When you buy new or used from a car dealer, you could drive home with more than a new set of wheels. A number of options, accessories and dealer add-ons could come along for the ride, bundled into the monthly payment. They can add up, so consider them carefully. This guide should help you decide what’s right for you, and show you how to refuse dealer add-ons and dealer accessories.
What are dealer options?
Dealer options are features or services that go above and beyond the car’s original spec sheet, or in other words, the features the car is built with. Not all dealer add-ons are installed at the dealer, however. This may vary by manufacturer or model.
Factory installed
If you’re ordering a new car, you may be able to choose specific factory installed options, to be added to your car while it’s being built. Such options may include upgraded infotainment systems or bigger wheels. These items and their prices are added to the car’s Monroney, or window sticker, that shows how the car is configured when it is new and the total price.
Port-installed
A vehicle that is built in an overseas factory may have options installed by the automaker when it arrives in the United States. Common port-installed options include roof rails, tow hitches, and cargo management systems. These features may be part of the vehicle’s original specifications, or they may have been requested by the dealership or the car’s buyer. They are included on the car’s window sticker.
Dealer installed
Dealer installed options are sometimes requested by the customer, but they’re often added by the dealership to increase the vehicle’s profit margin. Such options may include all-weather floor mats, cargo storage systems, roof racks, paint protection packages, or graphics packages.
Are dealer options worth it?
Dealer options may be worth it, if the dealer is offering a feature you actually want. For example, if you like the roof rack the dealership is trying to sell you with your new SUV and you were planning to buy one anyway, you may find it’s worth it. This can be a particularly good choice if you have a low interest financing deal on your new car, because dealer options will be included in the car’s price.
What are the most common dealer add-ons?
The most common dealer installed options include extended warranties, paint protection and rustproofing packages, and upholstery protection packages. However, some dealers may offer electronics, infotainment, or other accessories.
Rustproofing and undercoating
Cars our parents and grandparents bought years ago were far more prone to rust, so rustproofing and undercoating became popular ways to try thwarting the tin worm. Even then, results varied greatly. Cars today are much better protected and have longer warranties. Regular washing, including rinsing of the undercarriage and wheel wells, should do just fine.
Extended warranty
When considering an extended warranty, look closely at the details. Some warranties only kick in when the pre-existing factory warranty expires or limits are reached. They might carry deductibles. You may also be restricted to use certain dealers or shops for warranty repairs.
Infotainment system
The lack of infotainment in a vehicle can be a deal breaker. Parents need to keep kids from getting too antsy on road trips with gaming and DVD options, and even lone commuters appreciate satellite radio and navigation systems.Weigh the costs of portable components against integrated systems, and then the installation costs of the dealer versus an aftermarket shop.
Upholstery treatment
Sometimes it’s easier to keep the outside of your car clean than the inside, especially with a family. Some vehicles come with fabric protection from the factory, while for others it’s easily added on your own with a can or two of protectant from the store. Combine this with regular vacuuming and spot treatment of messes when they happen, and you’ll have all the protection needed.
Nitrogen tire fills
Some dealers add nitrogen to a car’s tires, thanks to its purported benefit of helping maintain proper tire pressure. This add-on can cost $100 or more, nearly all of which is pure profit for the dealer. This is a tricky add-on to negotiate, because it’s usually already been done and added to the cost of the car.
Paint protection
Like rustproofing and undercoating, newer cars resist showing their wear better than ever. The clearcoat finish is there for a reason, protecting the paint. Regular washing and waxing is probably all the paint protection you’ll need. And along the same lines, be wary of add-on graphic packages. They’re like a tattoo, only for your car. And we all know tats never come with regret. Unlike ink, these can be removed easily but often exaggerate paint fade on the rest of the car. Highly subjective, so give it a lot of thought.
Alarm
Late-model cars come standard with various degrees of anti-theft systems, though some buyers want the peace of mind afforded by a full-on alarm. Infamous for their random panicking, they have to be installed by a qualified tech either at the dealer or an aftermarket shop; proceed with caution. You could also consider a more subtle tracking system.
Window treatment
Window tinting can be an attractive and practical option, and a dealer should be knowledgeable in the tint gradients allowed by local law. Just compare quoted prices against those of a reputable aftermarket installer.
VIN etching
Window etching is a process that permanently marks glass with your car’s vehicle identification number (VIN) to deter thieves. However, the VIN is already visible from outside your car (lower corner of the dash, driver’s side). Plus if a thief really wants your car for parts, not being able to resell the glass is a minor detail in the grand scheme.
Key replacement
This covers the cost of making a replacement key for your car. The value of this depends on how many keys come with your car if buying used, not to mention the cost of replacing a key on your particular vehicle. If you have a separate fob for keyless entry and a traditional, outer-cut key, key replacement coverage might not be cost-effective. Center-cut keys and more complex systems incur higher costs for duplicates, so the coverage could benefit you if the limits are reasonable for the price.
How do you say no to dealer add-ons?
Treat dealer add-ons like a normal part of the car-buying process. It’s an upsell, just like a salesperson trying to convince you to buy a more expensive model of car than what you actually want. State clearly that you aren’t interested in any add-ons and you plan to buy the car as it is, at the agreed-upon price.
car dealership
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common dealer add-ons?
The most common dealer installed options include extended warranties, paint protection and rustproofing packages, and upholstery protection packages.
What are examples of dealer-installed options?
If you’re wondering what new car add-ons to avoid or consider, in addition to services like extended warranties, many dealerships offer options like tow hitches or towing packages, roof racks, or wheel and tire packages.
What does dealer added options mean?
Dealer added options are accessories, packages, or services that are added to your new or used car at the time of purchase.
How do you say no to dealer add ons?
If you’re wondering how to refuse dealer add-ons, it’s simple. Calmly say that you aren’t interested in any, and make sure you read through all paperwork to ensure nothing has been added.
Are dealer add-ons negotiable?
Generally, yes. Negotiating dealer add-ons is possible, just like any other part of the car-buying process.
Are add-ons from the dealership a good idea?
They can be. If there’s a product or feature that you want, then it’s fine to negotiate for them. Dealer add-ons aren’t inherently bad; the problem is when you’re pressured to buy a product or service you don’t want or need.
How can I figure out if dealer add-ons have already been installed?
It may come as a surprise that used car dealer add-ons are also a possibility. Whether you’re shopping new or used, ask the salesperson if you’re being charged for any add-ons or aftermarket accessories.
How can I avoid the extra costs of add-ons?
This is part of the regular negotiation process of buying a car. If you don’t want anything that doesn’t come with the car, simply say so. You might have to say so several times, but it’s all part of the process.