Used Car Out The Door Price Formula:
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The Out The Door (OTD) price is the total amount you'll pay to drive the used car off the lot. It includes the negotiated price of the vehicle plus all fees, taxes, and additional costs.
The calculator uses the simple formula:
Where:
Explanation: This calculation gives you the true total cost of purchasing a used vehicle from a dealership.
Details: Knowing the OTD price helps you compare offers between dealerships and understand your actual financial commitment, not just the sticker price.
Tips: Enter the used car price, any reconditioning fees, and estimated taxes. All values must be positive numbers.
Q1: What's typically included in OTD price?
A: Besides the car price, it includes taxes, title fees, registration fees, documentation fees, and any dealer-added services.
Q2: Are all fees negotiable?
A: While some fees (like taxes) are fixed, others (like documentation fees) may be negotiable depending on state laws and dealer policies.
Q3: How can I estimate taxes?
A: Taxes are typically a percentage of the purchase price. Check your local tax rates or ask the dealer for an estimate.
Q4: Why is OTD price better than sticker price?
A: OTD price shows the true cost, while sticker price doesn't account for additional mandatory fees that can add thousands to your purchase.
Q5: Should I negotiate based on OTD price?
A: Yes, negotiating based on OTD price gives you more control and prevents dealers from hiding costs in fees after you agree on a price.