Destination Fee
Destination fees are standard when you buy a new car at the dealership. It covers the transportation costs of moving the motor from the manufacturer to the showroom. But here's where things can get sketchy. The dealer might try to add additional delivery fees to the original number. So you've got to be cautious. Don't be afraid to double-check all the details, folks.
Dealer Preparation Fee
When picking up a new car, there's a good chance that you'll be hit by a dealer preparation fee. And it's easy to miss. This charge comes about after dealerships "prep" your vehicle. We're talking fluid checks, taking off the plastic wraps, cleaning the body — that kind of stuff. You can avoid it, though. Just ask them to remove the fee from the contract.
VIN Etching Fee
VIN etching is a pretty neat idea. By marking the car's identification number on the windows, you can deter criminals from stealing it. But remember this, folks — it's optional. If dealerships try to push it on you as a mandatory fee, don't fall for it. Instead, you can buy the tools that you need for VIN etching for a fraction of the cost online.
Vehicle Registration Fee
If you're registering a car with the DMV, you will be charged for it. There's no getting away from that! But here's where you need to be careful. When dealerships handle this job, they can overcharge you. To avoid this issue, take note of the DMV's rates and bring them with you to the dealer. Better safe than sorry, right?
Advertising Fee
Have you ever been hit with an advertising fee? If so, we're sorry to hear that! This charge is completely unnecessary. It comes about when dealers essentially pass their marketing costs on to buyers. That shouldn't happen, folks. Those expenses have nothing to do with you. So if you spot such a fee, don't be afraid to flag it up.
Window Tinting Fee
Dealerships can be quite crafty when it comes to window tinting. In many cases, this feature is automatically added to your car package — and you will be charged extra for it. Oof! If you've got no interest in tinting the windows, be sure to tell your dealer ahead of time. And the same can be said for our next entry, too...
Nitrogen Tire Fee
Why do people fill their tires with nitrogen? Simple — it's said to stabalize the pressure for a longer period. It also cuts down the risk of corrosion. But despite those positives, not everyone wants nitrogen-filled tires. If you're in that camp, be aware that some dealers might try to add it as an extra. Don't let it slip past you.
Extended Warranty
Have you been pressured into buying an extended warranty at the car dealership? You aren't alone on that front. They can be pretty persuasive! But remember — it's not a requirement. You can shop for extended warranties outside of the showroom, giving you the chance to compare prices. In most cases, you will find a better deal that way.
Sales Taxes
You can't swerve sales taxes, folks. It's an unavoidable fee. Mind you, there is a way to whittle down the charge when buying a vehicle. And it's pretty simple. Yep, all you need to do is trade-in your old car at the dealership. Its value will be deducted from the new motor's price, meaning you'll only be taxed on the difference.
Dealer Markup Fee
Dealer markup fees can be a real pain. It usually happens when a particular car is in high-demand. In those cases, dealerships might add a huge charge, known as a markup, just for the heck of it. Now, don't feel pressured into paying that fee. If you shop around other showrooms, you could see the same model without a crafty price bump.
Rebates
Never forget this, guys — rebates come directly from a car's manufacturer. Dealerships aren't involved here. But some dealers try to pass off the reduction as an exclusive price on their end. That's very cheeky! It might dissuade you from pursuing a better figure. So do a bit of research ahead of time. If there is a rebate, use that to your advantage.
Protection Products
When buying a new car, the dealer might try to turn your attention to a number of protection products. And they can seem quite enticing. Why wouldn't you want to protect your tires, keys, windshield, interior fabrics, or wheels? But here's something to keep in mind. In the vast majority of cases, those products are fairly useless. Dealerships use them to pad out their profits.
CARFAX Fee
If you're looking to buy a used vehicle, keep your eye out for its CARFAX report. This tool will outline the car's entire history. Now usually, the report will be provided to you by the dealership for free. But some dealers are known to charge a fee for it. That shouldn't happen. If you find yourself in that situation, ask for its removal.
Insurance Fees
Insurance fees can get complicated very quickly — especially when it comes to cars. What coverage should you go for? Dealerships might try to encourage you to invest in a guaranteed asset protection insurance plan. That isn't always wise, though. If you've already committed a strong down payment on the vehicle you want, you don't need to pay for a plan like that.
Rust-Proofing Fee
Here's something else to watch out for at the dealership — you might be offered a rust-proofing service on your new car. Don't fall for it, folks! Customers are constantly getting overcharged for this job. On top of that, the products that get used are usually quite lame. There's a good chance they won't work...
Paint Protection Fee
There's nothing wrong with wanting paint protection. Should you get it done at the car dealership, though? No way! Not only is the resulting fee shockingly high, but the products are often low-quality as well. In truth, you're better off doing it yourself or getting in touch with a professional detailer. It'll be cheaper.
Door Guard Fee
Door guards might seem like a really cool addition to your new car. But don't feel pressured into buying them from the dealer. The fee is usually inflated! Much like with paint protection, you can go down the DIY route here for a fraction of the cost. It's a no-brainer, wouldn't you agree?
Reconditioning Fee
Reconditioning fees come about when you buy a used car. It's a charge for the cost of inspecting and detailing the vehicle from the dealer. But you can avoid it, folks. If you ask for a breakdown of the work, and the fee doesn't reflect it, then you're in a strong position. Get it removed.
Pinstripe Fee
If you spot a car with pinstripes at the dealership, mind your step. There's a good chance that it'll boost the price. Now as it's an add-on, it shouldn't count as a mandatory fee. But if the dealer tries to tell you otherwise, use it to your advantage. Get negotiating, folks!
