Bombarded with the latest tech and innovative marketing strategies, we fantasize over new cars. Park assist, lane drift warnings, bells, whistles, and touch screens abound in these marvels on wheels. But do we really need all of the technological fluff?
While you are car shopping, below are some features to consider crossing off your list of needs.
Satellite radio
Arguments can be made to make this feature a MUST HAVE, but ultimately, you pay for it. There is no real need for it and you pay for it through contract obligating yourself to at least a year. Add that to the costs of maintaining the vehicle in this day and age of fluctuating fuel costs and you might cringe at the bottom-line of your blown budget. No real loss in passing on this feature.
Active Park Assist
Do you need an onboard computer to tell you what you can already see? Not only is the computer prone to failure, but it is also risks miscalculation. This feature is typically bundled into a technology package adding to the bottom line vehicle cost. For example, a 2014 Ford Escape Titanium 1.6L FWD with the equipment group 401a[1] adds $1735 to the cost of the vehicle. Costs vary by make, model, and features in the package. Save that money for the other automotive maintenance costs. Remember, more bells and whistles will also mean more things will break. Consider this, when is the last time you needed a computer system onboard to park your car?
Lane avoidance/warning systems
Referred to as Blind Spot Information System (BLIS)[2] by Volvo, this feature is a blinking light on the side mirror to alert the driver to what our eyes have already seen. Argue this point as you wish, but this is what side mirrors are for. Look before you leap or, in this case, before you change lanes.
These are some features easily bypassed in today’s car market. Whether you agree or disagree on this list, ultimately the choices are a trade off of needs versus wants. Pay attention to what is needed primarily and what is wanted secondarily; you may find you save more money on the bottom line and repair costs.
[1] Reference the Ford website for further details. Information current as of March 5, 2014. http://bp3.ford.com/2014-Ford-Escape?vhptid=pro-2217a-top-bp-escape&branding=1&lang=en/&zipcode=34669#/Packages/Config[|Ford|Escape|2014|1|1.|.U0J…..99X.FWD.RETAIL.TITANIUM.]
[2] Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) is a product of Volvo. Please reference the Volvo website for further information. Information current as of March 5, 2014. http://www.volvocars.com/us/top/about/pages/innovation-areas.aspx#IntelliSafe
Article written by Shauna Jacobs
