Counting 22 Excessive Car Dealership Add-Ons You Can Absolutely Skip

Navigating the world of car buying can be tricky, especially when dealers start pitching various add-ons that you supposedly ‘need.’ But before you get swayed, it’s crucial to recognize which of these extras are actually worth your money — and which are best left out of your shopping cart. Let’s dive into 22 of these often unnecessary products that car dealerships might try to push onto you.

1. **Tire Protection**: Dealers love to tout tire protection plans as a must-have add-on. However, most tires come with their own warranties that cover manufacturing defects. So, the odds favor the dealer when they try to sell you an extended tire warranty, costing you an extra $40 per tire, which is rarely justified.

2. **Dent Protection**: This coverage might sound like a good idea, but it’s often sourced from obscure third-party companies. The high markup — sometimes more than double what the dealer pays — makes it a clear profit generator. Plus, the hassle of navigating claims through unknown companies makes it more trouble than it’s worth.

3. **Credit Insurance**: The pitch here is to protect your car payments if life throws a curveball your way. But don’t be fooled. It’s not only illegal for dealers to insist this needs to be bought but purchasing through your own insurer often results in a better deal without the dealer’s markup.

4. **GAP Insurance**: While useful, GAP insurance is another product best purchased directly from your insurance provider. Dealerships tend to charge more, and you’d likely end up dealing with a company you’ve never heard of if issues arise.

5. **Extended Warranties**: These can sound promising, offering peace of mind beyond your standard warranty. However, they often cost more than typical repairs would and largely serve to pad the salesperson’s commission.

6. **Car Alarms and Trackers**: Many vehicles are already equipped with security systems. If not, you’re often better off buying and installing these systems independently rather than going through the dealership for the inflated prices.

7. **Paint Sealants**: Modern cars are built to withstand the elements with factory-applied paint sealants. Additional protection sold at dealerships offers little added value for the high cost they command.

8. **Fabric Protection**: Similar to paint sealants, fabric protection is usually already included by the manufacturer. Spending extra on this at the dealership is unnecessary when products like Scotchgard can be applied at home for a fraction of the price.

9. **Nitrogen-Filled Tires**: Advertised as a superior option, nitrogen-filled tires offer minimal real-world benefits compared to regular air, making the dealership’s markup unreasonable for what you get.

10. **Window Tints/Clear Protection**: While some might want these upgrades, the dealer prices are often inflated, and the work is typically outsourced. Finding a reputable local service will likely save you money.

11. **Door Edge Protector**: Although useful in theory, modern paint can handle most bumps and scrapes. DIY kits are available for much less than the dealership’s price.

12. **Service and Maintenance Packages**: These can be beneficial but are not always the best deal. You can opt into these later after researching and deciding if they actually suit your needs.

13. **Upgraded Floor Mats**: Factory mats are often sufficient. If you desire all-weather ones, buying them separately online will save you extra dealership costs.

14. **Appearance Packages**: These often consist of minor aesthetic changes done by dealers that come with hefty price tags. It’s best to evaluate if these align with your personal taste and budget.

15. **Mudflaps**: Generally not needed for most cars, except larger trucks. If desired, purchasing and installing them elsewhere is more economical.

16. **Rear-Seat Entertainment Systems**: With the rise of personal tablets and smartphones, the notion of installing rear-seat entertainment systems in vehicles has become somewhat outdated. While keeping kids entertained on long journeys is a valid concern, purchasing tablets can be a more versatile and cost-effective alternative. Not only do they offer a broader range of entertainment options, but they can also be used outside the car, making them a more practical investment.

17. **Key Protection Plans**: Worried about losing those fancy car keys? Dealerships might offer key protection plans that promise to cover the cost of replacement. However, these plans often come with exorbitant fees. Modern keys might be costly to replace, but insurance might cover the cost under certain conditions. Alternatively, investing in a Bluetooth tracker can help you keep tabs on your keys without breaking the bank.

18. **Rustproofing and Undercoating**: Modern cars are already built with rustproofing and undercoating from the factory, making additional dealership offerings redundant for most buyers. The service might have been relevant for older models, but today’s vehicles are designed to withstand the elements without added treatments.

20. **Trunk Trays**: While trunk trays can be useful for protecting the interior of your vehicle from spills and damage, buying them from a dealership will likely cost you an arm and a leg. Instead, purchasing a trunk tray from an online retailer or auto parts store can save you a substantial amount of money.

21. **Rust Protection**: While a layer of rust protection may sound essential, most cars today come with this already integrated into their design. Factory rust-proofing means that additional treatments at the dealership are often unnecessary unless you live in an area with extreme conditions.

22. **Wheel and Tire Packages**: These packages often include custom wheels and high-performance tires. While they may look appealing, they tend to have an inflated price tag at the dealership. Custom wheels can be sourced independently at a more reasonable cost, allowing you to personalize your ride without the hefty markup.

Walking into a dealership can feel like entering a minefield of upsells and add-ons. It’s crucial to arm yourself with knowledge and question the necessity of these products. By exploring alternatives and being mindful of your actual needs, you can make informed decisions that protect your wallet while still enhancing your driving experience. Remember, it’s all about navigating the marketing pitches and focusing on what genuinely adds value to your vehicle. Happy car shopping!

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