Negotiate the 'Out the Door' Price — Not the Sticker Price

The Problem

You agreed on $25,000. The final bill is $27,800 after 'document fees,' 'dealer prep,' and 'admin charges.'

The Hack

Say: 'What's the out-the-door price — the total I write a check for, all fees and taxes included?' Negotiate THAT number, not the sticker price.

Why It Works

Dealers negotiate sticker price down, then add fees back in the finance office: documentation ($300-800), dealer prep ($200-500), admin fee ($200-400). Negotiating OTD eliminates this game.

Pro Tips

• 'Out the door' = price + tax + title + registration + all fees
• Refuse: dealer prep, admin fee, paint protection, fabric protection
• Doc fee is the only somewhat legitimate fee — and it's still negotiable
• Get the OTD number IN WRITING before signing anything