Why You Should Never Skip the Out-the-Door (OTD) Price When Car Shopping
Why You Should Never Skip the Out-the-Door (OTD) Price When Car Shopping
“A car listed at $29,999 that costs $38,000 out the door should come with free therapy for the sticker shock.” 😵💸
- Chase Jordan
Let’s talk about something that sounds boring — but it’s secretly the most important number in your car deal: the out-the-door price (aka “OTD price”).
This is the number that tells the whole truth. And if you skip it?
😭
You're setting yourself up for confusion, overpaying, and regret later.
Let’s break down what the OTD price is, why it’s essential, and how dealerships hide real costs without it.
We had a client that hired us this week, she was having a hard time because 3 dealers had her come in for a car listed for around 51K.
Each time she showed up and got the final number it was over 60K!!!
Classic rookie mistake. NEVER show up with out having negotiated over the phone, text and or email.
Dealerships do this all of the time, they lure you in with a great price and then the ad ons flow in like an old man sinking into a warm bath.
💡 What Is the Out-the-Door Price?
The out-the-door (OTD) price is the total amount you’ll actually pay to take the car home — no surprises, no missing fees, no “gotchas.”
Here’s what it includes:
✅ Vehicle price (after negotiation)
✅ Documentation fees (dealer charges for paperwork)
✅ Registration/title fees
✅ Sales tax
✅ Any dealer-installed accessories - Try to avoid paying for this garbage
✅ Add-ons like warranties or protection packages (if selected and you should almost NEVER select)
✅ Destination charges or shipping
The OTD price is the final bill. Not “before tax.” Not “plus fees.”
🥳
Just: “Here’s exactly what you’ll pay to drive this car off the lot.”
🕵️♂️ Why Dealers Hate Quoting OTD Upfront
Because it ends the games.
Once you ask for the OTD price:
They can’t hide $2,000 in random fees
They can’t say “it’s only $32,000” when it’s actually $36,800
They can’t add surprise “protection packages” after you’ve mentally said yes
Dealers often respond with:
“Let’s work the numbers once you’re in the dealership.”
or
“We can’t give you that without pulling credit.”
🚩🚩🚩
Translation: We want to control the conversation and surprise you later. Take control and get everything in writing from home!
🧾 Real Example of Hidden Costs
Let’s say you see a car listed for $31,999.
Here’s how it might balloon:
Doc fee: $799
Nitrogen tires: $199
Paint protection: $699
VIN etching: $299
Market adjustment: $1,995
Sales tax (6%): $2,190
Registration/title: $250
OTD Price = $38,440
That’s $6,441 more than what was listed online. And that’s how they get people every single day.
❤️ Why This Matters (Like, Deeply)
Most car buyers aren’t rolling in cash. They're working hard, making responsible decisions, and budgeting carefully.
They don’t deserve to be tricked or stressed.
That’s why Deal Guard insists on the OTD price first, always. Because your time, trust, and money deserve clarity — not smoke and mirrors.
Buying a car should feel exciting, not exhausting.
🛡️ How Deal Guard Handles OTD Pricing
We don’t mess around with base prices or vague “starting at” quotes.
At Deal Guard, we:
Request the full OTD quote upfront and in writing
Ask for it in writing and the key is to get it itemized
Cross-check every line against local standards
Eliminate fake fees and inflated accessories
Only move forward once we’ve confirmed the numbers are 100% real
Our clients know the full price before they commit — and that changes everything.
😎 Final Word from Chase
If you don’t ask for the out-the-door price, you’ll never know the real cost. It’s that simple.
At GetDealGuard.com, we fight for buyers like you who just want a fair deal without the games. We believe in transparency, simplicity, and respect — because car buying should be empowering, not stressful.
🎯 Tired of being quoted one number and charged another?
Let Deal Guard get the full OTD price, strip away the fluff, and protect you from shady dealer math.
Let’s go get your next car the right way —
Visit GetDealGuard.com and we’ll handle the rest.
See you in the next one —
Chase ⚡️
