New Car Buying Tips: Avoid These Costly Extras

Prices of new vehicles are expected to increase by $1,000 or more with the new Trump Administration tariffs.

Save money by avoiding costly extras, such as extended warranties and paint protection, offered by dealers. These add-ons help their bottom line but not yours.

According to Consumer Reports, many of these add-ons are built into the vehicle by the manufacturer, so there’s no sense in paying for them twice.

Just say no to these dealer extras –

Says Gabe Shenhar, associate director at Consumer Reports’ Auto Test Center, “If you didn’t ask for an add-on, you don’t have to pay for it, even if the car already has it.”

VIN Etching

What it is: Engraving the car’s VIN, or vehicle identification number, into the windows to deter vehicle theft and assist in vehicle recovery if stolen. Dealers may say they are required by law to offer it. While that may be true, you are not required to take it—or to pay for it.

What it costs: Between $200 and $300 on most vehicles.

Beware of dealers who sell the car pre-etched and try to charge you for this unnecessary service.

Why you should say no: It’s unnecessary.

All new cars have VINs stamped in multiple places, including under the hood and inside the doorjambs.

Paint & Stain Protection

What they are: “Protective” coatings are sold as a way to maintain paint luster and prevent underbody rust. Interior sprays are meant to improve stain resistance.

What it costs: Around $600 for paint protection and $800 for rustproofing, though pricing may vary widely among dealers.

Why you should say no: The frame, exterior paint, and interior fabrics in today’s new cars are designed to last a decade or longer, so extra protection isn’t necessary.

Periodic cleaning is all the car needs to look good for years.
Read more about the cars most likely to have paint problems.

Extended Warranty Coverage

What it is: This insurance covers defects that could arise after the car is no longer covered by the factory warranty.

What it costs: Prices vary widely, but on the high end it can easily add $2,000 or more to the total price of your car.

And if you finance that charge, it will cost even more because of the interest you’ll pay.

Why you should say no: Most new cars already come with factory-backed protection, which usually lasts several years and tens of thousands of miles.

Powertrain warranties typically last longest and cover the vehicle’s most expensive parts.
Learn more about car extended warranties.

how to measure tire tread — photo: Consumer Reports

Wheel and Tire Warranty

What it is: Specific coverage for wheel and tire damage due to driving over curbs, potholes, and other road hazards.

What it costs: Pricing varies. Chad Fritsche, a Chevrolet salesperson in Kentucky, says his dealership charges about $700 for the coverage.

Why you should say no: Most cars don’t have the expensive low-profile tires that are more damage-prone. “If you’re buying an $80,000 Corvette, it might be worth getting this coverage because those wheels are pricey,” Fritsche says.

Check to see what your insurance covers.
Learn more about tire warranties.

Nitrogen-Filled Tires

What they are: The pitch is that nitrogen-filled tires are less susceptible to the pressure changes that come with fluctuations in temperature than tires filled with regular air. Some dealers will prefill tires with nitrogen, affixing green tire stem caps as proof that it has been done.

What it costs: Shenhar says that he has had dealers try to tack on $400 for this.

Why you should say no: Air is mostly nitrogen anyway. Ryan Pszczolkowski, manager of CR’s tire program, says all tires lose pressure over time, regardless of what’s inside them.

Learn more about using nitrogen in car tires.

Pinstriping and Other Embellishments

What they are: Add-ons like mud flaps, door edge guards, and decorative stripes along the side of the car that may be offered to personalize a vehicle, and increase dealer profit.

How it costs: Dealer-added items can pad the price by hundreds of dollars or more before factoring financing into the cost.

Why you should say no: Unless you specifically asked for something, you should refuse to pay for it, Shenhar says: “The car should be ready to go when it arrives from the factory. Just be sure floor mats, the window sticker, two sets of keys, and the owner’s manual are included.”

This article first appeared in Consumer Reports magazine and has been rewritten and updated by ecoXplorer.

ecoXplorer Evelyn Kanter is a journalist with 25+ years of experience as a newspaper and magazine writer, radio & TV news producer & reporter, and author of guidebooks and smartphone apps – all focusing on travel, automotive, the environment and your rights as a consumer.