Dealer Fee Checker
Know which fees to negotiate, decline, or accept. See what the dealer actually pays vs. what they charge you.
Dealer cost estimates based on industry wholesale pricing and dealership financial disclosures.
Doc fee caps: State consumer protection statutes (2026). CA, NY, TX, WA, and other states have legally mandated caps.
Markup ratios represent typical ranges. Actual dealer cost may vary by region and vendor contracts.
Quick Answers
What dealer fees can you refuse to pay?
Any fee not required by your state's government can be negotiated or refused. Refusable fees include: dealer prep/PDI, nitrogen tire fill, paint sealant, fabric protection, VIN etching, pinstriping, window tint, and "market adjustment" markups. These are pure profit for the dealer. Say: "Please remove all dealer-installed add-ons from the out-the-door price."
What is a doc fee at a car dealership?
A documentation fee (doc fee) is a dealer charge for processing paperwork — title, registration, and financing forms. The dealer's actual cost is $50–$100. In states with no cap, dealers charge $300–$800+. California caps it at $85, New York at $175, Texas at $150. Check the table above for your state's cap. Even in uncapped states, you can negotiate the OTD total to effectively absorb the doc fee.
How much profit does a dealer make on an extended warranty?
Dealers mark up extended warranties 300–800%. A policy that costs the dealer $300–$800 is sold in the F&I office for $2,500–$4,500. The F&I manager is the highest-compensated person in the dealership — every product they sell you is a profit center. If you want an extended warranty, buy it after the sale from a third-party provider like Endurance or CARCHEX for 40–60% less.
How It Works
Browse Fees
See every common dealer fee with real dealer cost data and markup ratios.
Search & Filter
Search for a specific fee to see if it is negotiable and what the dealer actually pays.
Negotiate Smart
Use the data to decline junk fees and negotiate the ones that matter.