Is it time to buy a new car, but you dread going to the car dealership?
You may know how much you want to spend, but you don’t want to enter a high-pressure environment where you feel as though you can’t leave without making a purchase.
Being prepared is the best way to avoid wasting money . So don’t fall for these 15 useless things car dealerships often push on unprepared buyers.
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1. An extended warranty
This is one of the most common add-on costs at car dealerships, and it could cost you thousands of dollars for something you never use.
However, extended warranties from the manufacturer offer some value in situations of catastrophic loss, but warranties from the dealership have so much fine print that they are often impossible to use.
Own a car? Here's 7 warning signs you're paying too much for car insurance. 2. A roof rack
If you’re buying an SUV for road trips and plan to do some adventuring, biking, or canoeing, a roof rack could be valuable.
However, if you’re adding a crossbar or roof rack to your new vehicle, you’ll spend more buying it from the manufacturer than you would on the aftermarket.
What’s worse, the manufacturer's roof racks only fit that vehicle's make and model. So, ultimately, you're more likely to be able to resell an aftermarket roof rack down the road.
3. Built-in rear-seat infotainment
Something is alluring about having a rear-seat infotainment system if you’re a parent who takes long road trips. Car dealerships know that the thought of a peaceful car ride is well worth it.
Don’t fall for it. A tablet and earphones are a better option because they are a fraction of the price, you can take them with you to the store or on a plane, and they are less costly to replace if you need to.
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4. Windshield protection plans
A rock striking the windshield of your car could crack the glass, and windshields are expensive to replace.
Though windshield cracks aren't rare, windshield protection still isn’t worth it, mostly because they can often be repaired inexpensively instead of replaced.
So, there’s a good chance this is an add-on you’ll never use.
5. Paint sealers
Are you investing in a custom paint job that you’ve designed yourself? If so, then investing in paint sealers makes sense. But for most other people, they don’t.
That's because sealants, along with other features, are already built into modern paint products to extend their lifetime and durability.
You don’t need to spend more for the added protection these products offer (just caring for your car with routine washing and waxing is all that’s needed).
6. Service packages
Sometimes, a service package could be a good thing, especially some of the more robust services that go well beyond oil changes and tire rotation.
However, realize what you’re buying — years of bringing your car to that specific dealership for repairs and maintenance. You’re tied to that location.
If there’s another shop in the area that’s more affordable, they might be the better choice overall.
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While this was one of the most common upgrades in the 1980s and 1990s, today, there’s no need to invest in mudflaps for your car.
Buying them for your truck could be valuable, but most SUVs and passenger cars don’t really benefit from paint or corrosion protection from mudflaps.
Unless your state requires mudflaps, skip them to save money.
8. Seat and fabric protection
Fabric protection plans (often heavily pushed on those who have kids or pets) can seem helpful, but they are useless — simply because even the most expensive repairs to vehicle fabric are not that expensive.
You don’t want to pay $1,000 for this type of service or have it added to the cost of your car loan when you probably won’t ever use it.
9. Nitrogen-filled tires
Most non-car enthusiasts will first learn about nitrogen-filled tires when sitting at the dealership making a buying decision.
These tires tend to last a bit longer because they are better at maintaining tire pressure, but there’s no real value in spending hundreds of dollars to choose this type of tire at the dealership unless you’re buying a race car.
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10. Dent protection
Bodywork or dent protection sounds like a nice benefit to have, especially if you’ve previously been in an accident where you had to pay out of pocket.
These policies have dozens of limitations and exclusions that often make them worthless when you need to file a claim.
If you already have comprehensive collision insurance, you may not need these services at all.
11. Window tinting
Window tinting may be ideal if you live in an area with a lot of sunlight or are worried about someone peeping into your car to steal what you leave behind.
But the truth is, that window tinting (along with any type of film protection) from your manufacturer is usually overpriced. If you need it, turn to a third-party applicator.
12. Trunk trays and upgraded floor mats
Trunk trays can be expensive — as much as $700 for some vehicles.
While they offer protection against spills and stains, they are far more expensive to buy from the manufacturer than buying an aftermarket product.
You can purchase them for far less on your favorite online deal website. The same applies to upgraded floor mats. They offer no real benefit from the manufacturer.
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13. Credit life insurance
Some dealerships now offer credit life insurance (also often called credit disability insurance or unemployment insurance).
The bottom line is these policies promise to keep making payments on your car loan if you meet one of the qualifications listed and cannot make those payments yourself, such as if you become disabled.
While this type of insurance could be beneficial, buying it from the manufacturer or dealership isn’t ideal. Turn to a third party, including your existing car insurance provider that may offer a far more affordable option.
14. A more expensive car
Here’s the worst way car dealerships can get you — they upsell you to a version of your car that’s far more expensive with extra features, specialized paint jobs, or a more powerful engine.
You may even get a vehicle with features equivalent to the one you originally considered, but because it’s a luxury brand, you’ll pay more for it.
Don’t get swayed into buying a more expensive vehicle that doesn’t fit your budget.
15. Car key insurance
Yes, there’s such a thing, though it’s a newer add-on cost.
Here’s how they get you on this one. You’ll learn that car keys are expensive to replace when lost (this is true), often requiring a $500 payment to purchase a new one and have it reprogrammed.
After you tell them this, the sales team will offer car key insurance, which would help cover the replacement.
First, ask your car insurance provider if your policy already includes this coverage. If not, you can save money on insurance by purchasing a $20 tracking device to attach to your keychain instead.
Bottom line
Many of these add-on services and features are meant to increase car dealerships' profit margins at your expense.
When entering a dealership, view the sales professional as just that — someone trying to make the biggest sale possible. The best of them are friendly and supportive, but be leery any time they offer anything extra.
Finally, and most importantly, ask questions about what this “upgrade” will cost you in the long term so you make these smart car owner moves .
Money tips that can work for everyone
No matter what your bank account balance is, there's always an opportunity to optimize and improve your finances. Here's a quick checklist of things you can look at today.
Focus on paying off your debt. Debt can hold you back from making progress with your overall financial well-being. Aside from cutting expenses, there are tools that can help you pay off debt faster like balance transfer credit cards and debt counseling.
Earning extra income can give you breathing room. If finances are tight, earning some extra money to supplement your income can make a huge difference. A new job is one option to consider, but if you're not ready to make a big change or already retired, a part-time side job could be a better choice.
Cut your expenses. It sounds painful and so not fun, but it doesn't have to be. Take a look at your biggest expenses because that's where you'll probably find the biggest savings. For example, auto insurance rates have been soaring so shopping around for a new insurance company can be the fastest way to cut your bill. Also, look for ways to cut your grocery bill (despite rising inflation).
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