Re: Want to choose discrete options, not packages

Better yet rebuild an old car and make it just the way you want.

Better still, just buy and old junker and drive it. Then you'll say it's all the wrong options, but I only paid $700 for it.

I think we have all shared that feeling from time to time. No matter what make or model you are considering, you may not be able to get exactly what you want from the factory, at least not at a price that pleases.

I don't like, for example, some of the electronic gadgetry that many models offer. We have used Buicks for years, and in general they are pretty good, but their fascination with electrical geegaws can be troublesome.

Do that include the engine control microprocessor? ;)

mike hunt

I guess that works, if you don't intend to drive too far. ;)

mike hunt

Most street rods cost more than many new cars.

mike hunt

Mostly because they are pro built for yuppies with too much goddamned money. Do your own work and look for inexpensive parts and you can do OK. But we aren't talking street rods, but driver cars.

By my definition, it would not. A geegaw is a bullshit item that is not essential to the operation of the vehicle.

Like fuel injection or an automatic tranny?

mike

Like a model 'T?'

mike

I believe that's an issue with some, not all car companies. It must be less expensive for them to do it this way.

I put together a GM Denali and there are many, not all, options that you can order without getting all the Bells and Whistles.

Maybe on your cars, Mike.

I don't need or want a heated washer fluid system , a heated mirror, a time delay interior and exterior lighting scheme, etc...

I dont need power seat belt retractors, nor an automated Tampax remover in my car.

Believe it or not, I am still strong enough to adjust my own seat manually, and even whip the occasional smartass in the parking lot. The latter just takes a little longer now than it used to do.

Of course it is less expensive to come out with standard models and a few 'packages'. No doubt about it.

I and remember when the options were radio, heater, and white wall tires.

Later, automatic trannies became availble.

And then air conditioners.

Who knows where it will all end?? ;>)

I do it all the time with the cars I buy. I no longer buy imports and all of the domestic offer free standing options that can be added to packages. The problem I have is with what is standard that can not be deleted. My latest car has side air bags, something I would never order. DRLs are another problem on some brands, it costs one extra money to disable them Both of my current cars have anti-lock brakes that can not be disabled, as can the traction assist. I have to spend money to install a disabler. Both have auto up, and down, windows but only one has a single button to operate them all. I spent extra money to install a one button operator on the other. ;)

mike hunt

I don't know the figures but I would suspect the vast majority of new cars are bought off the lot, they are existing built cars, not ordered in advance. Why, because those are the ones that go on sale and that you can make the cheapest deals on. I also don't think the majority of new car buyers know anything about the mechanicals of the car they are buying. After all part of the draw of buying new is that if it breaks you don't have to pay to fix it or fix it yourself, you have this nice warranty that does that. So why would a new car buyer care about ordering a prone-to-break item like an automatic tampax remover when he's going to buy an extended warranty anyway, and sell the vehicle when that runs out? He isn't going to know what's in the vehicle and he is going to care less.

True story - a couple weeks ago I called someone about buying a used van they were selling. I asked them over the phone "does it have ABS brakes, yes or no" the answer was no. I go look at this van that they had owned for years, sure enough yes it has ABS brakes. Now someone explain to me how can somebody own a car for years and not know if it has ABS brakes or not? Don't you think the little warning light that lights up when you start the car labeled ABS would give it away?

This is the typical level of knowledge of a typical car owner, and you think they all want to special-order the options in the cars? Well maybe the cupholders.

Ted

Our '02 300M was built to order because that was the only way to get one with side air-bags (safety feature) instead of a moon-roof (gimmick).

Perce

. DRLs are

DRLs equate to a auto insurance discount with some companies. Why would you want to do away with a 5 percent discount on insurance ?

Have you walked into a dealership and tried to order a new car not already on the lot or on some dealers lot within 50 miles of that dealer of late?