rwood411 said:
I ,like everyone else, am trying not to get taken advantage of when I finally get a chance to buy this car. I have bought 2 Saturns in the past and never had a problem, but it seems that this car is bringing out the greed in some folks. So a few questions:
1. Is a "dealer prep" charge bogus?
2. Is the "dealer prep" part of the destination charge?
3. I've heard of people being charged for "undercoating", is this for real?
4. Are there any other suspicious charges to look out for?
well it used to be dealer prep was just part of their overhead just like documentation fees... now some dealers will advertize a lower selling price and then tack on those fees and then your price will be back where a dealer that does not charge them is... I say usually but sometimes they will end up charging more...
some other things to watch out for are:
1. AMV stickers, This is something they put on saying that is what the car should cost "Adjusted Market Value" It is bogus as heck.
2. Enviromental package, Usually a wax job and Scotch Guard sprayed on the seats.... not needed
3. undercoating, Usually voids the factory rust through warrenty and could actually make your car rust sooner by trapping water by plugging up hidden drains.
4. Advertizing fee, Some dealers and even charging a additional fee for the advertizing they do...
5. Documentation Fees, usually they charge to get your tags and for filling out the paperwork... sometimes you can talk then out of it, you should at least be able to have them reduce it by half...
I hope this helps.