How to Calculate the On-Road Price of a Car?

[McCarson]

Car on-road price refers to the total cost required to purchase a car. Car on-road price = Ex-factory price (4S store car price) + purchase tax + car insurance (compulsory traffic insurance and commercial insurance) + car usage tax + license plate inspection fee. The following are the specific details about the car on-road price: 1. Ex-factory price: The ex-factory price is the selling price at the 4S store, generally referring to the price of the car after discounts, excluding other fees. 2. Vehicle purchase tax: A mandatory fee when buying a car, approximately 8.55% of the ex-factory price. 3. Car insurance: Car insurance includes compulsory traffic insurance and commercial insurance. The former is mandatory, while the latter is optional. 4. Vehicle and vessel usage tax: A mandatory tax when purchasing a car, and it needs to be paid annually. 5. License plate fees: License plate fees include service fees, processing fees, and license plate fees.

[DiChase]

Last time I bought a car, I finally figured out how the final price is calculated—it's basically the base car price plus various fees. The base car price is the negotiated price with the dealership—don’t forget to bargain, as this is the easiest part to get a discount on. Then, you need to add the purchase tax, which is about 10% and non-negotiable as it’s set by the government. Next is insurance: compulsory traffic insurance is mandatory, while commercial insurance like third-party liability varies and can cost thousands per year. Don’t overlook the registration fee, which includes license plate and inspection fees, typically ranging from 500 to 1,500—watch out for extra service charges some dealers tack on. If financing, you’ll also need to factor in interest and handling fees. All these hidden costs add up to the final price. I always make a checklist and tally everything to avoid overpaying. Before buying, ask the salesperson for a detailed quote and verify it in person to prevent disputes when picking up the car.

[DelJeremiah]

I always help friends calculate the on-road price, which essentially boils down to the ex-factory price plus fixed fees and optional items. Negotiating the ex-factory price can save a lot, so try to push it as low as possible before discussing other costs. The purchase tax is fixed at around 10%—unavoidable but manageable. For insurance, you can choose high or low packages; I personally recommend only buying essential coverage like compulsory traffic insurance and third-party liability to save money. License plate fees should cost just a few hundred—don’t let the 4S dealership add random service charges. If financing, calculate the interest clearly—don’t just focus on monthly payments and forget the total cost. Adding up all these expenses gives the final on-road price. I suggest visiting multiple dealerships to compare and negotiate, listing all details on paper for reference. You can also adjust your budget annually based on actual expenses.

[LouisFitz]

As a first-time car buyer, I initially didn't understand the on-road price, thinking the ex-factory price was all there was. Later I discovered it includes the base car price, 10% purchase tax, insurance costs like several thousand yuan for coverage, and a few hundred yuan for license plate fees. When financing, interest must also be factored in. I recommend beginners directly ask the salesperson for an itemized list to check for any unreasonable charges, such as avoidable decoration or service fees. The true on-road price is the sum of all these items - don't get tricked into choosing overpriced packages.

[Jace]

From a family perspective, the out-the-door price must consider the overall economic impact. It includes the negotiated base price of the vehicle, plus the unavoidable 10% purchase tax, several thousand yuan for comprehensive insurance to protect the family's safety, and a few hundred yuan for license plate registration. Loan interest and handling fees can add to the financial burden. Our family always makes a detailed budget sheet, adding up each item to ensure we don't overspend. When buying a new car, be wary of hidden fees and demand transparent pricing—only then can you pay with peace of mind without affecting your quality of life.