Car Purchase Price & Out-the-Door Calculator
Purchase Summary
Estimated Sales Tax:
Total Out-the-Door Price:
Credits (Trade + Rebates):
Net Amount Due:
How to Calculate Your Total Car Purchase Price
When buying a new or used vehicle, the sticker price is rarely the final amount you pay. Understanding the "Out-the-Door" (OTD) price is crucial for budgeting. This calculator helps you breakdown the various costs associated with a car purchase, excluding financing terms, to show you exactly how much capital is required to complete the transaction.
Key Components of Car Purchase Costs
- Sticker Price (MSRP): The base price of the vehicle before any taxes or additional fees are applied.
- Sales Tax: Most states levy a sales tax on vehicle purchases. This is usually calculated on the purchase price, often after deducting the trade-in value depending on local laws.
- Documentation (Doc) Fees: This is a fee charged by the dealer for processing the paperwork. These can vary significantly by state and dealership.
- Registration and Title: These are government fees paid to the DMV for your license plates, title registration, and vehicle tags.
- Incentives and Rebates: Manufacturer discounts that reduce the total price of the vehicle directly.
Example Calculation
Imagine you are purchasing a sedan with a sticker price of $30,000. Your local sales tax is 6%, dealer fees are $400, and registration is $200. You also have a trade-in vehicle worth $4,000.
- Subtotal: $30,000
- Tax: $1,800 (6% of $30,000)
- Fees: $600 ($400 + $200)
- OTD Price: $32,400
- Net Due: $28,400 ($32,400 minus $4,000 trade-in)
By using this car purchase calculator, you can enter your specific numbers to avoid surprises at the dealership and ensure you stay within your actual budget.