Every Hidden Dealer Fee Explained
Which fees are legitimate and which ones to demand removed.
8 min read • Updated April 2026
Total Potential Junk Fees
$3,993+
That’s how much dealers can add to your deal in non-essential fees
Documentation Fee (Doc Fee)
Covers paperwork processing. Legitimate but often inflated. Should be $100-$300 in most states. Florida caps at $899 but most dealers charge less.
Dealer Preparation Fee
Removing plastic wrap and stickers? The manufacturer already compensated the dealer for this. Pure profit.
Market Adjustment / ADM
Supply/demand markup on popular models. Walk away — another dealer will sell at MSRP or below.
Nitrogen Tire Fill
Air is already 78% nitrogen. This is literally filling your tires with slightly purer air. Worth $0.
Paint Protection Film / Sealant
A thin coat of polymer sealant worth about $20 in materials. You can buy better products at any auto parts store.
Fabric / Interior Protection
Essentially Scotchgard. A $10 can from Walmart does the same thing.
VIN Etching
Etching the VIN into windows for theft deterrence. DIY kits cost $25. Some insurers offer it free.
Pinstriping
A strip of tape applied to your car for $10 in materials. Often already applied before you see the car.
Window Tinting
If you want tint, take it to a professional shop for $150-$250. Dealer tint is often low quality.
Wheel Locks
Available at any auto parts store for $20-$40. A massive markup for a simple security measure.
All-Weather Floor Mats
WeatherTech mats cost $150-$200 online and are higher quality. Demand these be removed or buy your own.
LoJack / GPS Tracking
Your phone has GPS. Your insurance covers theft. This is a profit center, not a necessity.
Delivery / Destination Fee
Shipping the car from the factory to the dealer. Set by the manufacturer, same at every dealer. Legitimate and non-negotiable.
Title & Registration
State fees for titling and registering the vehicle. These are pass-through costs — non-negotiable.
Sales Tax
State and local sales tax. In Florida, this is 6% + county discretionary surtax (0-2.5%). Non-negotiable.
GoFetch’s Fee X-Ray Does This Automatically
Our AI scans every dealer contract, identifies every junk fee, and removes them before you sign. On average, we remove $1,500-$3,000 in unnecessary fees per deal.
Submit FREE Consultation