Fabric Protection
Dealerships love to sell you a "fabric shield" to guard against spills and stains. Know what else does that? Scotchgard. For about ten bucks. Unless your upholstery is made of cashmere and regret, skip this overpriced spritz and just keep your coffee in a travel mug like the rest of us.
Paint Protection
Sounds fancy, right? But most “paint protection” is just glorified wax with a big price tag. It won’t keep your paint safe from shopping cart dings or bird bombings. Save your cash and treat your ride to a good wash and wax every now and then instead.
VIN Etching
This one sounds high-tech, but it’s just your car’s VIN lightly scratched onto windows. Dealerships can charge $200+ for something you can DIY for under $25. Many insurance companies don’t even offer a discount for it. You’re better off writing your name on your lunch at work.
Nitrogen-Filled Tires
Sure, race cars use nitrogen. But for your Tuesday Target run? Not necessary. Regular air is 78% nitrogen anyway, and you won’t notice much difference unless you're on a racetrack. Tire pressure still drops over time, either way, so save the cash and stick with good old-fashioned breathable air.
Extended Warranties
They sound like a safety net, but most extended warranties are full of fine print and cover less than you’d think. Many drivers never end up using them—and if they do, the coverage can be disappointing. Plus, your car already comes with a factory warranty. Don’t pay extra for peace of mind you already have.
Rustproofing
Unless you plan on driving through a salt mine or launching your car into the sea, skip this crusty upsell. Modern cars are already built to resist rust like champs. Paying extra for dealer rustproofing is like buying an umbrella for your fish. Totally unnecessary—and your wallet deserves better.
Window Tinting
While tinted windows look cool, dealer-applied tinting often costs double what you’d pay at a local auto shop—and sometimes the quality’s not even as good. If you want your ride to feel like a VIP limo, shop around first. Just make sure the tint’s legal before you roll up like Batman.
Alarm System Upgrades
Many new cars already come with built-in alarm systems. Yet some dealers still try to upsell “advanced” ones that don’t add much except a bigger bill. Want real security? Park in well-lit areas, lock your doors and stop leaving your entire life on the passenger seat. Problem mostly solved.
Key Protection Plans
Yes, car keys are expensive. But unless you’re constantly losing them in the couch cushions, an expensive key insurance plan probably won’t pay off. You might be better off putting that money in a “whoops” fund and a good ol’ Bluetooth key finder.
Wheel and Tire Coverage
This sounds good until you read the exclusions. Many plans don’t cover cosmetic damage or curb rash, which is exactly what people want it for! Unless you drive through pothole fields daily, this is often a “nice try” from the finance office. Pro tip: just don’t park near granite curbs.
Dealer Prep Fees
This one’s a doozy. Some dealers charge hundreds just to “prep” the car—which means removing plastic wrap and checking the tire pressure. Hate to break it to you, but that should already be part of the price. Paying extra for basic housekeeping? No, thanks.
Lifetime Oil Changes
This sounds amazing until you realize it often locks you into that dealership’s service center forever, and appointments can be a nightmare. Plus, there’s fine print that limits frequency. Independent shops or DIY oil changes will save you more in the long run—without a “forever” contract.
Market Adjustment Fees
These popped up big during the car shortage, but now they’re just dealers being sneaky. It’s just a markup with a fancy name. If you’re paying more than sticker price “just because,” walk away—or negotiate like a boss. You deserve leather seats, not leather-flayed pricing.
LoJack or GPS Tracking Systems
Car theft prevention is smart, but the tech in most new cars already does this. Dealership-installed GPS systems are overpriced and outdated. You’re better off using your car’s built-in tracking or even a smartphone app. Unless you’re James Bond, no one’s coming for your Corolla.
