When dealerships purchase new cars from the manufacturers, they pay the new car invoice price, then they mark up the price to somewhere around the sticker price when reselling to the public. This is why smart shoppers learn the new car invoice prices before negotiating with dealers, to make sure they are buying at rock bottom prices. It is safe to say that most people will attest to the fact that this number is quite secretive. Only a select few know what the real dealer’s cost is on a new vehicle. We all know that most dealerships quote different prices for the same vehicle but most of us do not know why. To begin with, every dealer pays the same amount to the manufacturer for the same vehicle. The numbers change with the added charges and fees that are tacked on to each dealer, like delivery fees and transportation charges, all of which increase the invoice price. However, it makes no difference where a dealer is located because those delivery and transportation fees are the same across the board. Another added cost to brand new cars is the interest charges on the loans that the dealer obtains directly from the manufacturer.
It is quite easy to do the math, meaning if a car sells quickly then there are minimal interest charges. However, if the car sits on the lot for an extended time, its costs add up. These loans are known as floorplans and in addition to these, there are also other fees known as holdback. After the vehicle is sold, the holdback fees are rebated back to the dealer by the manufacturer. In addition to the above charges, there could be advertising fees added onto the invoice price. These fees can come directly from the dealership or from a regional dealer group. After having pointed out all these various added charges and fees, the consumer has to figure out a way to purchase a brand new vehicle below the wholesale cost. The consumer should always be prepared to act and act quickly when opportunities arise, such as with a slowdown of sales. Car manufacturers will do all in their power to push out vehicles sitting on dealers’ lots because they end up losing more money. It is simple math that a dealer will not order new vehicles if his lot is full. Therefore, in order to be profitable and move their inventory along, the manufacturers provide incentives to both dealers and consumers. We have all heard of the various incentives they offer, like zero percent financing, low lease rates, rebates, etc. New car dealers can only have these special sales when the manufacturer steps in. Therefore, a consumer cannot expect to purchase below the invoice price if incentives are not in place. They are expected at some time throughout each year, and they have expiration dates. When one ends, a new program may begin in order to do away with the old and bring in the new.