3 car dealership upgrades to avoid

This article has been updated from a previous version.

Buying a car is a significant expense, especially when dealing with a dealership. Personally, I don’t mind buying from a dealership. They are more expensive, but if there’s a major problem, they tend to be easier to locate than a private seller. 

However, not everything from a dealership is a great idea. Generally, when you’re buying a brand-new or second-hand car, the dealer will offer you some upgrades to help protect your new purchase. And what’s a few hundred dollars when you’ve just spent many thousands?  

If you want to protect your new purchase, avoid the following upgrades and become more car care aware: 

1. Car protection packages 

These packages are usually touted as a way to protect your investment. Let’s break down why they’re often not worth the cost:  

Interior car protection

Dealers offer to Scotchgard your car interiors to protect against stains and wear for prices as high as $400. However, you can purchase an affordable can of Scotchgard at stores like Canadian Tires. 

Tire and rim protection/windshield crack & chip protection

This is intended to offer you protection if you run over a nail or get a ding in your windshield. They’ll cover the cost of the repairs, but the expense isn’t going to justify buying this coverage. 

Anti-rusting protection

By the time you’d see the benefit for this kind of coverage, your car is going to be at least a decade old, and the warranty won’t cover it anymore. Even if you’re buying a second-hand car, wash and wax it regularly (using the spray wax option at your car wash) and you should be fine. 

Rustproofing

Dealers may charge anywhere from $550 to $1,000 for rustproofing, but modern cars are designed to resist rust for many years. Regular washing and waxing are typically sufficient for maintaining your car’s body. 

Read more: Should you get your car serviced at an auto shop or a dealership? 

2. Extended warranty protection 

Extended warranties can add $1,000 to several thousand dollars to your car’s purchase price. Many experts advise against purchasing them because new cars often come with comprehensive factory warranties that cover most repairs for the first few years. Additionally, if you finance this add-on, you’ll also pay interest, which increases the total cost. 

Instead, consider setting aside money for potential repairs. This approach can save you money, as extended warranties are often expensive and may not be used. Moreover, purchasing a warranty typically requires you to get all your work done at the dealership that sold it to you, which benefits the dealership more than you. 

3. 3M rock chip/paint film 

The rock chip protection is a clear layer that you can put on your car’s paint to protect it from small rocks and scratches. It’s a useful way to keep your car looking new, but it can be expensive. The cost of paint protection film ranges from $300 to $2,500, varying based on quality, brand, and the coverage area. 

One downside is that over time, the rest of your car’s paint might fade, making the protected part look different and stand out. If you want to save money, you can fix small paint chips and dents yourself with basic DIY kits. These kits are cheap, around $20 to $50, and you can find them in most car stores. They come with everything you need to do the repairs at home. 

Final tip 

Instead of spending money on dealership upgrades, put that money into a savings account that earns interest. This “car fund” can help cover unexpected repair costs.  

Also, once you have your car, make sure to compare auto insurance quotes to find the best rates. This way, you can save more on insurance and have extra funds available for any car-related expenses.