If you have ever bought a car, you will know what we are talking about. Remember when you got your vehicle, whether it was used or new, and the dealer insisted on buying a lot of car dealership extras?
This happens to many people, and the way they try to sell it is that it will only add a few extra dollars to your monthly payment. In actuality, add-ons can raise the list price by hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
This is why it is important to know what car dealership extras are worth it and what is just a waste of money. Read on and discover all about them. Don’t let the dealers trick you into paying more!
1. Extended warranty
This is one of the car dealership extras that really sounds tempting, considering that you might have problems with the car in the future. Why say no if you can have something that can cover that?
The way it works is that after the manufacturer warranty on the automobile expires, the extended warranty pays for potential problems. Now, the problem is the price, because it is not cheap to buy an extended warranty.
Although prices vary greatly, on the higher end, they may easily raise the cost of your vehicle by $2,000 or more. Furthermore, the interest you would pay if you finance that fee will make it much more expensive.
Why should you say no to this? The majority of brand-new vehicles already have factory-backed protection, which often lasts for tens of thousands of miles over several years. The most expensive and long-lasting sections of the car are usually covered by powertrain warranties.
2. Various embellishments and pinstriping
Most of the time, these add-ons are just something aesthetic, and you don’t need them. Decorative side stripes, door edge guards, and mud flaps are examples of add-ons that dealers may sell to add style to your vehicle and boost sales.
These car dealership extras can be tricky because some of them don’t cost a lot, but others can make you pay a lot of extra money. You should decline to pay for anything unless you expressly request it. When a car comes from the factory, it should be ready to drive. Make sure that you have the owner’s manual, two sets of keys, the window sticker, and floor mats.
These car dealership extras are not a must, and if you don’t want them or need them, just say no to the dealer.
3. VIN etching
Car identification numbers, or VINs, can be etched onto the windows to prevent auto theft and help recover stolen vehicles. Dealers may even argue that they are forced by law to provide it. Although this could be the case, you are not obligated to accept it or pay for it.
How much does it cost? According to CR’s experience, between $200 and $300. Certain dealers will provide the automobile pre-etched and then try to upsell this extra service.
The catch here is that it isn’t essential. The VIN is imprinted on all new automobiles, for example, inside the door jambs and beneath the hood.
4. Nitrogen-filled tires
The pitch goes something like this: tires filled with nitrogen will not buckle as much as tires filled with typical air when temperature changes occur. Certain vendors will insert nitrogen into tires and mark them with green tire stem covers to show you that the process is real.
Now, the truth is that air is mostly nitrogen, and all of the tires, no matter what, will lose pressure over time. You can’t fix that. By this, we want to say that car dealership extras such as nitrogen-filled tires are not something you can’t live without, and your car will be OK without them.
The price for this extra is somewhere around $400, and maybe you can do something else with this money than accept this deal.
5. Rustproofing
Oh, the old story about the protective coat that will save your car. They say that it will never rust, but unfortunately, these are all just stories, and you can’t make your car rustproof. Also in the same category, you can find the interior spray that promises you will have stain-free upholstery.
Maybe the interior sprays are not that pricey, but if you want paint protection, you will need to pay at least $600, and for the rustproofing, get ready to take out $800 from your wallet. The prices may differ depending on the dealer, but keep in mind that it doesn’t matter that much where you buy the car because these car dealership extras will always be expensive.
What you need to know is that today’s new automobiles are built to endure a decade or more, so further protection is not required for the framework, exterior paint, or inside materials. For a car to appear stunning for years, all it requires is periodic cleaning.
6. Car trackers and alarms
The majority of cars have trackers or security systems installed. Dealers frequently attempt to offer them as an add-on when they are not. This is frequently the result of alarms being pre-installed in the vehicle since dealerships install them to protect them from theft as long as they are on their lot.
This upsell lets them charge you for installation in addition to selling you inexpensive trackers and alarms at a premium price. What you can do to not spend extra money on these car dealership extras is to buy your alarm and install it at your local mechanic.
There are many traps like this out there, and this is why you should always be careful when purchasing a car. Being aware of all of this can help you keep your money safe.
7. Maintenance packages
Packages for repairs and maintenance aren’t always—or even typically—a scam. Dealers would naturally want to sell you a car and take care of it as well, both within and outside of the warranty, as their service departments bring in a lot of money.
All of this encourages excellent service and increases the likelihood that you will return and purchase your next vehicle from them. That means dealerships will do their best to assure you that you will have all their support if you have problems with your car.
The only problem here is that there is a lot of information. The whole process of buying a new car means a lot of information, and you need time for that. This is one of the good car dealership extras, but you need to take your time. Ask for all the details in writing and tell them to wait for you a few days. Read them and decide if you need their maintenance package for your car or not.
8. Window tints or clear protection
Though you may be interested in transparent UV protection or window tints, resist the dealer’s attempts to pitch you on these. They are one of the car dealership extras that you don’t need.
If you feel like you want window tints, then find some that you like online, read some reviews, and decide what is best for you. After that, purchase them and find someone who can install them.
Also, remember that sometimes the window protections are generally a scam if you buy them from the dealership. Look into their offer, but don’t accept it if you feel it is not a bargain for you.
In case you want something to protect you from the sun, you can choose some sun shades: Universal Car Side Window Sun Shade
You should also read: Big City Life: These Are the BEST 26 Cars for City Drivers
