Car buying worksheet
Numbers to get from the dealer
Ask for an itemized written quote and financing offer. Fill in these amounts before comparing the deal in the calculator. Check each line as you confirm it.
Vehicle and full price
Vehicle selling priceBefore taxes, fees, and add-ons
$ __________Dealer add-onsItemized; mark which you can decline
$ __________Dealer feesItemized separately from government charges
$ __________TaxesAsk what applies to this deal
$ __________Title, registration, and other government feesSeparate from dealer fees
$ __________Written out-the-door priceThe total before down payment or trade-in
$ __________Trade-in and cash
Written trade-in offerGet a separate value for your current car
$ __________Exact payoff on current loanAsk your lender; it can differ from your statement balance
$ __________Cash down paymentConfirm whether any government charges are due upfront
$ __________Financing offer
Amount financedConfirm whether old debt, add-ons, or fees are included
$ __________APRAnnual percentage rate
__________ %Loan termNumber of monthly payments
__________ monthsMonthly paymentFor this exact price and loan term
$ __________Total of paymentsAll scheduled payments combined
$ __________Finance chargeThe total borrowing cost shown in the loan disclosure
$ __________Before signing: Ask for a revised quote without any add-on you do not want. Check whether taxes and government fees are paid upfront or financed. Compare the final buyer's order and financing contract with these figures; a monthly payment alone does not show the full cost.
Consumer guidance
FTC: Get an out-the-door price in writing · CFPB: Compare auto loan offers