True Car Cost

Out-the-Door Price Calculator

Calculate the true total cost of buying a car including state-specific sales tax, title fee, registration, and dealer fees. No surprises at the dealership - know your out-the-door price before you go. No signup required.

State Taxes

State-specific sales tax on vehicle purchase.

Title & Registration

Title fee and registration costs by state.

All Fees

Dealer doc fees and other add-ons.

Trade-In Credit

Factor in trade-in to reduce taxable amount.

Monthly Payment

See impact on monthly payment.

By State

Accurate rates for your state.

Out-the-Door Price Calculator

Calculate the true total cost including taxes, title, registration, and fees.

Vehicle Details

$
$
$

Dealer Fees

$
$

Paint protection, fabric coating, VIN etching, etc.

Out-the-Door Price
$37,921
$2,921 in taxes & fees
60 months @ 6.9%
$749
/month
72 months @ 7.5%
$656
/month

Price Breakdown

Vehicle Price$35,000
Taxable Amount$35,000
Sales Tax (7.25%)$2,538
Title Fee$23
Registration Fee$60
Doc Fee$300
Out-the-Door Total$37,921

California Fees

7.25%
Sales Tax
$23
Title Fee
$60
Registration

Note: Local taxes may add to the base state sales tax rate.

Negotiation Tips

  • Ask for an "out-the-door" quote to avoid surprise fees
  • Doc fees are negotiable - some dealers will reduce or waive them
  • Decline unnecessary add-ons like paint protection or fabric coating
  • Trade-in reduces your taxable amount in most states

What Is Out-the-Door Price?

OTD price includes the negotiated vehicle price plus sales tax, registration, title and doc fees, and any dealer-added fees. It's the total you need to pay or finance.

Negotiate the OTD price first. Focusing only on monthly payment can hide a longer term or higher total cost.

What Fees Are Negotiable?

Documentation fees, advertising fees, dealer prep fees, and add-ons (paint protection, fabric protection) are negotiable or can be declined. Only taxes and government fees are non-negotiable.

Check if the dealer price is fair →

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this tool

What is included in out-the-door price?

Out-the-door (OTD) price includes the negotiated vehicle price plus sales tax, registration, title and doc fees, and any dealer-added fees. It’s the total you need to pay or finance.

Should I negotiate out-the-door price or monthly payment?

Negotiate the OTD price first. Focusing only on monthly payment can hide a longer term or higher total cost. Once OTD is set, you can then discuss down payment and term.

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