A lot of thought goes into buying a new or used vehicle. The online research and marketing company Lab42 did a survey on what things people think the most about before purchasing a vehicle. Forty-eight percent of buyers surveyed spent 1-3 months shopping before they made a decision.
Eight-one percent of people surveyed did research online before they purchased their car, and 59% spend time looking at both new and used cars. They also did research into what extra features the tech-savvy car buyer wants in their vehicle, and many features that people used to consider a luxury are now standard in new cars. If you’re going to be buying a car, don’t feel like you’re overspending or expecting too much to see these features in your new vehicle.
OnStar System
You never know when an emergency can pop up when you’re driving. Flat tires, engine problems, and even accidents can occur at a moment’s notice, and OnStar is designed to help drivers in their time of need. OnStar advisers can help summon a tow truck to your vehicle, call police assistance, or even just talk to you if you’re feeling nervous when you’re driving. They also call you if something out of the ordinary happens like having your airbags deploy. OnStar does charge a monthly service fee, but it’s worth it when you consider the essential safety features you’re paying for.
Keyless Entry
Cars have been toying around with number keypads for keyless entry systems for a few decades now, but keyless lock technology has come a long way. Keyless entry systems allow you to unlock your car by pushing a button on a remote. This may seem like a frivolous extra, but there can be a lot of situations where having keyless entry can be helpful. You won’t have to fumble for your keys when your hands are full of groceries, and you won’t have to struggle with keys if you’re parked in an unfamiliar and poorly-lit area.
Extra Power Outlet
Most cars commonly come with cigarette lighters, but if you want to a useful feature you should look for a car with an extra power outlet. Think about how many electronics you have when you leave your house for work, or just to go out and have a good time. You probably have a smartphone or regular cell phone and maybe a tablet computer. If you could have a reliable source of power, you won’t have to worry about having any of your electronics run out of power.
GPS Navigation
Your phone probably has a GPS navigation app, but the latest Ford Focus, Volkswagen Golf, and Nissan Altima will probably have some sort of GPS navigation feature built into it. Having a GPS system built into your car can be very convenient. You won’t have to fumble for your phone in case you need to switch directions or find a gas station or restaurant. Many cars with built in navigation features have voice command tools to allow the driver to control the program with their voice.
Sean Carter is an experienced writer who has been featured in blogs all across the internet. His main interests include travel, business and the automotive world