Ask for the out-the-door price
Hi — I'm ready to move on the [Year Make Model, trim] this week. Please send the full out-the-door price in writing, including all fees and taxes, so I can compare cleanly across dealers. Thanks!
Everything you need to negotiate calmly, confidently, and in plain English.
Mindset
Anchor on the total price, not the monthly.
Awareness
Know the moves before you sit down.
Confidence
You are hiring the dealer. Act like it.
Coaching Lessons
Ready-to-send Scripts
Hi — I'm ready to move on the [Year Make Model, trim] this week. Please send the full out-the-door price in writing, including all fees and taxes, so I can compare cleanly across dealers. Thanks!
Thanks for the quote. Please remove the [dealer add-ons] from the deal — I won't be financing those. Send an updated OTD figure once revised and I can commit.
Based on comparable listings this week and what I've seen from other dealers, my target is $[XX,XXX] out the door on this exact configuration. If we can meet there today, I'm ready to leave a deposit.
I appreciate your time and the work on the numbers. This isn't going to work for me at that price. If anything changes on the OTD, feel free to reach out — otherwise no need to follow up. Thanks again.
Golden Rules
Negotiate out-the-door only. Monthly payment is a distraction.
Get every number in writing before you drive to the dealer.
Bring outside financing. It changes the whole conversation.
Decline add-ons unless you researched them separately.
Willingness to leave is your entire leverage — protect it.