Skip These 7 Vehicle Add-Ons and Services, Save Thousands By Taylor Brown

A vehicle shopper has got to be careful during all phases of the purchasing process: the pre-shopping research, the comparing of auto financing services, the choosing of a vehicle, and, finally, the selecting or refusing of add-ons. Unfortunately, many consumers feel that their work is done by the time they reach this last step, and they are elated by the prospect of driving off the lot in their new vehicle. All of this can end up leading to bad decisions. Just by turning down the seven vehicle add-ons and services described below, a buyer can potentially save thousands of dollars.

1. The first service to avoid is the processing fee, which can be as high as $400. Although car dealers may say that this fee is non-negotiable, the fact is that everything is negotiable. Remember, the dealer wants to sell this vehicle as much, if not more, than you want to buy it, so you do have negotiating leverage in cases like this.


2. The delivery charge is a relatively recent add-on that car-buying folks are being charged. However, it need not be this way. Buyers already pay a destination fee, listed on the window sticker, so be sure you fight to keep from paying a delivery charge.


3. Dealer preparation is little more than a money grab when it comes to buying a new car. After all, a new car that is not drive-ready when it leaves the factory is not a car to buy.


4. The advertising fee is already on the sticker price, so make sure that the dealer does not ding you for it twice. Some do. Don't let them get away with it.


5. While extra fabric protection may seem like a good idea, the truth is that modern fabrics do not require the extra protection provided by this treatment. And, if you still want fabric protection, do-it-yourself with a spray can of Scotchgard.


6. Paint protection is similar to fabric protection: it's outmoded. These days, with how advanced painting technology is, there is no need for extra protection other than washing and waxing your car on a regular basis.


7. Finally, while having your vehicle identification number etched into your car's windows is a smart anti-theft move, it is not smart to have it done by the dealer, where it can set you back upwards of $200. Instead of having this add-on done by the dealer, go to your local service clubs or police department and have it done for free or a just a nominal fee.

If you take these add-ons in sum total, they equate to literally thousands in added costs, but few of them are really of any value. Even if you do want to opt for one or more of these add-ons, they can typically be purchased for a lower price from a third-party provider.

These add-ons are especially troublesome for buyers with credit problems, as their heightened rate of interest already boosts the effective cost of the vehicle in the long run. For buyers with bad credit, it may be best to arrange financing ahead of time through a trusted brokering service such as these that serve Georgia and Tennessee, respectively.