$99 Dealer Documentary Charge?
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Joined: Feb 2004
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Document Fee?
The dealer renders a service...
He collects the state sales/use tax and title fee on behalf of, and forwards to, the appropriate jurisdiction (typically the state MVA office).
He delivers the vehicle registration application, tag/plate(s) application, and lien information if appropriate (all signed by the buyer at "settlement") to the local office of the state motor vehicle administration.
He can provide a "temp tag" (where required) pending delivery of the official license plate(s).
Other charges (i.e., state motor vehicle inspection/sticker, emmisions certification, etc.) are typically listed seperately on the bill of sale, and are not part of a "Document Fee".
All state mandated taxes and fees, all required applications and lien information can be personally delivered by the buyer to the local MVA office. Usually the official license plate(s) are immediately available at that location.
Just because the "Documentation Fee/Charge" appears on the dealer's form, does not require you to avail yourself of this service; you can decline - but expect an argument... he views it as taking money out of his pocket (notwithstanding the fact that it's your money).
If someone insists that "It's the law - you have to pay it!", feel free to consult with the state motor vehicle administration to ascertain the stautory cite. Almost all MVAs have websites and they are quite helpful.
Now perhaps it is statutorily mandated in some jurisdiction... however, I have no knowledge of such. YMMV
He collects the state sales/use tax and title fee on behalf of, and forwards to, the appropriate jurisdiction (typically the state MVA office).
He delivers the vehicle registration application, tag/plate(s) application, and lien information if appropriate (all signed by the buyer at "settlement") to the local office of the state motor vehicle administration.
He can provide a "temp tag" (where required) pending delivery of the official license plate(s).
Other charges (i.e., state motor vehicle inspection/sticker, emmisions certification, etc.) are typically listed seperately on the bill of sale, and are not part of a "Document Fee".
All state mandated taxes and fees, all required applications and lien information can be personally delivered by the buyer to the local MVA office. Usually the official license plate(s) are immediately available at that location.
Just because the "Documentation Fee/Charge" appears on the dealer's form, does not require you to avail yourself of this service; you can decline - but expect an argument... he views it as taking money out of his pocket (notwithstanding the fact that it's your money).
If someone insists that "It's the law - you have to pay it!", feel free to consult with the state motor vehicle administration to ascertain the stautory cite. Almost all MVAs have websites and they are quite helpful.
Now perhaps it is statutorily mandated in some jurisdiction... however, I have no knowledge of such. YMMV
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Joined: May 2005
Posts: 382
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Thanks for the post. I'm not opposed to paying it as they are actually cutting me a good deal, picking me up from the train station (buying out of town), etc. so I'll probably pay it and drive on.
obviously you want the documents to be taken care of properly. when people get these deals where you can't really hide the necessary work to get the car you'll see what is entitled and so forth. i think the biggest line that really works on a lot of people from other dealerships is a prep fee. congratulations on the purchase
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