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Is a "processing fee" legitimate or a rip-off?

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Old 12-13-2003, 02:56 AM
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Default Is a "processing fee" legitimate or a rip-off?

Landmark Honda wants to charge $289 for a "processing fee." Is this a legitimate part of buying a car? If I refuse to pay it, am I being churlish and unreasonable?

What , exactly, is a "processing fee?" It seems like I am paying close to $300 for the privilege of signing the paperwork!
Old 12-13-2003, 03:42 AM
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tell them thats bullshit. if they are gonna charge you that fee then go somewhere else.
Old 12-13-2003, 04:45 AM
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Old 12-13-2003, 04:52 AM
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Another term for "additional dealer profit".
Old 12-13-2003, 05:14 AM
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They are BS fees the dealers tack on to snag a couple hundred dollars on each car they sell. I found virtually every dealer in the Atlanta area charges them.
The dealers I've worked with say "hey, our fees are comparable to other dealers". Like I care.
Factor the fee into the price you are willing to pay and negotiate but once they get you in the back room I doubt the fee is coming off the paperwork.
If you are financing - know what your payment should be BEFORE you go to the business manager. Most dealers have their computers set up to add the most expensive insurance coverage, warranties, etc as the default. If you don't question the first numbers that pop up, you wull be tajken for a very expensive ride.
Old 12-13-2003, 06:18 AM
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if i'm not mistaken, their processing fee is straight up bullshit
its a fee they charge for all the paperwork and such. for processing all of it, sending all the shit to banks & dmv... things like that.
its complete ass
Old 12-13-2003, 06:22 AM
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So does everyone here recommend refusing to pay the processing fee? Will the dealer allow me to refuse this fee? Is the processing fee negotiable?
Old 12-13-2003, 06:26 AM
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Look guys, let 'em charge it. They have to make their money somehow. I don't understand why people can assume they'll just get the car for what the dealer paid for it. If you're getting a good deal give the guy the $289 and be done with it. As long as I know it's BS I'm fine with it. I wouldn't mind helping a salesman take his family out to a nice dinner tonight because he busted his hump trying to get me the car I wanted today.

Old 12-13-2003, 06:33 AM
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Everything is based on supply and demand in the market...look at the total bottom line, and take your business elsewhere if you can find a better deal.
Old 12-13-2003, 06:36 AM
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[QUOTE]Originally posted by dave22
Look guys, let 'em charge it.


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