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.
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| 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.