Edmunds Answers questions

What is a doc fee when buying a car?

Lizzie — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 01:53:19 GMT

I'm in Colorado Springs and the dealer is looking to charge me a $400 doc fee. Is this legal?

2008 Rx350 buying price

lexusbuyer1 — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 15:06:17 GMT

Can anyone here tell me a CA dealer who is willing to sell this car around invoice price?

Do your tmv prices on new cars include the dealer processing fee?

john216 — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 12:59:51 GMT

Do your tmv prices on new cars include the dealer processing fee?

Gray Market car

davidman820 — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 08:22:50 GMT

The car I really want is the five door Honda Civic Hatchback. A bit more size and weight than the Fit my wife and I drive now.

The Five Door Civic is only available in Europe and perhaps Japan. Any ideas on how I can get one?

Thanks
David

What can a person do if a dealer charges more for doc fees than the state allows?

dsachs — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 19:10:02 GMT

I live in Ohio, where a dealer wants to charge me $500.00 for Doc fees.

I believe the fees have a max of $250.00 in Ohio.

Do you have to pay document and etching fees?

michie2 — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 07:50:15 GMT

Do you have to pay document and etching fees??

Where can I post my recent experience of buying new car?

dmlin — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 09:32:26 GMT

Where can I post my recent experience of buying new car, so that I can share my experiences with other people and then they will not make the same mistakes?

Are there any disadvantages to the Blank Check Auto Loan process offered by banks?

jerome8283 — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 23:13:20 GMT

I'm considering using this process and it is stated that doing this makes the buying experience easier? Anyone have expereince with this?

What does TTL and OTD mean in reference to purchasing?

snowhound — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 17:40:33 GMT

What does TTL and OTD mean in reference to purchasing? OTD = Out the Door? TTL = ??, Taxes, and Licensing?

Is there a limit to the Documentary Fee New Jersey auto dealers can charge on a new car purchase?

timbooth — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 09:30:18 GMT

Today I'm buying a a New 2009 Subaru Forrester in Ramsey, NJ. The dealer lists a $289 Documentary Fee on the contract. A dealer in NY was going to charge us a mere $45 for what appears to be the same Fee. Is there a limit to this 'fee?'

What is OTD (out the door) price?

jessica_lim — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 03:05:01 GMT

If I got an OTD quote from dealer, the price included all fees or not?
(e.g:dealer fee, destination fee, title, taxes)

Thanks

Are "document fees" which dealers add to sales contract (though not on invoice) negotiable?

cwlyon — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 21:38:15 GMT

Local dealership adds $599 for document fees.

How much does it cost a dealer to ship a car from Atlanta, GA to Dallas, TX?

al1515 — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 11:17:29 GMT

I am in TX and am in the process of negotiating (over the phone) for a car in GA. To help determine what my offer will be, I'll need to factor in the dealer's cost to transport the car to TX, if he'll agree to it (too far for me to drive the car back!).

How do I negotiate with the dealer to remove the doc fee?

thyme31 — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 18:57:40 GMT

I am at the last step of negotiating a car price. The dealer faxed over a worksheet with the details, and sure enough he added a $600 doc fee to boost the price we agreed upon. I know this is one of those "extras" that make dealers money. How do I negotiate with the dealer to remove this?

What fees do you have to pay to drive a car off the lot?

mae7 — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 19:38:44 GMT

If I have settled on a price, have chosen my optional additions, what other fees must I absolutely pay? i.e. Isn't destination charge included in the invoice price? Must I pay that? Any other items I can negotiate? Any thoughts on negotiating price for optional equipment? The automobile is an Expedition??

Why pay doc fees when paying cash?

kbemis — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 18:54:40 GMT

Are car buyers required to pay doc fees by law?

If a fee appears on a new car invoice in the section with the options, does that mean its actually part of cost?

Xuxu — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 06:36:56 GMT

The dealer of a new car has 3 fees listed, including destination, as part of the selling price (its mixed in with options as part of what he makes a profit on). I always thought the selling price should only contain options and that ALL fees should be outside of the sales price. He is adding the fees as line items under the invoice costs of options suggesting that its actually part of his cost for the car. Is this true? Its a VW

Is it legal for a dealership to charge a finance acquisition fee to customers?

nbarber — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 21:29:45 GMT

I was interested in purchasing a vehicle from a local used car dealership in Houston, Texas. The vehicle price was listed at $25,388 and the finance guy up the price to $28,388, because of the acquisition charge from the bank.

