Documentation Fee

Submitted by T-Hussle t3_11dkw51 in massachusetts

I'm about to close the deal on a new Subaru Outback from the dealership and I'm being charged a $693 documentation fee. I understand that Massachusetts does not set a legal upper limit on this, but this seems a bit steep from what I've seen online.

Is this the standard now-a-days?

Update: as u/modernhomeowner pointed out, Subaru disables Starlink due to a MA Right to Repair law. After bringing this up, the sales manager offered a $250 discount on the MSRP, saving me a little in taxes as well! Still paid the $693 Documentation Fee, but negotiated more than I thought I could. Thank you all for your insights! I owe you all a friendly merge on the pike if I catch ya!

12

Comments

You must log in or register to comment.

Banea-Vaedr t1_ja9b6mj wrote

Mine was $500. I suspect the dealership expects that to be negotiated down. Did you do any negotiation at all on the car?

3

movdqa t1_ja9cmi4 wrote

My local dealer charges $495 for documentation fee. This is at Toyota of Nashua. Prime Subaru of Nashua is also $495. So $693 does seem high.

7

March_Latter t1_ja9fqih wrote

I would not pay it...This means I don't go shopping at dealers as too many people think its just a fee instead of what it is, added profit. I have been out of dealerships for a while now and oddly financially I do a lot better on cars. I save about 4k a purchase on a used car, and I sell them about 18 month later losing no more than an extra 2K. And I drive a Mercedes and a BMW.

2

UncleCustard t1_ja9j75q wrote

Replying to user72230 (#2,070,245)

Exactly this. You're in control until you've given them the money and signed the papers. If you haven't. Just say "I'm not willing to pay documentation fees. Also, is my deposit 100% refundable?" They'll get the drift.

4

kentuckyfortune t1_jaaa1iy wrote

Hi OP, have you called Subaru of America and mentioned you are a potential buyer? If you have owned subaru previously you can ask if they provide loyalty credits (usually $500) - they will ask for your old VPN to verify or if you get a nice customer rep and explain a discount would push you over another brand car they nay give it to you. This does not take money away from the sales person and should be given after all negotiations )don't even mention it in case they try to argue that as part of your deal. The coupon should be given after final price.

2

funferalia t1_jaaaiw2 wrote

You’re getting played. There are other Subaru’s and other dealers. Call Subaru of America directly.

3

Rick_Sanchez1214 t1_jaab6ua wrote

The dealer doc fee is nothing more than a straight up cash grab, pure profit. You can negotiate this number down a couple hundred bucks during the sales process.

8

kocoerc t1_jaaivu3 wrote

Go to another Subaru dealer and price out the same car. Let the more expensive dealer know you found a better deal elsewhere. They'll change their tune very quickly.

2

Hoosac_Love t1_jabtvkf wrote

What is a documentation fee,never heard of that ,I have bought a million cars

0

March_Latter t1_jacc5s9 wrote

Replying to LasagnahogXRP (#2,099,994)

I look online. It isn't hard as many people have gone to the dealership and been lowballed on their car. Many people can't make their payments on these higher end cars so when you show up willing to buy the car for trade in value they are thankful to see you.

1