What Is a Buyer's Order?
Why It Matters
Most car buyers look at the monthly payment and think that's the deal. It's not. The buyer's order is the deal. It shows the selling price, every fee, every add-on, your trade value, your payoff, and the real out-the-door number. This is the paper you need to understand before your pen touches anything.
What Every Line on the Buyer's Order Actually Means
Selling Price — This is what you're paying for the vehicle itself. Not the payment. The actual price of the car.
Add-Ons / Additional Equipment — Products and packages added to your deal. Paint protection, GAP insurance, window tint. These are negotiable.
State & Local Taxes — Set by the government. Not negotiable.
License / Title / Registration — Government fees to transfer ownership. Not negotiable.
Service Contract — An extended warranty offered in the finance office. This IS negotiable on price.
Documentary / Notary Fee — The dealer's fee for processing paperwork. Varies by dealer.
Trade-In Allowance — What the dealer is giving you for your trade. Know this number independently before you walk in.
Total Balance Due — This is your out-the-door number. This is what you are actually paying. This is the only number that matters.