How to Negotiate a Car by Email (Templates Included)

Template 1 — the opener (send to 3–5 dealers)

Subject: {Year Make Model} — out-the-door quote request (stock #{stock})

Hello,

I'm interested in the {Year Make Model}, stock #{stock} (VIN {vin}) listed on your site at {advertised price}.

Could you send me an itemized out-the-door quote by email? Specifically: sale price, doc fee, taxes, title/registration, and any add-ons or accessories, totaled to one out-the-door number.

Email works best for me — I can move quickly on the right written number.

Thanks,
{First name}

Template 2 — the counter (add-ons + advertised price)

Hi {name},

Thanks for the quote. Two things before I can move on it:

1. Please remove the add-ons ({list them}) and resend the quote without them — I'm not interested in paying for add-ons.
2. The sale price is above the advertised price — please requote based on {advertised price}, itemized as sale price, doc fee, taxes, and title/registration.

I have written quotes from other dealers on this same model and I'm ready to move quickly — the best written out-the-door number gets the sale.

Thanks,
{First name}

Template 3 — the close (competition, in writing)

Hi {name},

I have a written out-the-door quote of {competing OTD} on the same vehicle. If you can beat it in writing, I'll buy from you — I can come in to sign as soon as today.

Thanks,
{First name}

The traps between you and the signature

• • “Call me to discuss” — decline, restate the written-quote request. Every time.
• • Conditional rebates (military, loyalty, recent-grad) stacked into the price — demand each listed separately with its conditions; count only what you qualify for.
• • Quote games — a “price” that assumes their financing, or add-ons reappearing on the buyer’s order at signing. The written itemized OTD is your contract for the conversation; bring it.

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