Buying a car is exciting, but the journey from picking your perfect ride to driving it home can be a minefield of unnecessary add-ons and frustration. Dealerships like to tack on a number of features and services that, in the long run, aren’t worth their cost. Before you head out to check out that new ride you’ve been eyeing, look below at some of the worst products dealers will try to add to your final sale. Most of the time, it’s just about boosting their profits.
1. Rear-Seat Entertainment
If you have children, paying extra for a TV screen that keeps the back row entertained may be tempting. That is until you see just how much it will cost. Instead of adding something permanent to your vehicle, consider alternatives. An iPad, for example, serves the same purpose, can be brought virtually anywhere, and is a fraction of the cost.
2. VIN Etching
It seems like a sound purchase, right? After all, $200 to $300 to keep your car from looking tempting to thieves doesn’t sound like a lot. The thinking is that no one will want to steal a car that can be easily identified, partially by a VIN that can’t be scratched off. However, VINs are stamped in a few places on your car and are not so easily removed.
3. Roof Rack Rodeo
Dealerships often push roof rack accessories on customers, pitching them as must-have items for those spontaneous camping or cross-country journeys, but let’s be real. Unless you regularly transport bulky items like canoes or bicycles, these add-ons are just costly dust collectors that can even decrease your car’s fuel efficiency. Some trims also come with them included, so if it is a must-have item, you may want to consider an option that has the rack built in already.
4. Keys? Check!
Key protection sounds like a good idea, but most modern keys are durable, and many comprehensive insurance policies already cover lost or damaged keys. So, you might be paying twice for the same protection. Before heading to the dealership, review your insurance policy and think about all the times in the past you’ve lost or damaged your car keys. If the answer is zero, this is a product worth skipping.
5. Windshield Warriors
Windshield protection can be attractive, especially if you often drive on gravel roads. However, it may be redundant. Double-check your car insurance policy before you part with your hard-earned cash for this add-on. Many insurers already provide windshield protection, making this add-on a redundant expense. While we’re on the subject, too, if you’re approached by a windshield repair service at a car wash, the answer is always “No.” If they point out dings or chips, work it out with real window repair company and your insurance provider.
6. Tires To Spare
Tire protection plans can be enticing, especially with those scary stories of blowouts. Before agreeing to this service, remember that tires are pretty durable, and good driving habits and regular maintenance should suffice. These plans also typically come with an end date (though they entice with no mileage limits). Avoid potholes and keep your tires inflated properly, and you should be fine without this extra coverage, which likely expires before you need new tires anyway.
7. The Dent Defender
Dent protection is another costly add-on that’s not often worth the price tag. It typically only covers small dents and dings, not major accident damage. It’s usually more cost-effective to pay out-of-pocket for minor repairs or, if it doesn’t impede your driving, just live with the damage.
8. Credit Cover-up
Credit insurance can sound like a good idea, but it often carries a hefty premium and many limitations. It only pays out under specific conditions and typically covers the remaining car payments, not the full car value. Most people are better off investing in extended life and disability insurance policies that offer much broader coverage.
9. GAP Insurance
Guaranteed Asset Protection (GAP) insurance might seem like a safe bet to protect against car depreciation. However, GAP insurance can be an unnecessary and costly add-on if you’ve made a good down payment or if your car holds its value well. If you’re adamant about holding GAP insurance, talk to the policyholder of your auto insurance. They may offer an option to add it to your plan that’s cheaper than going through the dealership.
10. Warranty Wonders
Extended warranties can appear to offer peace of mind, but they come with a high cost. Moreover, most new cars are built to last well beyond the standard warranty period. So, those extra years of coverage not be necessary, and any minor repairs you need could be cheaper than the warranty.
11. Alarms and Awakenings
Car dealerships might also try to sell you upgraded car alarms and tracking devices. While these features can be useful in high-crime areas, most new vehicles are equipped with basic alarms or even anti-theft systems that kill your car’s electrical system to prevent it from starting. Always check the features of your car before purchasing to prevent getting stuck with dealership redundancies.
12. Sealed Paint Pacts
Paint sealants can seem worthwhile, offering glossy finishes and good protection against the elements. However, with regular washing and occasional waxing, your car’s paint job should stay in good shape without the added expense of a sealant. The dealership may also not tell you that sealants aren’t permanent and may only last for up to six months.
13. Fabric Follies
Fabric protection is a clever preventive measure, especially if you have kids or pets. But most modern car fabrics are already quite resistant to stains. Instead of forking out for this add-on, consider investing in a good fabric cleaner that you can use as and when spills happen. If you’re really worried about stains, seat covers may be a better purchase.
14. Tire Tricks
Nitrogen-filled tires are sometimes touted as superior to air-filled tires, but the benefits are minimal for regular drivers. While nitrogen might benefit race cars or commercial jets, good old-fashioned air does the job just fine for your daily commute! Additionally, you must always bring your car into a shop to refill it. That’s a lot of extra work for something you used to be able to do at a gas station for $1.
15. Window Wonders
Window tints and clear protection are sometimes pushed as essentials for protecting your car and keeping it cool. That’s not entirely false but shop around before you agree to the dealer’s price. Often, you can find local shops that will do the same job for a fraction of the cost.
16. Door Defenses
Door edge protectors might seem like a good investment, promising to save your doors from chips and minor scratches. However, these are usually an unnecessary expense. Minor scratches can be easily (and cheaply) fixed with touch-up paint or kits you can buy online. You can also buy your own edge protector for a fraction of what the dealership will charge.
17. Maintenance Magic
Service and maintenance packages might be presented as a convenience. It might feel good to have prepaid services, but they’re often overpriced at the dealership. Your local mechanic can usually perform the same services for less, though there are some things to consider before answering. For example, leasing a vehicle may require you to use the dealership’s mechanics, or if you’re buying an electric vehicle, local mechanics may not be trained on repairs.
18. Fancy Floor Coverings
Upgraded floor mats can look nice and give your car’s interior a more luxurious feel. The truth is, your shoes, pets, and food spills don’t care how fancy your mats are! Standard mats usually do the job just fine, and let’s be honest – they’re just going to get dirty anyway. Keep up on cleaning your car, and you’ll prevent your standard mats from looking ratty.
19. Appearance Assurances
Appearance packages can seem like a fun way to make your new car uniquely yours, but often, these packages are costly at the dealership. If you must customize your vehicle, you can usually find cheaper, more personalized upgrades elsewhere. Before you add anything, though, make sure it won’t void the vehicle’s warranty.
20. Mudflaps Mayhem
Mudflaps are another add-on that dealers might try to upsell. While they can protect your car from minor debris, they’re usually unnecessary for city driving. They could be useful if you’re regularly off-roading. Otherwise, they’re just an unnecessary expense to pad the dealership’s pockets.
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