6 dealer options to skip when buying a car Advertiser Disclosure Advertiser Disclosure We are an independent, advertising-supported comparison service. Our aim is to assist you make better financial choices by providing you with interactive tools and financial calculators as well as publishing objective and unique content. We also allow you to conduct research and compare information at no cost and help you make financial decisions with confidence. Bankrate has agreements with issuers, including but not limited to American Express, Bank of America, Capital One, Chase, Citi and Discover. How We Earn Money The deals that are displayed on this website come from companies who pay us. This compensation could affect how and when products are featured on this site, including the order in which they appear within the listing categories and other categories, unless prohibited by law. Our mortgage or home equity products, as well as other home lending products. This compensation, however, does not influence the information we publish, or the reviews that you see on this site. We do not include the entire universe of businesses or financial deals that might be available to you. Maskot/Getty
5 minutes read. Published 12 January 2023
Ben Luthi Ben Luthi Written by Contributing writer Ben Luthi is a personal travel and finance writer who loves helping people learn how to live life more completely. His work has been published in numerous publications such as U.S. News & World Report, USA Today, Yahoo! Finance and more. Written by Rhys Subitch Edited by Auto loans editor Rhys has been editing and writing for Bankrate since the end of 2021. They are passionate about helping readers gain the confidence to manage their finances through providing concise, well-studied information that breaks down otherwise complicated topics into bite-sized pieces. The Bankrate guarantee
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All new cars already come with rustproofing, and some automakers will void the factory corrosion-perforation warranty if the car is undercoated by a third party.
2. Fabric protection Some dealers offer fabric protection that is designed to protect your furniture from stains. “A number dealers will also pitch you fabric protection, which is essentially an oil that they apply — an item that costs nearly nothing, but for which they might later charge you $100 or more,” Quincy says. The reason you shouldn’t
“If you truly require more protection for your fabrics all you need to do is buy a bottle of Scotchgard,” says John Nielsen who is the director of national auto repair and buying at AAA.
3. Paint protection This dealer option is often promoted by salespeople in the showroom as a product that gives new cars an all-year-round, non-wax shine, which provides a long-lasting barrier against the elements. The cost of protecting the paint sealant could cost the buyer of a new car around $200. Why you should skip it
Today, most automotive paints are durable finishes that benefit more from regular waxing and washing, according to Nielsen.
4. VIN etching VIN etching is the process that allows you to make an adhesive stencil made of plastic that contains the vehicle identification number of your vehicle, or VIN. You can then put the stencil on the window and then apply a specific acid solution which chemically melts, or etches, the VIN onto the glass. VIN Etching can act as an deterrent to thieves as it makes it virtually impossible to earn a profit selling windows and windshields and makes it difficult to find a way to dispose of a car once it has been stolen. In fact, it’s a recommendation by police and agencies. Some insurance companies will give a discount on the extensive portion of your vehicle’s insurance, or even waive your insurance deductibles in the event that your vehicle is equipped with the option. It’s an easy process, however VIN etching as a dealer option could cost the buyer anywhere from $150 to $300. If you decide to do the work yourself, you’ll save over $100. Why you should skip it
If you’d like to try VIN engraving, it’s less expensive to purchase a DIY kit, which runs from $20 to $40 on the internet.
5. Extended warranties As a dealer option, basic car warranties can begin at just $1,000, and can easily go up to several thousand dollars for high-performance and luxury cars. Extended warranties cover bumper-to bumper damage, covering everything on your vehicle, from major system repair, heating or air problems, as well as engine troubles. Extended warranties are, however are not able to cover parts commonly replaced in Plan price varies based on mileage, duration of coverage and the deductible level prior to signing off. New vehicles typically already have warranties from the manufacturer. If you’re purchasing second-hand, you do not have to purchase a warranty the moment you purchase the vehicle- this means that you have the option of shopping around for one if you’re really interested in. The reason you shouldn’t
It’s often better to use the money you’d pay on an extended warranty to pay for the recommended maintenance that your car needs.
6. In your tire, nitrogen No matter what your tires are filled with, nitrogen or oxygen the four wheels that propel your vehicle forward will eventually be deflated. Tires could lose air because of a crack in the tread, a poor seal or just general wear and tear to the vehicle. But many dealers will encourage customers to include nitrogen in their tires, which could be as high as $200. If you’re not racing car driver who requires an increased pressure on your tires, the extra expense isn’t worth it. If you really want nitrogen, a visit to a local body shop is going to cost you between $10 and $30 for a tire. What are the reasons to avoid it
It is best to keep your cash and look out for any tire damage that will likely occur with the age of your vehicle.
How to avoid dealer-installed options The right options on the vehicle you are driving can improve your driving experience. It can also be helpful when you are ready to sell it or trade it into. You don’t need to accept the dealer-installed options you don’t prefer. If you notice that a new vehicle comes with some dealer-installed options, you can ask the dealer to eliminate them and change the selling cost of the vehicle in line with the changes. In some cases, it isn’t always possible- for example, in the event that paint protection or rustproofing is already in place and is not removed. You can try to remove the vehicle like you normally would if the dealer can’t or won’t eliminate an alternative. Again, there’s no guarantee that this will be successful however, even showing a little initiative in negotiation could change the tone of the conversation. Consider, for instance, calling another dealer in the region to see what they cost for specific services or see what it could cost if you were to do it yourself. This will serve as a reference point in your negotiations. If a dealer isn’t willing to negotiate at all, or doesn’t want to bargain at all, you can choose to purchase the car in its current condition or take it off the market. Factory options as opposed to. dealers options factory and dealer options are additional expenses you’ll face when shopping. In contrast to dealer options choices aren’t “added to” at purchase. The manufacturer handles these options at the factory before the vehicle is delivered to the dealership. Options available from the factory could include alarm systems as well as specific equipment such as a spoiler, or an advanced engine configuration. The two add-ons increase the amount cost you pay, so think about what is essential and which you are able to skip. The bottom line Dealer-installed options aren’t always worth the cost, so checking what you’re being charged for is crucial. While dealers aren’t always willing to take away the options they’ve installed or even negotiate on the cost, be aware that these options aren’t standard, and you don’t have to agree with them. Like every other part of the car-buying process, and choices from different dealers in your area to ensure that you get the best price available.
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Written by the writer who contributed to the article. Ben Luthi is a personal writer of travel and finance who loves helping people learn how to live life more completely. His work has been published in numerous publications such as U.S. News & World Report, USA Today, Yahoo! Finance, and many numerous others. Written by Rhys Subitch Edited by Auto loans editor Rhys has been writing and editing for Bankrate since late 2021. They are committed to helping readers gain the confidence to control their finances through providing clear, well-researched facts that break down complicated subjects into bite-sized pieces.
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