The Best Features for Your Next Car
When looking for the right used car, it can be daunting to know which features you will need or which features are worth paying extra for. We’ve compiled a short list of the top car features worth paying for when shopping for a used car. We think these features are worth seeking out because they’ll make your driving and ownership experience more enjoyable. Of course, it will be up to you to do some research on the specific models that interest you most to see what features were offered and on which trim levels.
Sunroof / Moonroof
A common feature offered on many cars these days is a sunroof or moonroof. The terms are used interchangeably these days and, simply put, describe a panel in the roof that can be opened and closed. The sunroof lets in light and air when open. This gives the cabin a more open feel, provides some refreshing ventilation, and offers a view out for you and your passengers. Virtually all modern sunroofs are opened electronically with the push of a button and have the option to pop up to provide a little ventilation or retract back to let in a more of a breeze. Since they have become so common, it shouldn’t be difficult to find a car or SUV equipped with a sunroof. Of course, not all sunroofs are the same. Some are relatively small panels, but recently manufacturers have been offering panoramic sunroofs. These panoramic versions start above the front row seats and extend over the rear seats to give rear passengers a better view out. A related feature offered on some cars is a glass roof. Like a sunroof, they provide an expansive view out, but often don’t open.
Apple CarPlay / Android Auto
Most cars these days come with some form of infotainment screen in the center dash, giving access to a variety of features like navigation, radio, and Bluetooth. The drawback of built in systems is that they grow outdated. Roads change overtime and an old navigation system might be incorrect now. Bluetooth is great for calls or music, but usually requires interacting with your phone to adjust volume or switch songs.
That’s where Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come in. These systems essentially mirror your phone and give you access to your device through the native infotainment screen. If you’re interested in the best infotainment systems, read our review here.
The advantages of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are many. The standard or downloadable navigation apps that come on smartphones are constantly updated and provide real time traffic and more. It’s usually easier to enter your destination on the phone than through the car’s infotainment system too. Once connected to the system, you can easily access your favorite music or podcast app, answer phone calls, and have text messages read to you. Many states have passed laws that ban drivers from holding their device while driving. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto also eliminate the need to buy a bulky mount for your smartphone.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto have become common on many modern cars. Some manufacturers offer it as a standard feature on all trim levels, while other brands make it an optional extra. You may have to do a little research on the make and model you’re interested in to confirm which trim levels it is offered on. Another thing to note is some systems require a physical connection to work and others are wireless. A physical connection provides the benefit of charging your device, but the hassle of an extra cord in the car. Wireless is more convenient, but you might find connecting to be a little less reliable. Either way, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are 100% worth seeking out in your next ride.
Blind Spot Monitoring
Blind spot monitors are a simple feature that provides a lot of extra peace of mind. Essentially, the system senses when a vehicle is in your blind spot (positioned off one of the rear corners of your car) and alerts you with an illuminated light, usually on the outside mirror. The warning light style and location can vary by car but is usually somewhere on the mirror’s surface or the mirror’s housing. If you’re driving on the highway and want to change lanes, if you hit your indicator and a vehicle is present in the indicated direction, the light will usually flash or the car will beep to provide additional warning that you might run into another vehicle.
These systems have become much more common across lineups, but they are not universal and not legally required. Some are offered as part of an upgraded safety package and some are offered only on upper trim levels. Again, you’ll have to do some sleuthing to determine if it is an option on the trim level you’re considering. We also have a handy review of the top trim levels of 2024.
Adaptive Cruise Control
Cruise control is a wonderful invention, making long drives less taxing on your leg and ankle by maintaining a set speed. Adaptive cruise control goes one step further and will automatically adjust your speed if you approach a slower moving vehicle so you don’t run into them. Once the slow poke is out of the way, the vehicle accelerates back to your set speed. These systems also take stress out of traffic jams by automatically flowing with the traffic around you. Note, however, older adaptive systems might not bring your car to a complete stop and automatically set off again in stop and go traffic, so it’s worth confirming the capabilities of your car’s system. But, either way, we think adaptive cruise control is a worthwhile upgrade to seek out.
Heated and Ventilated Seats
It’s always a welcome relief on cold mornings to feel your backside warming thanks to heated seats. Heated seats are nothing new, of course, but their availability has increased to the point that even many low trim levels will offer at least heated front seats. Heated rear seats are even becoming more common.
Ventilated seats provide a cooling breeze through perforations in the seat to help keep you comfortable when it’s hot out. If you’re seeking a luxurious ride, ventilated seats might be the little extra something you never knew you needed. Together, heated and ventilated seats help keep you comfortable in any weather, which is why we think they are worth paying for.
Premium Wheels
Wheels play an important part in the overall look of your vehicle. The right set of wheels can totally make your ride while the wrong set can visually ruin it. Some trim levels come with unique wheels not offered anywhere else in the lineup, so seek out those special trim levels if you want your car to stand out a little more. Premium wheels can also offer benefits in other areas than just looks. A larger wheel can fit larger brakes, important on high-performance cars. It should, however, also be noted that larger wheels can have drawbacks. They can result in a harsher ride quality and larger wheels need larger tires which cost more money. You might appreciate saving a few dollars on your family minivan by avoiding big wheels. That said, we totally understand the appeal of a flashy set of wheels, which is why we think they are worth it.
Sound Systems
Premium sound systems are a matter of taste and desire. If you always have music playing in your car or consider yourself to be an audiophile, you should absolutely look for a trim level with the best sound system offered. Lower down systems typically have 4-6 speakers depending on the size of the vehicle. The speakers are lower quality and don’t produce exciting tone quality or volume. Premium sound systems, however, come with more speakers, higher quality speakers, more powerful amplifiers, and subwoofers to create immersive listening environments. This means you can savor the nuances of your favorite tracks.
Advanced Safety Systems
Manufacturers are offering more and more safety features and technology to make every drive safer. Some safety system features are offered as standalone options while other manufacturers offer suites of safety systems. Some of the common features of these systems include things like automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, and more. Some models offer even more advanced driver assist functions that can take over the driving in certain situations. While backup cameras have been required in all new cars since May 1, 2018, newer system feature multiple cameras to provide a full 360-degree view around your car. We think advanced safety systems are a common sense and absolutely worthwhile upgrade to seek out.
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Jim Carlson
For Jim Carlson, a passion for cars goes back to riding in his uncle's 1971 Corvette! That established a lifelong interest in cars that hasn't subsided. Whether he's detailing a car, going for a drive, or walking through a car show, Jim takes the time to appreciate what makes a car 'go.' He’s especially fond of sports cars. Jim's reviews and articles are filled with a broad knowledge about cars, but he also puts to use his fiscal expertise, thanks to a Bachelor's Degree in financial management from the University of Minnesota, Morris.
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