Dealership Add-ons

[nicolasbvillegas]

Soon to be a new RAM owner (awaiting my vehicle to be delivered). I've negotiated (roughly) the price of the vehicle but I'm sure that once I get into the financing office they'll be trying to sell me additional options such as warranties, etc. I'd like to have an idea of what to expect. Can anyone share what they experienced once they finished with the salesman and moved into the finance office to finish their deal.

I've been looking at the forums for a few days but haven't run across this topic yet so if there's another thread on this, please direct me to it.

 

[GaryT]

Of course, they always try to sell the extended warranty which has been documented here on the board to be available for much less. Went through this with my Challenger a couple years ago, the Finance Manager was naming off the cost of these individual parts and the expenses involved if they failed. Noting that "anything could go wrong", I finally stopped him mid-sentence and said "it sounds like this is an unreliable car maybe I should look at something else". He dropped his sales pitch without another word about warranties.

 

[RJS]

My salesman didn't try to sell me anything once we had agreed on the truck, it was the finance guy that was pushing the other stuff including the third party warranty. I just declined everything and he didn't push real hard about add-ons from there on. His advice was helpful about the best method to repay the Chrysler Capital loan early to avoid interest accumulation as I took the $500 rebate in my deal.

Just be emphatic but friendly in declining everything, ask for clarification and documentation of any promises made and drive away happy.

 

[Snwjnky]

I declined everything except Lifetime Oil and filter Changes. Four changes per year for life for $849.
I also had him throw in an extra oil change to use anytime (in case we put some serious miles on it road tripping). And another free full tank of gas (33 gallon tank).
Don't be afraid to ask "What's this fee for?"
I hate the Finance Guy part too.

 

[mikeru82]

My finance gal didn't try to upsell me on anything except gap insurance. And even then she only asked once, and accepted my answer immediately. But it's not the first vehicle I've bought from this dealership (small town Dodge dealer). They know I don't keep my vehicles beyond the factory warranty period so they don't even ask me anymore LOL.
As far as what to expect, it really depends on the finance person you'll be working with. Just try to be prepared to say no if you don't want something. You might have to tell them more than one time but they'll accept your answer in the end. Just don't appear to be undecided when they ask or they might keep at you until you say yes.

 

[Wheeler]

My salesman already know. Won't pay for any single item.

 

[nicolasbvillegas]

I declined everything except Lifetime Oil and filter Changes. Four changes per year for life for $849.
I also had him throw in an extra oil change to use anytime (in case we put some serious miles on it road tripping). And another free full tank of gas (33 gallon tank).
Don't be afraid to ask "What's this fee for?"
I hate the Finance Guy part too.

Your lifetime oil and filter changes doesn't sound bad. was that through the dealership (as in only applicable to that dealership), mopar, FCA?

 

[Snwjnky]

Your lifetime oil and filter changes doesn't sound bad. was that through the dealership (as in only applicable to that dealership), mopar, FCA?

Only at dealerships owned by Lithia Motors (I bought at my local one). 188 locations nationwide in 20 states. I figured 8 or so changes would pay for it. And while I was there, they could update software or take care of any recalls or service bulletins.

 

[jdmartin]

I was essentially a cash buyer so they didn't really bother me with anything. I did buy a basic maintenance 6 pack for $200, which gives me a tire rotation, full oil change and check out the vehicle. Works out pretty good for a vehicle this size since an oil change would be about 25 bucks or more anyway. I only put 6-8k miles a year on my truck these days so I have the next 5 years of rotations and oil changes covered (just used my first one today).