Every auto-info website will provide the MSRP (manufacturer's suggested retail price) or "sticker" prices for cars. Many will also provide the invoice price, which is commonly believed to be the dealer cost (dealers actually pay a "wholesale price" that allows them an extra profit margin). Many consumers will try to haggle for their new car based on a set price or percentage difference either below the sticker or above the invoice price.

But there are other factors that are as important, sometimes more important, to consider. Rebates are often sponsored by the vehicle manufacturer, and can be immediately subtracted both from what you and what the dealer pay. A rebate will not be noted on a window sticker or on most websites that report MSRP and invoice prices, and will not be included in prices or in Build-Your-Own features on automaker websites. The rebate is just free cash to the consumer over what would otherwise be charged for the car. See it as nothing else.

Demand for the car is also an important factor. Some cars sell slowly, and dealers eager to get rid of them will be happy to sell the car further below the sticker price than a more popular competitor.

Fortunately for consumers, you do not have to try and determine the fair market value of your next new car by yourself. There are three good "build-your-own" websites that provide an estimated market value of a new car in your area, including rebates, and will show you MSRP and invoice prices for comparison. Those websites are CarsDirect.com, the Kelley Blue Book, and Edmunds.com.

Build and Price at Edmunds

Build and Price at KBB

Build and Price at CarsDirect

Also, to see what vehicles cost when comparably-equipped, visit TrueDelta.com. It will not offer an estimated market value, but includes rebates and tax incentives with MSRP and invoice prices. Instead of trying to pick the options and versions with a build-your-own feature, just use the TrueDelta pricing tool to see what pricing looks like between comparably-equipped cars, and then use the market value estimators to see what happens to the price difference.

Compare Prices at TrueDelta