The F&I room
F&I stands for Finance and Insurance — the office you'll visit after agreeing on a price, where they handle loan paperwork and often push add-ons like extended warranties, gap insurance, and prepaid maintenance packages. Here's whether each one is actually worth it, or something you're better off handling yourself later.
Dealer markup is 100%+. If you want one, buy it later from your manufacturer or a third party for half the price.
$500–$1,200 for a $30 spray. Modern factory paint and fabric are already treated.
Air is 78% nitrogen for free. Pay $200 for the other 22%? No.
Mostly excludes the things that actually happen. Check your existing roadside coverage first.
Engine flushes, fuel system 'treatments' — your owner's manual doesn't ask for them.
Needed roughly every 15–30k miles — but you can swap it yourself in 5 minutes for ~$12.
Worth it if you're due (every 5–7k miles) and not already covered by your purchase.
Real maintenance every 2–3 years. Confirm it's actually due before paying.
Worth it if you financed more than 80% of the car's value — but buy through your own auto insurer, not the dealer.
Real wear item. Get it done when pads are below 3mm — not before.
If your car has a belt (not chain), replace at manufacturer interval. Failure means engine damage.