What’s on the Window: Understanding the Vehicle Sticker
A vehicle sticker can tell you more about a car or truck than most search engine searches, forums, and even car salesmen can. U.S. law requires a window sticker, called a Monroney label, to be displayed on all new passenger vehicles. The sticker needs to include certain information about the car – information that will help you ensure that you’re getting exactly what you paid for.
The MSRP
The MSRP is the car manufacturer’s suggested retail price for the vehicle. The dealer doesn’t have to sell it for this price, and you should never pay more than this amount as a consumer. Don’t confuse this with the price that the dealer paid for the vehicle. It’s unfortunate, but there are some unscrupulous salesmen out there who will lie to you and tell you (or at least imply) that this is what the dealer had to pay – using this figure to get you to pay a higher price for the vehicle than you need to. The dealer pays something called the “invoice price.”
The difference between the invoice and the MSRP is the dealer’s profit. Generally, you can negotiate down from the MSRP a little though this depends on the dealer you’re working with.
The Engine and Transmission Specifications
This part of the window sticker outlines the type of engine and transmission used in the vehicle. For example, it will tell you whether the vehicle is equipped with a 4.0 liter V6 or a 1.9 liter inline 4-cylinder. The type of transmission is noted as well, like a 6-speed manual versus a 5-speed automatic.
Standard Equipment
The large section on the left side of the sticker contains safety features like airbags and a backup camera. It also lists interior features like heated seats, a touch-screen display, and a satellite radio. The type of wheels, side mirrors, and headlights the vehicle is equipped with are listed here too.
Finally, the basic warranties for powertrain and roadside assistance are listed. For example, if your vehicle has a 3-year/36,000 mile basic warranty, it will be listed here.
Optional Equipment and Pricing
The optional equipment section lists additional features like special paint finishes, a navigation system, or even a sports package. The total price of the vehicle is also listed here, with optional equipment, destination charge, and the transportation fee.
Crash Testing
Crash testing is a big factor in deciding which car to buy for most people. Dodge trucks have a reputation for safety, for example, so people often look at this section of the sticker to verify that this year’s model continues the tradition. Crash testing uses the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s five-star rating system to assess vehicle safety, and this rating will be found in this section of the window sticker.
Fuel Ratings
Fuel economy is another major deciding factor for most people. In 2013, all Monroney stickers must include a comprehensive fuel-economy section with fuel costs estimates, emissions ratings, and additional efficiency details for alternative energy vehicles.
Parts Content Information
The last part of the sticker includes six pieces of information about the origins of the car’s parts. In other words, it will tell you what percentage of the parts came from the U.S. or Canada, and what came from other countries. It also details the final assembly point, and where the engine and transmission came from.
Charles Talley is a retired auto salesman and grandfather of five. When he’s not out working in his garden, he’s blogging online about all things cars.
