Glad you're such an expert on what a ripoff car dealers are. I worked in the parts department of several dealers over the past 30+ years, so I can tell you the TRUTH about what's going on there.
The "fabric protector" or "paint protector" packages are, as you say, usually done by the washrack guys...usually the lowest-paid personnel in the dealership. Last dealership that I worked for that "sold" these packages had the paint protector and fabric protector applied to EVERY vehicle...but paying fot the package was often negotiable. When you push the F&I [finance and insurance] guys to the mat, they'll usually yield on paint and fabric protection.
Rustproofing, on the other hand, depends on just what the dealer is selling as "rustproofing." Find out what's included, what's not included, and how the program differs from factory antiperforation rust warranty. Once you get them talking that direction, you'll probably find that the add-on rustproofing isn't worth the added expense...again, something that might be negotiable in F&I.
Not ALL extended warranties are junk...but MANY are. The ones offered by GM and Ford are legitimately run programs, while many of the aftermarket extended warranties aren't worth the paper the contract is printed on. Often aftermarket warranties require "inspection" of mechanical breakdowns by their own "inspectors," slowing down your repairs for up to a week while the inspector tries to find a way to deny paying for your claim. GM and Ford extended warranties, on the other hand, are administered the same as new-car warranties, and are considerably less hassle...although you may have to pay a deductible for each occurrence.
As with any other big-ticket purchase, DO YOUR HOMEWORK and you'll be fine. Don't pay for something you don't want...simple enough.
As far as unsatisfactory repair work...if the vehicle isn't fixed, especially if it's still under warranty, LEAVE A PAPER TRAIL. Get all complaints in writing on a repair order. And if you can't duplicate a complaint when the vehicle is in the dealership, odds are the technician won't be able to duplicate it, either...and it will remain unrepaired. Note the circumstances when the problem occurs...cold start, hot start, at a certain engine or vehicle speed. The more details you can give the technician [via the service writer], the better the chances he can fix your car right the first time...and FRFT [Fixed Right First Time] is tracked, at least by Ford.
Hope this clarifies a few things. Most dealers realize that, without repeat buyers, they're dead in the water...so screwing folks over the first time is self-defeating in the long run. But some dealers don't care; to them, customers are like buses, there'll be another one along soon to replace the one who just left. Ask people you trust about a dealer before you ever spend a cent with them. Today, MOST dealers are all about building long-term business relationships...but not all are. Do your homework.
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