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Dealer Add-ons and Extras - are they worth it?

44 messages,  Last post on Nov 17, 2011 at 2:36 PM

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What is this discussion about? Exterior

Messages Page 2 of 5

#5 of 44 Re: The best thing to remember about ANY... [lhess] by danf1

May 03, 2005 (8:13 am)

Replying to: lhess (May 03, 2005 8:05 am)
Whoever is reapplying the sealant should first wash the car. Auto butler machines are extremely expensive, around $35,000, and the replacement applicators aren't cheap either. So it is in the dealers best interest to make sure the car is clean, as it will prolong the life of the applicators. Auto butler provides a warranty on your paint against acid rain, bird droppings, tree sap etc... If any of the afformentioned affect the finish of your car, Auto butler will remove the damage and if necessary repaint your car for you. If you don't have a garage and don't like to wax your vehicles, it is a good program. The fabrigard is basically the same as Scothguarding yourself, so I would pass on that part in order to lower the price.
 
And of course the dealer is making money by selling it to you. If we weren't making a profit, we wouldn't be doing it. That said, it is a much better program than most of your mopn'glow one time miracle waxes that are offered at most dealerships.

#6 of 44 Re: The best thing to remember about ANY... [lhess] by jhs70

May 03, 2005 (9:46 am)

Replying to: lhess (May 03, 2005 8:05 am)
dealer add-on is that they are doing it to make more money.
 
BIngo, and they make LOTS of money on this stuff. Only the consumer can tell if they want or need this stuff. A good dealership will present these offers and let the consumer decide for him/herself whether they need/want them. The bad ones force sell them, and we've all been there at one time or another, haven't we? Me, I don't need any of this stuff. I'm convinced I can go without, do it myself, or find it MUCH cheaper elsewhere. But that's just me.

#7 of 44 The thing that makes me mad about add-ons... by lhess

May 03, 2005 (11:04 am)

is when the dealer has decided to go ahead and do an add-on (like pin-striping) and then just tack the price on the car. At that point, it's a matter of paying for it, even if you would have passed on it otherwise, if you want the car. I consider that the same as a dealer "bump sticker" and I walk away from dealerships that use "market adjustment" stickers. I see nothing wrong with add-ons if the dealership is honest about them and gives you the choice of buying them or not buying - don't already have them on the car.
 
I just bought an RX 8 and have added some accessories. I've worked a deal with the dealer to get a cost plus 10% plus installation deal on these. I just paid $291 for the rear wing, installed. You can bet they would have added about $500 to the price of the car had that spoiler already been on there when i bought it.

#8 of 44 Re: The thing that makes me mad about add-ons... [lhess] by cadillacmike

May 04, 2005 (7:16 am)

Replying to: lhess (May 03, 2005 11:04 am)
And don't forget the mop n glo stickers that some dealers put on the cars while they are still on the trailers and still have the protective plastic sheeting on them

#9 of 44 Protection Packages by chiefjs

May 07, 2005 (12:42 pm)

I am buying a CRV from Bock Honda in Massachusetts and the saleman gave me some brochures on some protective packages. He said to look them over let him know if I am interested, but did not give a price.
 
One is called Resist AllPlus+ that is a clear protective film with two options. The Leading Edge Kit protects the nose and hood of the vehicle. The Headlight Kit protects the lights.
 
They also have a ResistAll stain barrier for the interior and a paint sealer protector.
 
Finally, they are offering GuidePoint, a stolen vehicle recovery system that uses satellites rather than the Lojack RF. I believe he said this costs about $1,000, but there are no addtional charges.
 
Your comments and opinions will be appreciated.

#10 of 44 Re: Protection Packages [chiefjs] by danf1

May 07, 2005 (2:11 pm)

Replying to: chiefjs (May 07, 2005 12:42 pm)
The Leading edge kit might be good if you do a lot of highway driving. The headlights I wouldn't consider because they are impact resistant plastic and I wouldn't want any film over them that could possibly discolor and block some light. The stain barrier is basically Scotchguard. Buy a can on your own and save a lot of money. The theft recovery sounds interesting, but expensive.

#11 of 44 Re: Protection Packages [chiefjs] by bobst

May 07, 2005 (2:56 pm)

Replying to: chiefjs (May 07, 2005 12:42 pm)
Chief, if your car is stolen, do you want it back or would you rather get the money from your insurance company and buy a new car?

#12 of 44 bobst....excellent point...i've always wondered... by lhess

May 09, 2005 (7:33 am)

why people spend so much money on products to recover a stolen vehicle. If mine ever gets stolen, I hope to never see it again!!!!!!!!!
 
Also, as to the protective film on the nose and hood, can't that discolor too?

#13 of 44 Re: bobst....excellent point...i've always wondered... [lhess] by danf1

May 09, 2005 (8:53 am)

Replying to: lhess (May 09, 2005 7:33 am)
I have no personal experience with the protective film, but have heard good reviews of it. I can't remember where I heard about it, but it has been a while.

#14 of 44 Protective dfilm by nortsr1

May 09, 2005 (2:01 pm)

If you go to the accessories forum and scroll down to front end protective bras and deflectors, there is discussion about same. All favorable...but....expensive.

Messages Page 2 of 5

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