[DC2010]

This is a question that I wished I had posted before I bought my Charger: What is your opinion about the extra car protection services that the dealer offers to sell you once you agree on a car? To clarify, I mean paint protection, interior protection, and underbody protection.

I ask this because I feel like I may have paid extra for services that were really unnecessary. The dealer said they would apply a paint sealant and an interior protectant, that would be covered by a 5-year warranty. On top of that, they spray an undercoating on the car that supposedly protects the body from corrosion and adds sound deadening and it has a lifetime warranty.

I opted in at first before they found my car. Then, before I picked up my car, I decided it was probably not worth the money so I opted out of the extra services. The day I picked up my car, one of the salesman again offered the package to me... this time he knocked off $200-300 and said he'd sell the package at the employee price... I took the bait and opted in again.

I've had the car for almost a month, but the service package has yet to be installed. I've been driving the car through snow and sand, and I'm concerned about how the dealer plans on removing all that mess before they spray an undercoating.

Does an undercoating really help with preventing rust? How does the paint protection stack up against a typical car wax? How is the interior protection any different than Armor All or something of the like?

I'd like to hear from any of you that have knowledge or experience with these dealer added services as I still need to make a decision of whether to go through with it or ask for a refund.

Thank you!

 

[NightMare R/T]

The only thing I think is usefull is the undercoating. Proper wash, wax, and interior care will keep your car in great shape.

 

[GLHS837]

Having had a rare car that was destroyed by undercoating, the GLHS of ny username, I feel differently. These things count on the fact that factory anti-corrosives are good enough that no matter what the aftermarket folks do, the car will be good for the five years.

If you ever get a breach in that coating, waer gets inside, and that water will rust the bottom of your car. My GLHS had to be scrapped for that, the whole floor was rotten. dnt think 5 years,think 20-30. Your best bet is, in the winter, make an occasional pass through a no-touch wash that sprays the underside.

 

[Part Deux]

I agree with GLHS, undercoating causes more problems then it solves. Especially since you've been driving the car around, dirt, salt and everything else will get trapped by the undercoating and accelerate potential damage. WRT interior and exterior protectants, put on your own wax and treatments. Junkman has created some great videos using Adams products.

 

[GLHS837]

Agreed, see, what they offer is the same or worse than what you can buy. Only real difference is who applies it. And who does that at the dealership? Not some factory trained super dude. Its the kids who moves cars around the lot.

 

[SVRSRTCDN]

This just reminded me of this!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5gwc4UizUc

 

[Cuda340]

Dealers love these useless "add-ons"- big $$$ for them.

Another major profit-maker for them is window VIN# etching. While this is a good security idea, you can buy a kit on-line for only $19 and do it yourself.

 

[Part Deux]

Dealers love these useless "add-ons"- big $$$ for them.

Another major profit-maker for them is window VIN# etching. While this is a good security idea, you can buy a kit on-line for only $19 and do it yourself.

Every major part on the car has the VIN attached, adding glass is a useless item. Until body shops and junk yards are held accountable for using stolen parts, it's a waste of OEM money. I remember when T-Tops were the rage among thieves, and the insurance companies all banded together and refused to allow used T-Tops to be used as replacements. Cut the theft rate something like 95%.

 

[The Reaper]

That video was hilarious. Anytime a dealer says "Let me go talk to my manager," I walk out the door when they're away.

Now, as for the extra stuff; the only thing I ever pay extra for is extended warranty and GAP coverage. The benefit for me is, I'm a pretty big guy with a very deep voice. I tend to come off as intimidating. When I say, "No, I don't want the extra life insurance...No I don't need ADDITIONAL roadside assistance," one time is usually all it takes.

 

[BlackRT313]

My dad swore by the undercoating and suggested that I get it for my car. I took a look under both of his undercoated cars to find them filled with dirt and rust(he basically wasted money). I'm convinced they don't work.

 

[DC2010]

Thank you all very much for your input on this topic. I don't think I can bring myself to allow the dealership to apply the undercoating after hearing your different stories. I'm still kind of undecided on the paint and interior. The dealership has told me now, though, that they will refund the whole thing if I want them to.

 

[Part Deux]

you can buy the interior protectant and apply it yourself.

watch junkman's application of Adam's (forum sponsor) products on the exterior and put your own wax on the car.

 

[Blizz]

That a bit of what I went through with my buy. However they have 2 new products now.

They put nitrogen in your tires and have a little card to call if you have a blow out and will replace the rim, ya right. $250.