Is it customary for a dealership (Chicago) to include a $150 delivery and handling fee for a used car?

4smiths — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 10:45:57 GMT

The dealership has added a $150 delivery and handling fee to the price of a used car. Is this an ordinary practice or should I refuse to pay it?

Thanks...

I am semi-familiar with the TMV of a car. But to that should I expect the dealer to add taxes and other fees?

cerkel1 — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 19:20:42 GMT

I am interested in purchasing a 2009 Elantra. I actually have in front of me the sales agreement of another Elantra I purchased for my son in 2006. When I get quotes from the dealer for the 2009, should I expect to add any additional fees to the price I am given, or should I expect to get and "out the door" price? The 2006 Elantra had another 1500 dollars added..Thanks

If I signed a contract but haven't gotten the car yet and I see that I can get it cheaper, can I still negotiate?

momz — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 13:10:24 GMT

The dealer said if I sign now he would give me the best deal, now I am waiting for the car and see on Edmunds.com that people in my area are getting it at a lower price can I still negotate, will I have to pay a penalty? Accord Coupe V6 EX-L with navigation.

I put a deposit on a car, then sales didn't return calls and offers for the car changed. I want my deposit back SOS.

juicee000 — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 00:46:17 GMT

Are there any laws to protect me? I put the deposit down over the phone with a credit card and faxed the purchase agreement back. then the sales person was never returning my calls and when she finally did, what she promised me for the car had changed. I hung up and thought about it called her back and told her the deal is off and now I want my deposit back and she refused. I can't believe it. This has been the worse dealings I had ever had with a car dealer. What can I do?

Bank fees when purchasing a vehicle.

mrsk25 — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 18:34:01 GMT

I am purchasing a vehicle $23,500. Fordpartner plan pricing. I am putting down $12k.

I was told because I have little credit my APR is 16.9, and the payments would be between 260 and 280. When I got to the dealer to pick up, they said they have to finance 16k because of the bank and rewrite my original invoice. So the payments for 60 months...389.00.

Is this legal? Can they change my original contract? It says straight out I will be financing $11,500. Now they tell me they have to "rewrite the deal" because they cannot sell the car that cheap. They said my credit score is not their problem.

Are fees such as a $98.00 dealer clerical expense, $95 dealer messenger fee and $46 computer time legit?

womack4 — Wed, 13 May 2009 14:05:17 GMT

Are fees such as $98.00 dealer clerical exp, $95 Dealer messenger fee, $46 computer time legit? I just received a buyer's order with these fees listed.

How do I buy a car on-line, pay for it and handle the shipping?

kharriman — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 18:51:04 GMT

Found a car on-line, but dealer wants a cashier's check for car and shipping in full amount. Dealer gets his money that way but how do I know I get my car?

Going south to purchase a discounted new car at dealer - too good to believe?

kilmon — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 12:12:13 GMT

ok, so I almost bought a special edition car from a local dealer but found same car at a dealer down south at a more expensive trim level for cheaper by more than $3000 - is this too good to believe?

The new 2010 Chevy Camaro 2SS has an L.A.M charge of $5,000.00 on the window sticker. What is it?

jrb611 — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 12:15:41 GMT

Does anyone have a clue what an L.A.M. charge on the window sticker of the new 2010 2SS Camaro? $5000.00 is a good amount of money to add to the sticker. What does L.A.M. stand for?

Do you have a place on the Edmunds website to see what cars are actually being sold for?

kmolnar — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 18:01:39 GMT

I used your site the last time I bought a car and I remember there was something on the website that showed what cars in my area really sold for - not just asking price but what they actually sold for.

Does every dealership have to charge an advertising fee?

bcluff — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 13:18:23 GMT

I went to purchase a new truck from Droubay's in Delta, Utah. The salesman told me that I would have to pay two different ad fees of $358 each.

What is a "port charge"?

jwschein — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 14:15:20 GMT

My dealer added a charge of $195 in figuring his invoice. We agreed on a set price over invoice but I cannot find listed on any "sites" including Edmunds a listing for "port charge." What is it?

