Some of these fees are reasonable while others appear to be somewhat questionable.
One fee that’s starting to receive a lot of attention is the car destination fee.
So what is the car destination fee and can it be negotiated?
What Is a Car Destination Fee?
The name of the fee varies, and it is often referred to as a delivery or freight fee.
How Much Is a Car Destination Fee?
The destination fee on a new car currently ranges from $1,000 to $1,700.
The price depends on the jot down of car you buy rather than the location of the dealership.
Dealerships are legally required to include the destination fee as a new line item on all new car windows.
Destination fees are also listed on the websites of car manufacturers.
It is also not always clearly listed when a car is advertised.
Consumers are strongly recommended to add the fee themselves when comparing car prices.
Does the Car Destination Fee Apply to Used Cars?
The car destination fee is not applicable toused cars.
The fee is specifically based on the cost of getting a car from the manufacturer to the dealership.
When a dealership buys a used car, it is typically dropped off by the previous owner.
Is the Car Destination Fee Negotiable?
The car destination fee is not negotiable.
What About Additional Destination Fees?
Car destination fees are not negotiable, but some dealerships attempt to charge consumers for the same thing twice.
Many people are unaware that the destination fee is the same regardless of dealership location.
What Fees Should You Negotiate Instead?
While the car destination fee is not negotiable, many of the other fees charged by car dealerships are.
Here are a few alternative ways to save money when buying a new car.
It may include washing the car or removing protective coverings.
This fee is not charged by all dealerships and should be refused if requested.
While VIN etching is worth doing, many dealerships charge up to $300 for the service.
Dealer Installed Accessories
Dealers often offer a wide selection of upgrades and installed accessories.
It’s not uncommon for dealerships to add upgrades without discussing them.
When deciding what upgrades to purchase, it’s also important to shop around.
Many accessories can be found for cheaper if bought direct.
Extended Warranties
An extended warranty is a warranty that kicks in when the manufacturer’s warranty expires.
Refusing an extended warranty, however, is an easy way to reduce a car’s price.
This is an additional fee that allows them to charge more than the recommended retail price for a vehicle.
This fee is not a fixed amount and is often negotiable.
Tire and Wheel Protection
Dealerships often offer tire and wheel protection.
This is supposed to cover the cost of any punctures or tire replacements.
You should also be prepared to shop around if you are not given a good deal.
