The actual price of a car is usually several hundred dollars, maybe several thousand dollars, more than the base price shown on the window sticker. Every car has to be shipped to the dealer and that cost is passed on the buyer. Applicable taxes must be paid, as well.

Adding most to the basic price of a car, however is the optional equipment it includes. Some individual options can cost more than $1000. Combining a number of these expensive extras may raise the price of the automobile beyond your intended budget. Today many automakers include these features in option packages. It is best to evaluate the features that come in each package to make sure you don't more than you need. Evaluate each package carefully according to your needs. But just incase you're unsure, we'll try to offer some advice and explanation.


Power steering.
Without it you'd need to be a bodybuilder to turn the steering wheel. Small automobiles used to be offered without this feature; they were thought light enough to make it unnecessary. That attitude, however, has changed. It's rather unusual that this is not offered in on an automobile as standard or in a basic option package. If you commute in urban situations, this is a must. That is why they have been equipped with power assist as standard equipment.

Four-wheel steering.
This feature was once very popular on several American and European brands. It has fallen from sight and we were ready to call it dead when one of the manufacturers recently announced it's use in a new automobile. I guess everything comes back. It's has many advantages like ease of parking, fast and safe lane changes, and helps diminish side slippage on slick surfaces. We're glad to see this engineering marvel is reappearing.

Tilt steering wheel.
With this feature, the angle of the steering wheel can be changed up or down to suit the driver. On some models, the wheel can also be adjusted in or out (telescoped), as well. Comfort on long trips can be increased with this device. If your car is going to be driven by different people of different sizes, this may be a great convenience. Tilting the steering wheel all the way up helps in slipping in and out of the car, too, which may be a help to heavier drivers. This is typically included in the standard or upgrade option packages. If not, the extra cost of $100 to $300 may not be worthwhile for you.

Anti-lock brakes (ABS)
While once found only on luxury and sporty performance cars, the anti-lock braking system (abs) has become a popular standard feature. Some manufacturers still offer it in a safety-oriented option package with keyless remote entry and other similar features. On slick surfaces or glare ice, this feature is very appreciated. All four wheels are monitored by an onboard computer. If a wheel is losing traction when the brakes are applied, the computer detects it. It counteracts the slippage by releasing the brake action on that wheel for a fraction of a second, then re-applies it. The result is skid-free braking with complete steering control on all manner of slippery surfaces. Stopping distance is usually a bit shorter than with conventional brakes, as well, but the real virture is total directional control on virtually any surface. In many areas where weather is seasonal and unpredictable, this is a necessary feature. Cars provided with this feature often are looked upon by insurance companies as a lower risk since statistics prove they decrease accident and damage claims. Whether it is an option or standard, this is one feature that we strongly urge you to consider.

Cruise control.
This is a device that automatically controls the throttle to maintain a car at a preset speed. To engage a typical cruise control system, all that is required is to flick a manual control switch on the dash or on the steering column. To disengage, simply tap the brake pedal or switch it off with the manual control.

Cruise control offers several advantages. It can prevent unintentional speeding. (Avoiding a few speeding fines will almost pay for it.) After long trips, the driver will arrive fresher with cruise control. Driving at steady speeds, rather than erratically speeding up and down, will save on fuel consumption, too. (Few drivers maintain a steady speed, as you will quickly find out using cruise control.) For people doing much highway driving, the advantages make this option almost a necessity.

Cruise control does not, however, function below speeds of about 40 mph and so is of little or no use in city driving. It is also of limited utility on congested urban expressways. Caution should be used on slippery surfaces, as well.

Some people, usually those unfamiliar with cruise control, say they do not like the idea of not having control of their car. Cruise control, however, does not take control away from the driver. You can still accelerate or decelerate as you desire and the sensation of having the throttle controlled for you is something you quickly get used to. Many automobiles offer this feature standard or on an option package. If you do a lot of long distance travelling in your automobile for work or pleasure, we highly recommend this feature.

Heavy-duty suspension.
Many cars come equipped with soft suspension systems designed for cushy, "boulevard" rides. Heavy-duty suspension options are highly recommended for a better-controlled ride (admittedly somewhat rougher, but safer and more controllable).

Sports/specialty cars, station wagons, vans and utility vehicles usually come with heavy-duty suspension as standard. If not, you may find a special suspension package is offered on the model you're wanting. The cost is as little as $150, depending on the model, so price is no excuse to pass it up.

Automatic level control.
This is a feature that automatically adjusts the height of the car in order to maintain an even keel under all load conditions. If you travel often with heavy loads (people or cargo) or pull a trailer, this option provides the correction you need. It improves ground clearance, and, for night driving, keeps the headlights aimed on the road instead of up at the tree tops.

You might find this is a standard feature on some luxury automobiles. If not, this may be a part of a trailer-towing package.

