New Car Options to Avoid
Every new car offers a list of “optional features” that are supposed to improve your driving experience, but here’s a list of some features the experts say are actually a waste of money:
First: Voice-command systems, which let you change radio stations, or set the temperature inside your car, with just your voice. It sounds convenient, but the systems cost at least a thousand dollars. Experts say even the most advanced voice-command system requires learning three or four commands to do things you’d normally do by pushing one button!
You also don’t need to pay for an optional: Navigation system. These days, you can download a navigation app to your smartphone, or use a portable GPS device, for a fraction of what dealers charge for a built-in turn-by-turn navigation system.
The same goes for: DVD entertainment systems. Experts say it’s tempting to buy a system that’ll keep the kids quiet and entertained on long road trips. But for half the price of what dealers charge to put a DVD player in your car, you can now buy a tablet, like an iPad, that your kids can watch anywhere you go, not just in the car!
Next, think twice about buying optional power-closing doors, trunks, and tailgates. Sure, it’s convenient to open doors with the wave of your foot, especially when your hands are full with groceries, kids, and keys, but how often do you really juggle that many things at the same time? Plus, experts say the more power-operated features you have in your car, the more you’ll spend on maintenance if they break down!
First: Voice-command systems, which let you change radio stations, or set the temperature inside your car, with just your voice. It sounds convenient, but the systems cost at least a thousand dollars. Experts say even the most advanced voice-command system requires learning three or four commands to do things you’d normally do by pushing one button!
You also don’t need to pay for an optional: Navigation system. These days, you can download a navigation app to your smartphone, or use a portable GPS device, for a fraction of what dealers charge for a built-in turn-by-turn navigation system.
The same goes for: DVD entertainment systems. Experts say it’s tempting to buy a system that’ll keep the kids quiet and entertained on long road trips. But for half the price of what dealers charge to put a DVD player in your car, you can now buy a tablet, like an iPad, that your kids can watch anywhere you go, not just in the car!
Next, think twice about buying optional power-closing doors, trunks, and tailgates. Sure, it’s convenient to open doors with the wave of your foot, especially when your hands are full with groceries, kids, and keys, but how often do you really juggle that many things at the same time? Plus, experts say the more power-operated features you have in your car, the more you’ll spend on maintenance if they break down!
