MSRP vs Out-the-Door Price — What’s the REAL Number?

"I thought I was buying a $32,000 car... until the out-the-door price said $38,497. Surprise!" - Chase Jordan

Let’s be real — dealership math can feel like a game of financial Jenga.

You hear one number online (MSRP), but when it’s time to sign? You’re staring at a way higher number.

That’s the difference between MSRP and the out-the-door price — and it’s one of the most important things to understand before saying yes to any deal.

🏷 What Is MSRP?

MSRP stands for Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price — aka the sticker price.

It’s:

• Set by the manufacturer

• Includes the base vehicle + factory-installed options

• Doesn’t include taxes, fees, or dealer add-ons

Think of MSRP as the starting point — not the final price.

🧠 Some cars sell below MSRP (common with sedans or older inventory) while hot models can sell for thousands over MSRP.

💰 What Is the Out-the-Door Price?

The out-the-door (OTD) price is the total amount you’ll pay to legally take the car home.

It includes:

• MSRP

• Destination fee (usually $1,000–$2,000)

• Taxes (sales tax varies by state)

• Title, registration, and plate fees

• Doc fees (admin charges by the dealer)

• Dealer-installed options (tint, mudflaps, wheel locks)

• Market adjustments (markups)

• Add-ons (warranty, paint protection, GAP, etc.)

📌 OTD = The number you should focus on.

📊 Why the Gap Between MSRP and OTD Can Be HUGE

MSRP Price OTD Price (Est.) Difference $32,000 $38,497 $6,497 $45,000 $53,220 $8,220

That gap is made up of:

• 📎 Legit fees (taxes, title)

• 🧪 Add-ons (warranties, coatings)

• 😈 Sneaky junk fees (see Post #78!)

🧠 How to Ask the Right Question

When talking to a dealer, don’t say:

"What’s the price of the car?"

Instead say:

"What’s the out-the-door price, including everything?"

✅ This forces them to show their math
✅ You can compare dealers apples-to-apples
✅ No last-minute surprises in the finance office

🛡 How Deal Guard Protects You

At Deal Guard, we:

• Demand written, itemized OTD breakdowns from every dealer

• Compare OTDs across multiple stores — not just MSRP

• Eliminate fake fees and overpriced add-ons

• Make sure you know the true cost before you commit

We’ve saved clients thousands by exposing shady upcharges hiding behind a nice MSRP.

😎 Final Word from Chase

MSRP is just the opening bid. The real number is what you actually pay — and that’s always the out-the-door price.

At GetDealGuard.com, we read every line of the contract, push back on bogus fees, and make sure you never get caught off guard.

🎯 Want a second set of eyes on your quote?
Send it to GetDealGuard.com. We’ll break it down and protect your wallet before you buy.

Until next time —
Chase ⚡️