How to Negotiate a Car Price Over Email
Negotiate a car price over email in the US—get OTD quotes, compare dealers, and avoid pressure before you set foot on the lot.
Negotiating a car price over email in the U.S. lets you get OTD quotes, compare dealers, and avoid pressure before you set foot on the lot. Here's how to do it effectively.
TL;DR Be specific: exact car (VIN or stock number), ask for OTD (price + tax + fees) in writing, get quotes from multiple dealers, and don't agree to anything until you have the breakdown. Use autopremo.com to know fair price before you email.Why Negotiate Over Email
- No pressure. You're not on the lot; you can think and compare.
- Written record. You get OTD and breakdown in writing—no "he said, she said."
- Compare easily. Same car, multiple dealers, side-by-side OTD.
- Leverage. You can share (or imply) that you're getting other quotes. Dealers often sharpen their pencil when they know you're comparing.
What to Include in Your First Email
1. Exact vehicle
- VIN or stock number and year, make, model, trim. Same car can have multiple trims; be specific so you're comparing apples to apples.
- New or used. If used, mileage and any key options (AWD, etc.).
2. What you're asking for
- Out-the-door price (selling price + tax + all fees). Not "price" alone—OTD is what you pay.
- In writing. "Please provide the out-the-door price in writing, including selling price, tax, and all fees."
3. Your position (optional but strong)
- "I'm comparing offers from a few dealers and will decide based on the best OTD."
- Or: "I've looked at comparable cars in the area and am looking to be at [your target] OTD. Can you get there?"
Use autopremo.com to set a target OTD before you send.
Sample Email (New Car)
Subject: OTD quote – [Year Make Model Trim], Stock #[number]Hi,
I'm interested in the [year, make, model, trim] with stock number [X]. Please provide your best out-the-door price in writing, including:
- Selling price (after any incentives)
- Tax
- All fees (doc, etc.)
I'm comparing offers and will decide based on the best OTD. Thank you.
[Your name]
Sample Email (Used Car)
Subject: OTD quote – [Year Make Model], VIN [last 8]Hi,
I'm interested in the [year, make, model, trim] with VIN ending [X], [mileage] miles. Please provide your best out-the-door price in writing, including:
- Selling price
- Tax
- All fees
I'm comparing offers and will decide based on the best OTD. Thank you.
[Your name]
What to Do When They Respond
If they give OTD in writing
Compare to your target and to other dealers. If one is at or below your target (and below or in line with others), you can accept or try one more round: "Can you do $X OTD? If so, I'll come in today."
If they don't give OTD or push you to come in
Reply: "I need the out-the-door price in writing before I come in. Please include selling price, tax, and all fees." Don't go in without a written OTD—otherwise you lose the benefit of email negotiation.
If they call instead of email
"I'd prefer to have the quote in email so I can compare. Can you send the OTD in writing?" Stick to email for the record.
Compare OTD from multiple dealers with autopremo.com.Your Email Negotiation Checklist
- [ ] Exact car (VIN or stock, trim, mileage) identified
- [ ] Fair price / target OTD known (from autopremo.com)
- [ ] Email sent to at least 2–3 dealers (same car or same model)
- [ ] Asked for OTD in writing (selling price + tax + fees)
- [ ] Compared quotes; chosen best OTD or sent one more round
- [ ] Not agreed to anything without written OTD
Bottom Line
Negotiate over email by being specific (exact car, OTD request), getting quotes in writing from multiple dealers, and not agreeing until you have the breakdown. Use autopremo.com to know fair price and target OTD before you email—then compare and close without overpaying.