What “Out-the-door price” means
The out-the-door price is everything: the selling price of the car, every dealer fee, every add-on, sales tax, and government title and registration fees, less any rebates. If you trade a car in, the trade value and your loan payoff sit next to it, but the OTD price of the car itself should be agreed first.
Monthly payments, “percentage off MSRP” and “we’re at invoice” can all be adjusted by moving money between lines. The OTD total cannot, which is why it is the cleanest way to compare dealers.
How it shows up at the dealership
Ask for an OTD price and many stores will first give you a payment, or a price “plus tax and fees.” Some will say they can’t quote OTD without a credit application. They can; taxes and fees for your address are known. A written OTD quote, itemized, is the standard you want from every dealer.
Worked example · illustrative numbers, not a quote
An out-the-door price, line by line
| Vehicle selling price | $32,500 |
| Doc fee | + $499 |
| Sales tax (6% on $32,999 in this example) | + $1,980 |
| Title and registration | + $285 |
| Out-the-door price | $35,264 |
Tax rates, what is taxable and DMV fees vary by state and county.
What to do
- Email at least three dealers for an itemized OTD quote on the same trim.
- Refuse to discuss monthly payments until the OTD number is agreed.
- Compare the final buyer’s order with the quote line by line before signing.
What to say
“Please send me an itemized out-the-door price for this VIN, including every fee and any add-ons, to my ZIP code. I’m comparing written quotes and will decide this week.”
Also called: OTD price, drive-away price, total price.