Introduction
If you’re planning to buy a car in 2025 — whether brand new or used — there’s something you need to know. Features that were once considered luxuries are now the bare minimum. Buyers expect them. Resale depends on them. And frankly, they just make driving safer and more comfortable on Pakistan’s unpredictable roads.
Skipping out on these features today could cost you more tomorrow — in repairs, safety risks, and terrible resale deals. Even if you’re buying a Suzuki Alto, Cultus, or importing a Japanese 660cc, these are no longer optional. They’re essentials. Let’s get straight into the list.
1. Reverse Camera with Dynamic Guidelines
A reverse camera used to be a luxury reserved for large SUVs and sedans. Not anymore. In cities like Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad — where parking spots are tight and street visibility is poor — this feature has become a must-have.
Dynamic guidelines (those moving lines that adjust as you steer) make reversing into narrow lanes or busy market parking lots much easier. They also save you from frequent visits to the denter — or worse, accidents involving kids or pets that might be behind your car.
Even if your car doesn’t come with one, aftermarket reverse cameras with dynamic guidelines can be installed for as little as Rs. 8,000 to Rs. 15,000.
2. Infotainment with Android Auto or Apple CarPlay
Cheap, laggy Chinese screens? Time to leave them in the past.
A proper infotainment system that supports Android Auto or Apple CarPlay transforms your driving experience. You can access Google Maps, receive calls hands-free, listen to music, and even reply to WhatsApp messages — all without touching your phone.
Whether you’re navigating the chaotic roads of Lahore or taking a family trip to Murree, this feature keeps you connected and focused. Many newer models from Suzuki, Honda, and Toyota already include it, but older cars can easily be upgraded. Aftermarket systems usually cost between Rs. 20,000 and Rs. 40,000.
3. Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
If you’ve driven on Pakistan’s roads, you already know: potholes and uneven patches are everywhere. Slow leaks are common, and most drivers only notice when the tire is nearly flat — or after a dangerous blowout.
A TPMS alerts you the moment your tire pressure drops. This isn’t just about avoiding punctures; it also improves fuel economy and prevents uneven tire wear. More importantly, it reduces the risk of tire bursts at high speeds on highways like the M-2 or the Lyari Expressway.
Budget TPMS kits are widely available and can be installed on almost any car for Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 12,000.
4. LED or Projector Headlights
Standard halogen headlights just don’t cut it anymore — especially for night driving on Pakistan’s poorly lit highways or rural roads. LED or projector headlights offer a brighter, more focused beam, significantly improving visibility and reducing eye strain.
They also add a modern, premium look to your vehicle, which can positively impact resale value. Many imported Japanese cars already come equipped with these, but if yours doesn’t, upgrading typically costs between Rs. 10,000 and Rs. 25,000 depending on the model.
5. Rear AC Vents (or Aftermarket Solution)
Pakistan’s summers are brutal. Temperatures often cross 45°C, and while the driver and front passenger may be comfortable, rear passengers — especially kids or elderly family members — suffer in the back seats without proper airflow.
Rear AC vents are becoming a standard feature in many compact sedans and even some hatchbacks. If your car lacks them, consider an aftermarket solution like seat-mounted fans or auxiliary cooling vents. It’s a relatively small investment that makes a massive difference during the peak summer months.
6. Basic Collision Warning Sensors
City driving in Pakistan is a constant battle — motorbikes cutting across lanes, pedestrians appearing out of nowhere, and bumper-to-bumper traffic during rush hours.
Basic collision warning sensors (front and rear) can prevent countless minor accidents and save thousands in bodywork repairs. Newer cars are increasingly offering this feature as standard, but affordable aftermarket kits are available for Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 12,000.
7. Keyless Entry and Push Start
What was once seen only in luxury cars has trickled down into mainstream models like the Suzuki Cultus, Toyota Yaris, and Honda City. Keyless entry and push start don’t just offer convenience — they enhance security and future-proof your vehicle for resale.
For drivers tired of fumbling for keys in the dark or carrying grocery bags, this small feature makes a big impact. And yes, even older cars can be retrofitted with keyless entry systems without breaking the bank.
8. Cruise Control
Yes — even in Pakistan.
Cruise control is often dismissed by local drivers who think it’s only useful in Europe or the U.S. But if you ever drive on the Lahore-Islamabad Motorway (M-2), the Karachi-Hyderabad Superhighway, or even long stretches of the GT Road, cruise control can be a game changer.
It reduces driver fatigue, improves fuel economy, and helps maintain consistent speeds — especially useful with Pakistan’s strict motorway speed limits and camera traps. Many Toyota and Honda models can have aftermarket cruise control installed for around Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 30,000.
9. Advanced Airbags (Side and Curtain)
Basic dual airbags (driver and front passenger) are becoming standard even in compact cars, but side and curtain airbags are still rare — especially in Pakistani-assembled vehicles.
Yet, these additional airbags can dramatically increase safety in side collisions, which are sadly common on crowded city roads. If you’re considering a new or used car purchase, prioritize models with advanced airbag systems. It’s a life-saving feature that buyers are beginning to value — and that will definitely influence resale value in the coming years.
10. Built-in Dash Cam
If you’ve ever been blamed unfairly for an accident — or worse, been the victim of a hit-and-run — you know how valuable a dash cam can be.
Dash cams are now considered essential by many drivers in Pakistan’s major cities, where insurance fraud and reckless driving are on the rise. A built-in dash cam provides evidence in disputes and can even reduce your insurance premium if your provider accepts dash cam footage.
Good quality dash cams start from Rs. 7,000 and go up to Rs. 25,000 for models with features like night vision, motion detection, and GPS tracking.
Bonus: Features That Boost Resale the Most
| Feature | Resale Impact | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Reverse Camera | High | Especially valuable in used car sales |
| Android Auto / Apple CarPlay | High | Increasingly expected by younger buyers |
| LED/Projector Headlights | Medium | Adds style and safety appeal |
| TPMS | Medium | Safety-conscious buyers look for this |
| Keyless Entry / Push Start | High | Perceived as a premium convenience |
| Cruise Control | Medium | Useful for highway drivers |
| Advanced Airbags | High | Families prioritize this feature |
| Dash Cam | Medium | Seen as responsible driving habit |
Conclusion
The days of thinking, “Chalo jee, bas gari chalti hai, kaafi hai” are over.
In 2025, even budget-conscious Pakistani car buyers expect a solid mix of safety, convenience, and tech features. Whether you’re buying new or upgrading an existing car, investing in these 10 features will not only improve your daily driving experience but also protect your car’s value in a rapidly changing market.
So — which of these features will be non-negotiable in your next ride?