Purchasing new car in Brewster, NY. What are standard fees? Waste Tire, Inspection, $45 fees optional?

babyv — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 14:14:47 GMT

I'm purchasing a new car at a Brewster, NY dealership. This is my first new car purchase in 16 years, so I'm very excited. Could anyone enlighten me as to what reasonable new car fees are these days? I've already put down my deposit & the sales slip is showing an optional $45 fee (which I am paying), a $21 Inspection fee and a $12.50 NYS Waste Tire Fee. I thought tires were $2.50/each and I can assure you my Malibu only has 4 of 'em. Any other fees that might "pop up" when I pay the balance due? Thanks!

On average, how good are the guaranteed prices quoted by companies such as AAA to purchase a car by its members?

cyn4ever — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 18:19:31 GMT

AAA provides "easy, no haggle free buying" to it's members. For instance, the quote for a 2009 Acura TL 3.5L w/ tech pkg is $33,866.00 not including taxes, licenses, title and any other fees. It's website states the actual dealer price is $33,205.00. It seems good but what might be missing that I need to research or look out for?

Do you have to have deal before placing an order?

deren — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 17:19:44 GMT

I'm trying buy a new car, and now talking to few dealers in my area.

But the problem is, there is no dealer who has the exact model with color I wanted. I cannot think of getting any other, and I want only a specific model.

So if I asked them to place an order on that specific model, is it gonna be hard to make a good deal out of it? and am I gonna make a deal before a dealer place an order for me? Or after?

$248 for 'Doc Fees'?

bigdave02 — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:15:07 GMT

I have been talking with a salesman at a car dealership via the Internet.
Getting a pretty good price of $16,399 for a 2010 Elantra SE.I plan to go test drive it tomorrow.I stipulated how I wasn't going to pay for all of the bogus mark-ups like LoJack, an extended warranty, etc.Then today, he replies with the below comment.Do people ordinarily pay for 'Doc Fees' when buying a new car, and at such rates of $248? It sounds bogus to me.But the deal seems good.He dropped another hundred off the price of the car when telling me about this dubious fee.I might accept it if he throws in floor mats for free.... Dave

"I can tell you that my doc fee of 248 is the lowest of both the dealers you mentioned."

Can dealers charge $369 for window etching on a vehicle when the consumer doesn't want it?

mvosburgh — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 18:40:19 GMT

I am interested in purchasing a 2004 Toyota Matrix. The dealer has told me that each auto at the dealership is window etched as a theft deterrent due to recent thefts. This is a major multi-name dealer in Portland ME. They pass this cost off to the the buyer at a cost of $369!

Maine is certainly not a high auto theft area (I lived in Boston, never a problem with my then 6 year old Saab).How can I handle this in a considerate way while absolutely refusing to pay this fee? We all know that window etching is not much of an anti theft device. Thank you.

hidden dealer fees?

yost — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 19:39:46 GMT

I thinking about purchasing a Fusion I4-SE with automatic. No other options. I do not really understand what people mean by hidden dealer fees that I should subtract. How do I find this? Is this the factory to dealer cash? If so I don't see anything on the list for this car. Does that mean none is offered at this time? Please help! (Especially on the meaning of hidden dealer fee.)

What fees do I have to pay when buying a car?

chilipepper7 — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 01:01:15 GMT

I have the deal sheet from the dealer and I see destination fee, tire fee, dealer fee, advertising fee. Do I have to pay all of these? Are any of them negotiable?

Is $32,200 a fair price for a 2008 G35 AWD with sun roof no extra not including taxes or lic/reg fee. Thanks

billny — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 20:31:10 GMT

Sorry its an Infiniti. I went in and honestly told them that 35,000.00 is all I possibly could afford to finance. I read on hear of tricks played by the dealer. I will keep my present car in line until I pick up the car. Do you think the pice is fair? What are the tricks I should look for. I did not finalize this yet though did make a small downpayment.

document & adminstration fee? is this the extra doc prep, advertising fees buyers should not be paying for?

eliza3 — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 10:03:27 GMT

I am getting ready to buy a 2008 RDX Acura with the tech package and 7K miles on it. I have shopped and done my research but now that I am so close I am getting confused!
I have received a price of $32,900 plus 3% tax, $74 for tags and a $398 doc and admin fee? the doc and admin fee is where I am having the problem.
I think this is one of those bogus charges the buyer pays to cover the dealers cost of business. Am I correct?
Would appreciate any feedback about this.

