darwin

I've been getting some quotes from several dealerships in my area for a 2004 TSX. One guy game me an itemized list of all of applicable fees that are added to the out-the-door price. I noticed that there was a $399.95 "Acura Dealer Services" that was included in the price of the car (and thus, taxable). This is not the destination charge -- it is some other non-negotiable fee.

I was just curious if anyone else was familiar with this "Dealer Services" charge. Is this related to my salesman's commision? I just don't want them to try to slap this extra $400 on the car in a manner that makes it seem standard when in reality it is not. Can anyone shed any insight on this?

jlukja

I believe the "Dealer Services" label is a misnomer. They should have lableled it "Additional Dealer Profit".

kiteboy

Agreed. If they insist on leaving this line in, deduct the amount from your offer to compensate. Always negotiate the On the Road purchase price and dealer can spin the surcharges or monthly costs however they want and it won't make a difference.

http://www.carbuyingtips.com/

Whatchamacallit

Sounds to me like Dealer Prep fee. It covers the "prep-ing" of the car prior to the delivery to the customer. This cost is always negotiable. Some manufacturers cover this cost but I didn't see it mentioned on the Acura's sticker.

Although I can see the dealer charging for the service, $400 is outrageous. See if you can talk it down to something more reasonable.

yuhoo22

I wouldn't pay that. Go to another dealer, I am sure there is a local one that doesn't charge this fee.

kurt_bradley

I've said it before and I'll say it again. If they have anything that isn't state mandated, you technically don't have to pay it. If they have anything on the buyer's order that isn't a documentary fee (which is basically what they pay the title clerks with), which should not exceed $100, tell them to take it out of the deal. Once again, by law, you do not have to pay anything over the items that are required in order to buy a vehicle by your state. It's as simple as that. Yes, I do work for a dealer, and we all like making money, but there is a right and a wrong way of doing it.