Skip advert
Advertisement

“It’s optional extras that car buyers need to think about carefully”

Too often new car buyers don’t think about optional extras - and that’s a big mistake, says Mike Rutherford

Opinion new cars

I honestly can’t remember the last time I drove a mainstream all-new model that was badly designed, unsafe, poor performing or unreliable. 

The hundreds I’ve driven over the last couple of years have started and stopped impressively. Each one has eagerly negotiated every bend, hill or tricky surface I’ve subjected it to. None has left me feeling unsafe.

Advertisement - Article continues below

In terms of comfort, flexibility and cost-effectiveness, all have been admirable. Pure electric cars aside, I haven’t been left stranded and, overall, I’d rate state-of-the-art petrol or diesel vehicles good to great. 

Full guide to buying a new car

Put another way, although there is such a thing as a bad car, there’s no such a thing as a bad new (ie latest generation) internal combustion-engined car in showrooms today. 

The prospective buyer now knows (thanks to NCAP and the like) how safe the vehicle he or she is considering will be. It’ll look the part – to his or her eyes, at least. And in terms of its driving prowess, it’ll sit somewhere between A and B – acceptable and brilliant. 

A combination of Auto Express tests and brief test drives via franchised dealerships is the essential icing on the cake. Whether paying a basic price of sub-£10k or £100k-plus, that new car will be right.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Car finance deals explained

So, with all this in mind, it’s the optional extras that buyers need to think about more carefully than ever. Too often they don’t. Big mistake. What we’re talking here is transforming the right car into an extra-special car. 

Initially, I decided that the £10,000 worth of options on the Audi Q7 I drove to Germany and back in atrocious conditions earlier this month couldn’t possibly be justified. 

Audi Q7 - front static

But carefully considered items such as improved wheels and tyres, adaptive air-suspension, a rear view camera, a driver’s memory function for seats etc all combined to undoubtedly improve my safety and security levels on roads battered by unusually vicious weather. 

How to value your car: complete guide

Not so long ago, I’d have baulked at a £600 price tag for Audi’s Virtual Cockpit – a foot-long, CinemaScope-like secondary sat-nav display perfectly located behind the wheel. But it’s a small price to pay for such a brilliant and safety-enhancing driver aid.     

Next time I shop for a new car I’ll be reminding myself that its interior is as important – if not more so – than its exterior, or the engine. You should do the same. If only for the sake of your safety and security.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Chief columnist

Mike was one of the founding fathers of Auto Express in 1988. He's been motoring editor on four tabloid newspapers - London Evening News, The Sun, News of the World & Daily Mirror. He was also a weekly columnist on the Daily Telegraph, The Independent and The Sunday Times. 

Find a car with the experts

Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Peugeot 208 GTi: electric hot hatch gets stunning looks and plenty of power
Peugeot E-208 GTi - reveal front

New Peugeot 208 GTi: electric hot hatch gets stunning looks and plenty of power

Hot Peugeot E-208 gets racier styling, 276bhp and does 0-62mph in just 5.7 seconds
News
13 Jun 2025
New Volvo EM90 2025 review: the ultimate SUV killer
Volvo EM90 - front

New Volvo EM90 2025 review: the ultimate SUV killer

Volvo has made an ultra-luxurious van. Intrigued? You should be, but sadly it’s for China only
Road tests
16 Jun 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Kia Sportage at £255 per month can’t be anything but popular
Kia Sportage - side panning

Car Deal of the Day: Kia Sportage at £255 per month can’t be anything but popular

The Kia Sportage has earned its popularity over the years and deals like our Car Deal of the Day for June 14 won’t do it any harm at all.
News
14 Jun 2025