Ten Car Features Worth Looking For in Your Next Car

The features most worth paying for in your next car are the ones that keep you safe and cut running costs: automatic emergency braking, good fuel economy, comfortable seats, phone mirroring and a full service history. Extras such as big wheels and complicated tech matter far less.

Whether you are buying new or used, it helps to separate the features you will use every day from the ones that just look good in the brochure.

Which features matter most?

1. Automatic emergency braking

It can stop or slow the car if you do not react in time. It is now common even on small cars from the last few years.

2. Lane and blind-spot help

Lane-keeping assist and blind-spot monitoring are useful on motorways and dual carriageways. Make sure you can adjust or switch them off if they are too sensitive for you.

3. Fuel economy or efficiency

A few extra miles per gallon add up over years of ownership. Look at real-world figures, not just the official numbers. Our running cost calculator helps you compare.

4. Comfortable seats and driving position

Sit in the car for a while. Check the seat adjusts properly, the steering wheel moves for height and reach, and you can see out easily.

5. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

Phone mirroring gives you your own maps, music and messages on the car's screen. It is often more useful than built-in sat nav.

6. Adaptive cruise control

It keeps a set gap to the car in front and makes long motorway drives much more relaxing.

7. Parking sensors and a reversing camera

Cheap to fit at the factory and very useful in tight car parks and narrow streets.

8. Practical space

Check rear legroom, boot space and how easily the rear seats fold. Bring your child seats or pushchair to the viewing.

9. A full service history

On a used car, a stamped or digital service record is worth more than almost any optional extra. Read our guide to full and part service history.

10. The right fuel type for your driving

Petrol, diesel, hybrid and electric all suit different drivers. Our guide to choosing the right fuel type can help.

Which features are less important?

Larger alloy wheels can make the ride harsher and tyres more expensive. Panoramic roofs can add weight and reduce headroom. Some touchscreen-only controls are harder to use while driving. See our list of car features you may not need.

Common questions

How can I check a car's safety rating?

Look the model up on the Euro NCAP website. Ratings are based on the year the car was tested, so newer tests are tougher.

Do driver assistance systems need servicing?

Cameras and sensors need to be clean and correctly aligned. After windscreen or bumper work they may need recalibrating.

Is it worth paying more for a higher trim level?

Sometimes. A mid-range trim often has the useful features without the expensive extras. Compare the equipment lists carefully.

Looking for your next car in Barnsley?

anycolourcar.com is based in Barnsley, South Yorkshire. Browse our cars in stock, get a value for your current car through sell your motor, or call sales on 01226 574410.

Updated October 2026.