What are dealer add-ons and what do they cost?

Dealer add-ons are products and services that dealerships sell you on top of the vehicle price. Common ones include extended warranties, paint protection, fabric/leather protection, gap insurance, tire and wheel protection, window etching, dealer-installed accessories, maintenance plans, and various insurance products. These aren't included in the base vehicle price—the dealer bundles them in to increase profit per sale. Some add-ons are legitimate and useful; others overlap with coverage you already have or won't be worth the cost by the time you need them. Pricing varies widely. A paint protection package might run $400–$1,200. Extended warranties can be $1,500–$4,000 depending on term and coverage. Gap insurance typically costs $300–$700. The catch is that dealerships mark these up significantly—you're often paying retail or above retail for products you could buy cheaper elsewhere or that may be redundant. Many buyers feel pressured to buy add-ons during the closing process when they're tired and ready to leave, which is exactly when dealerships push hardest. The key is knowing what you actually need before you walk in. Gap insurance makes sense if you're financing most of the vehicle and have minimal down payment. Extended warranties are worth evaluating only if the manufacturer's warranty is short. Paint and fabric protection are usually overpriced. When you work with a broker like Elite Edge, you shop the vehicle price and financing separately from add-ons, so you're never pressured into bundled packages you don't want. If you're concerned about add-ons or want to understand what's reasonable for your specific situation, reach out to Elite Edge at (954) 907-2386 or WhatsApp to discuss your deal structure before you're at a dealership.

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