Just what I was trying to get over. Audi are now doing what Ford put into place in the early eighties i.e. take shell and then apply your choice - paint (type/colour), trim level, engine, transmission, etc. This method does create more production difficulties which modern technology (computers) have to a great extent mitigated.johnnydog wrote: Options in modern cars basically fall into two catagories -
Audi for example supply the basic car, and then the initial purchaser specifies what options he wants i.e leather, sat nav, light pack, tech pack, heated seats etc etc. Theoretically, you can make you car reasonably individual...
On the other hand, Vauxhall for example, offer different spec levels, ie. GLS, CD, CDX, Comfort, Design and Elite for example, and the list goes on... therefore if you bought an a CDX you knew exactly what spec / equipment you were getting. However, thats not entirely true, as lower spec models could be ordered with a higher trim level, such as leather or sat nav. But at least you had a reasaonable idea what spec each model was.
I only quote Audi and Vauxhall as I have first hand knowledge of both........
Anyway, now back to Triumphs..........
The other method - which Triumph, Vauxhall, Ford (prior to the change) etc. was to do spec. levels and let the customer customise it a little by the use of the options list. If you did opt for extras then it would be "built to order" and you would have difficulty in obtaining any discount. The "standard" of any given level was much was easier to gain. It all depended on what type of level the dealer was stocking and if they had specified an option(s) on the car. They would want to show off the possibilities but would also want to turn stock over so they could display other paint colours etc.
I prefer the older method as I previously stated it is simpler to know what you are getting and cheaper. Depending on the stock holding of the dealer would you be able to view the exact build that one would choose/prefer with the Audi/Ford method.