Free guide
How to ask for an out-the-door price
Updated November 8, 2026. A written request you can email or text to several dealers.
The simplest way to compare car deals is to ask several dealers for the same thing in writing: an itemized out-the-door price. That means the vehicle, taxes, fees, and any add-ons listed separately — not a monthly payment. Results vary by dealer and by vehicle; this is a comparison method, not a promised savings amount.
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1. Decide the vehicle you want
Pick the year, make, model, trim, and must-have options or colors. Know your ZIP so they can estimate tax, title, and registration. If you plan to finance, consider getting your own pre-approval first so you can compare the dealer's rate later.
Sketch what an all-in number might look like with the free out-the-door price calculator before you start requesting quotes.
2. Email or text several dealers the same day
Send the same request to three to five dealers so you can compare replies. Email or a dealer website form works well because you get the number in writing. Mention that you are requesting quotes from several dealers and will buy from the best complete written offer.
3. Ask for an itemized out-the-door price
Example message: “I'm ready to buy a [year, make, model, trim] in the next week or two. Could you email me an itemized out-the-door price for a vehicle you have in stock or arriving soon? Please include the vehicle price and any discounts or rebates; every dealer fee, listed by name; sales tax, title, and registration for my ZIP; any add-ons, listed separately (I'd like optional add-ons removed); and the VIN or stock number.”
4. Compare apples to apples
Line up each quote's out-the-door total and check the line items. Watch for pre-installed add-ons, market adjustments, or fees that were not in other quotes. If one quote includes extras you did not ask for, ask them to send an updated out-the-door price without them.
Once you have a genuine written low, you can ask another dealer to beat that same out-the-door number. Share only real quotes; never invent a competing price.
5. Keep the trade-in separate
Do not negotiate the trade-in in the same breath as the car's price. Agree on the out-the-door purchase price first, then discuss your trade-in. If you have a written offer from an online buyer or another dealer, you can ask them to match or beat it, or sell the car separately.
6. Get the number in writing before you visit
Before you drive over, ask them to confirm by email the out-the-door total, the VIN or stock number, and that there are no add-ons beyond what is listed. Bring that email with you. At the dealership, compare the contract to the quote line by line and decline extras you did not ask for.
The Car Kit includes an out-the-door quote request, a script to ask them to beat the best quote, a request to remove add-ons, a trade-in handled separately, a confirmation before you drive over, and Call Mode for at the dealership. One-time $19, 14-day refund.
Related free tools
- Out-the-door price calculator
- How to negotiate car price
- How to decline dealer add-ons
- How to negotiate trade-in value
- Car payment calculator
What is an out-the-door price?
The all-in number you would pay to drive away: the vehicle price plus taxes, title, registration, dealer fees, and any add-ons. Asking for it itemized lets you compare dealers on the same terms instead of monthly payments.
Why ask by email or text instead of visiting first?
A written quote gives you something to compare and bring with you. Visiting before you have a number makes it easier to negotiate by monthly payment or mix the trade-in into the price.
Should I mention my trade-in when I ask for the out-the-door price?
Usually no. Agree on the purchase price first, then discuss the trade-in separately so one number does not hide inside the other.
Is this legal or financial advice?
No. It is practical communication guidance. Read your own quotes and contract, and follow your own judgment.
Guidance only, not legal, financial, or tax advice. Results vary. This is a communication aid, not a guarantee of any outcome.