June 28, 2005
New Car Frills - Necessary?
Do you really need all of the flashy extras like DVD players in your new car? Is it really worth the cost? Read this article and find out now.
New-car frills: Is the bang worth the buck?
By Terry Jackson • Bankrate.com
You’ve made your decision about which new car is right for you: The model meets your family’s needs, it’s in your price range and the dealer is willing to deal.
As anyone who has ever shopped for a new car knows, the difference between a basic vehicle and one loaded with options can amount to as much as $10,000, once you add in everything from floor mats to a high-end stereo with a back-seat DVD player.
But will those options be worth the cost when it comes time to trade in that new car four or five years down the road?
It pays to shop wisely when choosing options. Some return only a fraction of the initial price and make very little difference in attracting a buyer or grinding out a few more dollars at trade-in time. Others can make a significant difference in value years later.
Here are some of the more common options and the residual value they will add to your vehicle when it comes time to sell.