# [Out-the-door price: compare the complete car offer](https://trymumm.com/guides/out-the-door-price-car)

> Ask each dealer for a written total that includes the vehicle, fees, add-ons, taxes and registration. Compare the same vehicle and purchase conditions across quotes, and ask what each dealer can include. Review financing and trade-in terms separately so you can see each part on its own.

- **Updated:** 2026-07-20
- **Category:** Auto
- **Read time:** 8 min

## Start with the complete total

Compare the complete out-the-door price before discussing monthly payments. Ask for every fee and optional product in writing, then compare financing separately so a longer loan does not hide a higher total.

## What belongs in it (and what does not)

An out-the-door quote should show the vehicle price, dealer fees, taxes, title and registration, plus each optional product or accessory. Ask which charges are government-required and which the dealer controls. Request removal of unwanted extras and compare the final amount across dealers.

## Ask for it in writing

Request written quotes: “I am buying a [year, make, model and trim]. Please send your complete out-the-door price, including fees and add-ons, and state any financing or trade-in conditions.” Send the same request to dealers you would buy from.

## Ask what each dealer can add

Share the strongest written quote with the other dealers you would buy from and ask whether they can improve on it. Ask what they can add as well as the price: all-weather mats, the first services, winter tires or an extended warranty. Compare the complete written offers. Before you go in, get the final total confirmed in writing so new fees do not appear at signing.

## Questions people actually ask



## How should I judge a quote against MSRP?

Compare written quotes for the exact vehicle and check incentive eligibility. The gap from the sticker price is one part of the offer. Fees, financing conditions and included equipment also change the total.

## Can the dealer change the doc fee?

Ask the dealer to explain the documentation fee and compare the complete out-the-door total. If the fee stays, ask whether the vehicle price or the extras can change instead. Check any fee cap in your state’s current guidance.

## Should I mention my trade-in or financing up front?

Keep them separate. Agree on the out-the-door price in writing first. Then compare trade-in offers, with written offers from other buyers as your reference. Then financing: a preapproval from your bank or credit union is the rate the dealer’s finance office has to improve on.

## Do dealers honor emailed OTD quotes?

Keep the written quote and compare it with the buyer’s order before signing. Ask the dealer to explain or remove differences and confirm the current price, expiry and purchase conditions.

## Related

- [Dealer fees and add-ons: keep what you want, remove the rest](https://trymumm.com/guides/dealer-fees-to-refuse)
- [MSRP and incentives: how to compare new-car offers](https://trymumm.com/guides/how-much-off-msrp)