it used to be Whether you buy a car, you choose the model and color you want and choose the optional extras. When the merchant has called the total amount, that’s all you have to pay. Now, it’s becoming more common to pay the base price for a car and then sign up for those extras. Big things like driver-assist features or the ability to fast charge and even smaller things like heated seats and dash cameras can be unlocked in a new car by paying an annual or monthly fee to the automaker. This trend was quickly embraced by the auto industry for new cars, and is now making its way into used cars as well.
This week, we welcome WIRED staff writer Ariane Marshall to the show. We talk about the general trend of pay-to-conquer features in cars, and how automakers are adapting them to the used car market.
Notes appear
Read Aarian’s story about subscription-based used-car services. Also read her other auto industry stories, including reports on how cars monitor your behavior behind the wheel, and how online sales have changed the car buying process. Read all of WIRED’s automotive coverage.
Recommendations
Aarian recommends recipes from in good healthAnd Especially if you are hosting Easter. Lauren recommends the documentary about photographer Nan Goldin, All beauty and bloodshed. Mike recommends the new Wired podcast, I wish you a nice futurewhich Lauren co-hosts.
Aarian Marshall can be found on Twitter @Aryan Marshall. Lauren Judd @Loringwood. Michael Calor @Snack. Bling main hotline on @Gadget Lab. The show is produced by Boone Ashworth (@Punchworth). Our music is by Solar Keys.
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