Car buying guide
Out-the-Door Price Explained
Estimate your total
Build an estimated out-the-door price
Start with the numbers you have. The calculation is local to this page and meant to make the quote easier to read, not to replace a dealer's written total.
What makes up the out-the-door price?
What makes up the price
$32,4031. Vehicle Price
The advertised price of the car before any taxes or fees.
2. State Sales Tax
Applied to the vehicle price. Rates vary significantly by state—from under 5% to over 8%. See sales tax rates by state →
3. Dealer Documentation (Doc) Fee
Charged by the dealership for paperwork and filing. Typical range: $100–$800, depending on the dealer and state. See typical doc fees by state →
4. Title Fee
State fee for registering the vehicle title in your name. Varies by state, typically $10–$300.
5. Registration Fee
State fee to register the vehicle for road use. Often based on vehicle value, weight, or age; can range from $50 to $500+.
6. Add-ons & Optional Fees
Extended warranties, paint protection, gap insurance, or other dealer add-ons. Always question these—they are optional and often negotiable.
Why does OTD price matter?
The out-the-door price is the number that matters most when buying a car. It's what you actually pay. When comparing dealer offers, always compare OTD prices, not just the advertised vehicle price. Two dealers might quote the same vehicle price but differ significantly in taxes, fees, and add-ons—potentially thousands of dollars.
OTD price examples
Here are example per-model OTD price guides by state:
Frequently asked questions
- What is included in the out-the-door price?
- The out-the-door price includes the vehicle price, state and local sales tax, dealer documentation fee, title fee, registration fee, and any dealer add-ons you agree to. It is the total you pay to drive the car off the lot.
- How do I calculate my OTD price?
- Start with the vehicle price. Add your state's sales tax rate (vehicle price × rate). Add the dealer doc fee, title fee, and registration fee. The sum is your estimated OTD price. Use Ridekick to get the real written number from the dealer.
- Can dealer fees be reduced?
- State-mandated fees (title, registration) are fixed. Dealer doc fees are set by the dealer and often non-negotiable, though amounts vary widely by state. Add-on products like extended warranties and paint protection are always optional and can be declined.
How we estimate OTD prices
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Check your car's real price
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OTD prices vary by dealer, location, and vehicle condition. Sales tax, doc fees, and registration fees are estimates based on typical state rates and dealer practices. Always get a written quote from the dealer before agreeing to any price.