Just before you close the deal on the purchase or lease of a new car, you'll have to sit down with the finance office, which will try to upsell you with this add-on or that package. At this point, you're probably tired and just want to get out of the dealership and drive away in your new car, meaning your instinct might be to reject every add-on.
While many dealership add-ons are overpriced or don't really offer the consumer much of anything, a few do provide real value. The trick is to recognize which ones protect your investment and which are designed to merely pad the invoice.
Let's review three dealership add-ons that are worth considering instead of just nixing them off the bat.
Rustproofing and Underbody Protection
Rustproofing is one of the most common and debated dealership add-ons. It can be either a good investment or a total waste of money, depending on where you live. If you live somewhere with harsh winters, heavy road salt, coastal air, or high humidity, rustproofing can help extend the life of your new vehicle.
A proper rustproofing or more extensive underbody protection helps shield brake lines, suspension components, and your vehicle's frame from salt and moisture buildup. This can save you from having to pay for costly repairs down the road.
Tire and Wheel Protection Plans
The tires and wheels on every vehicle suffer constant abuse from cubs, potholes, inattentive driving, road debris, and weather conditions. Tire and wheel protection plans are often viewed as unnecessary, but they can be valuable for drivers in urban areas or areas with rough or poorly-maintained roads.
The rising cost of tires and wheels makes this add-on worth considering. A single bent rim or blown tire can cost you hundreds of dollars, or even thousands, to replace. If the plan you're being offered includes unlimited repairs or replacements, the upfront cost is worth it.
Extended Warranty
People laugh at extended warranties, thinking it's just another dealership cash grab. However, a well-structured vehicle service contract can afford some peace of mind, especially if you're getting a model that's prone to expensive repairs. Modern vehicles are comprised of complex systems that can fail after the factory warranty expires, which will cost you a lot of money and frustration.
You want to choose coverage that aligns with your ownership plans. Ultimately, an extended warranty should cover major components like the engine, infotainment system, transmission, and advanced driver-assistance features. If a plan is too vague or limited, then walk away or try to negotiate some improvements. A proper extended warranty can offer extensive protection.
Don't throw your money at every add-on a dealership offers. Be selective instead of dismissing them outright. This way, you can invest in certain protections that will provide peace of mind and help you avoid making a costly mistake. Remember, rustproofing makes sense if you live in a harsh climate, tire and wheel protection can save you a lot of money, and a well-negotiated extended warranty can prevent you from having to pay out of pocket for expensive repairs.
