Base Model

I, like many on DRIVETRIBE, enjoy learning about new cars. I want to know the horsepower and torque, the interior options and all about the newest toys that can be fitted. I have never found myself not caring about the 0-60 time or cornering G stats. A lot of the excitement I find with cars is not just the looks of a sleek new design, but features.

This is where car reviews start to go wrong for me. Of course I, me , personally want to know about the hairy chested big engine version. And yes I want to know that car company X has a brilliant new infotainment system that does a million different amazing things. There are many arguments I could make for (and against) what I am going to say next. How about Base Model reviews?

You see it in almost every car review no matter where you look. All of those amazing new features, that great new engine or transmission and of course the largest wheels the factory offers. Granted occasionally you will come across a lower model review, or a top end model that is missing certain options. These reviews are meant to get us excited, and depending on the car /your preference it most of the time works. I understand the concept that people who buy that new car will just automatically spec it up at least to a certain extent just for the re-sale value. Who is really going to buy a (insert used car) without (insert favorite option that can be fitted).

This may go against how most petrol heads think and feel about cars, but we are outnumbered by people who could care less. People who think of a car as a transportation tool and nothing else. So why isn't there a source to go to where new cars are reviewed in the most basic, no extra's added on form?

Now a days a lot of cars come with a lot of features fitted as standard that would have been pricey options in the past. But whats wrong with wanting to know about the cheapest version of a car instead of the mid priced somewhat optioned one. And again let's be honest, the segment of the population that will actually buy the big engine, or sporty version is limited. That version may get people interested in the particular model, but most people end up with the base or slightly optioned version.

I think back to when I bought my 2000 Toyota Celica. I wanted the GTS with the better engine and larger wheels, but settled for the GT with the weaker engine. Now for me it was at the time a cost issue, I got the model I could afford of the car I wanted. I know though as I drive down the street and see a new camaro, or merc and notice it is only the V6 or maybe even a I4, that person didn't care about the hot model, just the appearance. And since most of the time the sporty model and base model only have slight styling differences, they are more than happy to fool the rest of the non car person population. So lets give those people what they want. A car review source that gives them the pretty new sheet metal without all of the glitz.

A couple of quick caveats. First, I am sure someone will point out that the Toyota pictured above isn't a base model. Or maybe it is, I don't know. It was a picture of a bland looking car. Second, I understand some may read this and wonder "What is this guy on?". Then take a moment and think of all of the people you know who own a base or nearly base model car (Mom, Cousin, weird guy at work). Third, if you do find this idea ridiculous, I kind of agree. But also I don't. It's a weird one.