Intermittent windshield wipers.
Windshield wipers have come a long way since the days when they had to be hand operated. Today they are electrically driven and usually have at least two speeds. Common, also, is the pulse or intermittent feature. This causes the wipers to make single sweeps across the windshield separated by a pause of a few seconds--ideal when there are just a few drops of rain in the air, when there are enough to be wiped off occasionally, but not enough to have the wipers running constantly back and forth. Some manufacturers have refined the way this feature works. A mist feature can be found on many vehicles for even more of an option to combat moisture. Some vehicles even have "rain sensors" so that the vehicle's computer will automatically wipe it for you. Most of the time you'll find this a standard feature or in an option package.

Rear window wipers/washers.
Keeping the rear window clean on a station wagon or some hatchbacks can be a serious problem. The dirt gets flung up on it by the swirl of air that constantly follows this shape of vehicle.

Sometimes the muck gets so thick it seriously reduces visibility. You could stop and get out in the rain to wipe it off, but that is annoying and time consuming-- and may not be safe, either. A rear window wiper is a great help. On some models, this option is combined with a washer, which helps even more.

Only one wiper is used on the rear window, so the area cleared is not as large as the area swept by the two wipers on the windshield, but it is still adequate for safe vision--and dramatically better than the alternative. You'll find this feature standard feature or in an option package. And you'll find it in many station wagons and SUVs because of the design of the vehicle's rear quarter.

Rear window defrosters.
For safety, it is important to keep the rear window clear of mist or frost in damp or cold weather. Almost all cars have some sort of rear window clearing system--at least on an optional basis. It may be only a fan to blow air against the glass to keep it from fogging on the inside. A better alternative is a defroster. When turned on, wires imbedded in the glass heat up and melt ice or snow on the outside. The heat also keeps the inside of the glass fog free.

Rear window defrosters at this point are pretty much standard on all vehicles. It is a rarity to find this option not included.

Outside mirrors.
All cars have outside mirrors on the driver's side. Almost all have mirrors on the right side. Usually this is true of the low-cost vehicles. If it's not standard on your car, order it. Adjusting the right mirror can be difficult, so it would be helpful to have remote (manual or electrical) positioning, at least for the right side to set that mirror correctly for each driver. Remote control is also a help on the left side, particularly in inclement weather.

Another feature available on some cars is a heater to melt ice and snow from the face of the outside mirrors. Anything to help improve visibility is worth serious consideration. These mirror options need not be costly.

Tinted glass.
Most cars offer tinted glass in order to reduce glare from the sun or its reflections. Often the factory tinted side and back glass looks quite pale, but there is enough reduction in the sun's rays to make a noticeable difference. Factory tinted glass is standard on many cars, even some of the small imports. It is often a standard or mandatory option with air conditioning.

Power windows.
Power operated windows are a great convenience, if not a necessity. Without power windows, a driver all alone simply cannot open or close any windows except his own in safety without stopping the car. On some luxury automobiles, a one-touch up, one-touch down, or both are provided. Besides offering ease of use, it allows the driver to keep all hands on the wheel. It is also provides added safety. However, some of these are difficult to operate and take a while to "get the feel" of the feature.

Fortunately, power windows are now designed with child safety in mind. Power windows, hitting any obstacle before completing it's final stopping point will automatically stop and descend again. While it doesn't soften the blow, your fingers are at least more safe than if you slam them in the car door. Where children are concerned (or those adults acting like them) use the driver-controlled window-locks which accompany these systems..

Power door locks.
Power door locks are another great convenience. They used to be vacuum powered, so would operate only a couple times after the car's engine was turned off. Now they are electrically operated and are very positive in their operation as long as the battery functions, whether or not the engine is running.

As with windows, a driver cannot handle right and rear door locks easily while he is driving, unless they are power operated. As with power windows, some offer driver-controlled lock-out switches. Power door locks range from $145-290 extra.

Power seat options.
With power seats, the seat can be moved forward or back, up or down. Some power seat options allow the seat to be tilted forward or back, reclined, or changed in respect to lumbar or lateral support. Some "budget" vehicles offer power seats on the driver's side — if that. But other automobiles, like luxury cars even offer heated seats for those cold winter mornings. Just about any combination of these is available on the driver's seat, with or without similar adjustments for the passenger seat.

The power adjustments are great, but may not be worth the cost unless drivers of different sizes are going to be using the car frequently. In that case, power seats with memory feature might be worth considering, so each regular driver will not have to fiddle with the controls to find his personal setting. Some power seats may restrict foot space for rear seat passengers.

Sound systems.
Just about all cars come with at least an AM/FM radio & Cassette player. Most include a 4-speaker stereo system, with or without a cassette player. Almost all include as standard the pre-wiring for a CD (compact disc) stereo system. CD players are usually an option and are sometimes offered in a luxury or sport package. For most models, each manufacturer is wise enough to offer a "premium" or upgraded sound sytem costing extra by itself. Depending upon manufacturer, each of these systems is available in a variety of models with up to ten speakers and they can turn your car into a veritable concert hall. Some people have better stereos in their cars than they do in their homes. But, with longer commutes back and forth from work, who could blame them?

