Car dealer add-ons: Are they worth it?

Buying a new car often comes with a series of decisions, and the choices don’t end once you’ve picked your model and selected factory options.

Before the paperwork is done, most buyers will also be offered dealer add-ons. But are they worth the cost? Here’s a practical look at the pros and cons.

Protective items

Dealer-branded floor mats can be hard to justify at $250 or more, when similar aftermarket options cost around $100. However, genuine mats usually fit perfectly and match the interior, something budget versions don’t always achieve.

Other protective add-ons sold by the dealer – seat covers, boot mats, window shades, headlight/bonnet protectors, mud flaps for example – follow the same rule. While dealer-fitted products come at a premium, many drivers appreciate their tailored fit and consistent quality.

Protective treatments

Dealers often promote protective coatings such as ceramic, graphene or glass, designed to add an extra layer of resilience to your car’s paint. 

Cars are designed to withstand the elements, so the value of extra coatings depends on your circumstances. If you park in a garage, then drive to work to park undercover, probably not. If you park in the sun or under a tree and really want to protect your automotive investment, perhaps.

These treatments are typically priced at a premium through dealerships, and in many cases, equivalent options can be found in the aftermarket for less.

The same goes for fabric-protection treatments and window tinting – worth it in the right circumstance but see what the aftermarket can do before committing.

Towing kits/packages

Opting for the genuine version often costs more, though it does provide tested quality and assurance.

A genuine tow kit will be designed to integrate with your specific model and tested with the vehicle to meet Australian standards, meaning you get the confidence it's fully road-legal, ready to go and covered by your factory warranty – a cheaper aftermarket alternative, contrastingly, might not tick all boxes.

Whether a genuine or aftermarket option is right for you will largely depend on your driving habits and towing requirements. If you're taking your towing to extremes (for example, you want to tow off-road or are considering a gross vehicle mass [GVM] upgrade) you might need custom aftermarket intervention to get exactly what you need – and stay within the bounds of legality.

Extended warranties

These sell on the concept of peace of mind beyond the threshold of your car's factory warranty and various levels of cover are typically available, ranging from a few hundred dollars to more than a thousand dollars per annum.

It’s important to note that dealer extended warranties are not the same as your car’s factory warranty. They're typically administered by a third-party operator, not the car company, and they often don't give you the coverage you might expect. Consumer advocates (PDF)

have raised concerns that some extended warranties provide limited cover compared with the factory warranty, which now extends up to 10 years with some brands.

In the end, value depends on how you use your car. Compare dealer pricing with reputable aftermarket quotes, read the fine print on coverage, and check your owner’s manual and state rules. A little research will help you choose what suits your personal needs and your budget.

_Disclaimer
^{Viva Energy Australia Pty Ltd (“Viva Energy”) has compiled the above article for your general information and to use as a general reference. Whilst all reasonable care has been taken by Viva Energy in compiling this article, Viva Energy does not warrant or represent that the information in the article is free from errors or omissions or is suitable for your intended use.}