So how do you decide what equipment is right for you? Cost, availability, necessity, safety, and comfort all factor in to the decision. Research the price and availability of options before you enter the dealership. Information about the dealer's cost for individual options may help you negotiate a lower price. Know ahead of time exactly how much you can afford to pamper yourself. Decide on those heated leather seats before being tempted by a persuasive salesperson and a compelling demonstration.

Consider how new car options will affect your car's resale value. Options which typically hold their value are air conditioning, power steering, automatic transmission, and larger engines. Luxury items, including high-end stereo systems and heated seats, are not as valuable once in the used car market. Used car buyers may be weary of some options, such as digital dashboards and power locks and windows, which are prone to breakage.

Following is a list of popular options available either individually or in packages. Included are typical Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Prices of the options and their benefits in terms of comfort, safety, and convenience.

Air Bags - Cruise Control - Seats

Air bags, standard on all cars, sometimes optional for passenger side, $400. Significantly reduces the chance of severe injury or death in frontal crashes. Side air bags are also increasingly available. Essential.

Cruise control- $150 to $450. Helps maintain speed, reduce driver fatigue, and improve fuel economy. Useful for long-distance driving. Worth considering.

Power seats- $150 to $600. Adjusts for comfort and driver view, sometimes with memory feature. Convenient for big, small, and multiple drivers. Desirable.

Leather upholstery- $500 to $1500. Improves look and feel of seats, durable and easy to clean. Heated seats ($250 to 500) may take the edge off cold leather. Definitely a luxury item.

Adjustable steering column- $100 to $250. Allows easy positioning and access to driver's seat. Particularly useful for multiple drivers. Desirable.

Transmission - Engine

Automatic transmission- $500 to $3,000, standard on many models. Reduces driver fatigue, easier to drive, increases resale value. Essential.

More powerful engine- $400 to $1500. Enhances versatility and performance and increases resale value, but reduces fuel economy. Particularly beneficial in pickups, minivans, and sport-utility vehicles towing or hauling heavy loads. Worth considering.

Brakes and Drivetrain

Antilock brake system- $500 to $1,000, standard on many models. Maintains control during hard stops, particularly on slippery roads, but learn proper technique. Essential.

Traction control- $200 to $1,500. Improves traction and directional stability of drive wheels in slippery conditions. Useful in rough weather areas and with rear-wheel drive vehicles. Worth considering.

All-wheel drive, Four-wheel drive- $1,000 to $4,000. Significantly increases traction and directional stability in snow and mud. A must for off-road driving, but costly to repair. Worthwhile.

Limited-slip differential- $100 to $500, on rear-wheel or four-wheel drive vehicles. Directs power to both drive wheels to reduce drive wheel spin. Not as effective as traction control or all-wheel drive.

Windows - Locks - Mirrors - Sunroof

Rear-window defroster- $100 to $300. Important for wagons, hatchbacks, vans, and sport-utility trucks to clear fog, frost, and snow. Same for rear-window wiper/washer ($100 to $300). Essential.

Power door locks- $50 to $200, additional $100 to $400 for keyless entry systems. Especially convenient on four-doors and hatchbacks. Many variations exist. Essential.

Power mirrors- $50 to $150. Easy adjustment improves safety. Particularly useful for multiple drivers. Essential.

Power windows- $250 to $350. Easy and convenient ventilation. Locking features increase child safety. Essential.

Sunroof/moonroof- $400 to $1,600. Improves ventilation, interior light, and resale value. Many variations. Worth considering.

Air Conditioning - Child Seat - Spare Tire

Air conditioning- $200 to $1,500. Improves comfort, but reduces fuel economy. Necessary in warm climates. Extras such as dual control, automatic, and rear air conditioning cost more. Essential.

Integrated child seat-$100 to $200. More convenient, but more expensive than separate child seat. Good for families with small children. Worth considering.

Conventional spare tire- $100 to $250. More difficult to change, but no distance or speed restrictions. Useful if available.

Electronics - Security - Miscellaneous

Theft-deterrent system- $100 to $700. Many varieties are available. Systems may cost more if dealer-installed. Alarms may lower insurance rates. Worth considering.

Premium sound system-$25 to $2,500. CD players and multiple speakers improve sound quality. Aftermarket systems may cost less than dealer-installed. Worth considering.

Cellular phone- $650 to $950. Can be a safety and convenience feature. Monthly and per-call charges add extra costs. Frivolous.

Luggage rack- $100 to $200. When available, improve utility and convenience. Worth considering.

Appearance packages- $25 to $250. Dealer packs may include racing strips, pin stripes, door edge guards, and paint and upholstery preservation. Unnecessary and potentially damaging. Not worthwhile.

Electronic instrument display panel- $250 to $500. More difficult to tamper with, but more expensive to fix. Not worthwhile.

Trip computer- $200 to $450. Fun toy, but not really useful. Not worthwhile.