Stupid 'option' items on new cars
Discussion
craigjm said:
DavidJG said:
From the Bentley Bentayga driven piece a few weeks ago:
extended paint option £4,285
Seriously, WTAF is that about??
In Bentley language that means a paint colour from the extended range of colour palette, simple as thatextended paint option £4,285
Seriously, WTAF is that about??
It may be that this would be a huge money-spinner even at £1000, but the forecast uptake would be higher than they can cope with, so causing major manufacturing headaches.
So if the capacity for such an option is, say, 3% of production, then they might set the price at a level to discourage all but 3% from going for it. And make a fortune from those that do.
There is also the psychological principle of 'anchoring' going on. Having a few mad options at £5-20k makes the bread-and-butter options look much better value, so increasing the uptake.
Offering a clock at £80k is arguably a great example of this idea.
hairyben said:
craigjm said:
SidJames said:
I think JLR are changing to bespoke main looms, each loom made to fit an exact customer car.
They have been doing this for ages and sometimes they get it wrong. The heated wheel in my XF didnt work because they hadn't fitted the option into the loom even though they had fitted the wheel and screen softwaremph1977 said:
alecescolme said:
I find them great, had them in Transit vans and both of my Jags, no visibility issues.
Back on topic, my car has the rear entertainment packages including two headrest screens, DVD player and armrest controls- cost £3,000!
the only 'problem' i've ever had with quikclear screens is the enhanced 'faraday cage' effect with regard to phones or sat navs sat on the dash ... Back on topic, my car has the rear entertainment packages including two headrest screens, DVD player and armrest controls- cost £3,000!
Edited by alecescolme on Saturday 28th November 22:36
mph1977 said:
xRIEx said:
That's odd - I attach my phone to the screen of my XJ for sat nav duties and never have a problem with GPS or phone signal.
might have been improved by improved device and screen technology from the period i had a quikclear equipped vehicle... Axionknight said:
Expensive coloured seatbelts - I looked at a nee Cayman and it I recall correctly it was over £300 to have them in red/yellow/awt
You're not trying! Audi Exclusive Seatbelts £1,635My favourite isn't the £4,500 Exclusive paint or event the £14,750 Exclusive Leather on the A8, but a set of Exclusive car mats. £2,145. That's 2 grand for a set of mats. 2 thousand pounds.
Axionknight said:
Expensive coloured seatbelts - I looked at a nee Cayman and it I recall correctly it was over £300 to have them in red/yellow/awt but black..... I'm no expert on manufacturing costs of such things but still, they can p
s off.
I paid £200 to have the seatbelts in my Cayman in Silver. Yeah the different colour webbing might be about £30 but then they have to get it into the build process etcs off.Ari said:
SidJames said:
ChasW said:
One feature that I think is a no brainer but some manufacturers don't even offer it as an option is a heated front screen. I have it on my Mini and it's a godsend. I think you can spec it on Fords. Must be something to with replacement windscreen costs that puts them off. It's far more effective on a frosty morning than using the blower from the heater.
Thinks it's owned technology by Ford/JLR.Cyder said:
Ari said:
SidJames said:
ChasW said:
One feature that I think is a no brainer but some manufacturers don't even offer it as an option is a heated front screen. I have it on my Mini and it's a godsend. I think you can spec it on Fords. Must be something to with replacement windscreen costs that puts them off. It's far more effective on a frosty morning than using the blower from the heater.
Thinks it's owned technology by Ford/JLR.I'd opt to have it on every window if they offered it.
The patent was owned by Ford but has now expired I believe.
ChasW said:
One feature that I think is a no brainer but some manufacturers don't even offer it as an option is a heated front screen. I have it on my Mini and it's a godsend. I think you can spec it on Fords. Must be something to with replacement windscreen costs that puts them off. It's far more effective on a frosty morning than using the blower from the heater.
Nope. Ford own the patent and licensing rights. The only other manufacturer to offer HFS are the former PAG group companies. Ford declined to licence HFS to anyone other than BMW/Mini. And only then because they payed silly money for it. £650 on a mini? That'll be £349 for a winter pack at Volvo. (Heated seats/front screen and mirrors)TVR1 said:
The only other manufacturer to offer HFS are the former PAG group companies.
And Caterham! Had a heated screen on my '95 Seven. Quite useful when for the most part, when it rains, it's as wet on the inside of the car as the outside and the heat soak from the engine boils any moisture to steam in seconds. Get the hood down in winter and you have the comedy of snapping frozen snot off your lip and the hairs of your legs singeing off all on the same journey!! wibblebrain said:
However heated washer nozzles (standard on my Cavalier SRi from the 80s - that'll be £50 sir! What's the point of making that an option?
I agree that it is options like that which are silly. It must be a pain to work into the production schedule for such a small amount unless all cars have it and they are only activating it. The new Jaguar XJ even at 80k autobiography trim has a £50 option for air recirculation Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff