I guess I feel the other way. Once a vehicle goes over the $30K mark, I expect some things that my MMH didn't include (I guess the FEH doesn't either).

The old Jeep Cherokee it replaced, a 20+ year old design that was very rough and crude, at least came with things like a 6-way power passenger seat, map lights for both front and rear passengers, lights under the dash to light up the floor at night, an overhead console for storing the garage remote and my sunglasses, outside temp display, etc.

You might not be interested in all of those types of things, but for the price, I would have liked to have them.

 

What is TPMS?

 

Tire Pressure Monitoring System.

 

I agree that an over $30K vehicle should include these things. I have added most everything to mine(overhead console, Home-Link garage door opener, Gentek mirror with outside temp, extra dome lights etc etc), but this stuff really should be standard along with steering wheel audio controls.

~John

 

I think those who want less in their vehicles are in the minority. The vast majority of car buyers want features out the wazoo and the mfg's are glad to oblige. Sure, there are things that some people want and others don't, but the mfg's include them in "packages" with things people do want so they can make a few extra bucks. For the most part though, the car makers are making things available because the public demands them.

That said, the Mariner I have should have included things for the price ($32k) like power passenger seat, mirror with outside temp, audio controls in the steering wheel, auto climate control, etc. Oh, and the advertised MP3 and Sirius capability that it doesn't have....

 

Walt,
My 2007 MMH was equipped with 6-way power leather seats, storage for sunglasses, map lights up front (at least) I don't need them in the rear (for backseat drivers). Outside temp it doesn't have, but I've had cars with it and it didn't make them go any better.

John

 

Sorry, John, but I suggest you go back out, get into your front passenger seat, and see if you can find the power controls.

I truly believe you will find that you do not have a power front passenger seat.

 

You're right. But I don't usually have passengers. Use it for commuting.

 

Tim:

Yeah, however what I am belly aching about and resent paying for is power windows, power door locks, a goofy 'security' system, etc. that is not a package any more, but standard equipment. I just don't need or care to have sunglass and garage door opener hideouts, electric seat warmers (gawd that's bizzare) and don't want to pay for them.

Strip this thing down to a truck instead of a 'Pimp My Ride' contender it would cost what $23,000? Now we're talking.

Take Care
Steve
Oregon

 

I don't think one would save all that much. I would suspect that the base price for a 2wd FEH would drop from around $26,500 to just, say, $25,500?

Also, remember, that with production lines, it costs money to be different. Therefore, you might need to pay to not have the options.

For example, not want power windows? Then be ready to pay for Ford to design, build, stock, and store, the all the unique manual window parts. Since so few people would want manual windows, all of that cost will need to be bared by the few who want them. Matter of fact, that alone could make manual windows end up costing the buyer more than power windows.

Sticking to that example, the only what to get manual windows to end up costing less, is to get some major fleet buyer to require manual windows on all their hybrids. That would spread the cost over more vehicles, and lower the per-vehicle cost for all.