4 Useless Products a Reputable Car Dealership Will Never Try To Sell You

Finally, the moment you’ve been waiting for has arrived. You’ve just taken the keys of a new or new-to-you car, marking the culmination of a lot of hard work researching and saving . Right as you’re about to drive off the lot, the oh-so-helpful sales rep starts whispering in your ear. There are so many bells and whistles and other nifty features you should explore. Don’t you at least want to hear more?

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It’s not uncommon for disreputable car dealerships to try and sell you a bunch of extra products that you frankly don’t need. They’re banking on the average car shopper not understanding what these features are, and using your ignorance as their financial bliss.

Fortunately, there are plenty of reputable car dealerships and sales reps who would never dream of violating your trust. GOBankingRates connected with Mark Beneke, co-owner of Westland Auto Sales , to help you understand which products an honorable car dealership would never try to sell you .

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VIN Etching

If you haven’t heard the term “VIN etching” before, it’s pretty much exactly what it sounds like: when your vehicle identification number is etched directly onto your windows. Beneke said it’s often touted as a theft deterrent. However, its efficacy is highly questionable.

“It’s very unlikely a criminal will stop to check if the windows were etched and decide to move on,” he said. “Not to mention that newer anti-theft technology and features are much more advanced now, rendering this a useless money grab.”

That money grab can go as low as $10-$20 or be included as a special service. However, VIN etching can also reach hundreds of dollars.

“VIN etching is something that costs the dealer $10-$20, and there are dealers that sell the service for over $500, while others sell it at cost or throw it in as a bonus,” he added.

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Overlapping Service Contracts

While most cars come with a manufacturer warranty or dealer-provided warranty (for used cars), there are some dealers who will push buyers into shelling out for extended service contracts that overlap on nearly identical components from the free warranty.

“While I do believe that a service contract can be useful, it’s crucial for you to look over the terms and make sure you’re not being sold a redundant product,” Beneke said.

Paint, Fabric and Rust-Prevention Packages

These features may seem like a must-have no-brainer on any car, but Beneke encouraged thinking about the big picture. Do you actually live in an area where the elements traditionally wreak havoc on vehicles? Unless you live in an area where heavy flooding or violent storms are the norm, you might want to pass on these packages, or at least regard them only as a luxury.

“Dealerships know that they can charge a hefty price for them and most people will never use them. It’s an easy profit for them but also an easy way to see who you’re dealing with,” Beneke said.

Fabric protection can sometimes cost upward of $100, depending on the dealership, while paint protection can run at least $400 for new cars — though sometimes, dealers bring the two features together in a single package.

High-End Maintenance Packages

Beneke is generally a fan of maintenance packages as an add-on for most car buyers, especially if they make a point of keeping up with the schedule and using the package to its full value. But all maintenance packages are not created equally.

“However, there are certain dealers that offer different tiers of maintenance packages which cover services rarely needed and that most people will never use. They will charge a pretty penny for these higher-end packages and be pushed on you with fear,” he said.

Beneke was quick to say that he recommends knowing which, if any, add-on packages you’re interested in before the dealer presents them to you. “This way, you will have a game plan going into things and can comfortably say no to anything that falls outside of what you want or need,” he said.

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com : 4 Useless Products a Reputable Car Dealership Will Never Try To Sell You