Negotiating a car price can be exhausting. And just when you think you're all done, you may discover — thanks to add-on costs — the price you've agreed on isn't the one you'll actually pay. In fact, you may even be told you can't get out of it, because the add-on has already been added to all the cars on the lot. It can be tempting to throw in the towel and just agree, rather than face the prospect of doing this all over again at another dealership.
But what if some of the things they suggest sound tempting? Are they ever worth it? Some may be, if it's something really important to you (say, pinstripes). Others (rustproofing, anybody?) may not be. If you're buying a new car, it has already been treated; a supplemental treatment is likely not necessary. Here are some others you should consider carefully.
1. Fabric Protection
Your car should already have upholstery that wipes up fairly easily. Car manufacturers know we spill things, and they design cars accordingly. If you want additional protection, you can buy a spray-on fabric protectant and apply it yourself. Mike Quincy, auto content specialist at the Consumer Reports Auto Test Center in East Haddam, Conn., told Bankrate that new cars don't need it, and that humans could actually do without the chemical exposure.
2. VIN Etching
VIN etching can be a good thing — and police and car insurance agencies recommend it. It may even save you money on car insurance. However, having the dealer do it can add more than $100 to your cost, according to the Consumer Law Group. You can buy a kit and do it yourself for $20 to $30. Also, some police departments will do this for a small fee.
3. Extended Warranty
Particularly if you are buying a new car, you probably don't need an extended warranty, and the money would be better spent getting all the regular maintenance done. After all, problems caused by failure to do routine maintenance are not typically covered by a warranty, anyway. An exception may be if you are buying a car that is extremely expensive to repair. But in general, new cars tend to be reliable and Autotrader recommends against them, as veteran auto writer Doug DeMuro wrote recently.
4. Credit Insurance
What would happen if you became disabled, couldn't work and couldn't pay? Credit insurance might make sure that payments are made for a certain period of time or even that the vehicle is paid off. There are different kinds of insurance, with different conditions. All will increase your car payment. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau suggests giving it some thought and checking to see if there are less expensive options available. You do not have to sign up the same day you purchase your vehicle.