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So this may be a silly question, but he who does not ask does not learn.
If you have a car custom-made for you you can choose certain options, like cargo nets, additional lighting, etc. Why is it that some of these options are installed at the dealer (the installation of which you're charged for separately), and not at the factory when the car has been made? Why should it incur a new charge for you to bear?
If you mean items that aren't options offered by the manufacturer on their spec build outs like custom all-weather floor-mats, upgraded auto alarms, etc. well the dealers can basically charge whatever they can get away with.
But for options that are listed as official items contained within a certain model line per their build out, you shouldn't be charged an additional "labor" fee by the dealer for installation or procurement. Those options' prices reflect material & labor inclusive. What the dealer could be doing is low-balling your options, so that it appears that his package is cheaper than competitors, but then he tacks on "installation" at the end. Make sure you compare apples with apples when you're getting quotes. You want the bottom-line price out the door.
Well, I suppose the factory, anymore, only builds them a certain way, and if you want anything different, either the dealer can do it for you or you can do it yourself.
Case in point, the Monte Carlo SS from 1983-1988 only came with a 305 V8....some people claim their MCSS came factory with a 350...which is not true b/c all MCSS's left the factory with a 305...so if your MCSS did have a 350 off the show room floor, it was a dealer installed option. Because at the time the 350 was reserved for Corvettes and trucks. So basically if you wanted more power in your 1983-88 Monte than what the 305 gave you, it was up to you or your dealer to help you.
Location: East of Seattle since 1992, 615' Elevation, Zone 8b - originally from SF Bay Area
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Factories do not stock all of the parts that are available as accessories at the dealership. Ash trays, for example, are now one of the least requested
and easy to stock and install at the dealership. Not worth the trouble to keep them at the factory and have someone on the assembly line for one vehicle in 200.
These things could be discussed and considered in the negotiation process, you might have gotten them to throw in the labor on those to make the sale.
With the modern key costing close to $100 I had a third one thrown into the deal on my last Ford, the one before that I had the dealer upgrade the stereo, free as part of the deal.
i mean like, for the ford fusion hybrid - ash cups, side window deflectors, floor mats, etc.
surely such can be installed at the factory?
Ash tray and floor mats probably wouldn't have an installation fee, there's really nothing to install. Side window deflectors, front end bug guards, sunroof win deflectors, spoilers, mud guards and the likes all require installation. I'm thinking in addition to the cost of the accessories, the dealer will charge an install fee based on their labor rate. As far as being installed at the factory I guess in theory they can be, however, I don't think any vehicle manufacturers offer individual options on order anymore. If you look, the majority of options are sold in option packages.
One point seldom noted it that some of the more complicated dealer accessories that the owned can install themselves should not be a DIY project since , depending on what the accessory is, these owner installed items can void new car warranty. In these cases it's better to let the dealer do the work and protect your warranty. Simple stuff ok , complex wrench work stuff let the dealer do it.
One point seldom noted it that some of the more complicated dealer accessories that the owned can install themselves should not be a DIY project since , depending on what the accessory is, these owner installed items can void new car warranty. In these cases it's better to let the dealer do the work and protect your warranty. Simple stuff ok , complex wrench work stuff let the dealer do it.
Huh? What kind of accessories would void a warranty? They won't repair the engine because you installed a roof rack?
For the OP - think about it. A car factory is a big giant facility with robots and giant conveyor systems. It is a terrible place to put in cheap things like floor mats. They have fairly expensive labor working at these plants. Put the floor mats in the trunk and let the dealer's $10/hr guy take them out of plastic.
The only accessories that really need some skill are those that tap into the electrical system or need cutting/drilling to install (fog lights are an example).
Huh? What kind of accessories would void a warranty? They won't repair the engine because you installed a roof rack?
For the OP - think about it. A car factory is a big giant facility with robots and giant conveyor systems. It is a terrible place to put in cheap things like floor mats. They have fairly expensive labor working at these plants. Put the floor mats in the trunk and let the dealer's $10/hr guy take them out of plastic.
The only accessories that really need some skill are those that tap into the electrical system or need cutting/drilling to install (fog lights are an example).
Now really.
There are whole host of mod's that can be applied to engine , transmission, drive train, steering systems etc. as "performance enhancements" that will void a warranty in heart beat.
SLAM DUNK!!!!!!!!!!!!! THE TRUTH JUST FOR "ICECREAMSANDWICH" Ya ask a fair and honest question and it's the facts that you deserve, mate. Not opinions.
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