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SHOPSMART AUTOS – CUSTOMER INFORMATION – MAY 13, 2021


Negotiating Car Dealer Add-On’s & Accessories

Are These Dealer Accessories Worth It?

Is fabric protection worth it?
If you have a family then you will want to consider fabric protection for your vehicle. Of course, you can simply buy the Scotch Guard cans and do it yourself. A can of Scotch Guard will cost about $9 and you should be able to complete the job yourself in about an hour. This is one add-on that you should definitely skip at the dealership.
Is paint protection worth it?
Paint protection is actually a good idea if you have a luxury vehicle or a vehicle with a really nice exterior. The thing is, you can probably find an independent shop that can offer you a better rate. Also, you want to make sure that your paint protection film is done by a professional that won’t leave any peeling film or exposed areas. Another thing to consider, there are a number of paint protection films to choose from. You may want to consider a matte or a gloss finish. An independent shop will give you more options.
Is undercoating worth it?
This is one dealer add-on that will almost certainly waste your money. You see, most new cars are designed to handle the wear and tear that comes with years of road use. Also, your vehicle should have any rust or corrosion covered by its warranty.
Is rustproofing worth it?
Skip this dealer add-on. Just about all new vehicles are well protected against rusting. Even if you live in an area that gets lots of snow, your vehicle should go at least five years before showing any signs of rust.
Are door edge protectors worth it?
Door edge protectors are a great idea if you go shopping often or if you park your vehicle in a public garage. However, you can get yourself door edge protectors at your local auto parts store and they are easy to install.
Is a car alarm worth it?
Most dealership car alarms are going to cost you more than what you can expect at an independent shop. Also, you want to make sure that you get a car alarm that is effective. It is a good idea to shop around and see what brands of car alarms are available and what features are offered.
Is VIN etching worth it?
VIN etching is a good idea if you own a vehicle that is stolen often. Again, this is a dealer add-on that you can actually do yourself. Most auto parts stores will have a glass etching kit available for about $20. If you have an hour to spare, you can literally save yourself a few hundred bucks here.
Is LoJack worth it?
LoJack is one of the top vehicle tracking and location tools that is certainly worth the money. However, you want to make sure that the dealership is not overcharging you for the add-on. Be sure to check what it would cost to get the LoJack system from an independent dealer before making your final decision.

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Shop Smart Autos is not responsible for any errors in price or vehicle information provided to us from our dealer partners. We take every precaution to ensure the information is accurate and correct. Any questions please contact the dealer.