Buying a car is an exciting experience, but once you’re in the dealership, it can quickly turn into a game of dodging unnecessary upsells. Salespeople are trained to push products that sound useful but are often overpriced or outright unnecessary.
Let’s take a closer look at these common dealership upsells and why you should pass on them.
Fabric Protection Plans
When you buy a new car, the dealer might act like your seats are under immediate threat from coffee spills or messy kids. They’ll offer a fabric protection plan, claiming it will shield your upholstery from stains and damage. But here’s the reality: most modern vehicles already come with stain-resistant materials as a standard feature. If you’re worried about keeping your seats clean, you can buy a good-quality fabric cleaner at a fraction of the cost.
VIN Etching Services
The idea of etching your vehicle identification number (VIN) onto your windows to deter theft might sound clever, but dealerships often overcharge for this simple process. They’ll frame it as a must-have security feature, with some even suggesting it could lower your insurance premiums. In truth, a DIY VIN etching kit costs about $20 and takes less than an hour to apply.
Many dealerships charge upwards of $200 for the exact same thing. Worse yet, many insurance companies barely recognize VIN etching as a theft deterrent, meaning you won’t save much, if anything, on premiums.
Extended Warranties
Dealerships make extended warranties sound like a safety net for costly repairs, but they often come with a long list of exclusions and limitations. Modern cars are designed to last, and most major issues don’t arise until long after an extended warranty would have expired. If you’re still tempted, take a closer look at what the warranty covers.
Paint Protection Coatings
A shiny, scratch-free car is appealing, so it’s no surprise that dealerships push paint protection coatings as a must-have. These coatings promise to shield your car from scratches, bird droppings, and UV rays, but in reality, your car’s factory paint job already has a durable clear coat.
If you want extra protection, a professional detailing service or a high-quality wax product will give you similar results at a lower cost.
Key Replacement Insurance
Losing your car keys is an inconvenience, but is it worth spending hundreds of dollars on key replacement insurance? Dealers like to emphasize the high cost of modern key fobs, which can indeed be pricey. However, unless you’re someone who regularly misplaces things, you’re unlikely to lose your keys often enough to justify the expense.
Nitrogen-Filled Tires
Nitrogen-filled tires are pitched as a way to improve fuel efficiency and maintain tire pressure over time. While it’s true that nitrogen leaks out more slowly than regular air, the difference is minimal for the average driver. Plus, nitrogen refills can be inconvenient and costly compared to free air pumps at most gas stations.
Unless you’re driving a race car or an airplane, nitrogen isn’t going to make a noticeable difference to your tires—or your wallet.
Dealer Maintenance Plans
Maintenance plans might seem like a convenient way to keep your car in top shape, but they often lock you into using the dealership for all your service needs. These plans typically include oil changes, tire rotations, and inspections, but the cost is usually much higher than what you’d pay at an independent shop.
On top of that, the dealership might push unnecessary services during your visits, leading to even more expenses. Look into local mechanics or quick-service chains for more affordable maintenance options.
Alarm Systems
While dealership-installed alarm systems sound like a great way to protect your car, they’re often redundant. Most modern vehicles already come with advanced anti-theft systems as part of their standard equipment. Dealership alarms don’t usually offer much additional protection, and they can cost hundreds of dollars.
Gap Insurance
Gap insurance can be valuable if you’re financing a car and expect its value to depreciate quickly, but dealerships almost always overcharge for this coverage. It’s designed to cover the difference between what you owe on your loan and the car’s actual value if it’s totaled.
Window Tinting
Tinted windows are a great way to keep your car cool and protect its interior, but dealership prices for this service are often significantly inflated. Local tinting shops can do the same job for a fraction of the price, and you’ll have more control over the level of tint you want.
Additionally, many states have strict regulations on window tinting, so make sure you’re getting a legal product, whether you go through the dealership or an independent shop.
Roadside Assistance Plans
Roadside assistance is a valuable service, but chances are, you already have it. Many car insurance policies, credit cards, or memberships like AAA include roadside assistance as part of their benefits. Dealerships often mark up the cost of these plans, making you pay for something you may never use—or already have. Double-check your existing coverage before agreeing to add this to your car purchase.
Tire and Wheel Protection Plans
These plans promise peace of mind by covering the cost of flat tires or damaged wheels, but they’re often overpriced. Most tire issues can be fixed inexpensively, and the chances of significant wheel damage are slim for the average driver. Additionally, many new car warranties already include basic tire protection. Unless you drive in hazardous conditions frequently, this add-on is unlikely to be worth the price.
Lifetime Oil Changes
Lifetime oil change packages sound like a great deal, but they often come with strings attached. These plans typically require you to return to the dealership for every oil change, which can be inconvenient and expensive for other services. Plus, they often limit how many oil changes you can get per year, making the “lifetime” aspect more of a marketing gimmick than a reality. A local mechanic or quick-lube shop is usually a better option.
Door Edge Guards
Door edge guards are small plastic strips that protect your car’s doors from chips and scratches. While they’re not a bad idea, dealerships charge an excessive amount for them. You can find similar products online for a fraction of the cost, and they’re easy to install yourself.
Wheel Locks
Wheel locks are marketed as a way to prevent theft, but unless you have expensive custom wheels, they’re not really necessary. Most car thieves aren’t interested in stock wheels, and wheel locks can be a hassle for you when it comes to maintenance or emergencies. If you’re worried about wheel theft, aftermarket options are often cheaper and easier to use.
Dealer-Installed Accessories
Roof racks, bike carriers, and custom floor mats are convenient, but buying them through the dealership is almost always more expensive than buying them aftermarket. These items are widely available online or at specialty stores, often for much less.
Installing them yourself or having them professionally installed elsewhere can save you a significant amount of money without sacrificing quality.
Interior Lighting Kits
Custom interior lighting kits can add a fun personal touch to your car, but dealership-installed kits come with a steep markup. You can find affordable kits online that are easy to install, and they often offer more customization options. Spending hundreds of dollars for something you can DIY doesn’t make sense, especially when the end result is nearly identical.