Pricey Or Passable
You just bought a car and suddenly, you're offered a dozen extras you didn’t ask for. It’s a familiar game: upsell after upsell, all wrapped in glossy promises. Sure, dealerships are expensive by default, but some of these charges border on absurd. Luckily, not every add-on is a ripoff. Let’s look at 10 that drain your wallet, and 10 that are considered to be comparatively less pricey.
Antoni Shkraba Studio on Pexels
1. Extended Warranty Packages
Dealerships mark up these packages by 100% or more, turning a potential $1,500 cost into a $3,000 expense. Most major repairs actually occur after these extended plans expire. Plus, cancellation fees apply even if you never file a single claim.
2. Paint Protection Film
The same protective film that costs around $800 at independent shops suddenly becomes a $2,500 "investment" when retailers get involved. What they won't tell you upfront is that this supposedly "scratch-proof" miracle worker can yellow over time if poorly installed.
Should You Buy Extended Warranty On A Car? OR ANY Finance Office Products? by Car Help Corner
3. VIN Etching
For something that takes less than 10 minutes to complete yourself, some folks dare to charge $200–$500. This service involves etching the vehicle identification number onto the car’s windows as a theft deterrent because parts with visible VINs are harder to sell.
VERIFY: Is VIN etching beneficial? by KHOU 11
4. Nitrogen-Filled Tires
Born from the high-performance worlds of aircraft and racing, nitrogen tire filling has somehow migrated to everyday commuter cars, where it delivers minimal benefit. Regular air already contains 78% nitrogen, making this $100–$200 service largely redundant for everyday driving conditions.
5. Ceramic Coating
Independent shops will apply the same ceramic coating for half the price, yet dealers confidently ask for $1,000–$2,000 while making bold claims about "lifetime protection." This coating won't stop dings, scratches, or chips—the very damage most owners worry about most.
6. Fabric Protection Packages
Walk into any grocery store and you'll find fabric protection sprays for under $20 that deliver the same results as packages costing $400–$700. The real truth rarely disclosed is that this protection demands reapplication over time to remain effective.
Zirconite Fabric Protector by ConceptChemicals
7. Rustproofing Services
Modern automotive engineering has already solved the rust problem that plagued automobiles decades ago, with manufacturers pre-treating vehicles during production. Still, rustproofing services are being pushed, costing up to $1,000, targeting older buyers. In dry or warm climates, this service is irrelevant.
Annual Rustproofing Inspection and Service by DT Rustproofing
8. Key Replacement Insurance
You pay $200–$500 for key replacement insurance when actual replacement keys generally cost about $100. Smart keys have evolved to become water-resistant and traceable, significantly reducing loss scenarios. Your existing home insurance policy may already cover key loss without additional premiums.
Mix and Match Studio on Pexels
9. Window Tinting Add-On
Professional tinting shops charge approximately $250 for these services, not the markup of $400–$900, but the price difference tells only part of the story. Dealership tinting quality varies dramatically, generally resulting in films that fade or peel faster than professionally installed versions.
How long to tint 4 door windows? by Tint Studio
10. Premium Sound System Upgrade
Apparetly, those "premium" upgrades use identical components to base systems, which are simply rebranded with fancier names. These $1,200–$5,000 upgrades lack subwoofers, while offering limited equalizer control for sound customization. Aftermarket options consistently deliver superior sound quality.
Ultimate Tesla Audio Upgrade: Alpine's Premium Sound System by i1Tesla
Now for the ones that don’t feel like financial betrayal.
1. All-Weather Floor Mats
Smart car owners know that protection beats restoration every time, which is why all-weather floor mats represent one of the few dealer add-ons that actually make sense. These custom-fit protectors shield against spills, grime, and pet hair while remaining easily removable for cleaning.
This is why you should NOT buy WeatherTech floor mats. by Tommy L Garage
2. USB Charging Kit
The beauty of modern technology lies in its simplicity, and USB charging kits personify this perfectly with their plug-and-play installation requiring zero tools. Dealers mark these up to $10–$45 when identical kits cost $10–$20 online, representing a manageable price difference.
This Tiny USB Charger Is a Total Charging Hack for your Car! by Patriot Games
3. Cargo Nets & Organizers
Every grocery run becomes an adventure in physics when items slide around your trunk, but cargo nets solve this problem for a fraction of what you'd expect. Universal fit designs make these accessories transferable between automobiles, extending their usefulness beyond single-car ownership.
EASY Cargo Net Storage Solution: Car, Van or SUV Camping Setup (Honda Pilot Camper) by JC Journey
4. License Plate Frames
Pure aesthetics drive this particular add-on. It usually costs around $40–$70. State regulations complicate matters since many jurisdictions ban designs that obscure tag information, potentially creating legal headaches. Sports teams and novelty styles dominate the aftermarket, giving car owners unlimited personalization options.
Carbon Fiber License Plate Frames Reviewed: Which One Wins? by Driver's Therapy
5. Touch-Up Paint Kits
Precision matters when matching automotive paint, and these folks excel at providing exactly the right color code for your specific vehicle. Their $25–$50 kits include built-in applicators made for easy use on minor chips and door dings. Professional color matching eliminates guesswork.
6. First Aid Kits
Medical emergencies don't announce themselves, making first aid kits a seemingly logical automotive investment. Priced at $30–$50, the kits contain gauze, gloves, bandages, and antiseptic wipes. Dealer prices may vary, but such kits are usually among the cheaper add-ons.
Mathurin NAPOLY / matnapo on Unsplash
7. Trunk Cargo Tray
Carpeting replacement costs far exceed prevention, which makes trunk cargo trays a genuinely wise investment. These protective barriers shield interior surfaces from dirt, liquids, and the inevitable chaos of transporting pets, plants, or messy groceries. Retailers charge $80–$150 for trays.
HIPPO TECHMAT full cargo tray montero 2016-2022 by Frances Floresca
8. Oil Change Packages
Prepaid maintenance is a gamble on your future driving habits, with $200–$500 packages covering multiple oil changes at approximately $50 each. These plans remain non-transferable between locations, which tends to limit flexibility for drivers who relocate or prefer different service centers.
Conventional Oil Change Service Packages -- Pep Boys by Pep Boys Auto
9. Mud Flaps/Splash Guards
Regional weather patterns determine whether mud flaps represent essential protection or unnecessary accessories, with rainy and snowy climates benefiting most from debris deflection. These simple devices elongate paint and undercarriage life by blocking road spray and small projectiles that cause long-term damage.
Universal ROCKSTAR™ Splash Guard Mud Flap Install Video by ROCKSTAR Mud Flaps
10. Sunshades & Visors
These are generally priced on the lower end compared to electronic or premium accessories. Sunshades and visors retail at $7–$20 for generic and $30–$65 for custom-fit. They help keep the interior cool and protect the dash from UV.
Auto Expressions-How to Properly Set Up Sun Shades by O'Reilly Auto Parts
