How Do You Know If You’re Being Ripped Off on Fees?

“Dealer doc fees are like guacamole at Chipotle—suddenly it’s $3 extra, and nobody knows why and Tijuana Flats Give It Away For Free. 🥑🚗” - Chase Jordan

You Agreed on the Price…

But That’s Not What You’re Paying

You did it. You negotiated. You feel like a boss.

Then they print the paperwork and BOOM 💥—the total is $2,100 higher than expected.

Wait—what?!

Welcome to the dealership’s real business model and that's true in many ways: fees.

If you don’t know how to spot them, challenge them, get them explained, and remove the junk, you’ll get got—fast.

Let’s break it down step-by-step so you don’t pay a penny more than you should.

Step 1: 📄 Understand the Two Types of Fees

There are legit fees and junk fees.

✅ Legit fees:

• Sales tax (based on your state & county)

• Title & registration (goes to the DMV)

• License plate transfer/new tag

🚫 Junk fees:

• Document processing fee ($200–$1,000? For clicking “print”?)

• Nitrogen in tires (You’re paying for… air?)

• Paint/fabric protection (Scotchgard and soap)

• VIN etching (a $20 service sold for $399)

• Market adjustment fee (aka “we just want more money”)

✅ Your move:
Ask for a full out-the-door price before signing anything—and request a line-by-line breakdown.

Step 2: 🧾 Ask This: “What’s Required by Law?”

When a dealer says:

“That fee is required.”

You say:

“By who? The law, or your boss?”

Most “required” fees aren’t required by any law—they’re just store policy (aka markup with a blazer on).

✅ Your move:
If it’s not state-mandated, it’s up for negotiation.

Period.

Or walk away feeling good about yourself. There are plenty of fish in the automotive sea!

Step 3: 🧠 (⚡️) They Hide Fees in the Fine Print

Some dealers don’t itemize fees at all—they just jack up the sale price and hope you don’t notice. It's all bundled into one line item on their price sheet.

If the “sale price” jumps when you agree to finance? That’s shady.

✅ Your move:
Request:

“The full buyer’s order, including itemized fees, in writing.”

Then pause.

Review.

Ask questions.

You’re not annoying—you’re protecting your money.

Step 4: 🧼 The Add-Ons You Never Asked For

They’ll say:

“It’s already installed.”
“Every vehicle has it.”
“It can’t be removed.”

Translation: “We pre-loaded junk and hope you won’t challenge it.”

✅ Your move:
Say:

“If I didn’t ask for it, I’m not paying for it. Please remove or discount accordingly.”

They’ll grumble. That means you’re winning. 😎

Step 5: 💸 Never Pay for What You Don’t Understand

If there’s a mysterious $799 fee labeled “reconditioning,” or “dealer prep,” or “admin package,” ask:

“What exactly does this fee cover? Show me the cost breakdown.”

If they can’t explain it clearly, it doesn’t belong on your contract.

✅ Your move:
Don’t sign anything with fees you don’t fully understand.

Step 6: 🦾 Let a Car Buying Concierge Review the Numbers

At Deal Guard, we analyze buyer’s orders all day, every day.

We know exactly what:

• Can be removed

• Can be reduced

• Should be challenged

• Shouldn’t exist in the first place

✅ Your move:
Before you sign or pay anything, let a car buying consultant go through your deal line by line.

Final Thoughts from Chase 🚘

Dealerships make it complicated on purpose. T

hey hope you’re tired, overwhelmed, or just ready to get the keys and go.

But those last-minute fees?

That’s where they make their secret money.

At Deal Guard, we fight to keep every dollar in your pocket, not theirs.

Because you worked for it.

You earned it.

And we’re here to protect it.

⚡️ Let a car buying concierge from GETDEALGUARD.COM step in and review your deal before you overpay on fees that don’t even belong.

You don’t need to be an expert—you just need one on your side.