car options

[arethinn]

I'm pondering the various options available on the 2004 Corolla, as I think I've settled on that model. I'm basically seeing what combinations I could do, whether it would make more sense economically to go for the S or the LE, bla bla. Most of the more cosmetic ones I need to find out what, exactly, they are or look like before I could tell if I want them or not.

The main I'm waffling on is the side airbags. They're not a trivial cost (~$200) and I don't know whether I really want them or need them. Anyone have any sites/references/experiences that would sway me in either direction?

I'm also trying to make the same decision on cruise control (it's the same price, actually). I find I have to constantly adjust my speed when I drive, so cruise control wouldn't be able to do its thing, and I've never wished for it. But then again, as I expect to own the car for ten years at least, the day might come that I'd want to use it, and be annoyed that I hadn't bought it. So I don't know.

I also wish I knew what they meant by "heavy-duty heater", which I can only get by buying a certain package (although it's a relatively cheap one). Is that something I might be glad I bought when I take this car to Canada with me, or would the regular one be just fine? I have the feeling Toyota is not going to be willing or able to provide me with BTU ratings, here. :)

Comments

[starlightforest.livejournal.com]

Driving down the freeway for three hours straight

...is something I never do. The longest trips I take are a little over two hours, and I do that oh... three times a year. This car will probably be driven cross-country once to transport it to Canada, but it seems silly to buy an option I'm otherwise unlikely to use just for that one instance (even if that "instance" is a week long. heh).

an engine block heater

I wish, but no such thing on the cars around here. I might ask the dealer if it exists, but I doubt that I'm going to be able to get it, because why would any car built for sale in California (where I am) have such a thing? I wonder if that could be retrofit by a Canadian dealer shop or something. Anyway, I doubt this is something I'm going to be able to do anything about at purchase.

[juuro.livejournal.com]

At least for the cars on sale in this country, the engine block heater can be retrofitted. There are even generic models that are slightly less efficient but still make starting at sub-freezing temperatures much easier for the engine.

glitterychaos mentioned actually getting the car in Canada. There's a point there, actually. In some cars, there's a minor difference in some subsystems depending on whether the car is destined for subtropic or subarctic regions. Alternator and shock absorbers come to mind, but there can be other differences.

The heavy duty heater. Does that package include bench warmers? Those are a heaven-sent on a cold morning.

[starlightforest.livejournal.com]

The heavy duty heater. Does that package include bench warmers?

It includes a "rear heater duct" (I guess your rear passengers - not that I ever have any - have to leech off the front, otherwise) but if you mean internal seat heaters, no. That's not available on the Corolla at least, and I dunno if it is on any Toyota. The only car I've ever been in that had them was my high school boyfriend's mother's Volvo. (and yes, the seat heaters were kind of nice - leather seats, though, and I'm not planning on leather.)

[juuro.livejournal.com]

Umm. My dad has a Toyota Corolla. It has front seat heaters. Fabric seats, too.

There's one of the items, apparently, that differ between vehicles intended for tropical or arctic use.