Don’t Let Dealers Overcharge You
Buying a car is an exciting yet emotional process. After hours of research, test drives, and price comparisons, many buyers lose focus at the final stage — the paperwork.
That’s exactly where dealerships try to sneak in fake or unnecessary fees that can cost you hundreds, even thousands of dollars.
This guide will reveal the 9 dealership fees you should never pay, why they’re scams, and when to bring them up during negotiations.
1. Delivery or Destination Fees (Fake Ones)
There’s only one legitimate destination charge: the one printed on the factory window sticker (Monroney label) of a new car.
If the dealer tries to add another “delivery fee” or “transportation cost,” refuse to pay it.
Many dealerships claim it covers washing, cleaning, or fueling the car — but manufacturers already reimburse dealers for those costs.
✅ Pay only the destination charge shown on the factory sticker.
2. Advertising Fees
Dealers often claim they need to charge you for “online listings,” “website costs,” or “marketing.”
Don’t fall for it. Advertising is part of the dealership’s operating cost — and it’s already covered by the manufacturer’s co-op money.
If you see “Advertising Fee” on your bill of sale:
❌ Politely refuse to pay it.
💡 These fees are pure profit padding.
3. Theft Protection and VIN Etching
Dealers love to sell “theft deterrent” add-ons like VIN etching, DataDots, or anti-theft decals.
They promise $2,500 or $5,000 payouts if your car is stolen — but almost no one ever collects.
Reality check: Car thieves don’t care about glass etchings.
If you want theft coverage, talk to your insurance agent about gap or comprehensive insurance instead.
4. Nitrogen Tire Inflation
If a dealer tries to sell you nitrogen-filled tires, remember: air is already 78% nitrogen.
The tiny performance difference only matters in professional racing — not on your daily commute.
This “service” is snake oil. Unless they include it for free, never pay extra for nitrogen inflation.
5. Pinstripe and Cosmetic Add-Ons
Some dealerships charge up to $500 for simple vinyl pinstripes that cost less than $20 to install.
It’s nothing more than cosmetic decoration — often used to justify extra profit.
If you like the design, great — but you can buy a kit on Amazon and do it yourself.
Otherwise, say no to pinstripe fees.
6. Additional Dealer Markup (ADM)
Also known as “market adjustment,” this fee is 100% profit for the dealership.
No matter how “rare” the vehicle is, never pay above MSRP (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price).
There are over 4,000 Chevy dealerships across the U.S. — someone will sell you the same car at MSRP or even below, depending on rebates and inventory.
7. Dealer Accessories You Didn’t Ask For
Dealers often pre-install items like mud flaps, bug deflectors, or window visors, then claim they can’t remove them.
That’s false — they absolutely can.
If you didn’t request those accessories, ask for them to be removed or have the price adjusted before signing anything.
8. Credit Life Insurance
This one appears in the finance office, after the deal is done.
Credit life insurance supposedly pays off your car loan if you die — but it’s hugely overpriced and unnecessary.
You can get a term life insurance policy with much higher coverage (up to $1 million) for a fraction of the cost.
If the finance manager asks, “Who should receive the title in case of your death?”, that’s your cue — they’re about to pitch this product. Politely decline.
9. Dealer Prep Fees
Dealers may try to charge extra for vehicle preparation, cleaning, or gas.
But these costs are already included in the sale price and often reimbursed by the manufacturer.
Every new car comes cleaned, gassed, and ready for delivery.
You shouldn’t pay a single cent more for that.
When to Bring Up These Fees
Timing is everything.
Don’t start arguing about fees early in the process — that’s like proposing marriage on the first date.
Follow this simple strategy:
- Negotiate the car price first.
- Once the final offer is on paper, calmly review the “worksheet.”
- Say: “I’m happy with this price and ready to buy, but I need you to remove these extra fees (prep, pinstripe, nitrogen, etc.). Then we have a deal.”
If the dealer refuses, walk away.
Most of the time, they’ll agree — especially when you’re polite but firm.
Are Any Fees Legitimate?
Yes — a few.
- Doc Fee (Processing Fee): Usually around $300–$400 is acceptable.
- Sales Tax and DMV Fees: These are government-mandated.
Anything beyond that? Question it.
Final Thoughts: Stay Sharp, Save Money
Dealerships rely on most customers being overwhelmed at the end of the sale.
By knowing which fees are real and which are scams, you can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars on your next car purchase.
Remember:
- Never pay for fake “dealer prep,” “advertising,” or “add-ons.”
- Negotiate smart and at the right time.
- And always check the Monroney sticker before signing.
Drive safe — and don’t let anyone nickel-and-dime you at the dealership again.