Question 1

What is the out-the-door (OTD) price of a car?

Accepted Answer

The out-the-door price is the total amount you pay to drive a car away — the vehicle price plus every tax and fee: state and local sales tax, the manufacturer's destination charge, the dealer's documentation (doc) fee, and title and registration. Unlike MSRP or a monthly payment, the OTD price is the single all-in number, which makes it the only figure that lets you compare two dealers accurately.

Question 2

How is the out-the-door price calculated?

Accepted Answer

Out-the-door price = vehicle price (MSRP or the negotiated price) + destination charge + state and local sales tax + documentation fee + title and registration fees. For example, a $32,000 vehicle with a $1,395 destination charge, 6% sales tax (~$1,920), a $499 doc fee, and ~$250 title and registration comes to roughly $36,064 out the door.

Question 3

Is the out-the-door price the same as MSRP?

Accepted Answer

No. MSRP is only the manufacturer's suggested price for the vehicle itself. The out-the-door price adds the destination charge, taxes, and all dealer fees on top, so it is typically several thousand dollars higher than MSRP. Negotiating on MSRP alone leaves every fee untouched, which is why SaveOnCar anchors every deal to the out-the-door number.

Out-the-door price calculator

Out-the-door price calculator