Mine is fairly basic, the safety package (side airbags) was the only addition and it was $25,300. It really has nothing additional - no automatic lights or mirror (both of which I would have liked), cloth interior, no overhead console for storing stuff, no cover for the cargo area. I don't think that removing the power locks and windows would have brought it down another $2300.

Many people who drive SUVs have kids - not all, of course, but many - and my understanding is that research (Consumer Reports) shows that power windows are safer with kids in the car - you have the option of locking your young child's window so she or he can't roll it down causing a big distraction while you are driving.

 

I was behind a Tribute yesterday at a traffic light, and to my surprise, noticed that it does have a keyhole in the rear hatch/tailgate.

 

How many people really don't want power windows and door locks? I think alot of things become standard equipment because the majority of buyers want them. CD players are standard now b/c everyone wanted them. Right now, heated seats are an option, or at least part of an option package. If most people wanted heated seats you best believe they would become standard. As Walt pointed out, it is probably cheaper/easier for a manufacturer to build 100% of its vehicles with the same feature than to make some with it and some without. I'm not even talking about engineering and design, just simple assembly.

I can understand not wanting to pay for some less common "features" but not power locks and windows. I know we looked at a Mercedes and the salesman was trying to sell me on how many features were "included" in the price and how they were options on other cars. I tried to explain how in my mind that was a CON not a PRO. He couldn't comprehend. I think the vehicle was like $40K and included things I didn't want like power liftgate, power telescoping steering column, turn signals which when tapped flashed 3 times for merging, and more little bells and whistles than I can even remember. I could not get across the fact that I would much rather pay $36K and close the liftgate and turn off my turns signals myself.

 

Darn Mazda people..... so much more "standard" equipment.

 

Hey Tim:

I don't know if that's the case. Maybe car makers actually made more money or believed they could be more competative making these 'options' standard equipment. Maybe it's not so much that eveyone wanted them, but car makers wanted buyers to think they were getting something for nothing. Just fluff really.


Maybe an AM radio to AM/FM radio to 8-track to cassette to CD tech evolution? Sure more people want CD players, but honestly there aren't a lot of choices now are there?

*snip the rest of the quote about Mercedes*

The FEH is an amazing piece of thinking and work. But all of this fluff makes the life of the vehicle more finite. Think of driving this thing for 300,000 miles. The transmission, ICE, electric motors, under carriage, etc. just might make it. But ya could be nickled and dimed to death with all the bells and whisltes going bad.

I would gladly trade all of this nonsense for a TEMPERTURE GUAGE!

Take Care
Steve
Oregon