Besides, having a good radio, tape deck, or CD player in your car (or all three) can make a lonely trip very pleasant. Not only does it help pass the time, but it can be a source of useful road and weather information.

A point to consider when ordering a sound system, is how easy a given system is to operate. Some systems have between two and three dozen buttons. Trying to figure them out is a job that should only be done when the car is parked; not when you are doing 60 down a crowded expressway.

Whatever system you get, have the dealer show you how theft-proof it is. Stereos are the prime target of thieves these days.

Sound systems can range from as little as $50 to as high as $1550. Do not buy more sound than you need. Many models have antennas that retract after the engine ceases. This is important, as it will prevent a vandar from twisting your fixed antenna into a pretzel.

Trip computers.
NAV (navigational) systems are now being offered mostly in luxury vehicles. Some people like them, others hate them. Either way, computerization in automobiles is here to stay. Many luxury and specialty cars can be ordered with a NAV system. For a travelling salesman, I could say that it's a blessing! If you're not, you might think it as nothing more than an overpriced toy. Not only will it give your audible directions (so you don't have to take your eyes off the road) but you can go the quickest route, the shortest route, use only highways, or avoid highways. Want to find a hotel, restaurant, or a bar in the area? No problem. It's all at your fingertips.

Don't let the fun of operating a trip computer take your attention off the road, or you may end up off the road yourself and not able to arrive at your intended destination. If you have had any experience with computers, you know the frustrations sometimes experienced in getting the cantankerous things to co-operate. When this feature becomes voice activated, it will probably be much more popular.

Some people are preferring systems more interactive systems that require a minimal amount of buttons to push and for a monthly fee you can be contacting a live human being for the information.

Air-conditioning.
When first introduced over 50 years ago, it was called "refrigeration." That sounds just a bit too cool, but today's air-conditioning is one of the best pieces of equipment available in a car.

Even if it is used for only a few weeks each summer in northern climates, it is a very welcome feature. There is nothing so physically exhausting on a long trip as having the open windows constantly letting in hot air, traffic noise, dust and bugs.

Air-conditioners are often accused of increasing fuel consumption. Certainly they do consume power, but they have been made quite energy efficient in recent years.

Many mid-sized and luxury cars come with air-conditioning at no extra cost. With others it is an option. Make sure, if you get air-conditioning, that you also have tinted windows to filter out much of the sun's heat rays so the air-conditioner can function more efficiently. And the later model automobiles have just switched to a more environmentally friendly coolant.

Sun roof.
You may want the extra light a sun roof lets in, but its most desireable feature is the ventilation it provides. A sun roof may be hinged at the front and flip up a few inches at the back. Or, it may be a sliding unit, whereby the whole section slides back under the fixed part of the roof. The sliding type can be either manually or power operated.

A sun roof reduces headroom to some extent, particularly the sliding kind. Make sure you see the sun roof you want in the car you want to make sure that the reduced headroom is no problem for you.

Vinyl roof.
Vinyl roofs are not as popular as they were a few years ago, but some models still offer them. They do enhance the appearance of a new car, whether they cover the whole roof or just the rear portion (the so-called cabriolet roof). Their embossed surface is not so easy to keep clean, though. This is a problem in large cities with industrial discharges in the air.

Although vinyl withstands the sun quite well, it does deteriorate in time, then tends to look very shabby. Vinyl roofs in any environment need periodic cleaning by a professional.

Rust proofing.
Preventing, or at least limiting rust has been a long, long battle in the auto industry. Finally, during the last few years, significant progress has been made against this serious problem. Technology has improved production methods so that cars are now built in a manner that protects inner parts, seams and cavities from the ravages of rust. The proof of that fact is to be found in the corrosion warranties that come with every new car.

Since the manufacturers offer such good corrosion warranties, is it worthwhile getting the dealer or an outside company to rust-proof your new car? The advantage is probably not worth the cost (around $350), especially if you plan to sell your car within 3-4 years. The companies specializing in rust-proofing do an excellent job, often better than dealers because they are specialists in that work. But, do today's cars really need it? Probably not.

Dealer rustproofing, sealers, and add-ons.
Package deals are offered by both dealers and outside rust-proofers, giving reduced prices on rust-proofing, paint protection, and upholstery stain protection. The total package, though less than the sum of them all, can still mount into the hundreds--or, even thousands--of dollars. It is highly doubtful if all this is a worthwhile investment in most cases. Such packages are useful primarily in boosting dealer profit margins. For this reason, you may have trouble buying cars from dealer stock that haven't been loaded with $300-1,000 worth of these types of add-ons.

Summary.
Modern automotive options can appreciably increase the pleasure of car ownership. Most are pretty reliable and don't really cost that much when the price is spread over the months and years you will probably own your car. Still, make sure you get only the options you need and can afford.