Optional equipment

The price of a new car is determined by the standard equipment. Any other accessories can increase the value of a car by up to 30 percent. Is it worth spending that kind of money?

Two airbags, ABS, power steering with adjustment, electric opening front windows are almost standard equipment on all new cars. This is what we can expect from small and city cars. Optional manual air conditioning, a radio with six speakers, an on-board computer and side gas masks - at least in the compact class. Of course, the higher the segment and the base price, the richer the equipment.

Let's start with the body - if the buyer is not aesthetically pleasing or he likes the recently fashionable white shade, you can choose a matte paintwork. However, in most cases it is the colorless coating that brings out the true colors of the body and at the same time acts as a protective layer. If we want our car to shine, it will be necessary to spend from 1500 to even 5000 PLN in the case of Audi, Mercedes or BMW. It is also not worth saving in the case of air conditioning. While more expensive cars have it as standard, in the case of "small city dwellers" it is "optional". Therefore, it is worth spending about PLN 2000-3000 and enjoying the comfort of a trip on hot days, especially since the possible installation of a cooling system on a used car can be a painstaking task, and not cheap - even PLN 4. The situation is similar with the once popular hatch. If it is on sale, let's buy it right away, because factory assembly will be a much better solution than after-sales service. If we are stuck in city traffic every day, let's think about an automatic transmission. It's an expensive purchase, but the fast transmission will make your ride comfortable.

It is also useful to consider the offer of the manufacturer in the field of power windows, seats and exterior mirrors. Subsequent modifications may be costly and unfeasible. Buying factory-made devices that affect safety is also pragmatic. Systems such as ESP, ASR, BLIS… and gas cushions are installed at the factory. Additional costs for air curtains in the amount of PLN 1500 to 2500 can be invaluable during a traffic accident - importers offer the opportunity to buy this equipment in so-called packages. For example, the "safety" system, which includes an extensive ESP system, a set of airbags and side curtains, costs much less than if we wanted to purchase these elements separately.

We also recommend purchasing factory lighting kits (from about PLN 2500). Fashion xenon lamps must have an approved self-levelling system and dome spray nozzles.

This is one of the most important pieces of extra equipment worth investing in in a living room. And what should not be bought so as not to overpay? First of all, we can forgive ourselves the "sport" packages that will make the car get a visual dose of horsepower. Many manufacturers offer so-called "body kits", especially for models with a sporty reputation. For example, the Audi S-line package, the BMW M package or accessories with the AMG logo increase the car's price by up to PLN 30. In return, we get a slightly lowered suspension, large rims, a symbolic spoiler, reinforced brakes, chrome lining and leather interior elements. A lot of? The aforementioned "extra" items can be purchased off-showroom at half price! An individual “body kit” of a specialized company is approximately 2-3 thousand. zloty; a set of branded discs with an unregistered pattern, together with tires, costs about PLN 5. Leather-trimmed steering wheel rim, gear lever boots will cost no more than PLN 500. In addition, we can choose from a countless color palette of leather, alcantara and sewing threads.

It may also be a good idea to invest in a 1600rd party head unit (if assembly is possible). While the factory radios built into the dashboard look impressive, the base versions offer average capabilities, as do the stock speakers. Buying secondary equipment will be beneficial for both the pocket and the sensitive hearing of the music lover. An interesting alternative can also be the choice of a multifunctional DVD player with satellite navigation. Designed on the basis of factory equipment, for example, Ford or Volkswagen cars, the multimedia combine costs PLN 3800-3, which is a third or even half the cost of a product from the salon. You can also delete the factory navigation from the list of additional equipment. It is very expensive to buy, especially the one that is integrated with the multimedia system. Instead of PLN 10-XNUMX thousand, it is better to look for popular portable navigation.

Brand / Model	Rims ***		Радио		navigation		Signaling
	Factory	Not a factory	Factory	Not a factory	factory	Not a factory	Factory	Not a factory
Hyundai i20	15 " 1828	15 " from 1120	standard	200-5500	-	300-1800	999	350-1000
Fiat Bravo	16 " 2000	16 " from 1100	1350-1800	200-5500	6500	300-1800	1350	350-1000
Skoda Octavia	16 " 2500	16 " from 880	1200-1600	200-5500	2000-9500	300-1800	1000	350-1000
VW Golf	17 " 2870-4920	17 " from 880	750-2150	200-5500	2950-9050	300-1800	710	350-1000
Mini Countryman	17 " 3200-4800	17 " from 1400	850-3500	200-5500	7200	300-1800	standard	350-1000
Ford Mondeo	18 " 5400-5800	18 " from 1200	1900-5700	200-5500	5500-6950	300-1800	1200	350-1000
Opel Emblem	18 " 3000	18 " from 1400	standard 800	200-5500	3900-600	300-1800	1600	350-1000
Audi A4	17 " 3960-5350	17 " from 1100	standard 1680-2890	200-5500	9770	300-1800	2100	350-1000

See also:

New ADACkg rating

family car