Car Loan Glossary mb

In MB, what should I know about add-ons and etching for car loans?

In Manitoba, add-ons such as extended warranties, rustproofing, paint protection, fabric protection, and etching (VIN engraving on windows) are frequently presented during the car financing process. While often positioned as essential or mandatory, these products are almost always optional and represent significant profit margins for dealerships. Financing these items directly inflates your total loan amount, meaning you pay interest on them for the entire term, which, in the current and projected 2025 market with elevated interest rates, can substantially increase their effective cost. Manitoba's consumer protection framework, consistent with Canadian standards, mandates clear disclosure that these products are optional and must be itemized separately from the vehicle's price. Consumers should critically assess if the perceived value of these add-ons justifies the considerable additional cost and the interest paid over the loan's duration, especially when many offer limited real-world benefit or can be sourced more affordably elsewhere. Declining unnecessary add-ons directly reduces your principal loan amount, lowers monthly payments, and significantly decreases the total interest paid, empowering you to control the true cost of your vehicle purchase and protect your financial position.

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