Copy this email, fill in the brackets, and send it to each store that has the car you want. It asks for one thing: the out-the-door price, itemized, in writing.
The email
Send the same email to every store, so the answers can be compared.
Subject: Out-the-door price on [Year Make Model Trim], [stock # or VIN] Hello, I'm interested in the [Year Make Model Trim], [stock # or VIN], listed at your store. I'm comparing a few stores and plan to decide this week. Could you send me the out-the-door price in writing, itemized with these lines? - Selling price - Each dealer-added product or accessory, with its price (or "none") - Documentation fee - Sales tax - Title fee - Registration fee - Any other state or local fees - Total out-the-door price I'll register the car in ZIP [ZIP], so tax and fees can be figured for that address. If any line is an estimate, please mark it as one. I have no trade-in, and I'll sort out payment separately, so please quote the total price and not a monthly payment. Once I have the written figure, I'm happy to set a time to visit. Thank you, [your name]
Why each line is there
- Stock number or VIN. Every store quotes the same car, so the totals compare.
- Itemized lines. Nothing is hidden in a lump. You can see what each charge is.
- Dealer-added products. Add-ons are the most common surprise. Asking for "none" in writing makes the store say so. See dealer add-ons explained.
- Doc fee, tax, title and registration. The doc fee is listed so you can see it and weigh it in the total. It is a line to read, not one to haggle over. See the doc fee explained.
- Your ZIP code. Tax and fees depend on where you register the car.
- "Mark estimates." A store can answer honestly even when it cannot be exact.
- No monthly payment. A payment hides the price. See out-the-door price vs monthly payment.
If the store answers "come in"
Many stores reply with an invitation and no number. Send this short follow-up once.
Subject: Re: Out-the-door price on [Year Make Model Trim], [stock # or VIN] Hello, Thanks for the reply. I'd like to see the written out-the-door price before we set a time, so the visit is quick for both of us. Could you send the itemized total for [stock # or VIN]: selling price, any dealer add-ons, doc fee, tax, title, registration and other fees? An estimate marked as an estimate is fine. If you can't put it in writing, no problem. I'll keep looking at other stores. Thank you, [your name]
If that gets another "come in," that is your answer. Move on to a store that will put it in writing. The page on what to do when a dealer will not give an out-the-door price explains why stores do this and when to stop asking.
Tips for sending it
- Use the store's internet sales email if you can find it. If not, the lead form on the car's listing works.
- Send it to four or five stores at the same time.
- Keep every reply. Written answers are your record.
- Do not send a deposit or sign anything until the numbers are final in writing.
The whole process, from picking stores to reading replies and knowing when to walk, is in the step-by-step email guide.
Where DriversSeat fits
DriversSeat is an AI car-buying assistant that works for the buyer. It contacts the dealerships you choose through their lead forms and by email, asks each one for a written, itemized out-the-door quote, and lines the offers up side by side. You approve the first message to each store, and every message ends by saying DriversSeat is involved.