A Guide To Picking The Best Optional Extras For Your New Car

Most modern cars come relatively well-equipped straight out of the box. Still, you’ll soon notice that manufacturers tend to leave some of the most desirable extras on the options list.

While nothing beyond a seat, steering wheel, and possibly doors is strictly essential equipment, you may still want to customize your vehicle to suit your needs.

Depending on the brand, you can specify items individually. Still, extras are sometimes bundled into packages with features you might not want or need. There are also various transmission and engine options to choose from.

To help simplify this process and ensure you get the car you want, we have delved into the automotive options list and selected just what you need to know.

Information regarding available optional equipment and pricing comparisons were sourced from the relevant manufacturer.

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)

Autonomous driving is a major topic right now, but fully self-driving cars are still far from a reality. Still, current autonomous driving technology can ease the burden of daily commuting by automating some driving tasks. Instead of selecting every available option, focus on features you’ll actually use.

Adaptive cruise control (ACC) is particularly useful on highways and in traffic. However, not all ACC systems are designed to function in stop-and-go conditions, so be sure to confirm that yours does before opting for it. This technology has been around for years and generally performs as promised—a reliability that isn’t always guaranteed with advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS).

Driver assists like autonomous lane changing don’t always work as advertised. The same goes for the self-parking feature. Check online car reviews to see whether they work effectively on your specific make and model.

Seating Options

The type of seat coverings you get will depend on the vehicle you’re considering. Fabric and leather are the most common. Upgrades to Merino or Aniline leather on higher-end vehicles are sometimes an option, which can look and feel more comfortable, but the additional cost can be prohibitive.

While fabric seats tend to be cooler and less likely to cause sweating in hot weather, they don’t offer the same premium look as leather. It’s best to avoid Alcantara-covered steering wheels, as they can get dirty and wear out quickly.

Seat adjustment options range from manual to partially electric or fully electric. Electric adjustments provide more precise control and can include memory settings. Memory seats can be convenient if you share the car with someone else. Otherwise, you can skip this option and save some money since you’ll likely set the seat once and not use the memory feature again. For infrequent driver changes, manually adjustable seats work just fine. If you have the option of a sports seat, then make sure it isn’t too hard or narrow for daily driving.

Heated seats are a must-have if you live in colder regions of the U.S., while ventilated seats are a worthwhile addition in warmer states. Some high-end vehicles also offer a massaging seat function, but you’ll probably never use it unless you’re driving long distances every day.

Audio Options

Go back a few years, and most car audio systems consisted of a few small speakers and a basic head unit. Nowadays, most new cars—aside from a few base models—come with pretty decent standard audio. You’ll also get some sort of screen, since reverse cameras are a must according to the government.

Before spending extra to upgrade to a high-end option costing hundreds of dollars, take the time to listen to the base setup first. You might be pleasantly surprised by how good the standard sound quality already is.

Paintwork

Choosing a paint color is personal, but popular shades like white, black, and silver tend to hold their value better at resale. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go for that eye-searing purple you adore, but you may struggle to sell it in a few years.

Keep in mind that lighter colors reflect heat, while darker colors absorb it. This can be an important factor if you live in regions with extreme temperatures. Darker colors are also harder to keep clean, but blues and deep reds can really make a car stand out from the crowd.

Smartphone Connectivity

Everyone has a smartphone nowadays and connecting it to your car’s infotainment system is essential for many drivers. Features like Android Auto or Apple CarPlay are very convenient.

And some cars can have frustrating infotainment interfaces, so using Apple CarPlay to access your music and navigation can be a much less frustrating experience. However, if all you want is to listen to your music, then a basic Bluetooth connection might be all you need.

Keyless Entry

Keyless entry is a convenient feature that spares you the hassle of digging for your key fob whenever you need to unlock your car. Similarly, a hands-free tailgate can be a valuable addition. Especially if you often find yourself trying to open the trunk with your hands full.

Wheels and Tires

Higher-profile tires with smaller diameter rims give the best ride over bumps and rough roads. Low-profile tires offer better handling and a sharper cornering feel but tend to make the ride much harder. Massive off-road wheels will let you cross major obstacles, but they may make on-road driving a pain.

Larger-diameter wheels may also look cooler, but the cost of replacing the tires will be higher. Unless you are buying a sports car, try to stick to the smaller wheel sizes. It will save you money and improve the ride quality.

Transmissions

Manual transmissions are ideal for enthusiasts who enjoy an engaging driving experience. However, they are becoming a very rare option, and some sports cars can even be worth more on the used market when specified with a manual.

On the other hand, automatics are better suited for rush-hour traffic and are easier to handle on hilly terrain. They are also more popular with the average driver. Traditional automatic transmissions provide smooth gear changes, while dual-clutch automatics shift gears quickly but may feel jerky at low speeds.

Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVTs) offer seamless acceleration, though they tend to keep the engine at a constant RPM, which can sound strained when overtaking.

Gas Engines

Most people would love a big V8 for its burbly exhaust note and effortless torque delivery. But they tend to be expensive to maintain, and you’ll be at the gas station every other day. Smaller four-cylinder turbocharged engines can offer similar performance without the big fuel bills, but they can’t match the sound and low-speed responsiveness of a good V8.

A turbocharged six-cylinder engine is a great compromise and is becoming a popular option on many mid-range vehicles that used to be fitted with larger-capacity V8s. Hybrids can offer good economy and power but are more complex. Mild hybrids don’t need recharging but offer little to no all-electric capabilities.

Plug-in Hybrids need recharging and can deliver great economy if you make the most of their electric driving range. But they cost more than a purely gas-powered vehicle, and you will need a home charging setup or access to a convenient public charging spot.

Electric Vehicles

An electric vehicle isn’t an option in itself, but choosing between a gas or electric powertrain is quickly becoming the norm. You can have an ICE BMW 7 Series, or an all-electric i7. The same goes for the new Mini. If you travel long distances and don’t have easy access to electric charging points, an EV will not work for you.

An EV is a great option if your commute predominantly consists of short city trips. It is easy to drive, more responsive than a gas car, and can be more cost-effective. But make sure to compare the MSRP and monthly payments beforehand, as electric cars tend to cost more upfront.