You read that right. Over twenty-seven thousand dollars — in add-ons, packages, and hidden fees — stacked onto a new car purchase. It’s not a typo. It’s not rare. And unless you know what to look for, it could happen to you.
At GettingDeal.com, we just came across a real car purchase agreement from a local dealership that included more than $27,000 in extra charges. So let’s break it down — line by line — and show you how dealerships turn a good deal into a financial trap, and what you can do to avoid it.
The Base Price vs. The Final Price
Let’s start with the basics. The car’s price before any fees or taxes was around $84,000. But the final amount being financed? A jaw-dropping $112,000+. That’s over 33% more than the original vehicle price.
Where did that extra money come from?
Let’s dig into the line items that quietly added up to more than $27,000.
Here’s What Was Added:
- FIC Protection Package – $4,795.00
Paint and interior protection that many third-party shops offer for a fraction of the cost. - GM Prepaid Maintenance Plan – $3,718.00
Might sound convenient, but ask yourself: would you ever prepay $3,700 for oil changes and tire rotations? - LOJM VIP Protection – $3,999.00
A dealership-invented “value” package full of vague promises. - SURPRAX (whatever that means) – $2,999.00
Many of these oddly named packages offer minimal real-world benefit. - EV GO – $799.00
Possibly just a branded charging accessory. - FIC Key+KeyProtect – $578.00
A key fob warranty. - FIC Tire+Rim Protection – $778.00
Tire insurance — something you may never use. - Admin Fee – $621.50
Just for filing your paperwork. - Total Accessories and Add-ons: Over $17,000
Now let’s add taxes, financing fees, environmental levies, and another $1,000 dealer documentation fee — and suddenly the $84K car now costs $112K.
Why Does This Happen?
Because it works. And most customers don’t notice until it’s too late.
Here’s how dealerships pull this off:
- They focus your attention on the monthly payment. They don’t want you looking at the full price. If they can make the payment “fit your budget,” the deal goes through.
- They add the extras after you’ve committed. Once you’ve mentally said yes to the car, you’re more likely to accept upsells without resistance.
- They bury it in paperwork. Add-on items are stacked in dealership lingo like “FIC” or “VIP OFFER,” which sounds official but means nothing legally.
Here’s the Truth: Most of These Are Optional.
And many can be removed — if you know to ask.
In fact, a lot of these add-ons come with massive markups. A $2,000 extended warranty might cost the dealership $400. A “protection package” might be nothing more than a glorified wax job.
So why are they added?
Because that’s how dealerships make their money. Many dealerships make little profit on the car itself — their real earnings come from the extras.
The Better Way: Negotiate the OTD Price First
OTD = Out-the-Door. This is the only number that matters. It includes:
- Vehicle price
- Accessories (if any)
- Freight and PDI
- Documentation/admin fees
- Taxes and levies
Instead of haggling over monthly payments, ask for the final OTD number in writing. That’s where the truth lives.
But Most People Don’t Want to Argue With Salespeople
And that’s okay — you don’t have to.
At GettingDeal.com, we do all of this for you. Here’s how it works:
- You tell us what car you want.
No need to shop around, haggle, or talk to five different sales reps. - We contact all nearby dealerships to get the lowest price available — with a full breakdown of fees and accessories included.
- You get the best deal, transparently, delivered to your inbox.
No pressure. No calls. Just real prices — the kind of deal you’d get if your best friend worked at the dealership.
What You Can Learn From This $27,000 Markup
- Always ask for a fee breakdown. If they won’t give it to you, walk away.
- You can say no. Most “value packages” and accessories are not required — and you’re not being rude for removing them.
- The first offer is never the best offer. Dealers expect negotiation.
- Use a car buying service like GettingDeal.com if you don’t want to spend your weekends sitting in dealership offices.
Final Thoughts
We’re not anti-dealer — we’re anti-B.S. Car dealerships are in business to make money, and there’s nothing wrong with that. But you deserve to know exactly what you’re paying for.
Next time you buy a car, don’t just ask what the price is.
Ask what else is included — and decide if it’s worth it.
Or better yet — let us ask for you.
👉 Visit GettingDeal.com to start your car search with zero pressure and maximum clarity.
