Dealer Fees & Add-Ons Checklist
Master the car buying process with this comprehensive checklist for reviewing dealer fees, add-ons, and warranties to ensure you pay a fair price without hidden costs.
Overview
Summary and key details for this checklist.
The transition from the showroom floor to the finance office is where many car deals become expensive. Dealers often use this stage to introduce high-margin products and administrative fees that were not part of the initial negotiation. This checklist empowers you to distinguish between 'non-negotiable' items and 'discretionary' add-ons.
Reviewing these items typically takes 45 to 90 minutes depending on the complexity of the contract. While most of this is a DIY process of document review, having a second set of eyes or a pre-approved loan from your bank can significantly speed up the process and provide leverage.
Printable Checklist
A clean, scannable checklist view. (You can export/print from the sidebar.)
| Item | Priority | Who | Time | What to check (Pass/Fail) | If failed (Next step) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Documentation Fee | Required | DIY | 5 min | Matches state legal limit or average | Negotiate lower or ask for discount elsewhere |
| Sales Tax Calculation | Required | DIY | 5 min | Matches local/state tax rate for your zip | Ask for correction of the math |
| Title & Registration Fees | Required | DIY | 5 min | Matches actual DMV/State costs | Request itemized DMV receipt later |
| Destination Charge | Required | DIY | 2 min | Matches manufacturer sticker (MSRP) | Do not pay twice; check sticker |
| VIN Etching | Optional | DIY | 2 min | Fee is $0 or declined | Refuse; buy a $20 DIY kit instead |
| Fabric/Paint Protection | Optional | DIY | 5 min | Not pre-applied or fee is removed | Refuse; these are high-margin sprays |
| GAP Insurance | Recommended | DIY | 10 min | Price is competitive with your insurance | Buy through your own insurance provider |
| Extended Warranty | Optional | DIY | 15 min | Terms, deductibles, and coverage clear | Research 3rd party or decline for now |
| Market Adjustment | Optional | DIY | 5 min | Fee is $0 or justified by rarity | Negotiate to $0 or find another dealer |
| Advertising Fees | Optional | DIY | 5 min | Not listed as a separate buyer charge | Refuse; this is a dealer cost of business |
| Nitrogen in Tires | Optional | DIY | 2 min | Fee is $0 | Refuse; air is already 78% nitrogen |
| Loan Interest Rate (APR) | Required | DIY | 10 min | Matches or beats your pre-approval | Use pre-approval or ask for a 'buy rate' |
| Anti-Theft Devices | Optional | DIY | 5 min | Not mandatory for the sale | Ask for removal or $0 charge |
| Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) | Required | DIY | 5 min | Included in MSRP, not a separate fee | Refuse the separate line item charge |
| Floor Mats/Accessories | Optional | DIY | 5 min | Price matches online retail price | Ask for them to be thrown in for free |
| Service Contracts | Optional | DIY | 10 min | Covers items you actually need | Decline and save the money in a fund |
| Window Tinting | Optional | DIY | 5 min | Quality matches the high price tag | Decline and go to a local pro shop |
| Key Replacement Insurance | Optional | DIY | 5 min | Cost is less than one key replacement | Decline; usually not worth the premium |
Use this table to go line-by-line through the 'Buyer's Order' or 'Purchase Agreement.' Do not focus on the monthly payment; focus on the 'Bottom Line' or 'Total Sale Price.' If a fee is not a government-mandated tax or registration cost, it is likely negotiable.
Always ask the finance manager to explain every single line item. If they use acronyms you don't recognize, ask them to write out the full name of the fee. Legitimate dealers will be transparent; evasive answers are a red flag.
Notes
Extra context, cautions, and helpful tips.
Once the paperwork is signed, your relationship with the dealer changes. Ensure you leave with a complete set of records to protect your investment.
- Get a physical copy of every document you signed.
- Ensure the 'Buyer's Guide' is in the window of a used car.
- Verify that the VIN on the paperwork matches the VIN on the dashboard.
- Keep a record of the finance manager's contact information.
- Store your purchase agreement in a safe place, not in the glovebox.
- Check that you have both sets of keys before leaving.
- Confirm when your first payment is due and to which lender.
- If you bought an add-on, ensure you have the specific contract for that product.
- Review your state's lemon law protections for your specific vehicle type.
- Check for any 'We Owe' forms for promised repairs or accessories.
- Browse similar checklists for Paperwork and Negotiation.
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FAQ
Common questions about this checklist.
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