What is “Out The Door” Pricing?

1. What “Out-the-Door Pricing” Really Means

When you walk into a dealership, one of the most confusing phrases you’ll hear is “out-the-door price.” It sounds simple, but many buyers don’t realize just how different it is from the sticker price on the car. Understanding what’s included — and what’s added — can save you thousands.

The Difference Between Sticker Price and Out-the-Door

The sticker price (or MSRP) is the manufacturer’s suggestion — a starting point. But the out-the-door price is the number that actually matters. It includes taxes, title, registration, documentation fees, and dealer add-ons.

Dealers love to advertise low prices that don’t include those extras. By the time you sit down to sign, the total can easily climb by several thousand dollars. That’s how dealerships make a “good deal” look good — until it isn’t.

What’s Hidden in the Fine Print

Common line items you’ll find on your buyer’s order:

• Doc fee: anywhere from $150 to $900

• Dealer prep: usually unnecessary, but often $200–$400

• Paint protection or sealant: inflated markup (actual cost ~$100)

• Advertising fees: rarely disclosed until you’re signing

At The Car Agent Co, we cut through that. We negotiate based on out-the-door pricing only — because that’s the real number you’ll be writing a check for.

Why It Matters

When you shop based on the total price instead of the sticker, you gain control. Comparing true out-the-door numbers from multiple dealerships can expose hidden markups instantly.

Our Advice

Always ask:

“What’s my total out-the-door price, including taxes and fees?”
Get it in writing. Don’t compare sticker to sticker — compare final numbers.

At The Car Agent Co, that’s the only number we care about. No tricks, no hidden fees — just transparency and savings.