The quote comparison guide
How do you compare out-the-door car quotes?
Ask each dealer for a written, itemized out-the-door price for the same exact vehicle: the same model, trim, options and condition. Then compare the totals line by line: vehicle price, dealer documentation fee, add-ons, taxes, title and registration. Ignore monthly-payment comparisons until the totals match.
What goes into an out-the-door price?
Out-the-door price is the total amount a buyer pays to drive a car off the lot, including the vehicle price, dealer fees, add-ons, taxes, title and registration.
Ask for an itemized quote with the VIN, model, trim, options and condition. The quote should identify every charge and any conditions attached to an offer. Ask how long it is valid.
Keep financing and your trade-in separate while you compare the purchase totals. Confirm whether the quote assumes a trade-in, a particular loan or eligibility for an offer.
Why monthly payments hide the real cost
A monthly payment does not tell you the purchase price or the total you will repay. A longer term can make the payment smaller while increasing the total cost.
Once the purchase totals match, compare financing using the same down payment and term. Read the APR, amount financed and total of payments before signing. Get a bank or credit union pre-approval to compare with the dealer’s proposal.
For current manufacturer offers, check the manufacturer's official site and ask for the offer in writing.
Add-ons to question
Ask about protection packages, accessories, service contracts and any other added products. Find out whether each is optional, already installed and removable. Ask for its separate cost and what it covers.
If you do not want an add-on, ask for a revised quote without it. Check that the final agreement reflects what you agreed to.
State charges and dealer charges
Generally, taxes and registration are set by the state, while documentation fees and add-ons are set by the dealer. Rules and limits vary by state.
Ask the dealer to label each charge and explain which are government charges. Use the same registration address in every request, and confirm any estimated charges before you sign.
A message you can copy
Hello, I’m comparing written out-the-door quotes for the same vehicle.
Please send an itemized quote for [model, trim, options and condition], VIN [if known], registered in [ZIP code]. Please include the vehicle price, documentation fee, each add-on, taxes, title, registration and the final out-the-door total.
Please identify any eligibility or financing conditions, which add-ons are optional or removable, and how long the quote is valid. Please keep my trade-in and financing separate from the purchase total. Thank you.
A simple comparison template
Use one column per quote. Leave a line blank until the dealer answers it.
| Check each item | Dealer A | Dealer B |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle / VIN | ||
| Model, trim and options | ||
| Condition | ||
| Vehicle price | ||
| Documentation fee | ||
| Add-ons, itemized | ||
| Taxes | ||
| Title and registration | ||
| Out-the-door total | ||
| Offer conditions | ||
| Quote valid until |
Ask Lucky for a written quote
Tell Lucky Ranasinghe at Nissan of Kirkland what you’re considering. He replies by email with a written quote or answers. The request costs nothing and commits you to nothing.
Get a written quoteQuote questions, answered
What is included in an out-the-door price?
The vehicle price, dealer fees, add-ons, taxes, title and registration. Ask for every item and the final total in writing.
Can I compare quotes by monthly payment?
Compare the out-the-door totals first. A longer loan can lower the monthly payment while increasing the total you repay.
Can I ask for an add-on to be removed?
Yes. Ask whether it is optional, whether it is already installed and whether it can be removed. Get any agreed change in the revised quote.
Are dealer fees the same everywhere?
No. Taxes and registration are generally set by the state, while documentation fees and add-ons are set by the dealer. State rules and limits vary.
How can I ask Lucky for a quote?
Use the quote request on the home page. It goes to Lucky Ranasinghe at Nissan of Kirkland, who replies by email. Sending it commits you to nothing.