re: Buying a Truck when did protection plans become a thing?

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That $29k truck is $37k out the door after fees and a $4k protection plan? I said take that off and they tell me it's impossible and company policy. I tell them to kick rocks. Next day same thing on a different truck. When did this become a thing? It's like car dealerships invent ways to make people hate them more.

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That is probably because the protection plan is 50% profit for the dealer selling you the plan.

It is a piece of paper that says the protection plan may cover a problem if something happens mechanically to vehicle as long as the manufacturer warranty is expired and you have not reached the protection plan expiration in miles or days covered. The reason why I say MAY is because if all of those boxes are checked for the protection plan to cover then they start examining if you had your oil changed and other recommended maintenance to cover the claim. Then the protection plan company will probably even try to negotiate down the mechanic shop or dealer.

My favorite is that mechanical problems always happen a few thousand miles after those plans expire.

So if you drive a lot those plans are worthless. You would be better off putting 3-4 thousand in the bank ready to pay for a major mechanical repair or maintenance.