So I’ve settled on a new car, I’m happy with the model and the salespersons has just told me about some extra dealership add-on features…
How do the dealership add-on prices compare with the market?
There are certain dealership add-on features that you can only get through the dealer because they are genuine parts or options that are supplied by the manufacturer that come with the car.
They can only be purchased at the dealership so it’s pretty hard to compare them to what else is available.
However, common dealership add-ons like tinting, paint protection and interior protection can be purchased from car detailers as well.
Detailers are generally cheaper than what you would pay at the dealerships. Its always worth comparing these prices to what your local car detailer would offer.
Should I get my tinting done through the dealer?
Getting your tinting done as mentioned earlier can be done through the dealership or your local car detailing shop.
Generally speaking, car dealers will charge you a little more for convenience, but you should always compare prices if you’re not too pressed for time.
You may be able to save a couple hundred dollars if you get it done through your local tinting shop.
Learn more about dealer tinting here.
Is a Dash Cam add-on worth it?
Over the last couple of years, dash-cams have become quite popular. The bottom line is that it is a good idea.
One of the key benefits of having a dash-cam, or a couple of dash-cams installed is that it helps you in reducing your insurance premiums.
A few insurance companies reward their customers for having dash-cams installed. This is because they have evidence when something does go wrong on the road.
Dash-cams helps with theft and monitoring accidents. They’re also pretty affordable now compared to the past.
So with my new car, are there any standard or extra features that may be included in it?
Most new cars these days come with Apple Car Play or Android Auto. It is standard rather than an add on feature.
This is a system that allows you to connect your phone to your car and then you can use apps that you might use on a day to day basis.
Apps such as Google Maps, Waze – that help you navigate will automatically mirror on the screen of the car so you don’t have to look at your phone when you have to navigate around.
Other apps such as Spotify for listening to music on the go is made simple through this system.
Most new cars in 2019 offer these features now, there are some brands such as Toyota that are yet to release it, but any new car from 2019, you should be able to retrofit the systems in at the dealer for free.
Some of the other extra feature add ons such as sunroofs, leather seats; comfort features such as heated seats, depend on the trim level in the car that you are looking at.
There are various trim levels of the car; the base model may not include heated seats or sunroof, but the top of the range one might.
You will be paying more to upgrade the trim to a higher model in the range.
So, is it worth paying at the dealership for add-ons?
You really are generally paying for convenience purchasing add ons through the dealership. If you want to drive away with your car having all the bells and whistles, the cost will be higher through the dealership.
