Back when I was buying new cars (before I read the “Millionaire Next Door” thirty years ago), I always bought the base model with as few options as possible. I can buy floor mats and Scotch Guard the upholstery a lot cheaper on my own. Minimize the Skim.
intercst
I’ve bought 3 brand new cars in my life and keep them till they aren’t worth repairing anymore. Or like with my newest (10 year old SUV) safety tech like backup cameras and proximity sensors are standard. I have a limited decision point tree, get the leather seat option. Leather is tougher and lasts longer. After that, there might be one more decision to make. When I bought my Honda Pilot, after buying the leather seats, the only other choice was GPS or rear seat entertainment. Went with GPS. With the current ultimate urban assault vehicle, the only real option was what color combination (exterior/interior) do I want.
Sure. If you’re buying a Japanese car, even the base models are generously equipped.
intercst
More like once you choose “leather”, you are in the highest model category with not much more to be added. Seen it across several makes, foreign and domestic.
But if choosing “leather”, adds a lot of stuff you don’t need or want, or is obsolete at the time of purchase (like most automotive electronics) , I don’t think you’re going to be actually saving anything on upholstery wear.
intercst
So far haven’t run into that issue. My current SUV is my first car with a bunch of electronic gadgets. Some I haven’t used like parking assist and trailer backup assist (only because I don’t have a trailer, I borrow my FILs are rent a cargo trailer when needed).. Companies have rethought the tech overload and are now deleting some of these products. So far my leather option choices over the years revolved around seat massage, CD player, rear seat AC control, or GPS. Really haven’t had unneeded stuff until this purchase from 8 years ago.