If you’re like many Americans, visiting a car dealership is near the bottom of your list of fun things to do. You might dread the experience the way kids dread sitting in a dentist’s chair.
“The 2024 KPA Dealership Trust Survey” conducted by The Harris Poll shows that 76% of Americans distrust dealerships. They believe these retailers have dishonest pricing schemes. The survey adds that 34% have felt pressured to buy add-ons.
Here are 18 unnecessary extras car dealerships push that aren’t worth your money.
VIN Etching
VIN etching is a process where the car dealership etches the VIN in the windows. That’s intended to deter car thieves. But this add-on is unnecessary because the VIN is already stamped onto various car parts. While VIN etching isn’t wrong, you can skip this extra fee.
Extended Warranties
An extended car warranty can set you back between $2,000 and $5,000, according to Motor1.com. An extended warranty may make sense if you intend to retain your vehicle until the wheels fall off. However, it’s an extra expense you don’t need if you anticipate a short ownership period. For instance, some people trade in their cars for new ones within a few years.
Rustproofing
Rustproofing is an important maintenance item — even for a new car. A car dealership will charge a premium for this service. Get it done elsewhere if you want it. Consider skipping rustproofing if you don’t plan to hold onto the car long-term or intend to park it during the winter.
Wheel and Tire Warranty
Should you buy tire and wheel coverage? It’s designed to protect you from road hazards like potholes, glass, nails, metal, and other debris. While such coverage might make sense if you have a high-end car with pricey tires and wheels, it’s otherwise not worth the extra cost.
Key Protection
Buying an add-on key protection policy is an option. But is it a good idea? Most people don’t lose their car keys. They may misplace them but find them sooner or later. You’re better off saving the money for more pressing concerns.
GAP Insurance
Guaranteed asset protection (GAP) insurance safeguards people who take on loans for new or used cars. GAP insurance kicks in if their cars are totaled before they finish paying off the loans. So, what’s wrong with GAP insurance? Nothing. It’s about where you get it. Your vehicle insurance company will be a better option than a car dealer.
Windshield Protection
Kelley Blue Book reports that replacing a windshield for an older car could set you back $300 to $600. The cost could skyrocket to over $1,000 for newer vehicles with windshields containing sensors for features like heads-up displays. If replacing your windshield would present a financial difficulty, windshield protection is a good idea. Otherwise, you can skip it.
Paint Sealants
Car dealerships might also try to sell you a paint protection package. It’s almost always a waste of money. Clean your car regularly. Let the car dealership keep its overpriced paint protection.
Premium Floor Mats
Premium floor mats are nice, but they’re often not worth the massive markup in price. You can usually get a quality set of floor mats from a third-party manufacturer for a discount. Unless the car dealer throws in the premium floor mats for free, take a pass and get them elsewhere.
Window Tints
It’s not that window tints aren’t worth getting. Going this route will offer security and privacy, reduce temperatures inside your vehicle, and safeguard against UV rays. The problem is that a car dealership will charge an arm, a leg, and your firstborn to tint your windows.
Fabric Protection
Another add-on that’s not worth your money is fabric protection. A car dealer will happily take your money to apply a protective spray to your seats. It’s supposed to make it easier to clean up spills and safeguard from staining. But you can get this done cheaper somewhere else.
Roof Rack Accessories
Unless you’re a weekend warrior who goes camping regularly or must carry things on your roof, roof rack accessories are a waste of money. Spend that money on something else.
Dent Protection
No car owner likes dents. So, dent protection coverage might seem like a godsend. But the program isn’t worth it. You may find out quickly that there are many exclusions to what types of damage the policy covers.
Door Edge Protectors
Door edge products can safeguard your vehicle doors from unsightly scratches. Even so, the car dealership will charge too much. You can buy the same sort of thing online for a discount.
Mud Flaps
There’s nothing wrong with mud flaps. They can prevent water, debris, salt, mud, and stones from damaging your vehicle and other cars on the road. So, they have their purpose. But unless you go offroading a lot, the cost might not be worth it.
Maintenance Packages
Buying a car maintenance package can be convenient. But you’ll spend more money than if you go to your local mechanic for the same work.
Nitrogen-Filled Tires
Yet another option with an inflated price tag is the nitrogen-filled tire. Car dealers will tell you this option leads to better fuel economy, less air loss, and lower rolling distance. A Consumer Reports study, however, questions the legitimacy of these benefits. While nitrogen-filled tires might not hurt, the benefits don’t match the premium upcharge at the car dealership.
Credit Insurance
Credit insurance can be useful if you lose your job and can’t keep up with car payments. But contact your car insurance provider for a quote rather than get it from a car dealership.
Stay Away From These Car Dealership Add-Ons
While some of these car dealership add-ons offer value, others aren’t at all necessary. And even the ones you want can be purchased elsewhere for a discount.
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