# Dealer Fees Will Wreck Your Budget. Here's How to Fight Back.
Dealers exploit the final moments of a car purchase. They layer on undisclosed fees, documentation charges, and "market adjustments" that transform a reasonable deal into highway robbery. The out-the-door price, not the advertised sticker, is what matters.
Start by requesting the Monroney window sticker price first. That's your baseline. Then demand a complete breakdown of every fee before signing anything. Destination charges are legitimate. Most other add-ons are negotiable or worthless.
Dealer prep fees often run $500 to $1,500 for work they perform anyway. Documentation fees vary wildly by state but typically max out around $200. Refuse paint protection, fabric guards, and extended warranties unless you actually want them. These markup the price by thousands while delivering minimal value.
Walk away if negotiations stall. Inventory pressures dealers more than buyers realize. Another dealer exists down the road, and they'll match your legitimate offer.
Know your credit score before visiting. Dealers use financing uncertainty to trap buyers into bad rates and terms. Pre-approval from a bank or credit union eliminates that leverage.
The negotiation happens in the finance office, not the showroom. Armed with knowledge and willingness to leave, you'll drive out with a fair price instead of inflated fees.