17 Useless Products Car Dealerships Will Try to Sell You

add-ons rio — “car” by carolinqua is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Car dealerships often lure you in with shiny vehicles, but beware of the myriad of add-ons they may try to sell you. These products, many of which are utterly useless, can significantly inflate your purchase price. Let’s dive into the first nine most common useless products that dealerships might tempt you with, complete with their price ranges and the reasons you should steer clear of them.

1. **Roof-Rack Accessories**: Priced between $100 to $300, these accessories are frequently sold at the dealership but can be found for much less through aftermarket brands like Thule and Yakima. Why pay more for something that you can adapt to any future vehicle? Save your money for your next road trip instead!

2. **Key Protection**: This add-on can cost you between 5% to 8% of your total car insurance premium. While losing your keys can be a headache, opting for key protection is often unnecessary. Instead, stash that cash in a savings account for emergencies—like when you inevitably misplace your keys!

3. **Windshield Protection**: This insurance can range from $200 up to $1,000. While windshields can crack, most minor damages can be repaired with modern resins. Paying a dealer for this protection is like buying insurance for a rainy day in a desert—likely a waste of your hard-earned cash.

4. **Tire Protection**: Charging you $60 to $90 annually for all-tire coverage, this add-on is another money pit. Standard tires usually come with prorated warranties that cover defects. Why pay extra for something that’s already included? Consider putting that money towards a new set of tires instead!

5. **Dent Protection**: This coverage, costing between $600 and $1,500, is a classic dealer upsell. The dealer pays only $300-$500 for it but sells it at an inflated price, leaving you with a flimsy coverage plan. Who needs that stress? Save your money and learn how to handle those dings on your own!

6. **Credit Insurance**: At around $370 annually, credit insurance is designed to keep your payments going in the event of job loss or disability. But honestly, unless you feel it’s a must-have, it’s generally better to buy a similar product through your own insurance company without the dealer’s markup.

7. **GAP Insurance**: This coverage can cost up to $600 per year. If your car gets totaled, GAP insurance helps cover the difference between what you owe and what your insurance pays out. While it has its merits, buying it from the dealer typically costs more. Shop around before committing!

8. **Extended Warranties**: Ranging from $1,000 to $2,800, extended warranties aim to keep you covered beyond the manufacturer’s warranty. However, the majority of owners never use them, and they often cost more than the average repair. Instead, why not save that money in a repair fund?

9. **Car Alarms and Trackers**: These can cost you up to $1,000 or more, yet most cars come equipped with security features already. Why pay the dealership to install something that’s likely included? Instead, consider DIY options or local services for a fraction of the cost.

10. **Paint Sealants**: Paint sealants may sound fancy, but they often come with a hefty price tag of over $400. The truth is, modern cars are already equipped with factory paint jobs that can withstand the elements. Instead of wasting money on an unnecessary add-on, simply wash your car regularly, and it will last longer than any sealant ever could!

11. **Nitrogen-Filled Tires**: The buzz around nitrogen-filled tires might catch your attention, with dealers charging anywhere from $100 to $400. They’ll tout benefits like better pressure maintenance, but studies show that regular air does just as good a job! Save your bucks and opt for free air at the gas station instead.

12. **Window Tints/Clear Protection**: Want to add some flair to your ride? Think twice before letting the dealership handle your window tints or clear UV protection for around $395. Chances are, they’ll farm the work out to a local service that you could have found yourself, likely at a much lower price. Do your research and keep that cash in your wallet!

13. **Door Edge Protector**: What’s a few hundred bucks for peace of mind? Well, that’s what dealers will have you think when they try to sell you a door edge protector that can cost anywhere from $400 to $800. The real kicker? You can buy a DIY kit for less than $10 online! Modern paint is designed to resist chipping and scratching, so save your money for actual car maintenance instead.

14. **Service and Maintenance Packages**: These packages can run you up to $800, but here’s the scoop: most of the time, you don’t need to buy them right away. If a dealer offers you one, take a step back, review the details, and think it over. There’s no rush, and you can always opt for maintenance when your vehicle actually needs it!

15. **Upgraded Floor Mats**: Dealers love to upsell “heavy-duty” or “all-weather” floor mats that can cost anywhere from $100 to $300. But did you know that regular mats often come standard? If you need something more durable, search online for custom options at a fraction of the dealer’s price!

16. **Appearance Packages**: Get ready for a potential markup! Dealers may present appearance packages with price tags ranging from $279 to $2,000 for things like pinstriping. But guess what? You can find similar services for much less outside the dealership. Don’t get suckered into paying extra for a package that isn’t truly necessary!

17. **Mudflaps**: If you’ve ever been told you need mudflaps to protect your paint, think again! These can range from $15 to $50, with labor costs adding another $70 to $150. They’re often unnecessary for standard passenger cars, and many people find they actually cause more harm than good. Check your local regulations and consider buying them from a retailer if you really want them!

upsells negotiating — “Money Car” by free pictures of money is licensed under CC BY 2.0

With a toolkit of knowledge about dealer upsells, you are now equipped to take on the car-buying battlefield! Whether it’s steering clear of overpriced add-ons or negotiating better deals, you can save yourself a great deal of money. Remember, knowledge is power—take charge of your car purchase and enjoy the ride ahead!