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Top Ten Car Extras You Don't Need

Ever felt like buying a new car after reading a tempting ad? If yes, did you notice the fine print in the ad? That print can be very enlightening. Do not get enticed by the little number in a big font. Follow the asterisk that will lead you to the terms and conditions. You may be getting the new car in its most basic form while the certain necessary accessories will lead to the gigantic amount that most of us end up paying. Options do make a difference.

With the additional options, you can actually personalize your car as per your taste. We agree that customization is the latest trend in the car industry. But, veer away from useless options offered by the dealer. Some sound great in theory, plus salespeople and literature will make you feel that the extras are as important as the car's fuel. Actually, these useless options do little more than waste your money and nudge the sticker price even beyond that lovely ad's hefty price. Here are 10 such extras that are believed to be 'the unnecessary extras'.

Extended/Random Warranties

The new car warranty will cover almost every component. But, why not keep a good thing going with extended warranties? Parts do not really break as soon as the warranty expires, do they? Exclusions, deductibles and limitations tend to render these warranties as useless options, and little more than scams in the end. Should anything happen, you will have to fight your way to set things right. Think again! In the long run and given the odds, arent you far better off regularly setting a few bucks aside for eventualities?

Heated Seats

An Indian driver may not demand these. Anyway, they are present in many cars, and unless they come as standard equipment, do you really need them? It would be nice to have the warmers on your seat on a cold morning, but isn't really necessary. Our advice: Skip the heated seats and save the money for something better.

Special Editions

What exactly do you mean by "special editions?" You make the salesman feel special when he feeds unnecessary thoughts of exclusivity into your memory. With very few exceptions, special editions are usually high-option cars that might include a silly decal or unique paint. That's it! Except for the high amount you shell out, little or no long-term value comes from them. You can instead opt for a comparably equipped and possibly lower priced "normal edition".

Unnecessary Rims and Tyre Packages

Super-sizing your rims and tyres is not really necessary. Manufacturers do take care of the car's looks and handling, and yes, these days they have been noticeably improved without sacrificing ride comfort. However, a few just don't bother about spending money on the unnecessary rims and tyre packages. The result: What was an optimal ride/handling balance earlier gets thrown out of sync and can become worse. That's when it becomes a useless option.

Graphics/Pin Stripes

If you think you need enhancements on your new car for better looks, just pick a better-looking car. Graphics and pin stripes are rarely integrated into the basic design of the car, and for good reason. The graphics do expose you as much as they expose your car. Your dealer may have convinced you to have a jazzy graphic on your car. But, what made total sense at the dealer and seems likable for a while fades into embarrassment as years pass. Do you really want to have them? Think about it.

Apparel

You can actually order apparel to match your car, but don't. You may be spending just a just a few hundreds. So why not get something smart? Think again and you'll realize that it's a rather risky image proposition. Too often, wearing things bearing car logos makes you look like you can't afford the car, so you bought a shirt or like an automotive journalist who can't afford the car but wears stuff got at sponsored events.

Tack-Ons

The best steakhouses don't try their best tempting you with silly unintelligent garnishes or sides you don't want. You get a slab of meat and that's it. Don't you feel that's how cars should be ordered and served? Tack-ons like rear spoilers, roof racks, gold trim, continental tire kits, and mock convertible tops are all useless options that distract you from the main course. Keep all of it off the new car you're looking to buy and if you still feel good about the car, go for it.

Life insurance

Don't be over-excited about getting life insurance as an option with your car. On its own, life insurance is good. Go get it from a licensed life insurance agent and not the finance guy at the car dealership. He will certainly push an overpriced, off-the-rack insurance policy ill-suited to your needs.

All-Inclusive Option Packages

Why should you go a complete package when you are actually interested in just a part of it? The options you really want may be bundled or embedded in an expensive package with a dozen useless options. Nevertheless, it is going to grab your attention because it contains what you need plus plenty of other options (that may never prove useful). At times, online and print brochures imply separate prising for individual items is just impossible. Turn to your salesperson and you'll discover that exceptions can be made for special orders.

Rustproofing, Undercoating, Paint and Interior Treatments

Earlier, Italian cars were believed to be exclusive. The reason being, factories only shipped the ones that didn't rust during assembly. Today, almost all cars have corrosion warranties measured in years, not days. Overall, factory paint and clear coat have never been better or tougher. Same goes for interior materials. So skip the useless options of prevention and protection at the dealer. It just takes diligent washing and periodic waxing for the same results. These and other useless options offered can amount to thousands saved, so choose wisely.

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