Car Dealer Add-ons

Alternative title: A sleepless night can save you money

We're in the process of replacing our 8yo Renault Megane, so have been visiting local (main) dealers to consider ours options and see what deals they have to offer.

I won't mention any names, but in almost all cases we have been offered (or rather it has been suggested) that we include various add-ons as part of our purchase "to further protect our investment".

It's a while since we bought a new car - Tallulah was our last new vehicle purchase, but for various reasons that doesn't count - and things have moved on.

As well as the common place 'Paint Protection' package, the latest suggestions are GAP insurance (because we will be financing the purchase) and Cosmetic Repair/Warranty Insurance. All three of these are well worth considering but - and this will likely be obvious to some - the dealer adds a significant markup to all of them.

While being kept awake by the howling winds outside, I spent a short while online investigating each - are they worth it, what are the benefits and drawbacks etc - and without much effort have obtained quotes for the same (or better!) products from elsewhere for approx 60-70% less than the lowest prices offered by the main dealers.

As an example, the 'best' price for Cosmetic Warranty Insurance from the main VW dealer in Reading was £349 (alloy wheels not included) and I have found a like-for-like that DOES include alloys for ~£160. The only stipulation is that the policy needs to be in place within 30 days of the vehicle purchase.

More details about our impending purchase in due course, without all the dealer add-ons!

funny enough my dad just bought a new vw golf and he was convinced that he should take a HP finance as he gets a years free insurance and could cancel the finance.

Tried to explain that the dealership and sales staff get commission for selling these policies.

I cannot see vw Brazil or Danbury doing paint protection warranty on a new Brazil bay! ;-)

Having had an insurance background, I tend to avoid all point-of-sale insurance schemes/add-ons, choosing to mainly self-insure or occasionally obtain better/cheaper elsewhere. Saved myself a packet.

Don't think there's such thing as a bargin from a main dealer. ₤60 for an ipod lead for my car, £2.99 for the same thing on ebay.
As with most of the add ons, no matter where you go, they're only worth it if it's used. I personally don't go for the extras, but that's cos I'm a cheap skate

You can definitely get GAP cover much cheaper elsewhere.

Maybe ask around re insurance cover ( broker , internet etc ) but read the terms and payout limits and excess and make sure you are happy. Re paint protection: get this done by someone that knows what they are doing or it's not worth having . My friend did his own and after a whole day spent on it, made a right mess! He would have been better off going to work and earning what he's good at doing and paying a pro to do the car inside and out. Don't forget to do the glass as well
As paint work. Same if you have leather and cloth on the inside . Each has its own product to protect . . Lots of different products around . Hope that helps

Thanks Jason.

Tallulah had the Diamond Brite treatment applied by your good selves and it has kept her looking tip-top.

I have since purchased 5l of the DB shampoo and 1l of the DB conserver/wax so whatever new motor we end up with I will investigate the DB treatment again (independently) so we can use the same stuff.

Great idea

I received an invitation today to attend an 'Experience Porshe' day at Porshe Centre Portsmouth. Demonstration drives are available.
I'll ask about their add-ons. Could be an extensive list!

RUST PROTECTION would have been good from Danbury!!!! SIX years old and PERFORATED RUST to BOTH front wheel arches (inside next to seat runners) lower rear panel and now rust coming through from battery tray!!!!

Rust in these places are an inherent design feature. All designs of types 2 rust in these places due to trapped water.