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What goes into the out-the-door price
- Price of the car after any discount
- Sales tax, on the price minus your trade-in in most states
- Doc fee, the dealer's paperwork charge (some states cap it)
- Title and registration, set by the state
- Add-ons you agreed to, such as a service contract
- Minus rebates and your trade-in
A worked example
A $28,000 car with a $599 doc fee, $350 title and registration, 6.25% tax and a $6,000 trade with nothing owed:
- Tax on $22,000: $1,375
- Out the door: $28,000 + $1,375 + $599 + $350 = $30,324
- After the $6,000 trade, you pay $24,324
Ask for it in writing
The FTC suggests asking the dealer for the out-the-door price in writing before you talk payments. A payment quote can hide add-ons and fees; the out-the-door price cannot.