Most people buying a new car end up paying more than the sticker price. But buyers should ultimately be in charge of what will bump up the price of a new car. Add-ons are a way to upsell buyers, in addition to providing features that drivers genuinely want.
So how do you avoid overpaying for your new car?
- First, determine how much money is in your budget to cover the full cost of owning a new vehicle.
- Then, become familiar with features that dealerships sell to car buyers for the model you are considering.
- Finally, decide which add-ons are must haves for you – and which are not.
To become more educated on the subject, consider some of the most common ways that dealers bump up the prices of new cars.
Extended Warranties
The extended warranty is a highly common way that car dealers make thousands of extra dollars on sales. However, keep in mind that a warranty may already be included in the cost of a new vehicle. As Kelley Blue Book puts it: “There are reputable companies that offer reliable warranties that can protect you from the cost of unexpected repairs. But there are at least as many, if not more, scammers looking to sell you a virtually useless extended warranty.”
Roof Racks
Unless you plan to strap bicycles or luggage on top of your car before your next road trip, you may want to reconsider this add-on. For one thing, racks can easily be installed on a vehicle after the fact. You may decide that the rear is a more practical location for your bike rack and that you want to find the most appropriate option for your needs.
In addition, a roof rack will add a couple inches to the height of the vehicle. You never know when you’re going to face a tight squeeze when heading toward a tunnel.
Various Types of Protection
Dealerships will often offer options for different types of promotions that can be added to a vehicle after the fact. And in many cases, it is difficult to know how much of a benefit these features will truly provide. If you are new to car shopping, take these offers of better protection with a grain of salt.
Here are some of the added protections, both inside and out, that might bump up the cost of a new car:
- Leather protection
- Tire and wheel protection
- Paint (dent and ding) protection
- Fabric protection
Ask About Dealer-Installed Accessories That Are Optional
From the latest in cool auto technology to stolen vehicle recovery, you may find out that certain accessories have already been installed in the vehicle you want to purchase. Take your time to go through the list and determine the cost of any dealer-installed accessories and whether you want to keep them.
Buyers should never feel pressured into buying these items. Salespeople can be skilled at convincing consumers that they need a particular add-on and that the cost is worth it. At the end of the day, you get to decide whether these items are in your budget and what you want included in the final sale.
Talk to an Auto Insurance Agent to Find the Best Deals for You
Add-ons aren’t the only thing that can boost the cost of owning a car. Routine maintenance and repairs, auto insurance, and gas should also be figured into the long-term cost of auto ownership.
Speak with an agent at Amigo Insurance to determine which insurance package is best for your needs. You may even want to have this conversation before buying your new car so you’re aware of what your monthly payments are going to be. Ask about premium options, annual price hikes, and anything else that might help you make a choice that is best for you.
Call Amigo to get a free quote from one of our agents today.