Top 10 Things To Check On A New Car Sticker
Want to get all the information on a new car without talking to a pushy salesperson? For that exact purpose, there’s the new-car sticker called the Monroney, which is put on every single new car on sale.
The little information sheet is so important that omitting it can result in a fine and jail time for the individuals selling the car! Like a cheat-sheet for new cars, there’s quite a bit of useful information packed into one little piece of paper and it’s quite easy to learn everything you need about the new car you’re looking at. So read on and learn about the 10 most important items to check on the Monroney.
SEE ALSO: What is a Monroney Sticker and Where Did the Name Come From?
Sometimes dealerships will have different model year vehicles sitting right next to each other and their differences may be hard to spot. Fortunately, the sticker will tell you which model you’re looking at. Other important info, including the trim name and engine configuration will be put up top so it’s the first thing you see.
While the previous list shows standard equipment and features that were part of the base MSRP, the optional equipment list details extras, like navigation and push-button start (seen above in this Honda Accord) that are added on to the car and how much they cost. Sometimes bundled into packages, you’ll be able to see what certain trim levels add to the base model and if there are any standalone features that cost extra.
Important information for any new car buyer, this section shows offers important information about the warranty. New car warranties cover a number of components but are limited by time and mileage; generally whichever is passed first. However, for extra peace of mind, automakers have a powertrain warranty that lasts a bit longer than the new car coverage and includes components that are commonly associated with expensive repairs.
A large portion of the Monroney is dedicated to fuel economy and fuel costs. The most noticeable metric is the combined fuel economy, which reflects driving 55 percent in slower “city” traffic and 45 percent on the highway, both of which are also on the sticker. Vehicles that run on diesel, electricity, hydrogen, natural gas or a hybrid powertrain are noted as such and all-electric range information is shown if applicable.
This is the biggest draw to the new car window sticker – the total price of everything. This includes the cars MSRP and Destination fee, giving you the complete upfront cost of the car you’re looking at.
Keep an eye open for an additional “dealer” sticker, which may add extra cost to the car – commonly called a markup. Dealers hope to cash in on the popularity of a model, by adding more money which goes straight into their pockets. Sometimes called a “Additional Dealer Markup” or “Retail Market Adjustment” this shouldn’t be on the Monroney, and if it is – you’re dealing with a pretty shady dealership. It’s your cue to walk away.
The Monroney sticker is excellent for helping buyers gather important facts about the new car they’re considering. It’s clear, concise and full of useful data. Be sure to check it carefully so you know every detail about the car and can set your expectations and budget accordingly.
Sami has an unquenchable thirst for car knowledge and has been at AutoGuide for the past six years. He has a degree in journalism and media studies from the University of Guelph-Humber in Toronto and has won multiple journalism awards from the Automotive Journalist Association of Canada. Sami is also on the jury for the World Car Awards.
More by Sami Haj-Assaad
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