Eight New-Car Features You Don't Need
Xenon headlamps, also known as HID (high-intensity discharge) headlamps. They give off more light than ordinary halogen lamps and have the cool blue tint that is often their main appeal.
Why you should skip it: The light beam from xenon bulbs shines further than many people can see or react to, and some experts worry that the stronger beam could interfere with the vision of oncoming drivers.
Cost savings: $300 to $500
Instead: Automatic headlamps. You set the cockpit switch to "A," and the lights automatically go on when it's dark and off when it's light. Even better–you no longer have to worry about leaving your lights on and running down your battery.
Dual-zone climate control. Lets you choose different temperature settings for the driver and passenger side. Tri-zone systems have a third control for the rear seat.
Why you should skip it: People who are really this fussy can achieve the same result by manipulating the air vents and fan settings. Besides, come on: If the driver's temp is 68, and the passenger's is 72, do you really believe it's not 70 inside the whole car?
Cost savings: $800 or more
Instead: For people who drive in cold weather, heated seats are a delight–and they often warm up faster than the climate system itself. Cooled seats seem to be less effective. But in both cases, they offer truly personalized comfort that doesn't bleed into somebody else's space.
Factory-installed navigation systems. Nav systems are marvelous, especially for people who drive routinely in unfamiliar places. Letting the onboard computer guide you to an address or destination is far better than reading a MapQuest printout, calling for directions on a cellphone–or, God forbid, having to stop and ask a stranger.
Why you should skip it: The problem with installed nav systems is they're very pricey–upwards of $1,500 in most cases. Plus, they're so popular that some manufacturers offer them only on the upper trim lines of a given model, which draws even more money out of your pocket.
Cost savings: $1,500 to $2,000
Instead: Shop for a portable, off-the-shelf navigation system. Good ones are available for $500 or less, plus they can be moved from car to car.
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