Why buy: Which of the latest high-tech new-car options will pay you back at trade-in?

Illustration by Stephen Rountree Illustration by Stephen Rountree

1. KEYLESS ENTRY

Current Wisdom: Who doesn't love keyfob door openers? But magnetic entry cards-such as those from Mercedes, BMW, and Cadillac-that open and start the car require getting used to

Outlook: Keys will be obsolete someday-it's a given

Price: $250 (keyfob)

Should You Buy It? Yes. Keyless entry will be a big plus when you sell


2. INTEGRATED HANDS-FREE PHONE

Current Wisdom: Perfect for the traveling salesman and no one else

Outlook: Driver distraction is a real issue, with legal momentum. In the not-too-distant future, hands-free may be your only choice for making calls on the road

Price: $600 and up

Should You Buy It? Time will tell. If your car is prewired for a phone, your bases are covered. Otherwise, it's worth considering


3. IN-CAR VIDEO ENTERTAINMENT

Current Wisdom: An overpriced but incomparable way to keep the kids quiet during long trips

Outlook: It'll no doubt remain popular with the sport-utility, station wagon, and minivan set

Price: $1,300 to $3,000

Should You Buy It? Even bet. It probably won't be a deal-maker (or breaker) when you sell your vehicle


4. HEAD AND SIDE AIRBAGS

Current Wisdom: The more airbags you have, the better

Outlook: Pretty much the same. In addition to front airbags, head and side ones should become ubiquitous in the next few years

Price: $300 to $500

Should You Buy It? Absolutely. Don't even think twice


5. IN-CAR NAVIGATION SYSTEMS
Current Wisdom: You either love them or hate them
Outlook: More complete systems that include concierge and news services should eventually supplant navigation
Price: $1,500 to $2,500
Should You Buy It? Only if you want it. Little value will be left when you sell


6. STABILITY CONTROL
Current Wisdom: Useful but pricey. Usually available only on high-end models
Outlook: As with antilock brakes (ABS) and traction control, the technology will quickly expand to less expensive models
Price: $550 to $1,100
Should You Buy It? If you can afford it. That said, insist that your car have ABS



DON'T GET CAUGHT DRIVING LAST YEAR'S FASHIONS









































IN OUT Medium to dark reddish blue Emerald and jade green Euro-style clear Altezza taillights Taillight covers Huge sunroofs T-tops and bubble sunroofs Lighted windshield washer nozzles Neon license plate frames Adjustable racing-style wings Whale's tails

Want to keep track of the latest concept cars, automotive innovations, and more? Subscribe to Popular Science and enter to win $5,000!

0 Comments

Popular Tags

Regular Features



Download Our iPhone App

Stay up to date on the latest news of the future of science and technology from your iPhone with full articles, images and offline viewing



Follow Us On Twitter

Featuring every article from the magazine and website, plus links from around the Web. Also see our PopSci DIY feed



Become a Fan On Facebook

Share links with friends, comment on stories and more


November 2009: Astronaut 3.0

Inside NASA's astronaut bootcamp and the grueling new training regimen for deep space. Plus, ten young geniuses shaking up science today, one writer's quest to analyze every man-made chemical in her body and more.

Check out the issue's full contents online here

Popular Science Photo Pool


Share your photos in the Pop Sci pool at www.flickr.com!
tags_sprite.png
POP_embeddedForm_cover_May09.jpg