My other new-car choice back then was a base-model 2-door Toyota Corolla, but the dealer insisted that AC was only availible with the 'deluxe' trim package, which added over $1000 to the cost, BEFORE the price of the AC was factored in!
Before the decade was over, I was twice more tempted by the new-car bug. In '86 my '71 Audi wgon broke a rear spring, so I went to look at new Toyota pickups.
But that $5995 base-line Toyota, without even a rear bumper, didn't include the additional dealer profit adjustment of $1000. Of course if I wanted an $11,000 fully loaded 4WD Toyota pickup, the ADP was only $500! I decided I would spend the extra $1000 on my old Audi before I gave it to a new-car dealer!

In '87, I was tempted by the new $5995 VW FOX, but the nifty 2-door Fox wagon was ony availible in the upmarket 'L' trim-line, which added $1500, not including AC! So I kept my aging Audi going a few more years until I couldn't get parts anymore, then replaced it with a 3-year old Isuzu LS Pickup, which I still have today. And swore off buying a new car ever!

Happy Motoring, Mark

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DrDKW