When buying a new car, the options don’t end when you choose your desired make and model.
You have to think about color, level of decoration and finally accessories.
Dealership accessories catalogs can sometimes be overwhelming, with dozens of additional accessories offered in some cases.
Customizing your ride with dealer-approved upgrades can be fun, but the costs of checking the boxes can add up quickly.
That begs the question – what dealer-supplied accessories do you really need? And do they offer fair value when compared to alternatives?
Turns out, there’s no simple answer.
It really depends on the buyer, the vehicle in question, and how you plan to use it.
For example, if you’re buying an SUV to complete a circuit around Australia with a caravan, you’ll need towing equipment.
On the other hand, city hatchback buyers are more likely to opt for some floor mats or cosmetic upgrades. Using that logic, you won’t see much Suzuki Swift with a pull bar.
However, not all SUV owners intend to tow – so buyers first need to understand the intended use of their vehicle and what accessories are suitable for that.
Brad Hopkins, Werribee Mitsubishi dealership manager, said buyers of certain vehicles tend to choose the same accessories.
“Depending on the vehicle, we install different accessories,” Mr. Hopkins said. Automotive expert. “On a Triton dual cab 98% of buyers want a tow bar and many want a cover tray such as a hood or soft top.
“Pajero sports Buyers also often want a tow bar because they use the vehicle for towing.
“Everyone has different needs, but some customers want accessories they don’t need. We had people clicking on each accessory and asking if they really needed it.”
With that said, not all accessories are designed to improve the functionality of your car.
Many manufacturers offer cosmetic accessories in the form of colored badges, body enhancements, and decals, which serve no other purpose than to change the vehicle’s appearance.
In those cases, only you can judge the value of the item, but it’s important to remember that it’s not necessary to buy accessories from a dealer or manufacturer.
The automotive aftermarket is a goldmine for drivers looking to customize their pride and joy, and items similar to dealer accessories without manufacturer markings are often available. can be obtained at a cheaper price.
It’s almost a no-brainer if you can find cosmetic modifications at a great discount, but it can be a different story when it comes to parts that have a larger impact on drivability of cars.
That’s because genuine accessories come with a manufacturer’s warranty, while aftermarket accessories often do not.
If a non-genuine part causes a problem with your vehicle, you will have to pay for the repair yourself.
“You should buy genuine for a number of reasons,” Mr. Hopkins said.
“First, because you have factory-trained technicians installing them, not Joe Bloggs, who really doesn’t know how to install them properly.
“Genuine Mitsubishi accessories come with a 10-year warranty while non-genuine accessories do not, so if the vehicle has problems caused by aftermarket accessories, the manufacturer may not cover the warranty.
“Buying genuine products will protect your investment. You may pay more but you know it has been installed properly.”
Then there’s the convenience factor. Dealer-sourced accessories are selected and installed during the purchase process, so you don’t have to worry about taking your car to different workshops or installing things yourself.
So what’s the catch?
Dealer-installed accessories are often more expensive than non-genuine versions, especially alloy wheels and tow bars.
That brings us back to the question of which dealer-supplied accessories you should buy.
Choosing genuine spare parts from the manufacturer is often a safe choice for high-value items that affect the vehicle’s functionality. However, better value can be had in the aftermarket for accessories that don’t fit that description.
Looking for floor mats, weatherstripping and cosmetic modifications along with other accessories will not only save you money but also open up more options.
There are some popular add-ons that may be worth skipping altogether or turning to a professional for assistance. Paint protection is a common example.
