with 265hp but I've found a couple dealers that are really willing to deal for cars on their lot but they don't have any with VDC in the colors or other options I want. Opinions?

 

i posted before but, it saved me on a left curve, downhill, heavy rain...for a split second it felt like i lost my back end, but then i felt a floating sensation and i stayed on the road.

you get a full sized wheel/tire for a spare...

you can disable it if you don't need it for some reason...

BUT definately not necessary...

 

I dont have it on mine, and i have not had a problem with out it. Even through out the winter i was good, in the snow.

 

VDC cuts fuel to one or more cylinders, downshifts the automatic transmission, or applies brake pressure to individual wheels for greater stability. It increases responsiveness to severe braking conditions. It provides precise interaction with throttle and brakes for simpler, quieter, smoother control. It helps maintain safe condition in slippery, wet surfaces.

An example would be you are traveling on the road, suddenly some boxes fly out on your right side, you try to avoid them by steering to the left, and without VDC, you would oversteer and the rear passenger side will hit those boxes.

 

Did not want it and do not have it.

 

From what I've read....there are many people (car magazines, reviewers, etc...) that say VDC is an equivelent step forward for safety as ABS was. I didn't get it in mine, though I would have liked to.

Anyone who thinks they can "out perform" VDC in a panic emergency situation is flat out wrong.

You can be sure that in my next car I will have VDC. If you can wait for a car with it, and can afford it, you may as well get it. And the full size spare would be nice to have too!

CM.

 

VDC was difficult for me to find with the DPP package in my area, but my dealer finally located my car in a nearby city. I'm glad I have it, although I don't think its been activated yet even though it was a tough winter (those Conti tires were great in the snow).

 

It's something you might never use, but which would be good to have. A deal-breaker? For me ... no.

Keep in mind your tires must have traction for it to work, so if you lose it on snow or ice, or even in a big whopping hydroplane event (I can personally vouch for that one), VDC will be unable to save your bacon. You have to look at it as another safety feature, like side curtain airbags or seatbelt pretensioners ... nice to have if you ever need it, but with any luck you'll never use it.

Mike