Dealer "Handling Fee" Question

[NotConvicted]

Here's a conversation with a friend of mine, who is buying a new BMW today:


do you typically pay the dealer handling fees?
Reply:
dude, they have so many ways of making up costs . . . i think
the "delivery" charge is legitimate, actually, but not the best
person to ask . . try edmunds.com "new car buying tips"
Reply:
its not the delivery charge... they want to charge an
additional $495 "dealer handling fees"


so, is the "dealer handling fee" BS, or real? he told them the $495 is a deal breaker, waiting for the salesman to counter . . .

EDIT:
they waived the $495 fee, in the end, so it is not sacrosanct

[SilverStreak]

Is this "handling fee" in addition to the Destination/Delivery charge?

If so, ask a lot of questions and get it waived for you, if they want your business.

For instance, with a lease, I have never paid a Security Deposit in all my life, simply becuz I ask them to waive it if they want my business, and I have good credit...

[NotConvicted]

Originally posted by SilverStreak
Is this "handling fee" in addition to the Destination/Delivery charge?


yes, it was in addition to Destination/Delivery . .. i've edited my original post, but the dealer waived the $495 "handling" fee

[SilverStreak]

Good deal, nice going... :buttrock

[Hallatauer]

Anything the dealer adds, like handling fee or advertising fee, is total BS. We call it ADF, Arrogant Dealer Fee. It's pure profit for them. Glad he didn't pay it. If the dealer says it's a deal breaker, tell him "deal broken, see ya!".

[iwannadinanm3]

some dealers add a small document fee of around 30 or 40 bux, but nothing like 500 bux

[pfb]

Standard procedure around here to add "Doc Fees" or "Dealer Handling fees", typically of around $100 - $500 bucks.

Pure profit for the dealer, and it can be negotiated around.

[Atrane23]

dealer handling is totally BS if they want your business they'll drop it!

[Dean]

How about when dealers add that bullshit "Paint and ProtectanT" shit to the cars paint and adds another $400-$500. That to me is bullshit. And what excatly are they applying? A wax? And no way it cost $4-500. Can u negotiate and not pay that typically?

[jvit27]

It's crap. When I bought my 99 M3 new, there was an $895 charge for 3M sealent, etc. Immediately disputed that one. My dad and I went to go buy an 03 Cobra last week and there was an add'l $495 "dealer fee." I asked what it was and he said "well we have to pay rent here as well as all our expenses" dad came back with "what do you think you're in business for??"

They'll charge you any way they can. Sad part is most people are too stupid to even question it and it gets paid.

[ClintonM3]

I am a Toyota Sales rep. "Handling" "Document fee" or "Prep fee" are all pretty much the same, total BS, unless they can show a break down of where that money is going.