Some fancy car options might not be worth the money
Whether it is fancy chrome wheels or a panoramic sunroof, auto buyers are inundated with choices. But which are the biggest wastes of money?
The worst options are the ones that you'll never use, those prone to becoming outdated or glitch-prone or those that seem just plain dumb.
Some drivers might not have much use for an infotainment system controlled with hand gestures instead of by voice or touch, but that's what BMW has coming in its new 7 Series flagship sedan.
"We've entered this technology race for consumer attention," says Karl Brauer, analyst for Kelley Blue Book. "Car companies are looking for features that are as much about bullet points in an ad as they are functional or helpful."
Crazy options are nothing new in the auto business. An onboard record player, Highway Hi-Fi, was an option on 1956 Chryslers, says classic car expert McKeel Hagerty, and an electric shaver was offered 1957 Chevrolets. More recently, until 2011 Volvo offered a system that detected whether an intruder was lurking in your parked car.
Today, the number of options has become so dizzying that most have been combined into pricey trim levels — technology, convenience, appearance or other. While packages make it easier for buyers to choose their favorites, they end up with a mix of features they really want — or really don't.
The new Honda Pilot, for instance, comes with air-conditioned seats — but only if you buy the level that comes with all-wheel drive, sunroof, LED headlights and other features. "You just have to pick the features that are most value to you," says Brian Moody, executive editor for Autotrader.
When you get a choice of options, here are some things to consider to avoid having them become a waste:
•Heated and cooled everything. Automakers are adding heat to steering wheels, mirrors and seats and cooling to seats and cup holders. Are they worth it? Depends on whether you live in Michigan, Maine or Miami. In a Ford Fusion SE, heated seats are part of the $495 "cold weather package" that also includes remote start and all-weather floor mats. To make it worth the dough, you have to care as much about your bottom as you do your bottom line.
•Fancy wheels and low-profile tires. Big wheels generally enhance the looks of a car, but they can worsen the ride and are more expensive to replace. Low-profile tires look racy, but are more prone to rim damage or flats. And they generally come at higher trim levels: the new Mazda CX-3 small crossover comes with 16-inch steel wheels at its base level with a starting price of $20,480, including delivery fees. The Grand Touring level, however, has 18-inch alloy wheels standard, with a price of $25,870.
•Navigation. Fancy navigation and infortainment systems are modern wonders, but they can become outdated. Opting instead for models with the new Apple CarPlay or Android Auto — Hyundai and Chevrolet are among the first mainstream models getting them — channels the same information from your smartphone.