Dealer add-ons you can say no to
The short answer
Most dealer add-ons and protection products are optional. If one is on your worksheet and you didn't ask for it, ask for it to be removed or for the price to come down by the same amount. Get the corrected worksheet before you sign.
Common add-ons to look for
| Add-on | What to know |
|---|---|
| Nitrogen-filled tires | Often charged at a premium for a modest benefit. |
| VIN etching / theft-deterrent | Sometimes pre-installed and billed as mandatory. Ask whether it is optional. |
| Paint, fabric or ceramic protection | Read what the warranty covers and the claim process. |
| Market adjustment (ADM) | A markup over the sticker price. Negotiable, and worth shopping other dealers. |
| Dealer prep / reconditioning | Ask what it covers and whether it was in the advertised price. |
| GAP, service contracts, maintenance plans | Optional finance-office products. Compare prices elsewhere. See our GAP guide and warranty guide. |
“It's already on the car”
Pre-installed doesn't make it free to you, and it doesn't make it required. You can ask the dealer to remove the charge, reduce the price, or find another car without it.
Say thisI didn't ask for these items. Please remove them, or take the same amount off the price, and reprint the worksheet.
Before you sign
- Read the final buyer's order and contract line by line, not just the payment box.
- Make sure each product you declined is gone from both documents.
- If a product was added after you agreed on numbers, stop and ask why.
Not sure which line items are optional? Send us the worksheet and we'll flag every one.
Check my deal · $125This guide is general consumer information, not legal or financial advice. Rules vary by state and change over time; check the sources below and your own documents.