Price does not include government fees, taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document processing charge, any electronic filing charge, and any emission testing charge.
That sentence appears next to every price on this site because California Vehicle Code §11713.1 requires it. Below is what each item in it means. We don't do financing, so there are no finance charges here.
Sales tax
California charges sales and use tax on a vehicle purchase. The rate depends on the address where the car will be registered, because cities and counties add their own district taxes to the state rate. Two buyers of the same car can owe different tax. Look up the rate for your address on the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration site.
DMV fees
Transferring the car into your name means registration and title fees set by the state. The amount depends on the car and on when its current registration expires. The DMV's registration fees page has a calculator, and its vehicle registration pages explain the transfer.
Dealer document processing charge
A charge for preparing the sale and registration paperwork. California law caps what a dealer may charge for it. Ask us the amount when you call.
Electronic filing charge
A charge for filing the registration with the DMV electronically instead of on paper.
Emission testing (smog)
Most used cars sold in California need a valid smog certificate when they change hands. The Bureau of Automotive Repair runs the Smog Check program and lists the exceptions. Ask us about the car you want.
What this means for a budget
Start from the listed price, add tax at your address's rate, then the DMV and dealer charges. Our cars under $10,000 and under $15,000 pages group the lot by listed price. Call (925) 395-0530 with a car in mind and we'll tell you the fees we charge.
