Are dealer extras on a new car worth it?

Are the extras that dealers add to the price of cars actually necessary or beneficial? The last time I bought a car the dealer looked up the list price, added delivery charges and metallic paint/optional extras and that was the price you paid. Now in addition to all that there's a dealer seal and protect coating and step back insurance. Showroom sales staff really push these with a hard sell, but they can add €1,000 to €1,200 to the cost of a car. Question is, are they worth it?

Martin Moroney (Dublin)

Nov 2016 Filed under: optional extras

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Expert answer

Hi Martin,

Dealer seal isn't really worth it in my opinion because for most of the year Irish roads aren't gritted and salted. I know they are this week, but a regular trip to the car wash will do just as good a job as 'dealer seal.' Protect coating is pretty similar. You'd be better off just keeping the car in good condition and taking care of stone chips etc as and when they occur. Step back protection is like any form of payment protection insurance - it has its uses, but buy carefully and make sure you study the small print with great care. 

Neil Briscoe - Complete Car Advisor
@neilmbriscoe