Steer Clear: Add-Ons Dealerships Push That Aren’t Worth Your Money

Buying a new car is an exciting experience. Still, it can also be filled with pitfalls, especially when navigating through additional products and services dealerships might try to sell you. While some add-ons can be beneficial, others provide little to no value for the cost. Here’s a list of 18 products that dealerships often offer, but you may want to think twice before adding them to your purchase.  

Extended Warranties

Dealerships love offering extended warranties beyond the manufacturer’s original coverage. While it may seem intelligent, extended warranties often come with a high price tag and numerous exclusions, making them less valuable than they first appear.  

Fabric Protection

The upsell on fabric protection for your car’s interior is usually marked up significantly at dealerships. In most cases, you can easily purchase a fabric protection spray at a local store and apply it for a fraction of the cost.  

Vin Etching

Dealerships may offer to etch your vehicle’s identification number (VIN) into the car’s windows as a theft deterrent. While the idea sounds good, this is usually a service you can either do yourself or often find for less through local businesses.  

Paint Protection Film

While paint protection film might sound like an excellent way to keep your car looking new, it often costs a small fortune when purchased through a dealership. Many car owners find regular waxing provides sufficient protection for much less money.  

Nitrogen-Filled Tires

The concept behind nitrogen-filled tires is that they maintain air pressure longer than regular air-filled tires. However, the benefit is minimal for everyday drivers and certainly not worth the added expense.  

Key Replacement Insurance

Losing your car keys can be frustrating and expensive, but critical replacement insurance often costs more than simply getting a new key from a locksmith or the manufacturer. Make sure to weigh the costs before opting for this service.  

Rustproofing

Modern cars are already designed to resist rust, making the dealership’s additional rustproofing service generally unnecessary. Furthermore, aftermarket rustproofing could void sections of your manufacturer’s corrosion warranty.  

Gap Insurance

Gap insurance covers the difference between the car’s market value and what you owe on it. While it can be helpful in specific situations, purchasing it from a third-party provider is often cheaper than going to the dealership.  

Maintenance Packages

Dealerships offer prepaid maintenance packages that promise to make vehicle upkeep easier. However, these packages often cover only basic services and may lock you into getting your maintenance done at that dealership.  

Car Alarms and Security Systems

While car security is important, the markup of the dealership-installed alarms and security systems can be excessive. Many new cars already come with sufficient built-in security features. If you need additional security, third-party solutions are generally more cost-effective and offer similar, if not better, features. It’s worth shopping around and checking reviews before making a decision.  

Wheel Locks

Dealerships often offer wheel locks as an add-on, claiming they deter theft of your rims and tires. The effectiveness of these devices is debatable, and should you lose the unique key required to remove them, you may find yourself in a costly situation. Basic precautions like parking in well-lit areas are often just as effective at deterring theft.  

Credit Life Insurance

Some dealerships will offer credit life insurance that promises to pay off your car loan should you die before it’s fully paid. While the idea may seem prudent, these policies are often more expensive than regular term life insurance, which would cover the loan and provide for your family’s other needs. It’s advisable to consult with a financial advisor for a more comprehensive insurance strategy.  

Cargo Organizers

While having an organized trunk can be convenient, cargo organizers offered by dealerships are often priced much higher than similar products at other retailers or online. Unless it’s a specialized item designed to fit your specific model perfectly, you’re likely better off looking elsewhere for your organization’s needs.  

Premium Sound Systems

Many dealerships offer upgraded sound systems at a considerable markup. While these systems often provide enhanced sound quality, the improvement may not justify the cost for every buyer. Before committing, consider whether the standard sound system meets your needs or if a third-party system could offer similar quality at a lower price.  

Remote Start Systems

Remote start can be a tempting feature, especially in extreme weather conditions. However, the price for installation at a dealership is often far above what you would pay for a similar system elsewhere. Plus, improper installation could void your vehicle’s warranty, so it’s crucial to weigh the pros and cons carefully.  

Rear-Seat Entertainment Systems

These are often touted as essential for families, especially for long trips. While they provide entertainment, when added at a dealership, the cost can be significantly higher than portable devices or tablets that offer the same function but at a fraction of the price. Additionally, built-in systems can become obsolete quickly as technology advances.  

Towing Packages

If you plan on towing regularly, a towing package might seem like a wise investment. However, it’s important to consider the actual towing capacity of your vehicle and whether or not you can easily add a hitch and other necessary features yourself or through a third party for less money.  

Body Side Moldings

Some dealerships will recommend body-side moldings to protect your car’s doors from dings and scratches. While the intent is good, the cost of getting these installed at a dealership is often significantly higher than what you would pay elsewhere. Many aftermarket options provide the same level of protection at a fraction of the cost, and you can even install them yourself to save even more money.

Rejected by Today’s Standards: 18 Outdated TV Shows That Would Be Instantly Canned

When we cozy up with our favorite shows, it’s easy to forget that the world of television has evolved. While some shows from back in the day are remembered fondly, there are others that… well, let’s say they wouldn’t get past the first pitch today. Here’s a little tour down memory lane of some shows that, for various reasons, wouldn’t make the cut now.

Rejected by Today’s Standards: 18 Outdated TV Shows That Would Be Instantly Canned

Boomer Fads on Life Support: The 18 Trends Racing Towards Extinction!

Have you ever browsed through your grandparents’ attic or basement and encountered odd items? Those items and habits that have been part of the boomer era are now taking their final bow. Here’s a look at some soon-to-be relics.

Boomer Fads on Life Support: The 18 Trends Racing Towards Extinction!

15 Famous Quotes Guaranteed to Send Shivers Through Your Soul

Throughout history, profound words and statements have had the power to stir emotions, provoke thought, and inspire action. Because of their deep resonance or eerie insight, some can leave an indelible mark on our psyche. Here, we’ve curated a list of 15 chilling and profoundly impactful quotes that will linger in your mind long after you’ve read them.

15 Famous Quotes Guaranteed To Send Shivers Through Your Soul

Robbery in Plain Sight: 18 Tax Breaks for the Over 50s They Hope You’ll Never Discover

Let’s talk about money. Everyone loves keeping more cash in their pockets, don’t they? Well, there are these sneaky little things called tax breaks that a LOT of us are overlooking. Gasp! Yup, they’re there, waving at you from behind the paperwork. So let’s shed some light on 18 tax breaks that might be your new BFFs.

Robbery in Plain Sight: 18 Tax Breaks for the Over 50s They Hope You’ll Never Discover

Epic Boomer Blunders: 15 Epic Fails That Boggled Millennials

Generational divides have always been present, but the gap between Baby Boomers and Millennials has been particularly pronounced. While it’s essential to avoid overgeneralization, specific decisions and actions of the Boomer generation have notably made life challenging for Millennials. Here’s a rundown.

Epic Boomer Blunders: 15 Epic Fails That Boggled Millennials