I bought a 1974 eldorado from the us. What is needed for me to buy,import and drive it home to toronto canada

seahawk2 — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 17:46:29 GMT

Bringing a car from USA into Canada

Dealer is a rip-off gave me after market backup sensor&running board,not Honda parts when I came back for install.

mqns25 — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 16:09:00 GMT

I bought a new Honda Pilot a week ago.Today I came back for installing the backup sensors and running boards. The parts they want to install for me look very cheap. They said "these are after market parts, Honda parts are more expensive. The after market parts cost $835. If you want Honda parts you have to pay $700 more. Or if you don't want to do it we will give you $835 back" When I bought the car, I paid over $1500 for these two parts. Now they cheat on me. What should I suppose to do.
On the "We own you" form. They list the accessories without writing any after market or Honda brand name.
Any suggestion. Please help.

I am interested in a new 2008 or 2009 AWD Toyota Matrix. But it is not available in San Antonio. Where can I find them?

texas9 — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 14:31:01 GMT

Also if I have to get it in another State do I face other taxes or charges?

I am moving from Missouri to Florida. Is it cheaper to buy a new car in Missouri and drive there than buying there

biemowo — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 17:46:46 GMT

I am moving from Missouri to Florida. Is it cheaper to buy a new car in Missouri and drive there than buying there

Anyone imported the 2005 Audi A8L yet from the states?

flavaflav — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 18:40:33 GMT

Hi everyone, am thinking of purchasing the 2005 A8L from the states and kinda wondering if anybody has done this and knows of any major problems i could run into? What i mean by major problems is if;

1) I have to change any of the bumpers
2) Change anything mechanical with the engine
3) Daytime Running Lights
3) Child restraint (CR) anchorage system or the tether anchor
4) If i have to convert the dashboard ie. from mph to kph.

Anything will help cuz am very excited about this and i really wanna do my home work before i run into major problems.
Also, will be very helpfully if i can get some prices quotes on any of these changes.

I purchased a car from eBay. The car is in Florida, I live in Texas. What do I need to do to drive it back to Texas?

ampnrg — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 19:53:29 GMT

the florida owner says that in florida they "own" their tags. will i be driving a car without a license plate from florida to texas? my insurance agent is unaware of anything i need to do other than drive it here and register it. please help...i am flying out to tampa on wednesday. thank you.

Can anyone tell me what the mileage limit is on a car in order for it to be considered "new" and not a demo?

photogal57 — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 22:04:45 GMT

The dealership delivered our van by driving it from MD to NJ. The starting milage to us was 155. It was supposed to have been carried. Can I do anything? They did not take any money off the price for doing so. I also have to find out the first day of my insurance. It may have been covered when they drove it.

Can I get around paying the $700.00 etching fee Honda is charging me on a 2008 CR-V?

ginaw — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 00:32:54 GMT

Fees on a new 2008 Honda CR-V

What do I tell the dealer if I want a guarantee that the car I put a deposit on won't be sold?

thissecret — Sat, 03 May 2008 00:25:28 GMT

I am putting a deposit of $5000 on a used mercedes, but I cannot fully pay it for maybe another 3 months. So, what exactly do I tell the dealer if I want him to guarantee me that my car will not be sold to another person if they make a higher offer? I was told that even if I put a deposit down, they could still sell my car and replace it with another.

I am purchasing a used 2008 Lexus RX 350. The dealer has placed $259 documentation fee. What is this for?

ering33 — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 10:13:28 GMT

purchasing a 2008 lexus rx350 w/16,000 miles. the fee schedule is my question. I am charged for registration fee, inspection, andan additional $259.00 called documentation prep. - is this normal and what is this fee for?

Can dealerships charge sales tax on document fees?

andreaquigley — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 13:06:47 GMT

I live in Evergreen Park, IL and bought a car from the city in which I live. I was going over the paperwork and realized I was charged sales tax on the document fee. Is this legal?
Thanks for your response.