Navigating car dealership offers can feel like a gamble, with the house always winning. Hidden among the shiny brochures and persuasive sales pitches are deals that aren’t quite what they seem. Let’s uncover the truth behind those too-good-to-be-true extras.
Extended Warranties
Many dealerships heavily promote extended warranties as a must-have for peace of mind. However, these warranties often overlap with the manufacturer’s warranty, rendering them unnecessary during the initial years of ownership. By the time the manufacturer’s warranty expires, you might not need the extended coverage due to the car’s reliability.
Fabric Protection
Dealers offer fabric protection to shield your car’s interior from spills and stains. Yet, you can easily do this with products from an auto supply store. The markup on dealership fabric protection is steep, making it a poor investment.
Paint Protection Film
While protecting your car’s paint sounds appealing, paint protection film from a dealership comes at a premium. Many third-party shops offer the same service for a fraction of the cost. Plus, modern car paints are more durable than ever, reducing the need for such add-ons.
Window Etching
Dealerships might suggest window etching as a theft deterrent, where the VIN is etched onto the car’s windows. This service is usually overpriced at dealerships and, in most cases, doesn’t significantly deter theft. There are more effective and less expensive ways to protect your car.
Rustproofing
Rustproofing is another service that dealerships push, claiming it’s essential for vehicle longevity. However, today’s vehicles are manufactured with rust-prevention measures, making this service redundant. The additional rustproofing is often an unnecessary expense.
Nitrogen Tire Fills
Filling tires with nitrogen is marketed to maintain tire pressure longer than regular air. While nitrogen does have larger molecules, the benefits are negligible for everyday driving. Regular air checks can keep your tires in just as good condition.
Key Replacement Insurance
Losing a car key can be expensive, and dealerships offer key replacement insurance as a solution. But the cost of this insurance rarely justifies itself, considering the relatively low likelihood of losing keys. It’s often better to set aside a small savings fund for such incidents.
VIN Etching Fee
Similar to window etching, some dealers will charge a fee for etching the VIN on the vehicle’s engine and other parts. This is typically presented as a theft-prevention measure but is generally considered overpriced for the value it provides.
Credit Life Insurance
Credit life insurance pays off your car loan if you pass away, preventing the burden from falling on your heirs. However, the premiums are high and the benefits limited, making it a less effective option compared to regular life insurance policies.
Gap Insurance
Gap insurance covers the difference between what you owe on your car and its value if it’s totaled. While it can be valuable for leased cars or those with low down payments, it’s often cheaper when purchased from an insurance provider rather than the dealership.
Alarm Systems
Dealers may offer to install an aftermarket alarm system at a significant markup. Most modern cars already come equipped with effective security systems, making these expensive add-ons redundant.
Dealer Preparation Fees
These fees are supposedly for preparing the car for sale, including removing plastic covers and performing a pre-delivery inspection. However, these tasks are a normal part of vehicle delivery, and charging extra for them is unnecessary.
Documentation Fees
While some doc fees are standard and unavoidable, dealerships can inflate these costs well beyond the actual price of processing paperwork. It’s worth negotiating these fees or shopping around to avoid overpaying.
Undercoating
Undercoating is pitched as a way to protect the underbelly of your car from rust and damage. Most vehicles already come with adequate undercoating, making this service an expensive redundancy.
Pinstriping
Pinstriping can be an attractive decorative feature, but dealership prices are often exorbitant. Local body shops or specialty stores can add the same flair for much less, giving you more control over the design and cost.
Wheel Locks
Wheel locks are presented as a necessary precaution against theft, one of the many little add-ons that drive up the dealer’s profit. However, unless you live in an area with high rates of tire theft, they’re often an unnecessary expense you can skip.
Splash Guards
Dealerships might push splash guards as essential accessories, which are an expensive component. These can usually be purchased more affordably elsewhere and easily installed at home, saving you money.
Cargo Nets and Organizers
While useful, cargo nets and organizers are often marked up significantly at dealerships. A variety of equally functional products can be found online or at auto parts stores at a fraction of the cost.
Premium Sound System Upgrades
The allure of a premium sound system is strong, but dealership upgrades can be pricey. Often, aftermarket options provide superior sound quality at a better price, offering more bang for your buck.
Towing Packages
Dealers may suggest adding a towing package to your vehicle, even if you don’t plan on towing. These packages can be expensive and unnecessary, especially for drivers who don’t plan to use them.
Luxury Floor Mats
Upgraded floor mats are another dealership add-on with a high markup. Durable, high-quality mats are available from numerous retailers at a lower cost, allowing you to customize your car’s interior for less.
Navigation System Updates
Dealerships charge hefty fees for “updating” built-in navigation systems, although if it’s a new model, the GPS should have automatic updates. With most drivers using smartphones for navigation, paying for updates is often unnecessary.
Rear Seat Entertainment Systems
In-car entertainment systems for rear seats are a costly dealership add-on. Portable tablets or mounted devices offer a more versatile and affordable solution for keeping passengers entertained on the road.
