How to compare two car dealer offers
For shoppers deciding between two dealer quotes for similar vehicles. Compare written out-the-door figures rather than monthly payment alone.
What to get
Vehicle year
Vehicle trim level
Vehicle identification number
Exterior color
Interior color
Factory options
Manufacturer suggested retail price
Selling price before taxes
Sales tax
Registration fee
Title fee
Dealer documentation fee
Delivery fee if applicable
Dealer-installed accessories
Extended warranty cost
Service plan cost
Loan interest rate
Loan term
Total finance charge
Down payment
Trade-in allowance
Trade-in payoff
Total out-the-door price
Written offer expiration date
Who this list is for
This checklist is for a shopper choosing between two dealer offers on similar vehicles. It keeps the comparison tied to written out-the-door figures instead of a monthly payment that may hide different terms or add-ons.
How to use this list
Put both offers side by side. First confirm the vehicle year, trim level, vehicle identification number, exterior color, interior color, and factory options. Then compare manufacturer suggested retail price, selling price before taxes, sales tax, registration fee, title fee, dealer documentation fee, and delivery fee if applicable. Record each figure exactly as shown in writing.
Common mistakes
Do not compare cars as if they are identical when their VINs, factory options, colors, or dealer-installed accessories differ. Do not overlook extended warranty cost or service plan cost. A lower payment may come from a longer loan term, different interest rate, or different down payment. Include the trade-in allowance and trade-in payoff separately rather than treating them as one number.
What is on this list
The list captures the vehicle specification, every listed fee, accessories, warranty and service-plan costs, loan interest rate, loan term, total finance charge, down payment, trade-in figures, total out-the-door price, and written offer expiration date. Cross off fields once each dealer has supplied them in writing.
Before you go
Ask each dealer for a written offer that includes the total out-the-door price and expiration date. Keep the offers unedited and note which VIN each quote covers. If financing is involved, write down the interest rate, loan term, and total finance charge next to the payment. Compare the entire transaction before deciding.
FAQ
Who is "How to compare two car dealer offers" for?
This checklist is for a shopper choosing between two dealer offers on similar vehicles. It keeps the comparison tied to written out-the-door figures instead of a monthly payment that may hide different terms or add-ons.
How should I use "How to compare two car dealer offers"?
Put both offers side by side. First confirm the vehicle year, trim level, vehicle identification number, exterior color, interior color, and factory options. Then compare manufacturer suggested retail price, selling price before taxes, sales tax, registration fee, title fee, dealer documentation fee, and delivery fee if applicable. Record each figure exactl…
What should I skip or avoid with "How to compare two car dealer offers"?
Do not compare cars as if they are identical when their VINs, factory options, colors, or dealer-installed accessories differ. Do not overlook extended warranty cost or service plan cost. A lower payment may come from a longer loan term, different interest rate, or different down payment. Include the trade-in allowance and trade-in payoff separately rather…
What is on the "How to compare two car dealer offers" list?
The list captures the vehicle specification, every listed fee, accessories, warranty and service-plan costs, loan interest rate, loan term, total finance charge, down payment, trade-in figures, total out-the-door price, and written offer expiration date. Cross off fields once each dealer has supplied them in writing.
What should I do before I go?
Ask each dealer for a written offer that includes the total out-the-door price and expiration date. Keep the offers unedited and note which VIN each quote covers. If financing is involved, write down the interest rate, loan term, and total finance charge next to the payment. Compare the entire transaction before deciding.
Related lists
For general planning only. Valedo does not guarantee this list’s accuracy, completeness, or suitability. Verify information before relying on it. Not a substitute for professional advice or safety training.