Your ZIP & sales tax
Edit tax rates (pre-filled for your state)
How sales tax is figured (details)
Sales tax is calculated for the buyer's state of registration, not the seller's or the vehicle's location. Built-in rates are each state's vehicle purchase tax (sales tax, or a special vehicle excise, titling tax or fee where the state uses one), checked against Tax Foundation's July 1, 2026 rates and state DOR/DMV pages (researched October 2026). Local add-ons are state averages. Exact local rates, fees and exemptions vary, so confirm with your state DMV or the dealer.
Have a listing? Decode its VIN (optional)
Fills in the year, make, model and trim below. Only a VIN you choose to decode is sent, to NHTSA's free public VIN decoder.
Price rating: new vehicles get a Great, Good, Fair or High rating from the sticker price (MSRP) you enter. Used vehicles have no rating, because that takes comparable listings near you and Lot Dog doesn't have that data yet. Compare a few similar listings yourself.
Search for sale on other sites
Type what you're looking for, then open a site in a new tab. Lot Dog doesn't search these sites or see what you find there. When you find a listing, enter it in Vehicle above.
Does this car track you?
Most cars built in the last several years can send your location and driving habits to the automaker, and some automakers have shared that data with data brokers used by insurers. Before you buy: ask what's connected, turn off data sharing you don't want, and request your free LexisNexis report.
- Ask the dealer which connected services or data plans are active, and what you're agreeing to. Optional programs can often be declined.
- Check the car's privacy or data-sharing settings and the automaker's app.
- Used car: remove the prior owner's app account, or do a factory reset, then set up your own.
- Ask whether your driving data is shared with insurers, and how to opt out.
- Turning data off may disable some features, like remote start or emergency calling.
- Request your free LexisNexis consumer report ↗ to see if driving data is on file.
Some replacement parts (engine/body computers, keys, driver-assist sensors) may need dealer or shop programming; ask a shop.
How to opt out: Consumer Reports guide ↗. Type a make above for a brand note.
Based on public reports and regulator actions; companies' practices change. Not legal advice. Last checked Nov 1, 2026.
How each site link works
- Visor: opens Visor's search. Add a make or model above to fill them in. Visor may ask you to sign in for some features.
- Autotrader: opens a used and new car search. Add a make, model or max price above (and your ZIP) to fill them in.
- Craigslist: opens Craigslist so you can pick your area. Add your ZIP under Your ZIP code to go straight to cars & trucks near you.
- Facebook Marketplace: opens the vehicles section. Set your location and filters there. Facebook may ask you to log in.
- CarGurus and Cars.com: open the home page. Enter your search there.
Lot Dog isn't affiliated with these sites. These are plain links; we have no affiliate arrangement.
Truck guide: what changes the cost of owning a pickup
General guidance This is a checklist of questions to ask, not advice about a specific truck. Costs depend on the truck, where you live and how you use it. Tick items as you check them. Nothing here is saved or sent.
Not shopping for a truck? The calculator works the same for cars, SUVs, crossovers and vans.
Selling a vehicle, or a salesperson? (optional)
Most people can skip this. The seller view keeps the same math and adds a table under the results showing how a $1,000 lower price changes a buyer's monthly payment.
Next steps
Before you buy: get a real insurance quote with the VIN, compare loan rates, decide whether you want a service contract, and check the vehicle's history report. Then put the real numbers into the calculator above.
Affiliate disclosure: Links marked "Ad" or "Affiliate link" are paid partner links. We may earn a commission if you click or buy; this doesn't change your price or our estimates.