When manufacturers decide on incentives and rebates, they often do it on a model-by-model basis. A two-door hatchback might come with $500 cash back, while a four-door sedan might come with $1,000 cash back.

But what about offering promos based on vehicle features? People who buy fully loaded models would get a greater discount than those who buy base models.

I know that lessors have shied away from rolling those extras into their residual values because they don’t usually translate to higher returns at auction, but might it work for consumers who are financing their purchases?

Essentially, if a customer tacks on $3,500 worth of special options, could he qualify for a 25-basis-point discount, or some other similar incentive?