How to Read a Window Sticker

Learning how to read a window sticker when shopping for a new car is easier than you think. Thankfully, the experts at Indy Car Financing have developed this helpful guide on navigating a window sticker and knowing exactly what information you need to look for when searching for your next vehicle.

The Basics

Before delving into the more detailed areas of a window sticker, let’s start with the basics.

• Vehicle Identification Number (VIN): This unique number is exclusive generate for each car coming off the assembly line. It should match on all documentation when making a vehicle purchase.
• Vehicle Description: Lists the size, weight, color, body style, interior trims, passenger capacity, transmission, and engine of a specific model.
• Standard Equipment: Every amenity offered at no extra cost will be listed here.
• Fuel Economy: The estimated city and highway MPG ratings can be found on the window sticker in its own bold section.

Pricing Options

Now we’ll consider the pricing variables the window sticker lists. These will include:

• The Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP): Before any other charges are applied to the cost of the vehicle, this is the subtotal you would pay.
• Optional Equipment: The window sticker also catalogs all optional equipment with the price of each feature next to it.
• Destination Charges: To cover the cost of transportation from the factory to the dealership, a destination charge is applied and displayed on the window sticker.
• Total Retail Price: Also known as the sticker price, this is the amount of money you would pay with all of the additional charges applied to the MSRP.

Other Important Information

It’s important to note that the window sticker also provides the ratings the vehicle has received from federal authorities:

• Government Safety Rating: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration will have vehicle star ratings for crash tests listed on the window sticker.
• Emissions Ratings: To find out how efficient a vehicle is, look for its emissions rating on the window sticker.
• Parts Content Information: Major components manufactured overseas will have their country of origin listed, as well as where the final assembly of the vehicle took place.

Let Indy Car Financing Make Your Next Purchase Easy

If you have any questions about a window sticker on the car of your dreams, Indy Car Financing can help. We also offer financial consultations, no matter what your credit rating or financial history is. Contact us at 855-468-6215 to consult with our financing experts today.