There’s nothing quite like that new car smell. It’s the scent of freedom, a fresh start, and, for many, a badge of financial accomplishment. But hidden beneath the polished showroom floor and the dazzling paint job is something far less exciting: a pile of sneaky fees that can jack up your final purchase price by thousands of dollars.
These costs are often glossed over in the fine print, buried in contracts, or slipped in during the fast-paced final stages of the sale. If you’re not careful, you might end up paying more for paperwork than the vehicle itself.
Before you sign anything, make sure you know what you’re really paying for. Here are the five sneaky fees you’ll want to watch out for when buying a new car.
1. Destination Charges
You might assume the sticker price includes getting the vehicle from the manufacturer to the dealership. It doesn’t. Most automakers tack on a destination charge—a fee for transporting your car to the dealership—ranging from $900 to $2,000 or more. The worst part? It’s non-negotiable and often not disclosed until you’re deep into the buying process.
What to do: Ask up front what the destination fee is. While you likely can’t remove it, being aware of it helps you factor it into your budget and spot shady pricing tactics if the dealer adds a “freight” charge on top of it.
2. Dealer Prep Fees
That “complimentary” vehicle inspection and cleaning? It might be bundled under something called a dealer prep fee, and it’s anything but free. Some dealers charge $200–$500 just to remove plastic wrap and fill up fluids—basic tasks that take minimal effort.
What to do: Push back. Dealer prep is often negotiable, and many buyers have successfully gotten it reduced or removed altogether. If it’s listed vaguely, ask exactly what you’re paying for.
3. Advertising Fees
Yes, you’re sometimes expected to pay for the cost of the car’s advertising—literally the dealership’s own marketing. These regional advertising fees are sometimes built into the invoice price from the manufacturer, but some dealerships take it further and add their own markup.
What to do: Ask if the advertising fee is from the manufacturer or the dealership. If it’s dealer-added, challenge it. Many buyers don’t even realize they can.
4. VIN Etching and Add-Ons You Didn’t Ask For
That theft-deterrent VIN etching or nitrogen tire fill? Many dealers install these extras ahead of time and charge you for them automatically. These pre-installed add-ons can quietly add $500 or more to your invoice, and they often provide minimal value.
What to do: Before you buy, walk through the car and ask for a list of installed add-ons and their prices. You have the right to refuse them or negotiate their removal from your bill.
5. Documentation Fees
Also known as a doc fee, this charge covers the dealership’s cost of handling paperwork, but it can range from $100 to over $900 depending on your state. And unlike many fees, documentation charges are often not capped or regulated.
What to do: Look up your state’s average doc fee in advance. Some states set a maximum, while others leave it to the dealer’s discretion. You probably can’t get rid of it, but knowing what’s reasonable helps you avoid getting gouged.
Know Before You Go
Buying a car is one of the biggest financial decisions most people make and also one of the most emotionally charged. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of a test drive or the pressure of a “limited-time” deal. But staying grounded and informed can save you hundreds, even thousands, in unnecessary charges.
Before you sign anything, ask for a full itemized breakdown of fees. Walk away if something feels off. You have the right to question every charge, and doing so could mean the difference between a smart investment and a painful financial regret.
What’s the sneakiest car-buying fee you’ve encountered, or did one of these surprise you?
Read More:
Buying a Used Car? Here’s How to Avoid These 9 Costly Mistakes
Buying A New Car Is Never Worth It and Here’s Why
Riley Schnepf is an Arizona native with over nine years of writing experience. From personal finance to travel to digital marketing to pop culture, she’s written about everything under the sun. When she’s not writing, she’s spending her time outside, reading, or cuddling with her two corgis.
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