illinigirl,

This is something that I also struggled with when I purchased my 2005 G35x. I did some research and came across these CNN Money articles "The Rip-Off Room" that discuss the process that happens in the finance manager’s office.

http://money.cnn.com/2003/09/15/pf/a...nd_i/index.htm

http://money.cnn.com/2003/12/02/pf/a...ucts/index.htm

 

The salesperson I had flat out told me that the Finance guy would try to sell me stuff that was worthless. He said that only the lifetime oil changes was really worth it. Ah yes, the good old fleet department. The salesman knew it was my first car (don't worry, I negotiated the price over the phone... better than cars direct at the time.)

 

WooHoo, window etching..............another frigg'n beauty. What's best is that the kit costs the dealership about $5 a car and takes about 1/2 hr. to apply (acid etching has to just sit on the glass....no labor) and does nothing to deter theft, but is sold around here for about $95 to $150 a car. Cute thing is they apply it when the car comes in and is sold "pre" installed.

 

Dealer add ons are the biggest rip offs going. The only thing I recommend you get from the dealer is the car and touch up paint and maybe a dealer installed option like splash guards. Pin stripping, paint sealants, trim packages and other such ilk are waaaaay over priced at the dealer and in some cases worthless. The after market guy at my dealer said if I get the paint sealant I would not have to ever wax my car. I had to muster up the strength not to laugh in his face.

 

As I said before, if you think you will have problems, get it. It cost me $300. So far it has paid me $890 for the seat cover, $361 for a new tire. So, that $951 to the good.

 

Yeah I'm suprised that an Infitini dealer (as opposed other brands we won't name) would still be clinging to the ol' rust proofing BS. No, the modern rip off techniques are window etching, paint sealant and wheel locks.