Auto Trends

Convenience/safety item #2 (AWD- All Wheel Drive)- AWD today has become such a fad, that people seem to think they need it no matter where they live or what kind of whether they normally drive in. The thing to consider, is that even in bad whether AWD does not give a driver any more of an edge over a front wheel drive vehicle once the vehicle is in motion.

Too many people think that they do not have to drive cautiously if they have AWD, which is why many of the accidents in the winter are actually caused by these AWD consumers who were too overconfident in their vehicle. AWD is a nice feature for $1,500 to $2,000 if you routinely drive in snow, ice, and slush, but so are a few less expensive packages, such as anti-lock brakes and traction control.

Ego Booster/safety item #2 (HID Headlights)- There is much debate right now as to how much these headlights really improve nighttime vision for the average person. For some people it has been noted that the extra distance that the light is able to shine, is actually canceled out by the distance that the driver is able to clearly see with their own capable vision. Some consumers purchase this upgrade for the “crystal blue” beam these headlights cast, rather than for its increased light output.

But what you also have to really ask yourself, whether you like them for their safety or “looks” factor, is if these lights are benefiting you enough to justify the extra cost of $500 or more. Some experts say these type of lights actually blind oncoming traffic and bring a whole other safety issue into the mix. In general, halogen headlight that most new cars have today should give you plenty of visual detail for driving, so these certainly aren’t the “cat’s meow” that some dealers try to make them out to be.

Convenience item #3 (Dual Zone Climate Control)- For close to $1,000 over base price, this should be an insult to most peoples intelligence. If the driver is hot and running the air conditioner at 68 degrees and his passenger is cold and has the heat on at 74… don’t you think these two are going to cancel each other out and both end up in a climate zone of 71?

Most cars have the “sophisticated” technology to turn off and on a vent when we do not wish to receive any air on that side. This is usually as sufficient dual climate zone as anyone should ever need… but to each their own.

Remember, the next time you are in the hot seat at the dealer being thrown option after option. Are the options really necessary, or are they wasteful convenience/ego-boosters that will only empty your wallet offering little in return?