What fees should I expect when buying a car?

What fees should you expect when buying a car?

On top of the sticker price, be ready for: 

State sales tax (can be thousands—like 9% on a $40k car = $3,600!) 

Registration & title fees (vary by state) 

Dealer doc fees (usually $100–several hundred, depending on your state) 

Destination charges (freight fees on new cars) 

Optional add-ons (warranties, etching, and more)

🔑 Pro tip: Always ask for the “out-the-door” price — the total cost including all fees — to avoid surprises!