When you purchase a car directly from the dealership, they often present an array of add-ons to bump up your vehicle purchase. While some options are beneficial, many are not worth the extra cost, and here are the most common car dealership upsells that just aren’t worth it.
VIN Etching
While the concept of Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) etching may sound fancy, you don’t really need your car’s VIN etched onto the windows. Dealerships claim this is effective at deterring theft, but it’s rarely a significant deterrent. Comprehensive insurance usually covers theft anyway, so there’s not much point.
Nitrogen-Filled Tires
Dealerships sometimes push nitrogen-filled tires, claiming they maintain tire pressure longer than air. This is just unnecessary; regular tire pressure checks and maintenance can achieve the same results without the added expense. Standard air, available for free, is totally sufficient for most driving needs.
Tire and Wheel Protection Plans
If a dealership tries to upsell you a tire and wheel protection plan, just say no. The problem is the cost of the plan will generally outweigh the potential savings. Considering how rarely most drivers need tire replacements or repairs, it’s generally better to handle these costs as they arise.
Paint Protection Plans
Dealerships may offer paint protection plans, suggesting that they’re a must-have, as they apparently shield your car’s exterior from damage. However, modern car paint is durable enough on its own, and as Direct Line points out, your insurance may provide this coverage for free, anyway.
Extended Warranties
It may sound wise to purchase a dealership’s extended warranty, but in reality, they mainly cover issues that rarely occur or are already covered under the manufacturer’s warranty. So, analyze the warranty carefully and consider your driving habits because, for most people, it won’t be worthwhile.
Fabric Protection
Another useless upsell that car dealerships propose is fabric protection. This is marketed to keep your car’s upholstery stain-free, but it’s pointless because most modern fabrics are already designed to resist stains. Furthermore, over-the-counter fabric protectors can do the job at a fraction of the cost, so save your money.
Key Protection Plans
There’s no denying that losing a car key can be a hassle, but key protection plans, which promise to replace lost or damaged keys, are usually overpriced. Modern cars often come with more than one key, and even then, a further replacement will be cheaper than the plan’s cost.
Anti-Theft Devices
Some people claim that anti-theft devices such as alarms and tracking systems are worthwhile for peace of mind, but most cars already include effective security systems. Additionally, these devices often don’t reduce insurance premiums enough to justify their cost, so evaluate your car’s existing security before adding more.
Window Tinting Packages
If you’re in the market for tinted windows, you can get them at most local garages for a lower price than at a dealership. While it might seem convenient to get it done when purchasing the car, dealerships often mark up the price significantly, so you’re paying through the nose.
Rustproofing
Modern vehicles are designed with effective rust protection from the factory, so there’s really no need to pay for extra rustproofing. To make matters worse, dealership rustproofing treatments are far more costly. Just wash your car regularly and maintain it, and you’ll prevent rust on your car just as effectively.
Roadside Assistance Plans
While having access to roadside assistance is certainly important, many drivers already have coverage through their insurance or credit card benefits. Compare what you’re already paying for versus what the dealership offers before adding this to your purchase because otherwise, you’re just paying extra for a duplicate service.
Prepaid Maintenance Plans
Another useless product car dealerships always try to shift is their prepaid maintenance plans. These cover scheduled services, which sounds good on the surface, but they come at a premium price. Furthermore, they lock you into using them for services, preventing you from seeking the cheaper service of local garages.
Gap Insurance
If you total your car, gap insurance covers the difference between your car’s value and what you would owe. While that can be useful, many insurance companies offer this coverage at a much lower rate. Speak to your insurance company before heading to the dealership, and you can decide accordingly.
Paintless Dent Repair Plans
When you purchase a paintless dent repair plan, they promise to fix minor dents without repainting. That sounds pretty cool, but minor dents are generally inexpensive to repair out-of-pocket, meaning that paying for this plan upfront may cost more than the occasional expense. It’s just not worth it.
Document Preparation Fees
Some dealerships charge for preparing documents, which is outrageous, as that’s a cost that is usually already included in the car’s price. Always review the paperwork carefully and question any additional fees that seem unnecessary or inflated because, sadly, this is a common form of dealership scam.
Environmental Fees
Everyone wants to save the environment, leading many drivers to pay environmental fees to their dealership, charged for disposal of hazardous materials. However, dealerships may mark up this fee, whereas local shops will handle it for free. It’s good to be eco-conscious, but don’t get ripped off for it.
GPS Navigation Systems
Back in the day, everyone wanted a car with an in-built GPS navigation system, but these days, we all have them on our smartphones. Despite this, many dealerships still offer ‘cutting-edge’ navigation system add-ons. They’re completely unnecessary; just use your phone and a car mount, and you’re good.
Satellite Radio Subscriptions
Similarly to GPS systems, a lot of dealerships offer satellite radio subscriptions that are intended to extend your DAB radio options. Once again, this is totally useless; you can access any radio station from a smartphone and even browse them using voice commands, so don’t give these scammers your money.