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Asked: Dec 30, 2008 - 03:57 PM

Status: Closed

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thyme31

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

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?

In Buying & Selling > Car Buying > Fees
2 answers - 330 days ago

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sylvia

Date: Dec 30, 2008
Time: 07:03 PM

First, it will depend on what state you live. In many states, there is a cap on how much a dealership can charge you on the document fee when buying a car. Follow the link for the chart. In states where the doc fee isn't regulated and is anything over $100, simply cross it off and tell him you aren't paying an excessive document fee.

I paid $45 for the doc fee in California, the limit on what the dealer can charge.

Good luck and don't be afraid to show him the link on what fees can and cannot be charged if you are in a state where this is regulated.

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sylvia

Date: Dec 30, 2008
Time: 07:03 PM

First, it will depend on what state you live. In many states, there is a cap on how much a dealership can charge you on the document fee when buying a car. Follow the link for the chart. In states where the doc fee isn't regulated and is anything over $100, simply cross it off and tell him you aren't paying an excessive document fee.

I paid $45 for the doc fee in California, the limit on what the dealer can charge.

Good luck and don't be afraid to show him the link on what fees can and cannot be charged if you are in a state where this is regulated.

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steve_

Date: Dec 30, 2008
Time: 07:10 PM

Another thing you can do is tell the dealer that you will pay X dollars for the car. That's your "out the door" price.

That way you focus on your bottom line and you don't have to get bogged down fighting over every line item.

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Top Car Buying Fees Experts
Rank Leader Points
1. steve_ 530
2. mr_shiftright 270
3. obyone 110
4. sylvia 110
5. greanpea68 70
6. isellhondas 70
7. texases 65

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