When buying a new vehicle, the decisions can vary across buyers as to what is considered essential, what is preferable and what is simply an indulgence or luxury. This is particularly relevant regarding tech devices and systems. Automakers are spending big money on R&D to develop new systems to make their cars more attractive to buyers. Some systems may have significant benefits regarding safer operation while others are more for entertainment and enjoyment.
When it comes to selecting a new car, buyers are paying attention to what tech is included and what is optional. So what ‘added extras’ are worth paying more for and how may those extras impact your car loan?
There was a time, as people of a ‘certain age’ will remember, when automatic transmission was seen as a luxury, You had to wind your windows up/down with a handle and having a cassette player and then a CD player was the WOW factor! Now, if a vehicle doesn’t come with multimedia connectivity and a range of entertainment options and driver-assist features, many buyers wouldn’t even give it a test drive.
Do you select a car based on the tech inclusions? Say ‘yes’ to most of the ‘optional extras’? Or go for ‘just the basics’ and make do with standard inclusions? The majority of buyers will expect safety to be covered completely. The ANCAP Safety Rating can assure that respect as very few buyers will want to compromise on safety.
But when it comes to tech features and some ‘extras’, opinions will differ. Are some makers going beyond the essentials when it comes to tech? Is all that ‘stuff’ really necessary for driveability or just necessary for our lifestyles?
Popular Car Tech Features
We’re noting a few tech features that some experts consider essential for today’s drivers and which you may want to watch out for when selecting a new car.
- When you’re arms are loaded with goods, parcels, or children or it’s raining, the auto tailgate is more than convenient it is a God-send. With SUVs consistently leading the best-selling vehicle lists, more and more vehicles will likely come with this handy feature as standard.
- Keyless entry is becoming a standard vehicle inclusion but how convenient is it? This feature may come in several formats including having the actual key on your person but the car unlocks when you touch the door handle to be able to format the car entry into your smartphone. Thus doing away with the need for a ‘key’. In some scenarios being in a position to quickly access your vehicle without messing with the keys, especially if they are at the bottom of your handbag, can be a safety consideration.
- Driver assistance devices and technology are growing in popularity and range. On many commercial vans and trucks, these are safety devices that have become essential to safe operations. On passenger cars, some may be considered desirable but not essential. Devices such as blind spot monitoring, parking assist, hilltop assistance, collision alerts and others are the most popular. These devices can improve safety when used correctly. So drivers would need to know how to utilise these devices properly but still have the skills to operate the vehicle effectively and safely and not become reliant on them, in case of faults. If you are purchasing a car with multiple driver assist devices, taking the time to learn how to use them could be highly advisable.
- Multimedia and navigation systems are usually included in some form on the latest models of both passenger cars and commercial vehicles. How much individual drivers use these devices will likely depend on driving needs and preferences. Some see screen displays as distractions while others use them often and effectively.
It would surely be universally agreed that while many tech devices can assist and enhance vehicle operation, they should not be seen as an alternative to acquiring good driving skills.
Affording High Tech Vehicles
When buying a new car, Jade Car Loans can include the extras and options included at the time of purchase in your finance package. So making decisions around the sound system and other devices at the time of purchase rather than after purchase can be a smart move.
With our current low interest rates on car finance and cheap car loans, your Jade consultant could make including those optional accessories an affordable luxury. We’ve made that easy to work out with our Jade Car Loans calculator. Simply enter the price of the vehicle with and without those extras and see the difference in repayment estimates. That will provide you with a ballpark guide to make your decisions as to the affordability of that tech upgrade.
Tech extras and options can be included in all loans across our finance portfolio:-
- Secured Car Loans
- Chattel Mortgage
- Low Doc Car Loans
- Car Hire Purchase
So when selecting that new car, don’t overlook the tech as a luxury extra. These devices can increase the safety of the car, add to your convenience and may become your essential ‘must-have’.
To find out how affordable we can make a high-tech vehicle purchase, contact Jade Car Loans at 1300 000 003 for a quote.
DISCLAIMER: IN REGARD TO MISREPRESENTATIONS AND ERRORS CONTAINED IN THE MATERIAL AS PRESENTED, LIABILITY IS NOT ACCEPTED. THE DETAILS AND CONTENT IS PROVIDED FOR CAR BUYERS AND INDIVIDUALS AND BUSINESS SEEKING FINANCE PURELY AS GENERAL INFORMATION. THIS IS NOT PROVIDED AS THE ONLY SOURCE OF FINANCIAL INFORMATION. ANYONE THAT CONSIDERS THAT NEED FINANCIAL ADVICE ABOUT THEIR SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS SHOULD SEEK THEIR OWN FINANCIAL ADVISOR.
