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Eric's Autos: Oversold New Car Features

Eric Peters on

There isn't a new car on the market that hasn't already got all the basics covered. And then some. It's hard to find a new car - any new car - that isn't at least air conditioned. That doesn'thave - at least - a four-speaker stereo with a CD player, power windows and locks and an electric rear defroster.

"Basic" transportation is not what it used to be - if you're old enough to remember when things like AC, power windows and locks and electric rear defrost were premium features that were almost always optional - and defined a loaded car.

This is nice, but of course it doesn't come free. The least expensive new cars - models like the Nissan Versa Note, Kia Rio, Hyundai Accent and Ford Fiesta - have starting MSRPs in the $12-$15k-ish range. And most people end up paying a lot more than that - even for those cars. Because they end up buying a car - often one "in inventory" - which has additional equipment. Features such as an upgraded audio system with six or more speakers, climate control air conditioning, GPS (often "bundled" with other features, such as a sunroof) seat heaters - and so on.

Per Seinfeld, there's nothing wrong with buying such features. The issue is whether they're worth the additional cost to you. Let's tale a quick look at some of these "extras"- and then you can decide:

* Climate control -

The range of cooling - and heating - is the same in a climate controlled car as it would be if the car had regular (manual) air conditioning. Both use the same compressor and other hardware. The difference is that with climate control, you can fine-tune the cabin temperature exactly.

 

Most have a digital display and a knob or button you can use to dial up (or tap in) 68 degrees, say - and the system will maintain that temperature for you. Most also have separate temperature controls for the driver and passenger, enabling each to adjust the temperature to their individual preference.

With manual AC, you set the temperature manually, using a rotary knob or slide controller - for warmer or cooler, as you prefer. And it's typically "one size fits all" - same temperature for everyone.

How much is it worth it to you to be able to set an exact (and individualized) temperature? And given the close confines of a car, does it really make a difference if the driver's outlet is set for 68 degrees while the front seat passenger's is set to 72? Maybe. But then again, maybe not.

Keep in mind that climate control - if it's not part of the car's standard equipment package - can add several hundred dollars to the price of a new car (perhaps thousands, if it's "bundled" with a "package" or you must buy the higher trim model to get the climate control AC). And you should be aware that because automatic climate control iselectronically controlled, there is a possibility that - at some point down the road - you may face an expensive replacement/repair of the electronics that control the system. Manual AC is mechanically controlled - knobs and levers - and so, simpler. Thus, less likely to need repair. And if repairs are needed, they will usually be cheaper.

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