Well Equipped – Get the Best Possible Deal on New Car or Truck Options

Using a new-vehicle pricing service like BuyingAdvice.com can make quick work of comparing the bottom-line costs of various models under your consideration.

Even so, you’ll have to pay close attention to exactly how a particular car or truck is equipped and ensure that you’re configuring it in a way that will save you money. You may come up with three different sets of prices for a given vehicle depending on whether you specify options individually, pick one or more packages that bundle select features together or choose a costlier version that includes all the desired hardware in the first place.

Most models come in two or more so-called “trim levels,” with higher-priced versions offering added accessories, cosmetic upgrades and often a larger engine. Generally it’s best to choose the trim level that comes with most or all of the features you desire instead of equipping the base model with options on an ala carte basis. However, if you’ll wind up paying for added items or performance upgrades you may not otherwise need or want, taking the higher trim level can be a poorer value. What’s more, not all features may be available with all trim levels in a given line; you may not be able to add, say, a DVD player or a larger engine to the base versions of certain models.

A few automakers, namely Honda, Acura, Scion and Suzuki, offer no factory-installed options of any kind-any extra features are only available in higher trim levels or can be purchased from and installed by the dealership.

Most vehicles offer packages in which popular features are sold together, usually – but not always – at a discount compared to what you’d pay by ordering them separately. Sometimes certain features may be obtained only as part of a package, and some packages may be available only on select trim levels.

Be aware that a particular feature or option group might be priced differently according to which trim level you’re choosing. Also, ordering a particular option or package might be dependent on selecting other features or groups (a rear backup monitor might only be offered with the navigation system, for example).

Where multiple options, packages and/or trim levels are offered, run the numbers every which way to see which combination will garner the lowest sticker price for each of the models under your consideration. This way you can make an “apples to apples” comparison among various cars and trucks you’re cross shopping to find which vehicle is the better deal.

But be aware that you may not readily find the exact combination of features and packages you want on a dealer’s lot, particularly in late summer as inventories of outgoing models begin to wane. If you’re willing to wait for the 2008s to arrive you may be able to order exactly what you want from the factory. However, it may take as long as three months or more for you to take delivery, and depending on the time of year and the particular make and model, you may not be able to special order one at all.

Thus, it’s always best to keep your “options” open when shopping for a new vehicle. By comparing vehicles equipped with the options that are most important to you, you will be able to make the most informed decision and get the car or truck equipped how you really want it.