In Massachusetts, the out-the-door price of a used car is the vehicle price, plus the dealer's fees, plus 6.25% sales tax on the vehicle price, plus the RMV title fee ($75) and the registration fee ($60). Anything else — extended warranty, plate transfer — is optional or depends on your situation.
How we show our prices
At Waltham Auto Gallery, the price you see on a car is the vehicle price. Our dealer fees — $629.00 for documentary preparation and the runner — are added on top, and the 6.25% Massachusetts sales tax is charged on the vehicle price only. Every car page shows the full out-the-door estimate, line by line, so you know the total before you visit.
A real example from our lot
Take the 2016 Jeep Cherokee Latitude Altitude we have in stock today:
| Vehicle price | $9,490.00 |
| Dealer fees (documentary preparation, runner) | $629.00 |
| MA sales tax — 6.25% of the vehicle price ($9,490.00) | $593.13 |
| Title (RMV) | $75.00 |
| Registration (RMV) | $60.00 |
| Out-the-door estimate | $10,847.13 |
Every car page on our site shows this same breakdown, calculated for that car.
What can change the total
- Trade-in: a trade-in can lower the amount you pay tax on.
- Plate transfer: if you move plates from a car you just sold, the registration cost can be different.
- Financing: the loan adds interest over time; the out-the-door price does not change, but your total cost does.
Quick checklist before you sign
- Ask for the out-the-door number in writing.
- Check that the fees on the contract match the breakdown you were given.
- Make sure you have insurance — you need it to register the car in Massachusetts.