How to use a window sticker when comparing vehicles

Buyer guide · Shopping · Barron, WI

How to use a window sticker when comparing vehicles

Two trucks with the same trim name can be very different. The window sticker tells you what's on the one in front of you.

Short answer

The answer

The window sticker (the Monroney label) is required by federal law on new vehicles. It lists the manufacturer's suggested retail price, standard equipment, every factory option with its price, fuel economy, and more.

Wisconsin requires that label to stay on until the vehicle is sold and delivered. Use it to compare installed equipment line by line.

1958year Congress required the window sticker (Automobile Information Disclosure Act)
VINon the sticker matches the vehicle: always check it

What's on it

  • MSRP of the base vehicle and each installed option.
  • Transportation (destination) charge.
  • Standard and optional equipment.
  • EPA fuel economy and environment ratings.
  • Where it was assembled and parts content.

Compare equipment, not trim names

Packages and options change a lot. For trucks, look for axle ratio, trailering package, payload package and cab/bed size. For SUVs, look for drivetrain, seating and towing equipment.

Dealer add-on labels

Wisconsin's Trans 139.04 also covers a dealer's supplemental price label if one is used. At Swant Graber, new vehicles are priced at invoice with no dealer add-ons; ask for an itemized quote to see the selling price, incentives you qualify for, and your total.

Before you start

Bring or confirm

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Recommendations from the Swant Graber team that put this guide to work.

A local next step

Swant Graber Motors (Chevrolet, Ram, Dodge) is at 1690 E Division Ave, 715-537-5657. Swant Graber Ford is across Highway 8 at 1697 E Division Ave, 715-537-9500. Barron, WI 54812. Send your question or the vehicle details before you visit and the right person will be ready. Shop new and used inventory.

Swant Graber Appearance Package, $1,399 (optional): Xzylon protection with a 7-year exterior/interior warranty against bugs, tar and road grime, paint protection, fabric protection, 5-year windshield protection and rustproofing for doors and body panels. It is never pre-installed or added to the price; we sell at invoice with no dealer add-ons. Package details.

Questions

What is a Monroney label?

The federally required window sticker on new vehicles, listing MSRP, equipment, options and fuel economy.

Does Swant Graber add dealer add-ons?

New vehicles are priced at invoice with no dealer add-ons. Taxes, title, registration and the $127.50 service fee are extra.

Sources

  1. 15 U.S.C. 1232: Automobile Information Disclosure Act (window sticker) — https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/15/1232
  2. Wisconsin Admin. Code Trans 139.04 (Wisconsin Buyers Guide; new-vehicle price labels) — https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/code/admin_code/trans/139/04

Manufacturer figures are "when properly equipped" and change by model year, configuration and equipment. Confirm the window sticker, the door-jamb labels and the owner's manual for the exact vehicle.

Swant Graber Auto Group · Barron, WI

3 brands. 2 rooftops. 1 Swant Graber.

Chevrolet, Dodge, Ram, and Ford on one Highway 8 campus in Barron, with Swant Graber roots here since 1959. Swant Graber Motors and Swant Graber Ford sit directly across Highway 8 from each other.

Swant Graber Motors Chevrolet, Dodge and Ram dealership in Barron, Wisconsin

Swant Graber Motors

Chevrolet · Dodge · Ram
1690 E Division Ave (Highway 8)
Barron, WI 54812
Phone715-537-5657

Sales: Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m., Sat 8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. · Service: Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

SwantGraberMotors.net (Dodge & Ram) · SwantGraberChevy.com

Swant Graber Ford dealership on Highway 8 in Barron, Wisconsin

Swant Graber Ford

Ford · across Highway 8
1697 E Division Ave (Highway 8)
Barron, WI 54812
Phone715-537-9500

Sales: Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m., Sat 8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. · Service: Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

BarronFord.com