No one wants to pay for something they don’t need. Unfortunately, this is what many Pennsylvania consumers do when they go shopping for a new vehicle. They may have a price point in mind, but before they know it, their new vehicle is costing hundreds or thousands more than they anticipated. Often those extra dollars are related to unnecessary options and add-ons they unknowingly agreed to.
When car buyers sit down to fill out the reams of paperwork for a new vehicle purchase, they may not realize they are at the point where a car dealer can make significantly more money from the transaction. Some consumers sign papers without even realizing a dealer has sold them an unnecessary and outrageously expensive add-on. Add-ons and extras are those things a car owner really does not need or perhaps even want, but a slick-talking dealer can convince the consumer that the options are worthwhile or even necessary. The following facts are important to keep in mind:
- Vehicle paint does not need sealant.
- New vehicles are already rustproof.
- A car owner can purchase upholstery protection at a supermarket.
- VIN etching does not reduce the odds that someone will steal the vehicle.
- Nitrogen instead of air in the tires makes no difference.
- A customer can usually obtain cheaper gap insurance elsewhere.
- Extended warranties or service contracts often include high markups.
A good way a Pennsylvania car buyer can avoid these and other costly and unnecessary options and add-ons is to learn as much as possible about the car buying process. A lack of information is an open door for becoming the victim of dealer fraud. A consumer who knows how to recognize common scams will be more likely to get a fair deal.