Which Dealer-Installed Car Options You Should Skip and Which You Should Consider [Buying Guide]

Car dealers don't have a great rep for honesty or looking out for the consumer, but there actually are add-ons they may try to sell you that you should consider. Financial blog MainStreet helps sort out the worthwhile features from the ones you should skip.

For example, you can save about $175 by buying your own VIN etching kit for $25 instead of having the dealer do it (this etches the vehicle identification number onto the car's window as a theft deterrent).

Gap insurance, however, may be worth taking the dealer up on. If you get a loan on your car, the gap insurance protects you from the possibility of having to pay more for your car than what it's worth in case your car gets totaled. You may be able to negotiate the gap insurance coverage with the dealer, but MainStreet advises you do some research first to find competitive rates.

For more add-ons dealers will try to sell you and whether or not you should consider them, hit up the full article below. If you have tips for car shopping and saving money at the dealer, let's hear them in the comments. Photo by Chelsea Oakes.

7 Things Car Dealers Want You to Buy | MainStreet

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Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/lifehacker/full/~3/mdm-tL9J-5w/which-dealer+installed-car-options-you-should-skip-and-which-you-should-consider

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