that would unlock his van door via the infrared port.

I bought a base model, and a physical key is required to lock and unlock the doors. No power locks. Cheaper key replacement, too.

I buy cars without lots of features that will eventually cost money to repair when they stop working. And they all eventually stop working.

All those little gadgets break and cost $500 each to repair. I love my base 2000 f150. When my dad bought a new truck last year he had to buy a fleet model in order to get one stripped with no bells and whistles.

Can you even find a car with roll down windows anymore?

I had to accept the power windows on my 2013 KIA Soul. Even in the base trim, they are standard. They're also covered under the 5-year 60,000 mile warranty. If they quit, they'll get repaired, and I plan to replace the car at the end of that warranty, anyhow.

Power windows are just one of those things you're stuck with with today's cars. It's getting harder to find manual stuff these days. Now that I'm not buying used cars any longer, it matters less. But, with used cars, the more power crap is on the car the more likely you'll face a big repair bill. The worst thing of all on an older used car is a turbocharger. Do not buy turbocharged used cars under any circumstances. You simply cannot afford to fix it if it breaks.

The home mechanic can replace power windows and power mirrors, and stuff like that, though, but it's still expensive. Why buy trouble?