Base Invoice - The stated amount the dealer pays the manufacturer for an actual vehicle. The amount does not include other dealer costs, optional equipment, incentives, or dealer holdback.

Base MSRP - Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price. The retail price is set by the manufacturer. The government requires all new cars to have a list price or sticker price.

Best Local Price - The lowest price available from the CR Build & Buy Service for in-stock vehicles as configured in this model and trim level.

Customer Cash Incentives - Discounts given by the manufacturer to the customer to increase the sales of a particular model. Customer incentives or rebates are usually advertised discounts that a buyer receives from the manufacturer and signs over to the dealer as part of the down payment.

Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price - The place to start when negotiating. It takes into account the current dealer incentives and holdbacks that may be in effect.

Dealer (DIO) - Dealer installed optional equipment that is priced individually by dealerships.

Dealer Holdback - A percentage of the total MSRP that the manufacturer holds and then gives back to the dealer, often at the end of the year or quarter. Holdback may vary from dealer to dealer and may depend upon other factors such as dealer quotas.

Dealer Incentives - Discounts given by the manufacturer to the dealer to increase the sales of a particular model. Dealer incentives are unadvertised discounts dealers get from the manufacturer; knowing about one gives you more room to negotiate.

Destination Charge - The cost to ship the vehicle from the factory to the dealer.

Equipment Packages - Manufacturers bundle and price equipment options in packages to simplify the manufacturing process. They're typically given names like Convenience, Sport or Entertainment. If you want most of the options included, a package may be a good deal.

Finance Incentives - Special financing terms currently available through the manufacturer, usually including Annual Percentage Rate and loan duration expressed as number of months.

Gas Guzzler Tax - A tax on vehicles that get poor gas mileage.

Manufacturer Code - A code assigned to a model, package, option or other equipment by the manufacturer.

Model - The designation which identifies a particular vehicle that a manufacturer produces (eg. Taurus, Camaro, 325i). A trim line further delineates the model.

Not Available - Not available on this Trim Line.

Options - Options are additional equipment that can either be installed at the dealership or may already be present on vehicles on the dealership lot.

Optional Equipment & Packages Invoice - The stated amount the dealer pays the manufacturer for optional equipment and packages.

Optional Equipment & Packages MSRP - Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price for optional equipment or packages. The retail price is set by the manufacturer.

Port Installed - Equipment or features installed at the port of entry rather than at the factory.

Regional Advertising Fee - Manufacturers charge dealers for regional and national advertising campaigns. These charges are a cost of doing business for dealerships and are commonly passed along to consumers.

Total Dealer Invoice - The maximum amount the dealer pays the manufacturer for a vehicle. Given manufacturers' use of dealer incentives and holdbacks, it is no longer your bottom line when vehicles are in good supply.

Total MSRP - The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price for the vehicle plus optional equipment and packages that are on the vehicle. Also includes Destination Charge and Gas Guzzler Tax (not common).

Trim Line - Most car models come in two or more trim lines, such as 'LX,' 'DX,' or 'EX'. Each trim line has different standard equipment, packages and options available.