Buying a new car is always a serious puzzle that is not easy to solve for the average person. It is extremely difficult to compare the value of basic equipment from different manufacturers. It is not uncommon for attractively priced models to create a deceptive impression, because after choosing the desired equipment, they become significantly more expensive.
In the new car market, there are usually two different strategies for car assembly and pricing. European manufacturers, especially German companies, give buyers the greatest freedom of choice and often only offer base-level models with the most essential equipment.
Japanese and South Korean companies usually go the other way - they have a more limited range of equipment, but they can offer more equipment for the same price.
Good examples of different performance models would be the popular mid-size city SUVs, the Mazda CX-5 and the Volkswagen Tiguan. The price of the CX-5 model starts at around 30 thousand. euros, and the Tiguan SUV costs almost 32 thousand. euros. However, the real difference becomes apparent when considering the value of the base equipment.
Mazda installs a modern multimedia system with a 10.25-inch screen, an automatic climate control system and all the most advanced auxiliary driving systems in the models of the entry level of equipment. When buying a Volkswagen, say, you will have to pay extra for a system that helps you safely exit the parking lot or keyless entry. In order to get such equipment, the Tiguan car becomes more expensive by almost 3 thousand. euros.
The selected equipment can completely change the car
Justas Lengvinas, co-author of the "Keturi Ratai" magazine, notices that when choosing a new car, not all Lithuanians pay the necessary attention to its equipment. He himself repeatedly had to hear comments that the most important thing is the price of the car, while the equipment can be any kind. However, even the most frugal buyers are looking less and less at the lowest level of equipment.
"In most cases, the optimal option is the average configuration. Then all the modern technologies not found in the base model are guaranteed to be included. The car becomes more convenient and comfortable, but the equipment is not too far behind the top equipment. And the price is not very high", - the interviewer justifies the decision.
According to J. Lengvin, in the modern new car market, the Japanese or Korean assembly method is superior. According to him, looking at German cars, one can notice quite a few cases where two models with the same name do not even look similar due to different equipment levels.
"You may not recognize the same model on the street because of the small wheels, halogen lights, non-tinted rear windows and other differences. It is easy to understand that the abundant equipment ensures the highest level of comfort and safety. The cheapest configuration is a car with four wheels: there will be no adaptive cruise control, climate control, a good sound system and other advantages," says the interviewer.
The best way to get everything you need without overpaying
German cars can also be completed in such a way that they fully meet the needs of even the most demanding buyer, but when compared to the base model, then the price jumps significantly. According to J. Lengvinos, it is also very easy for the average user to get lost in the 20-page package booklets. And then one of two things happens: either the very necessary technologies are omitted, or equipment is chosen that the user does not use.
"The consumer choosing a new vehicle does not necessarily know what he really needs. A person may not be familiar with systems that facilitate everyday driving, such as lane monitoring or adaptive cruise control. And when there is a lack of experience, it may seem that it is not needed. They also try to save money, but then they don't get such an innovative car as they can really afford", the interviewer reveals the intricacies of consumer psychology.
Not all assistance systems are necessary for drivers, but buyers who are attracted by the cheapest version of the car should carefully examine the equipment list. Let's say that the Volkswagen Passat model, still very popular in our country, costs just over 31,000. EUR sold without automatic climate control system, rear view camera or parking sensors.
With all the necessary equipment, the price of the German model begins to differ significantly from the starting price. An example of opposite pricing is the Mazda6 model, the price of which with the mentioned equipment that facilitates daily driving is less than 28 thousand. euros.
"The biggest advantage of abundant basic packages is that after paying the specified amount, the user gets everything he needs most. He won't feel like he paid too much for something or didn't get something he might have really wanted. It is also important that manufacturers offering extensive packages include all the most important equipment in them," J. Lengvinas teaches.
Carefully evaluates
Manufacturers who install abundant equipment in the basic package evaluate everything carefully. For example, the cold Lithuanian climate requires a heated steering wheel and front seats, so Mazda, Toyota or Kia include this equipment even in the basic C-segment models.
Driving aids that increase safety and comfort are no less important. Models such as the Mazda3 or the Kia Ceed stand out in this class with a particularly rich basic equipment.
Due to unequal pricing, it can be quite difficult to compare two models of the same segment, but from different manufacturers. J. Lengvinas notices that in this case there is no other option but to write down the desired equipment and track the prices offered by the manufacturers accordingly.
"You can make a list of the advantages of a car that is more expensive, but with more equipment in the basic configuration, and then put together a similar package for a cheaper car based on that. Then it will become clear which of them is really more expensive. More points should be included - not just the engine, gearbox and climate control system," advises the journalist.
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