What is the only type of charge that can be added to an advertised price?

The correct answer is that the only type of charge that can be added to an advertised price is dealer handling and preparation charges. This charge can be included because it encompasses services provided by the dealership to prepare the vehicle for sale, ensuring it is in optimum condition for the buyer.

Dealerships often incur costs related to vehicle preparation, such as inspections, cleaning, and other services that enhance the vehicle's readiness for the customer. These costs are legitimate and can be factored into the advertised price since they represent necessary expenditures incurred by the dealer.

On the other hand, tax fees, delivery charges, and vehicle inspection fees are typically regulated and can vary based on external factors. Tax fees are mandated by law and are not determined by the dealer's discretion; they are added based on state and local regulations. Delivery charges also vary widely and can be subject to individual negotiations or may already be included in the price. Similarly, vehicle inspection fees can depend on different criteria and are not automatically added to the vehicle's advertised sale price as part of the dealer's responsibility.

Thus, dealer handling and preparation charges stand out as the specific fees that can be transparently and routinely included in an advertised price by the dealership.