Used to be a new-car buyer would sit across the desk from a salesperson and check off any number of boxes among a long list of options. And at that, availability of a certain feature or package might require taking yet another feature or options group. Honda and Acura don’t offer individual options or packages at all, while other automakers, particularly Porsche and Mercedes-Benz, still offer a staggering number of both practical and fanciful individual upgrades. Adding the full range of upgrades to the base XL, which starts at $27,110, bumps the price to $52,085, which represents a 92% increase. Check car pricing websites like NADAguides.com or automakers’ new-vehicle online configurators to see how desired features are offered to make bottom-line comparisons of various models you’re considering.

Source: Forbes May 22, 2017 20:42 UTC