Are Car Dealer Add-Ons Worth the Cost?
Here are some common extras that may not merit the investment
Many people find buying a new car stressful, with price often the major contributor to this agitation. Making matters worse, dealer “add-ons” can raise the price of a vehicle significantly. Here are some typical add-ons that you should feel free to reject.
Extended service plans
It can cost thousands of dollars to extend the manufacturer’s warranty on the car and drivetrain. Most drivetrains manage to go 100,000-plus miles with few problems, and if you do have a problem beyond the manufacturer’s warranty, repairs may cost less than the price of the extended service plan. In addition, your favorite auto repairer may not work with some third-party extended warranty companies. Check before you buy. Finally, you must read the fine print in the contract, not the sales brochure, before buying.
Key protection
Today’s electronic key fobs can cost a small fortune. Before you buy a protection plan, however, check with an independent locksmith to see what you might actually have to pay to replace and reprogram a key.
VIN etching
The vehicle identification number (VIN), is stamped on various parts of the car by the manufacturer. Dealers then offer to etch this number on the vehicle’s windows, claiming that it makes theft less likely and, if the car is stolen, recovery more likely. The price is often $200 to $300. Call your insurance agent to see if this can actually lower your premium.
Paint and fabric protection
New cars have paint that should keep shining for years with reasonable care, so paint protection costing several hundred dollars is generally unnecessary. The same is true for fabric protection. Today’s upholstery materials are designed to stand up to daily use and withstand inevitable spills.
Wheel and tire protection
This type of protection can be costly—and is usually unnecessary since most cars don’t have the extremely low-profile tires and alloy wheels that are likely to be damaged by potholes and curbs.
. . . . .
Refusing these add-ons is quite reasonable. If you do find a car on the lot that already has some of these items—along with their cost added onto the price sticker—let the dealership know you don’t want them and to remove them from the car and the price. If the dealer refuses, ask that they locate the same vehicle without these items if they want to make the sale.
One final point: If any of these add-ons are appealing to you, shop around. You may find comparable products offered by third parties for less money.