Eight New-Car Features You Don't Need
Why you should skip it: If you live where there's sloppy weather, and routinely drive in snow or mud, then yeah, all-wheel drive is handy. But most people don't go out in snow anyway. And there are misperceptions about the safety benefits of all-wheel drive. It can help you get out of a snow bank, but it won't stop you from sliding on ice or reduce braking distance. It also lowers gas mileage.
Cost savings: $1,500 or more
Instead: Antilock brakes, stability control, and side-impact and side-curtain air bags have proven safety value. On SUVs in particular–more prone to rollovers–these safety options should be considered essential.
CD changer. Audio systems that can handle multiple CDs are becoming standard–just as CDs are going the way of vinyl.
Why you should skip it: With iPods and MP3 players becoming ubiquitous, there's no need anymore to junk up your car with stacks of CDs.
Cost savings: $500 or more
Instead: A single CD player with AM/FM is fine–as long as it has an auxiliary jack for external devices. Also consider XM or Sirius satellite radio. After listening to 150 channels of mostly commercial-free music and talk, you'll realize how dead commercial radio is. And look for an audio system with duplicate controls on the steering wheel, which helps keep your eyes on the road and off the dashboard.
Power folding seats. This is an upscale option on many vehicles with third-row seats. Push a button, and it's like magic–the seat disappears and you're left with a flat cargo space.
Why you should skip it: On well-designed vehicles like the Honda Odyssey and the GMC Acadia, it's a breeze to fold the seats manually–pull or push a couple of levers and you're done. It's usually faster than waiting for a motor to do the job, plus there's no complicated machinery that might break.
Cost savings: $700
Instead: On SUVs and minivans, a power-operated liftgate can be very helpful for people, especially women, who find the rear hatch too high to reach or heavy to close. Plus, if your hands are full with groceries or kids, you can pop open a power liftgate at the touch of a button.
Keyless ignition. As long as the key fob is in your purse or pocket, all you have to do is push a button to start the car and drive off.
Why you should skip it: Keyless ignition is a cool feature that will probably be standard someday. But on most cars today, it falls one step short, since you still must have the key fob in hand to unlock the car. Then you have to find someplace to stash the key fob–an invitation to misplace it. Some cars even have a little slot where you can store the "keyless" unlocking device. Isn't that the same thing the ignition slot used to do?
Cost savings: $200 to $400
Instead: Remote start is a wonderful option, in winter and summer both. It lets you start your car from a distance, without being inside it, so you can cool or warm the car for a few minutes before you get in.
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