Consumer Reports Did The Math On Common Dealer Add-Ons, And The Total Is Painful - Jalopnik

Consumer Reports has quantified the hidden costs embedded in dealer add-ons, revealing how such fees can push the total well beyond the sticker price. The report cites federal action warning 97 dealerships to curb hidden charges and highlights commonly pushed products like extended warranties, which can carry four-figure price tags. It also points to rustproofing priced around $800 and interior protection plans as routinely unnecessary for modern cars, given factory protections. CR notes that these options often add financing charges, inflating costs further and reducing buyer value.

CR suggests strategies for shoppers, including choosing the most reliable vehicle to minimize repair needs and reserving funds for potential fixes. It also recommends considering brands with warranties longer and questioning the value of protection plans, coatings, or rustproofing sold at the dealership. Some add-ons may be irrelevant, and online spray-on options can provide cheaper alternatives. Overall, it urges buyers to focus on total cost rather than enticing add-ons.