September 2007
| How to read the window sticker |
 1. Standard equipment. These are the core features included in the vehicle's Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). 2. Vehicle identification number (VIN). Make sure that this is the same number that's on the vehicle and that it's accurate in all documentation. See What’s in the VIN. 3. Manufacturer suggested retail price. The MSRP (aka retail or list price) is the base price, before options and delivery charges are factored in. 4. Optional equipment. These are extra-cost features that get added onto the MSRP. Option packages can often be more cost effective than choosing individual items. 5. Destination charge. This covers the delivery of the vehicle from the factory to the dealership. Normally, this is the same for all models within the same brand. It doesn't depend on actual shipping distance. 6. Fuel economy. City and highway figures are based on the Environmental Protection Agency fuel economy estimates. These figures now reflect reporting methods for the 2008 model year. This change in how the estimates are calculated provides results that are much closer to Consumer Reports real-world fuel economy tests. 7. Total. The "sticker price" is the total MSRP price, including the base MSRP, options, option-package discounts, destination, and market adjustments. This does not include applicable taxes, title fees, or registration. (To get the best deal, don't bargain down from this. Instead, negotiate up from the dealer's cost.) 8. Smog emissions information. This number reflects how the vehicle is ranks in smog emissions as compared with other vehicles of the same model year. A score of zero or close to zero does not mean the vehicle produces zero pollution, just that the vehicle is doing better than most other vehicles of that model year. 9. Parts content information. This area indicates the countries from which major components were sourced. Final assembly venue is also listed. Many manufacturers build vehicles in places other than their country of origin. 10. Government safety ratings. New for the 2008 model year are the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's vehicle star ratings on front and side impact crashes and risk of rollover. (For more information on these tests, visit www.safercar.gov.) |
