Using the Window Sticker to Your Advantage

When a car or truck is built, it's issued a window sticker. Information on this sticker verifies its make, model and year and provides its suggested retail price ? thus, its "sticker price" ? and a comprehensive list of its standard and optional equipment. Each vehicle also has a vehicle identification number on its sticker; all of these statistics officially identify the car or truck for shoppers on a dealer's showroom floor.The sticker is a rich source of essential information about a new automobile. It lets you know exactly what's included with any particular vehicle, as well as helping to ensure that you're getting the exact options you're paying for.The window sticker also provides a valuable historical record. It's a good idea to keep copies of the sticker in the glove box for reference, such as when future repairs are needed and specific parts are required. The sticker also documents the list of original accessories that came with the vehicle if you eventually sell it.The Monroney sticker ? as it is called in the auto industry ? is named for the late Almer Stillwell "Mike" Monroney, a senator from Oklahoma who sponsored the federal Automobile Information Disclosure Act in 1958. This statute requires that a sticker be affixed to the side window or windshield of every new car sold in the United States. While the law does not specifically mandate Monroney stickers for some trucks, automakers affix them across their entire vehicle lineups. Failure to display one can result in a fine of $10,000 per vehicle to the dealership.The stiff penalty for their absence underscores the value of window stickers for car shoppers. Of particular value are several pieces of vital information: the manufacturer's suggested retail price; engine and transmission specifications; standard equipment, including warranty details; optional equipment; and fuel economy information.Sticker Price The window sticker's primary piece of information is the vehicle's manufacturer's suggested retail price, or MSRP, including the delivery charge. But remember, prices are often negotiable. Most dealers will sell a vehicle for somewhere between MSRP and its invoice price, which is usually higher than the dealer's actual cost for the automobile. There are exceptions: high-demand models could actually sell for more than MSRP, while less-popular vehicles could be coaxed away for less than the invoice price. The delivery charge, however, is non-negotiable. In this case, the dealer is assessed the same amount as the customer.Essentials Included with the year, make, model and trim level found along the top of each Monroney sticker, you'll find a listing of the vehicle's essential characteristics. These items include the engine's size, configuration and number of cylinders (whether it's powered by a 2.4-liter inline-four-cylinder or a 3.0-liter V-6, for instance), as well as the transmission type and the number of forward gears. The vehicle's drive system (two-wheel drive, four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive) is also listed here.This part of the sticker also lists interior and exterior colors. Some cars may offer more than one version of even the most basic colors. Knowing the exact nomenclature can come in handy should you ever need to have bodywork performed.You'll also find the model's vehicle identification number listed at the top of the sticker. Check to make sure it corresponds with the VIN that's affixed to the driver's side of the dashboard, adjacent to the windshield. It if doesn't, consider another vehicle.Standard EquipmentOn the left side of every new-vehicle window sticker, you'll find a thorough rundown of the model's standard features and its trim level. Most models come in two or more different trim levels, with higher-priced versions having more standard features such as upgraded engines and/or suspensions, larger wheels and tires, and an enhanced interior. This list will display tire size and wheel type (steel, aluminum, alloy, etc.), braking system (whether it's a front disc/rear drum or a four-wheel-disc setup, and if it includes antilock brakes) and safety features (front, side-impact and side curtain-type airbags; three-point rear seat belts; traction control or stability control; and so on).Other information includes the model's standard audio hardware (AM/FM radio, cassette and/or CD player[s], premium system, etc.), climate control (dual-zone air conditioning or an air-filtration system), seating (60/40-split folding rear seats, power/heated front seats, cloth or leather upholstery), lighting (auto-on headlamps, theater-dimming interior lights and/or xenon high-intensity-discharge headlamps) and power accessories (windows, door locks, mirrors, moonroof and so on).On some stickers, the standard equipment portion details the general terms of the manufacturer's warranty coverage for that model, expressed in months or years and thousands of miles (36 months/36,000 miles, for instance). This includes comprehensive coverage, which applies to parts and labor costs for covered repairs; powertrain coverage, which applies to such major mechanical components as the engine, transmission and axles; corrosion coverage, which applies to body panels that have completely rusted through; and roadside assistance, which rivals the benefits of auto-club memberships.Optional Equipment Optional equipment is listed on the right side of the window sticker, including any pertinent option groups and packages. The options actually installed on the vehicle will be listed, along with the suggested prices for each. Though not in every case, the aggregate price of all items in an options package will usually be discounted compared with buying each accessory individually. If this occurs, the applicable discount will be noted on the sticker. Even when an options group includes a factory discount, its transaction price is still negotiable at the dealer level. As a sidenote, Acura, Honda, Scion and Suzuki models do not offer factory-installed options of any kind. Extra features are available only if you choose higher trim levels on those vehicles or if you opt to have the dealer install them.Fuel Economy Information  The EPA mandates that a vehicle's fuel economy information must be disclosed to buyers, so mileage ratings usually appear on the window sticker. Trucks with a gross vehicle weight rating of more than 8,500 pounds This data includes a vehicle's estimated fuel economy for city, highway and combined city/highway driving. The projected annual fuel costs for the vehicle are also included, and these numbers give the range of how other vehicles in its class fare for comparison. Your mileage may vary from these posted figures. Fuel economy tests are conducted in a laboratory, and final results are calculated based on a formula of 55 percent city and 45 percent highway driving. Although EPA estimates may not be completely accurate, they provide at least a relative measurement for comparison purposes. In 2007, the EPA updated its testing procedure. The new numbers are based on more realistic driving conditions ? higher speeds, faster acceleration, air conditioning and colder Temperatures. Passenger cars that receive a combined city/highway rating of 22.5 mpg or less are assessed a gas-guzzler tax of at least $1,000 (and up to $7,700), which will also be noted on the window sticker. Pickups, vans and SUVs remain exempt from gas-guzzler taxes.