Today’s cars are loaded with new technology and fancy add-ons. But many of these flashy features simply aren’t worth the cost to produce them.
If you are trying to get ahead financially , you probably could do without these new-car features that add to the cost of the vehicle but don’t offer much value to drivers.
Make Money: 8 things to do if you're barely scraping by financially
1. Electric door handles
Electric door handles have become more popular in recent years. These handles are flush with the door, which reduces drag. That can provide a small boost to gas mileage or electric-vehicle range.
However, these door handles require extra moving parts, which could cost you money if they break. They also don’t perform as well in cold weather, as they tend to ice over easier than a typical door handle.
Own a car? Here's 7 warning signs you're paying too much for car insurance. 2. GPS navigation
GPS navigation has come a long way since the early aughts, when drivers would print out directions to take with them on the road.
However, car-based navigation isn’t really a great deal in an era when you can just use navigation on your smartphone, which is probably more up to date than an in-car system anyway.
3. Glossy trim
Glossy trim can give you a good-looking, extra-shiny interior.
However, it also can look extra dirty because small specks of dirt and fingerprints show up more easily on a glossy finish than on a typical finish.
Avoid these money mistakes: 9 dumbest things smart people waste money on
4. Low-profile tires
Low-profile tires on high-end cars or sporty vehicles look great and perform well under the right circumstances.
But a low-profile tire can also kick up extra dirt and debris, costing you more money due to potential damage to the car.
This type of tire might give you a rougher ride. And low-profile tires don’t work well in snow, making them a hard sell if you live anywhere with four seasons.
5. Night vision
Night vision may be more of a fancy add-on than a practical feature that can help you drive in trying conditions.
The night vision may not offer that much more detail than you get when you are driving with your headlights on.
6. New ways to shift gears
One of the most basic things you must know as a driver is how to switch a car from drive to reverse to park. But some car companies are changing their gear-shifting knobs, making it harder to figure out what you’re doing.
Other companies such as Tesla have put gear shifting on a touchscreen, taking away the tactical feel that many drivers prefer when shifting a car into different gears.
Get Out of Debt for Good: Try these 6 clever ways to crush your debt 7. Cluttered touchscreens
Touchscreens have become more sophisticated in recent years, allowing you to send texts, navigate streets, play music, and even adjust climate controls from the screen.
However, putting all those things on one touchscreen can potentially distract drivers from the road ahead.
8. Motorized rear-view mirror
It can be helpful to have pre-programmed settings for things such as your steering wheel or seat. That is especially true if you regularly share your car with another driver.
But some motorized features are less useful. Sure, a motorized rear-view mirror is slightly more convenient. But it’s just one more thing that can break and require a repair.
Is it really such a chore to adjust the mirror by hand when you get into the car?
9. Apps to control your car
Some car manufacturers are going digital with apps that you can download to your phone to start your car remotely or unlock your doors.
However, these apps might still have glitches that cause them to not work as well as a typical key fob. They also can clutter up your smartphone.
Grow Your $$: 11 brilliant ways to build wealth after 40
10. Subscription features
New features such as heated seats and hands-free driving technology sound like fun. But that excitement can turn to frustration when you find out you can only unlock access by paying an extra subscription fee.
Make sure you know about a car’s subscription fees before you decide to buy the vehicle.
Bottom line
With or without these features, cars can be expensive. So, it always pays to look for ways to cut your costs.
One great way to trim the tab of owning a vehicle is to shop around and gather quotes so you can save on car insurance .
You might also consider putting away some extra cash in your emergency fund in case you have to cover unexpected repair bills. That way, you won’t be forced into debt to pay for fixes.
Money tips that can work for everyone
No matter what your bank account balance is, there's always an opportunity to optimize and improve your finances. Here's a quick checklist of things you can look at today.
Focus on paying off your debt. Debt can hold you back from making progress with your overall financial well-being. Aside from cutting expenses, there are tools that can help you pay off debt faster like balance transfer credit cards and debt counseling.
Earning extra income can give you breathing room. If finances are tight, earning some extra money to supplement your income can make a huge difference. A new job is one option to consider, but if you're not ready to make a big change or already retired, a part-time side job could be a better choice.
Cut your expenses. It sounds painful and so not fun, but it doesn't have to be. Take a look at your biggest expenses because that's where you'll probably find the biggest savings. For example, auto insurance rates have been soaring so shopping around for a new insurance company can be the fastest way to cut your bill. Also, look for ways to cut your grocery bill (despite rising inflation).
Local News
