How to Get a Dealer Invoice

When you are going to be negotiating the purchase of a new car, knowing the dealer's invoice price will give you a good starting point. At one time it was virtually impossible to get a dealer invoice. Now that the Internet is in widespread use, it's much easier to get it on your own or to find a dealer who is willing to provide it. You just need to know the proper steps to get it on your own or to request it from your new car dealer when you are negotiating.

Instructions

1

Visit a website like Edmunds or Kelley Blue Book and select the new car of your choice. You may need to select the type of vehicle and then narrow it down by make, model, and trim line. Depending on the website you are using, it may immediately show the base dealer invoice price right next to the manufacturer's suggestion retail (MSRP). If it does not, select the invoice option.

2

Add any options or special equipment packages onto the vehicle. Virtually all websites will start you off with a base model. If you want to add things like power windows, cruise control, and air conditioning, you can select them and see the invoice cost of each option, along with the suggested retail price.

3

Check for any special incentives that might affect your selected vehicle's invoice price. Sometimes manufacturers will offer special cash back incentives. These are separate from rebates and may be paid directly to the dealer rather than to the consumer. However, if you know about them, you can use them along with the invoice to strengthen your negotiating position.

4

Look up the holdback for that particular car manufacturer. The holdback is typically a flat fee or a set percentage of the car's invoice price. Technically, this lowers the invoice price. It is paid from the manufacturer to the dealer, and many dealers won't want factor it into your negotiations, but it still strengthens your position to know this, the "true" invoice price.

5

Print out your online research and take it with you to the car dealer. This will show the salesperson that you are an informed consumer and make him more likely to be straightforward with you in order to make the sale.

6

As the salesperson for a copy of the invoice. She should be willing to give it to you so you can compare it with your research materials. If she refuses, you may be better off going to a dealership that is willing to share the invoice.