MSRP Is Not Your Price
The sticker is the starting point. These are the line items that sit between it and the number on the contract.
Destination, state tax, doc fee and registration typically add several thousand dollars to the sticker. In tight-supply markets some in-demand models also carry a market adjustment of $1,000 to $5,000 above MSRP.
The Line Items Worth Understanding
- ·Market adjustment: Added above MSRP when demand outruns supply. Negotiable, so it is fair to ask about it.
- ·Dealer-installed accessories: Floor mats, wheel locks, nitrogen fill. The price covers the part, the labor and store margin. If you do not want them, ask whether they can come off.
- ·Extended warranties in financing: Rolling coverage into the contract raises the financed total. Worth having for some buyers, so decide on the coverage itself and compare it against buying separately.
- ·Gap coverage: Genuinely useful if you finance with little down. Compare the dealership's price against your own insurer's quote.
Price Any Deal, Line by Line
For when you already have a quote in hand. Enter any price, pick your state, and toggle each dealer add-on to see what it does to your total.
Dealer Add-Ons
Toggle each item on to include it in your total. Declinable add-ons start off, so you only add what you actually want.
Pure profit padding for cleaning the car. Decline, it's the dealer's job to deliver a clean car.
Nitrogen in tires is a gimmick for daily drivers. Decline, regular air is fine.
You can do this yourself with a $20 kit. Decline, it's near-zero cost to the dealer.
Marked up 500%+ over cost. Decline, aftermarket is 1/4 the price if you want it.
Above-MSRP gouging on popular models. Decline, pay MSRP or walk.
Worth it if your loan-to-value is >100% or you put <20% down. Check your auto insurer first, they often charge half.
Consider if keeping the car 7+ years. Buy it later from a third-party provider, dealer pricing is marked up significantly.
Only worth it if the plan costs less than the included services. Check actual service prices first.
All figures are estimates. Sales tax, doc fees, and title/registration costs vary by county, city, and dealer, and change over time. This tool does not constitute tax, financial, or legal advice. Always verify the final out-the-door price with your dealer and local DMV before signing.
Trading something in? A trade lowers the price you are taxed on in most states. Estimate your trade-in value.