Ford S, SEL, ST—Understanding The Options

 

Have you ever visited a car dealership and been completely bewildered when the salesperson begins talking about trim levels? There are so many of them for cars these days that it can be hard to keep track of what each one means. Does the Lariat-Sport trim level come with heated seats? What are Limited and Platinum editions? Yes, all those questions and more will be answered in this blog post by Dayton Ford's experienced team.

Trim Levels: Where Does it Start?

The term "trim levels" identifies a group of features available on a car. It's basically a way to say, "this package of features comes with this car." Every car has a base model, which is the starting point for that vehicle. The base model may have a few extra features over the basic model, but it's not as fully loaded as the higher-end trims. You get more features and amenities as you go up in trim levels-and usually a higher price tag.

Decoding the Trim Level Designators:

The automotive industry has its own lingo, which can confuse car buyers. If you're wondering what the letters and numbers mean on a trim level designation, here's a quick guide:

Ford S Trim:

The "S" designation is used on Ford's sporty trims. These trims come with performance-enhancing features, such as a more powerful engine and stiffer suspension. The Ford EcoSport S is one of the cheapest crossovers on the market. Despite a starting price of under $20,000, it is a little crossover with a fuel-efficient turbocharged engine, a 4.2-inch SYNC infotainment system, and for added convenience, a 4G LTE wi-fi hotspot.

Ford SEL Trim:

The SEL trim level is a nicely equipped middle-of-the-road option that takes advantage of content without breaking the bank. SEL is a Special Edition Limited designation. A ten-way power driver's seat, heated front seats, 18-inch aluminum wheels, and LED signature lighting are standard on SEL models, yet you can still get upscale features like a panoramic sunroof and navigation.

Ford ST Trim:

These are the Sports Technologies trims and they're available on the Edge, Flex, Taurus SHO, Explorer Sport, and Focus ST. The ST trims take the already great performance of each model up a notch. ST models have unique grilles, front and rear fascias, side skirts, spoilers (on the Edge and Explorer Sport), and wheels. The interiors of ST models have unique Recaro seats, alloy pedals, SYNC with MyFord Touch, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.

Limited and Platinum Editions:

Some manufacturers offer special editions of their cars that are even more high-end. These special editions are usually called "Limited" or "Platinum" editions and often come with unique features that you won't find on other models. If you're looking for a true one-of-a-kind car, a Limited edition might be the way to go.

Maintenance Factors:

Most car owners don't think about the trim level when it comes to maintenance, but it can make a big difference. For instance, if you have a car with a wide range of features and gadgets, there's a good chance that it will require more frequent (and expensive) visits to the mechanic. On the other hand, a basic model might be cheaper to maintain in the long run.

Bottom Line:

Dayton Ford, serving Athens, TN, is your trusted car dealership and offers a wide range of new and pre-owned Ford models that come in different trim levels. You can also customize your own Ford to better suit your needs and desires.

Visit our website or drop by our showroom to learn more.