10 Expensive Car Upgrades To Stay Away From

When you’re buying a new car, you might be tempted to spring for one of the upgrades from the laundry list that your dealer will try to sell. After all, if they are selling you the car, perhaps they know what they are talking about to take your vehicle to the next level.

While some upgrades are worth the money, others are not. These upgrades either flat out don’t work, offend the senses, lower a car’s resale value or even make the car more dangerous to drive. In case you’re tempted by the offer that a dealership has to soup up your ride, make sure you double-check GOBankingRates’ 10 car dealership upgrades you should steer clear of.

• Average Estimated Cost: $100

“For about $100, dealers will fill your tires with nitrogen, claiming better tire pressure retention and fuel efficiency,” said Jason Mueller, the marketing manager at A-1 Auto Transport.

“However, the benefits over standard air, which already contains 78% nitrogen, are minimal for the average driver,” Mueller said.

• Average Estimated Cost: $200

“This upgrade,” Mueller explained, “promises to keep car interiors spotless.”

“In reality, many of today’s automotive fabrics and leathers come with durable treatments from the factory,” Mueller said, offering that a “regular cleaning routine can be just as effective without the added cost.”

• Average Estimated Cost: $200

“While it’s promoted as a theft deterrent, it frequently costs around $200 when you can buy a kit and do it yourself for less than $30,” said Chris Estrada, the CEO and founder of Nationwide United Auto Transport.

“While etching the vehicle identification number (VIN) onto various components may provide added security, the cost of dealership-provided services is often inflated,” added Tony Taylor, the owner of A-1 Auto Transport.

“Dealers may charge $200 or more for this service, which etches the vehicle’s VIN onto the windows as a theft deterrent,” Mueller added. “It’s a cost that’s hard to justify, given that insurance companies rarely offer significant discounts and more effective anti-theft technologies are available.”

• Average Estimated Cost: $200-$600

“In my interactions with buyers, I’ve noticed dealerships promoting key replacement plans as a safeguard against lost or damaged keys,” Taylor said.

Taylor admitted that there is some convenience in having replacement keys readily available, but highlighted the fact that “these plans can be exorbitantly priced.”

“Prices for key replacement plans can range from $200 to $600, depending on coverage and the dealership’s pricing model,” Taylor said.

• Average Estimated Cost: $500-$1,000

“As someone deeply involved in the automotive industry, I’ve seen dealerships push undercoating as a necessary upgrade to protect the vehicle’s underside from rust and corrosion,” Taylor noted.

“However, modern vehicles already come with advanced corrosion protection, making undercoating often redundant and unnecessarily costly,” Taylor added.

• Average Estimated Cost: $500-$700

“Though it can be sensible for certain borrowers, dealerships tend to charge a premium for it,” Estrada said.

Estrada advised potential car buyers that it is “worth shopping around to potentially save hundreds.” 

“Remember, the initial cost of your vehicle should already include a comprehensive warranty, paint finish, and fabric protection,” Estrada said. “Be judicious about what additional services you opt for.”

• Average Estimated Cost: $400-$1,000

Mueller described paint protection films as “marketed as a shield against scratches and chips.”

“While they have their merits, the cost-benefit ratio diminishes unless you’re driving in particularly harsh conditions or concerned about maintaining a pristine appearance for resale,” Mueller explained.

• Average Estimated Cost: $500-$1,500

Taylor said that prices for wheel and tire protection plans can range from $500 to $1,500, depending on coverage and the dealership’s pricing structure.

“I’ve noticed dealerships heavily promoting wheel and tire protection plans, claiming to cover damages like punctures and curb damage,” Taylor said. “While these plans sound appealing, they often come with numerous exclusions and limitations.”

• Average Estimated Cost: $699-$1,499

Michael Wu, founder of Carflock, said, “GPS theft recovery devices (like LoJack) often prove challenging to negotiate, with dealer prices ranging from $699 to $1499, plus the monthly subscription fees.

“On top of that,” Wu said, “they’re redundant, as most new vehicles already have GPS tracking included as standard equipment from manufacturers and a theft recovery service available through them like Ford Pass, GM OnStar, Toyota Safety Connect, etc.”

• Average Estimated Cost: $1,000 to $3,000

These warranties can be a safety net for some, Mueller pointed out. For others, it can just be another way for dealerships to upsell you on a feature you don’t really need.

“However, considering the reliability of modern vehicles and the specifics covered, buyers might end up paying for the peace of mind they rarely use,” Mueller added. “It’s vital to assess the car’s reliability and warranty terms closely before opting in.”

“Extended warranties are almost never worth the extra investment,” said Ben Michael, vice president of operations, Michael & Associates.

“The dealership will either impose next to impossible rules you have to follow to honor the warranty or will put mileage restrictions on the vehicle that are also next to impossible to follow,” Michael went on to say. “Regular warranties will be sufficient for your new vehicle 99 percent of the time. Politely decline the extended warranty and save your money.”