Avoiding the Documentation Fee

You can refuse to pay it and the dealer can refuse to waive it.
Fair is whatever you both agree to.
(I would never consider paying it.)

 

You can refuse to pay it and the dealer doesn't have to do the documentation for you. He can just give you the Bill Of Sale and when you return with the new car DMV registration receipt you get the car. The $45 fee is set by law but not required. If you choose to do the documentation yourself then AFAIK the fee is not applicable.

However, out of $25k+ the $45 is so far down in the noise h34r: I'd rather not have to deal with the DMV anymore than I absolutely have to.

 

I interpreted the OP as having to do with documentation fees above their cost and the advertising fee some dealers charge.
These can be significantly more that $45.
Both are pure profit.

 

Not so. Your NC dealer should be able to do your docs.
You just shouldn't agree to pay more than their cost.

 

I am negotiating for a 2016 prius to be delivered in 2 weeks right now. I negotiated the floor mats and the "Charger Kit" to be taken off, then he comes with the final paperwork, which included a 650 documentation fee (I assume he just bumped that fee up to make up for the options I had negotiated away). I got up and walked away. An hour and a half latter, the "Manager" calls me and agrees to waive that too. He fudged numbers, taking the 640 plus the 400 off the MSRP, then left the documentation fee there.

I'd say they are easily negotiable, if you are honestly willing to walk away.

 

Dr. Furner

Msrp $25943.00

Discount $1017.00

Selling price $24926.00

Tax $767.25

Tag $97.30

Dealer admin $649.00



Total price $26439.55