Car Features That Sound Fancy But Are Totally Worth It

When you’re looking at cars for sale near Boiling Spring Lakes, the number of available technological features inside and out can make your head spin. From infotainment to driver assistance to creature comforts, the possibilities are seemingly endless. It can be difficult to distinguish between what’s worth the money and what’s not. Will you get something back from your investment, or are you throwing dollars down the drain?

The Hendrick Automotive Group is here to help you sift through the noise. Here are ten features that may seem like a snobby add-on, but are worth having for at least some drivers. Many of these features are limited to high-end trim levels on new vehicles, so by choosing a used car, you can pay a lot less to get the amenities and upgrades you want.

Ventilated and Heat Seats

North Carolina is known for its hot summers and nippy winters. Despite the town’s name, winter and early spring North Carolina mornings can be nippy. Boiling Spring Lakes drivers may not want to spend half their ride sitting on a seat that’s either scalding hot or so cold it makes their skin crawl. Ventilated seats use fans and channels to pull warmth away from the occupant. Conversely, heated seats feature electric heating elements built into the backrest and cushion, which quickly warm you up and help you relax. Having either or both will make you much cozier.

Automatic Climate Control

On a related note, there’s more to a cozy cabin than just the seats. Are you tired of fiddling with knobs and buttons trying to get the temperature just right? Buy a used car that does it for you! With automatic climate control, you simply set the desired temperature. Sensors determine the current interior temperature, then activate the heater or AC to reach the target. Some systems can even adjust humidity.

There are several types of climate control to consider. Single-zone automatic climate control manages the temperature for the entire cabin. Dual-zone automatic climate control enables the driver and front passenger to set their own temperatures. Tri-zone automatic climate control delivers for the driver, front passenger, and second-row passengers.

Blind Spot Monitoring

Whether you’re in rush hour traffic or cruising on Route 87, it’s important to know what’s around you. Even those who diligently check before changing lanes still have blind spots, especially in larger vehicles. A blind-spot monitoring system utilizes cameras and sensors to scan these areas and alert you if a vehicle is present before you change lanes. The NHTSA reports that these systems significantly reduce the number of lane-changing accidents and injuries. However, they are primarily found in premium advanced driver assistance systems and add-on packages. Therefore, a used car with blind-spot warnings is a far more affordable option.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

Screen mirroring is a common feature in modern cars, allowing you to run smartphone music, navigation, and video apps, or take calls using the main control screen. However, most standard systems require a USB cable to physically connect your device. Going wireless, on the other hand, provides the same functionality as Apple CarPlay or Android Auto with the added benefit of no cables. Say goodbye to wires getting tangled up or caught on your shift knob and beverage cup.

Seat Position Memory

If you have a partner, new teen pilot, sibling, or close friend who regularly drives your car, memory seats are a must. These build upon electronic power seat adjustments by providing buttons on the side of the seat or on the key fob to store two or more ergonomic presets. When you press a preset button, the seat automatically adjusts to provide the desired legroom, recline angle, and lumbar support. You no longer need to waste time adjusting the seat position after switching drivers. In more advanced systems, you can also preset rearview mirror and steering wheel setups.

360-Degree Camera System

Also known as a surround-view camera, this provides the ultimate view around a vehicle, and it’s not just for style. Several cameras are merged to create a full overhead view of the car, like you’re looking down from a drone or a bird. A 360-degree camera reduces accidents when maneuvering in parking spots, changing lanes, hooking up trailers, and more. On non-luxury models, these systems are usually reserved for the highest trim level or two, which often includes other safety assistance tech. Buying a used car lets you spend thousands less on these elite trim levels.

Premium Sound Systems

If you primarily use your car’s sound system for navigation directions and talk-only podcasts, basic speakers will suffice. However, premium sound is a worthwhile investment if you want to fully immerse yourself in music, sports broadcasts, and audio dramas. High-end sound systems typically feature additional speakers and subwoofers with greater power than standard systems, often accompanied by amplifiers to drive them. Some systems are even fine-tuned to match the cabin acoustics. The added clarity and depth provided by companies like Bose, Harman Kardon, Bang & Olufsen, Sony, and Pioneer make a world of difference.

Adaptive Cruise Control

Regular cruise control is a universal feature that’s helpful for maintaining a consistent highway speed, but it has nothing on the next generation. Adaptive cruise control equips vehicles with sensors, radar, and other electronics that adjust your speed to maintain a safe following distance behind other cars. This lets you utilize cruise control even when you’re in traffic on East Boiling Spring Road or South Shore Drive, making your life easier, safer, and more efficient.

Auto-Dimming Mirrors

Whether they come with the car or are an (illegal) retrofit, LED and xenon headlights are quite bright. This is great for forward visibility, but it can cause significant glare in the mirrors when another vehicle is close behind. Auto-dimming rearview mirrors and side mirrors contain light sensors and actuators that detect the brightness of headlamps, then dim the mirrors accordingly. You’ll get a clearer view behind you with reduced eye strain and better reaction time. As a bonus, these mirrors can also display time, temperature, and other information.

Automatic Windshield Wipers

Variable-speed wipers sound great until you find yourself constantly clicking and flicking the knob to adjust the speed as conditions change. Rain-sensing wipers do the hard work so you can focus on driving in more treacherous conditions. An infrared sensor detects whether it’s raining and how hard the water is coming down. It will tell the main wiper control system to activate the wipers and how fast they should go, so there’s no more guesswork.

Find a Car with the Features You Want

The features we’ve discussed are great ways to elevate the driving experience. Incorporating technological features that enhance safety and satisfaction will make you and your passengers look forward to taking a ride. Buying a new car with these features can seem prohibitive to some people, but a used vehicle is a cost-effective alternative, letting you get the most performance and value for your money.

The Hendrick Automotive Group is here to serve Boiling Spring Lakes drivers with a huge selection of used vehicles. From coupes and sedans to SUVs and trucks, we will help you find a vehicle with the advanced, “fancy” features that always pay off. With the Hendrick Fast Pass tool, you can simplify the car buying process by choosing a vehicle, personalizing your payment plan, applying for financing, and more online.