In general, yes for me. The only real exception is that I usually like to have some air moving through the cabin, so I won't really buy a car without two things: power windows (a matter of reach, not aversion to cranking) and a sunroof.
Since those two things are usually only found on cars that also have power mirrors, locks and usually other stuff, I guess I'll always end up with more convenience stuff that I need.
But to me simplicity has a lot to do with the mechanical layout of the car, as well. No matter how barebones, it's tough to make a front-driver simple from a maintenance standpoint, just because of all the stuff you have to cram under the hood. If you want more than a four cylinder, then you're talking about a V-configuration, too, which is a nightmare if you ever have to do anything serious to it. Work on something with a longitudinal inline engine and rear drive, and you'll probably like it and maybe not want to go back.
There are some convenience/premium features I'd pay extra for, but not require. Trip computer, cruise, good sport seats, limited-slip diffs, satellite radio, HID, outside temp readout, heaters for front window/mirrors/door locks/washer nozzles. Simple stuff like intermittent wipers, rear defogger, remote releases for trunk/gas door and stuff like that aren't really features any more, but they're nice to have, and would be missing from any truly barebones car.
Then there are features I don't want anywhere near my car. Auto tranny. Stability control that can't be turned off. Automatic HVAC. Almost anything the car controls for me without my intent: headlamps, wipers, auto door locking, auto dimming mirrors, brake assist systems, any number of technologically impending electronic overseers of the driver or the driving experience.
- Glenn