No Hidden Fees, Ever.

Unveiling Hidden Auto Dealer Fees:

How Harris Hankins Motors Bucks the Trend

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When purchasing a new or used car, consumers are often hit with a barrage of additional fees beyond the sticker price. These hidden fees can significantly inflate the total cost of ownership without providing much value in return. At Harris Hankins Motors in Collins, MS, we believe in transparency and honesty in our pricing.

What Does "No Hidden Fees" Mean?

Here's a look at some common hidden auto dealer fees and why you won't find them at our dealership.

Nitrogen: One common upsell at dealerships is nitrogen tire inflation. Proponents claim it improves tire performance and fuel efficiency. However, what they don't tell you is that air is already 78% nitrogen. According to Consumer Reports, there's little evidence to suggest that nitrogen provides significant benefits over regular air. Instead of paying extra for nitrogen, we recommend regular monthly checks of tire pressure, a simple and cost-free task that promotes tire longevity and safety on the road.

VIN Etching: VIN etching involves engraving the Vehicle Identification Number onto the car windows as a theft deterrent. While some dealerships charge customers for this service, it's something that can easily be done at home with a DIY kit available for as little as $19.99. Moreover, most vehicles already have the VIN displayed in multiple places, making the dealership's additional charge unnecessary.

Paint Sealant: Paint sealant is often marketed as a protective layer for a car's paint, but it's essentially just wax that wears off after a few months. Rather than paying for this temporary solution, car owners can invest in their own waxing products or seek professional detailing services at a more competitive price.

Rust Proofing: Many dealerships offer rust-proofing services at an additional cost, despite the fact that some vehicle warranties already include rust protection. For example, GM vehicles come with a 6-year/100,000-mile rust-through protection, rendering the dealership's rust-proofing fee redundant and unnecessary.

Fabric Protection: Fabric protection services, typically spray-on treatments for upholstery, are often upsold by dealerships. However, car owners can easily apply similar products themselves, saving money and avoiding unnecessary dealership charges.

State of Mississippi Fees: In Mississippi, dealerships may add various fees, including an Application for Title fee, sales tax, and a Documentary/Service Fee regulated by the Mississippi Motor Vehicle Commission. While these fees may be unavoidable, customers should be aware of the maximum allowable charges set by the MMVC and question any dealership fees that exceed these limits. At Harris Hankins Motors, our Documentary/Service fee is transparently set at $299, well below the maximum allowable amount set by the MMVC.

Remember, the only fees you'll have to pay at our dealership are:

• $299 documentation fee that's required by the state of Mississippi
• $10 title fee
• 5% sales tax