Loading...

Dealer Fees Explained: How to Spot and Fight Bogus Charges in 2024

Buy via Carvia Sell via Carvia Free Tools Blog FAQCars for Sale

Home
/Videos
/Dealer Fees Explained: How to Spot and Fight Bogus Charges in 2024

Are You Paying for Fake Dealer Fees? Here's How to Tell.

Dealerships are adding thousands in nonsensical charges, from "premium air" to bed liners on SUVs. We're breaking down the most common scams and how to shut them down.

Video by Zach & Ray Shefska, a consumer advocacy channel focused on car buying and ownership.

3 key moments5 takeaways

Key Moments

Carvia Insight

The SUV Bed Liner Trick

Carvia InsightThis is a classic example of a pre-installed, high-margin add-on that has no business being on the vehicle. Always question every line item on the window sticker, especially for accessories that don't make sense. If they won't remove the charge, walk away.

Doc Fees Are No Longer Small Change

© 2025 Carvia. All rights reserved.

Carvia

Home
Buy via Carvia
Sell via Carvia
FAQ
Cars for Sale
Car Inspection
Blog

For Business

Dealers
Marketplaces
Insurers
Finance
AutoTech

Resources

Referrals
Free Tools
Cookie Preferences
Privacy Policy
Terms & Conditions
Investors

About

Contact Us

Carvia InsightOnce a minor administrative cost, states like California are allowing dealers to charge hundreds of dollars for 'documentation.' This is pure dealer profit. Research your state's doc fee cap and negotiate the vehicle's price down to offset any inflated, non-negotiable fees.

Why Old Inventory Is Your Leverage

Carvia InsightThe Ford Bronco Raptor's $10k price cut shows what happens when vehicles sit too long. Use this to your advantage. If a car has been on the lot for months (check its history report or ask the dealer), you have significant negotiating power. The dealer is losing money every day it sits there.

Carvia Takeaways

Carvia Insight

**Question every single line item.** If you see a charge for a 'spray-in bed liner' on an SUV or 'nitrogen tire fill' (your tires are already 78% nitrogen), it's a red flag for other bogus fees.

**'Admin' and 'Doc' fees are pure profit.** While often non-negotiable, you can and should negotiate the vehicle's sale price down by an equivalent amount to offset them.

**Refuse pre-installed accessories you didn't ask for.** Things like 'LuxCare,' tint, or pinstripes are high-margin add-ons. Tell the dealer you won't pay for them or you'll find another dealer who will sell you a car without them.

**Use 'days on lot' as your biggest negotiation tool.** A vehicle sitting for over 90 days is costing the dealer money. The Ford Bronco Raptor example proves that even hyped-up models can become liabilities, giving you the upper hand.

**Always get an 'Out-the-Door' (OTD) price in writing.** This forces the dealer to disclose all taxes, titles, and fees upfront, preventing last-minute surprises in the finance office.

Model-Year Watchouts

Carvia Insight

Jeep Grand Cherokee (L) (2021-2024)

Watchouts

Often used as family haulers; check for excessive interior wear and tear.
Early models of this generation had reports of software glitches with the Uconnect system. Ensure all updates are installed.
These are prime targets for dealer-installed add-ons like the ones in the video. Scrutinize the window sticker for extras.

History to Verify

Confirm regular oil changes; the V6 and V8 engines require consistent maintenance.
Check for any open recalls, particularly related to electrical systems or software.

Pre-Purchase Checks

Test all functions of the infotainment screen to check for lag or freezing.
Listen for any suspension noise over bumps, a common wear point.

How to Verify in a Carvia Report

Title brands and ownership history
Odometer readings over time
Accident chronology and damage reports
Service intervals and maintenance records

Check this VIN with a Carvia report

Ford Bronco Raptor (2022-2024)

Watchouts

Many of these sat on lots for extended periods. Check for sun-faded trim, flat-spotted tires, or old battery dates.
High-performance off-roaders can be driven hard. Look for underbody scrapes, suspension damage, or signs of extreme use.
The $10,000 MSRP drop on 2025 models significantly impacts the value of used 2023/2024s. Don't overpay.

History to Verify

A clean vehicle history is crucial. Any accident report on a specialty vehicle like this is a major red flag.
Verify if it was a dealer demo or 'service loaner,' as these often see harder use.

Pre-Purchase Checks

Engage the 4WD system and locking differentials to ensure they function correctly.
Inspect the beadlock-capable wheels for any damage from off-roading or improper tire mounting.

How to Verify in a Carvia Report

More Guides

Not sure what to look for? Our report flags title issues, mileage anomalies, prior damage, and more—before you buy.

Related content will be loaded based on similar topics and entities.

Topics & Tags

dealer feescar buyingnegotiationscamsdealership tacticsJeep Grand CherokeeFord Bronco RaptorCalifornia

Carvia.ai is not affiliated with CarEdge. This analysis is our editorial team's interpretation of their video content, designed to provide actionable advice for car buyers.

Check My VIN

Unlock AI-powered history, pricing, and buying guidance instantly.

Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

Instant History Check

Smart Pricing Insights

AI-Powered Guidance

Get owner feedback, inspection tips, cost analysis, and more in seconds

Email: contact@carvia.ai

Business Hours: (EST)Mon-Fri: 9:00AM - 6:00PMSat: 10:00AM - 4:00PMSun: Closed

Title brands and ownership history
Odometer readings over time
Accident chronology and damage reports
Service intervals and maintenance records

Check this VIN with a Carvia report