1. Identify the vehicle
Check year, make, model, trim, VIN, mileage, and whether the vehicle is new or used. A wrong trim can change equipment, value, and fuel-economy context.
DEALER WORKSHEET GUIDE
How to read a car dealer worksheet without getting lost in the numbers.
A worksheet can show the vehicle, price, trade, fees, products, financing terms, and payment in different places. Start by finding each input, then check how the inputs connect before you decide what to ask.
FIND THE INPUTS
Read the worksheet in five passes.
The exact labels differ between dealerships. The goal is to locate the figures that determine the total price, amount financed, and monthly payment.
2. Separate price from charges
Find selling price, discounts, rebates, sales tax, documentation, government or registration fees, and other charges. Do not treat the payment as the price.
3. Itemize products
Look for GAP, service contracts, prepaid maintenance, tire and wheel, accessories, protection packages, and other add-ons. Ask for each product's price and whether it is financed.
4. Check trade and cash
Compare the trade allowance with the payoff, then check cash down. Negative equity can be rolled into the new balance and change the payment even when the vehicle price stays the same.
5. Trace the payment
Verify APR, term, amount financed, and quoted payment together. A longer term or different rate can lower the monthly number while changing the total cost.
What if a line is unclear?
Ask for an itemized version of the quote and a revised payment using the same vehicle, trade, cash down, APR, and term. The signed contract and lender terms control the final deal.
MAKE IT EASIER
Let PencilProof organize the worksheet for you.
Upload a PDF or photo for a free scan, review the detected values, and correct anything that needs attention before deciding whether a full audit is useful.
Start with the free scan