Request the total before discussing payment.

How to Ask a Dealer for an Out-the-Door Price

Request a written OTD quote that separates selling price, taxes, government charges, dealer fees, products and trade.

Sources reviewed: 18 July 2026Rule version: 2026.1

A message you can send

Please send a written buyer's order showing the vehicle selling price, dealer discounts, manufacturer incentives, sales tax, title and registration, dealer fees and every add-on as separate lines. Please confirm the final out-the-door price before any down payment or trade equity.

Why payment comes later

A dealer can reach a target monthly payment by changing the term, cash down, APR or products. Confirm the purchase price first, then compare financing.

Keep trade negotiation visible

Ask for the replacement vehicle price and trade allowance as separate figures. A high trade value does not help when the dealer also raises the vehicle price or adds products.

Source and method note

Rates and fees can change. State-specific calculators identify their source date and separate fixed source-backed amounts from user-entered or location-dependent estimates.

Review official sources