13 Worthless Products That Car Dealerships May Try to Sucker You Into Buying

Young couple talking with saleswoman at car dealership

Whether you buy a new car or a used one, chances are the car dealership will try to sucker you into purchasing various add-ons.

Granted, adding some of the products they offer as an upsell can be a good idea, but you can usually get them far cheaper elsewhere without the dealership markup.

Before you step into the seller’s office, you should already have a clear plan and budget, as even the simplest item can add hundreds of dollars to the sticker price.

Extended Warranties

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As its name implies, the extended warranty typically begins when the manufacturer’s warranty expires, usually after 3–5 years or 36,000–60,000 miles.

According to a Consumer Reports study, most car owners spent more money on extended warranties than they saved on actual repairs. In most cases, you’re better off saving some money every month than paying for the extended warranty.

Credit Insurance

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There’s a good chance the car salesperson will try to convince you that you need credit insurance. This insurance can cost several hundred dollars annually, but if you lose your job, become disabled (or even die), your car payments will be covered.

Whether credit insurance is a good idea depends on several individual factors, but you’re pretty much guaranteed to get a better deal by contacting your insurance provider. That way, you won’t pay any dealer markups. It’s also illegal for dealerships to tell you they can’t sell you a car unless you buy the coverage.

GAP Insurance

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GAP, or Guaranteed Asset Protection insurance, is a much more sensible add-on than the others we’ve mentioned. Basically, the insurance company will compensate you for the purchase price if you total the car shortly after financing it.

Usually, once you drive a car off the lot, it’ll depreciate substantially, but with GAP insurance, you don’t need to worry about that. However, you’re better off buying it from your insurance provider than the dealership; that way, you’ll save money and won’t potentially be dealing with some obscure insurance company you’ve never heard of.

Fabric Protection

Car leather interior
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If you have pets or small children, you may be tempted to opt for the fabric protection the dealership offers. After all, stains can be hard to get out of the fabric, and paying a detailer to get it done won’t be cheap. Surely, spending a couple of hundred dollars is worth it?

Nope! You can save hundreds by purchasing a $10 bottle of spray-on 3M Scotchgard, which the dealership will essentially do.

Paint Protection

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Paint protection is another add-on that’s usually a waste of money. There’s nothing wrong with paint protection, but modern paints are resilient and withstand the elements, with sealant and antirust properties mixed in. Washing and waxing your car can keep it nice and shiny for years.

Depending on the method used, paint protection can cost anywhere from a few hundred to a couple of thousand dollars. Still, the dealership is typically much more expensive than getting it done elsewhere.

Windshield Protection

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Windshield protection is another optional extra that sounds like a good idea, as replacing it can be very expensive. But realistically, how often have you experienced a cracked windshield?

Minor stone chips and cracks can often be fixed with resins, and if you put a small amount aside every month, you’ll soon save enough to replace the windshield.

Window & Mirror Etching

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Dealerships may claim that having your car’s VIN number etched onto the glass and/or mirrors is an added security measure, but there aren’t many sources to support that claim. In addition, some police stations will do it for you for free.

In reality, it does nothing to help prevent theft. Some insurers may offer a small discount, but many don’t recognize it as a deterrent. Save your money and invest in a GPS tracker system instead.

Window Tints/Clear Protection

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Window tints or clear UV protection can be a great idea, but that doesn’t mean you should order the seller’s add-on. Sometimes, they won’t install it themselves and just hire a third-party installer while pocketing the profits.

You’re better off taking your new car to a reputable window tint specialist and having them do it. Chances are you’ll probably save some money in the process.

Tire Protection

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Unless you’re buying a high-performance car with super-expensive wheels and tires, tire protection is one of the most useless add-ons. Depending on the brand, dealerships may charge you anywhere from $10 to $500 per corner.

Many car tires come with a factory warranty; even if they don’t, the chances of having a puncture are relatively low. Even if you get a flat tire, it can often be plugged and repaired.

Nitrogen-Filled Tires

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Nitrogen-filled tires are touted as the greatest thing since sliced bread by some dealerships. It’s not. In fact, in most cases, it’s a waste of money. Your friendly car salesperson will try to convince you that nitrogen-filled tires are less susceptible to temperature-based pressure expansion and reduction.

In the real world, it makes virtually zero difference. Just check your tire pressure regularly, and you’ll save a few hundred bucks.

Rust-Proofing and Undercoating

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Cars indeed had to be rust-proofed in the past. Otherwise, you could almost watch them disappear before you — especially in cold climates where salt is used on the roads.

These days, new vehicles have excellent corrosion protection from the factory. There’s no need to pay for extra rust-proofing and undercoating. In fact, unless they’re very good at it, it may be improperly applied, which can trap moisture and make the car rust sooner.

Key Replacement Insurance

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Losing your car keys can potentially cost a small fortune if you own a modern car. However, paying for insurance that costs almost as much as actually losing the keys makes no sense.

Keep your spare key somewhere safe. If necessary, you can easily replace a lost key if you have a couple of hundred dollars in the bank.

Upgraded Floor Mats

Car floor mat
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A set of “heavy-duty” floor mats is a good idea if you live in an area with a lot of mud, rain, or snow. However, if that’s not the case, you probably won’t need the thick rubber mats. Some cars come with standard mats, and those will do just fine in warm and dry climates.

If you do need heavy-duty mats, you can sometimes get a set of custom mats for the same price as the dealership charges, or you can find some generic ones for a lot less.

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