The other one is the antitheft stickers that they put on the windows for another $200 plus. Supposed to deter theives. Ya right. They say that they give up to $5,000 if stolen. My insurance full replacement value up to 3 yeARS FOR A MERE $50 A YEAR. Most thieves are in a rush to steal and most probably can't read as they are high on drugs.

Oh the other kicker was the air tax. $100. On the MSRP it shows the air tax before the final price. When I signed the contract they slipped in the air tax again. I only noticed it when I got home the day later. I called the stealership and told him that he screwed up and of course he denied it. His response was "Oh we don't make money on the tax". I gave up. It was too late anyways and they got me.

As far as undercoating goes its not worth the money. I had an 89 Grand Caravan had it for 13 years, minimal exterior rust by the lower door, just needed a bit of paint. Had a 01 Grand Caravan 2nd engine died this summer. perfect body, no rust and no undercoating.

Run and get your money back ASAP.

 

[GLHS837]

That a bit of what I went through with my buy. However they have 2 new products now.

They put nitrogen in your tires and have a little card to call if you have a blow out and will replace the rim, ya right. $250.

The other one is the antitheft stickers that they put on the windows for another $200 plus. Supposed to deter theives. Ya right. They say that they give up to $5,000 if stolen. My insurance full replacement value up to 3 yeARS FOR A MERE $50 A YEAR. Most thieves are in a rush to steal and most probably can't read as they are high on drugs.

Oh the other kicker was the air tax. $100. On the MSRP it shows the air tax before the final price. When I signed the contract they slipped in the air tax again. I only noticed it when I got home the day later. I called the stealership and told him that he screwed up and of course he denied it. His response was "Oh we don't make money on the tax". I gave up. It was too late anyways and they got me.

As far as undercoating goes its not worth the money. I had an 89 Grand Caravan had it for 13 years, minimal exterior rust by the lower door, just needed a bit of paint. Had a 01 Grand Caravan 2nd engine died this summer. perfect body, no rust and no undercoating.

Run and get your money back ASAP.

$250 for freaking nitrogen? Holy hell, thats amazing. I dont care if the road service comes with a "happy ending", thats too much. Any money at all for nitrogen is too much.

What is an"air tax"? Is that similar to the US Gas Guzzler tax?

 

[Junkman2008]

My dad swore by the undercoating and suggested that I get it for my car. I took a look under both of his undercoated cars to find them filled with dirt and rust(he basically wasted money). I'm convinced they don't work.

...and you are so right! I went into a whole spill on this in another thread so I won't bore you all with it here but these dealer treatments are the joke of the industry. It's their last, "bend you over before they send you out the door" joke that they laugh about in the employee break room. I've seen it FIRST HAND.

 

[Blizz]

The air tax has to do with air conditioning. I think that it has to do with getting rid of the freeon. There's the $20 tire tax too. I was a bit pissed when I found out that I can get tires charged up with nitrogen for only $10 per tire here in town. Its the new screw you over deal at dealerships. Its supposed to keep your tires at a constant pressure and save gas.

 

[Part Deux]

The air tax has to do with air conditioning. I think that it has to do with getting rid of the freeon. There's the $20 tire tax too. I was a bit pissed when I found out that I can get tires charged up with nitrogen for only $10 per tire here in town. Its the new screw you over deal at dealerships. Its supposed to keep your tires at a constant pressure and save gas.

Been beaten to death... It's flat out a scam. Air that comes out of the little hose, you know the free stuff is 75ish% nitrogen already.

 

[Blizz]

Thats true. I thought that they got the stuff out of a high pressure nitrogen bottle. But I guess its a system that removes the other gases out of the air. However these were not options. They just put them on and tak on the bill and you have no choice like the undercoating thing. I wish that I was a bit more informed before I went in to the stealership. I was under the gun also. I just had 1 day to find a ride before coming back home. If I just had a couple of more days I certainly would have found a better deal. The stealerships were somewhat desperate to sell this past summer. I paid 24K for my SE plus but a guy here in town got a better deal this spring and paid 27k for a Daytona.

 

[GLHS837]

well, when you do need to fill your tires back up, just use air.

 

[Junkman2008]

you can buy the interior protectant and apply it yourself.

watch junkman's application of Adam's (forum sponsor) products on the exterior and put your own wax on the car.

They sell a big ol' can of Scotch Guard at Wally World which is all they are spraying on your interior. Don't fall for THAT one either. I'm telling you, they are ROFL in the break room when they make these sales!