Penny-Pinchers Not Flocking to Stripped Models

Skipping amenities such as an automatic transmission, air conditioning, and power windows and locks — features that can inflate the price of a small car more than $2,000 — can make a new vehicle more affordable.

Finding a stripped car with a manual transmission and crank windows, though, is becoming more of a challenge.

Automatic transmissions were standard on 89% of the vehicles sold in the U.S. last year, up from 85% in 2003, according to JATO Dynamics, an Auburn Hills, Mich., firm that compiles such statistics. Power locks were standard on 87%, compared to 80% in 2003.

Small cars are among the vehicles where such features still tend to be optional, but even when given a choice economy-car buyers often pick comfort and convenience over cost.