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A window sticker is mandated for display on all new cars in the U.S. It provides essential information about the car, its manufacturer along with the features, options (optional equipment) & packages it comes with. The label is typically placed on the side window or windshield of a car, usually on the driver’s side.
Following the Automobile Information Disclosure Act of 1958 led by Oklahoma senator Mike Monroney, the NHTSA and EPA updated the rule in May 2011, mandating the new label for 2013 models and above to include an estimate of fuel or electricity consumption for 100 miles, thus providing a clue of the fuel consumption per distance traveled. This update is especially crucial for electric, plug-in hybrids, hydrogen fuel cell, flexible-fuel, and natural gas vehicles manufactured in the United States.
It includes details like the year, make, model, and VIN number of the car.
It includes interior and exterior color. This information is essential for buyers seeking customization and ensures that they can choose a ride that matches their aesthetic preferences.
It includes a comprehensive overview of original equipment that came with the car from the manufacturer. Here’s the rundown of the details available in the section:
The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price or Recommended Retail Price (RRP) serves as a pricing guideline for dealerships, maintaining consistent prices for buyers. However, it is flexible, allowing them to set prices below or above the MSRP, based on various factors either to make profit or accelerate sales.
This price is also known as “sticker price”, offering transparency in costs, communicating the initial value, setting price expectations and facilitating fair negotiations in the car buying process.
These are extra features added during manufacturing, allowing buyers to know the additional offerings beyond the standard features. These may include heated steering wheel, premium sound system, aerodynamics package etc. Aside from helping buyers confirm what the dealer claimed is installed, this information also allows car buyers to efficiently streamline their purchase options to cars that align with their budget, preferences and lifestyle.
The fuel economy ratings section on the top right corner of the label details the efficiency, with information on miles per gallon (MPG) for city and highway driving. It also specifies the fuel type (gasoline, diesel, electric, hydrogen, plug-in hybrid), crucial for buyers seeking fuel efficiency and environmental considerations. It also suggests the annual fuel costs, which estimates the yearly expense based on the automobile’s fuel efficiency, aiding budget planning for buyers.
The sticker includes the NHTSA safety rating which is a crucial metric reflecting the automobile’s safety performance in tests. It’s rated from 1 to 5 stars, with 5 being the highest, and provides buyers with essential insights into the automobile’s overall safety.
Window sticker is a beneficial document for car shoppers, sellers and even dealerships: Here are some statistics to prove that its substantial in car buying and selling process: