Smart Car Buying
Ravish Kumar
| 30-09-2025
· Vehicle Team
Hello Lykkers! Buying a new car is exciting, but it’s easy to get swept up in the glossy advertisements and high-tech features.
Modern vehicles come packed with technology, safety gadgets, and luxury add-ons—but not every feature is worth your money. Some may be unnecessary, difficult to use, or even negatively impact your driving experience.
Whether you’re buying your first car or upgrading to the latest model, knowing which features to skip can save you thousands and ensure you’re only paying for what truly matters.
1. Overcomplicated Infotainment Systems
Touchscreens, gesture controls, and multi-layer menus may look futuristic, but many drivers find them distracting or hard to navigate. If you have to take your eyes off the road to change a setting, it defeats the purpose of having technology that’s supposed to make driving easier.
Tip: Stick with a simple, intuitive system that allows quick access to navigation, music, and phone connectivity.
2. Expensive Luxury Packages
Car manufacturers often bundle features into premium packages, which can dramatically increase the price. Heated seats, premium audio, and ambient lighting can be nice—but if you rarely use them, they’re just adding cost.
Tip: Decide which luxury add-ons you truly need before buying, and avoid package deals that force you to pay for extras you won’t use.
3. Adaptive Cruise Control in Stop-and-Go Traffic
Adaptive cruise control can be great for highways, but in heavy traffic, it can be frustrating. The constant acceleration and braking can feel jerky, and you may end up deactivating it frequently.
Tip: Use adaptive cruise only if you mostly drive on long, open roads. Otherwise, standard cruise control may be sufficient.
4. Too Many Driving Modes
Some cars come with multiple driving modes: eco, sport, comfort, snow, off-road, and even custom modes. While this sounds appealing, switching modes constantly can be confusing, and most drivers rarely use more than one or two.
Tip: Focus on vehicles with simple, effective driving modes instead of complicated setups you’ll forget about.
5. Heads-Up Displays (HUD)
HUDs project information like speed or navigation onto the windshield. While high-tech, some drivers find the projection distracting, especially in bright sunlight or at night.
Tip: Test the HUD thoroughly before committing. If it distracts you more than it helps, it’s not worth the extra cost.
6. Built-in Wi-Fi or Connectivity Subscriptions
Many new cars offer Wi-Fi hotspots, internet-connected apps, or streaming services. However, these often come with ongoing subscription fees and limited usefulness if you already rely on your smartphone’s data plan.
Tip: Skip built-in Wi-Fi unless it’s included for free or offers significant advantages over your existing mobile data.
7. Automatic Parking Systems
While automatic parking may sound convenient, in practice it can be slow and unreliable, especially in tight spots. Many drivers find it easier and faster to park manually.
Tip: Test the feature in real-world conditions. If it’s more frustrating than helpful, it’s better to skip it.
8. Excessive Safety Features You Don’t Need
Advanced driver-assistance systems like lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and collision warning are great, but too many overlapping systems can confuse drivers or create false alarms.
Tip: Prioritize essential safety features, such as airbags, ABS brakes, and stability control. Additional gadgets are optional.
Final Thoughts for Lykkers
Buying a new car is an investment, and every feature comes with a cost—either upfront or long-term. Before committing, ask yourself: Do I really need this? Will it improve my driving experience or just inflate the price?
Focus on reliability, fuel efficiency, comfort, and essential safety features. Skip gimmicks, overcomplicated systems, and subscription-based extras that rarely add real value.
By being selective, you can buy smarter, avoid paying for unnecessary features, and still enjoy a modern, safe, and enjoyable driving experience.
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Video By "AutoGuide.com"