I live on Long Island. I called every dealer on Long Island, Brooklyn Queens, Westchester etc. "Market Adjustment" ranged from $5,000-8,000. I did not stop until I found a dealer who needed to move a vehicle and negotiated for $500 above MSRP. I walked away from at least 12 dealerships. My EV6 will arrive in 2 weeks.
Price gouging? Here's who should know...
- Thread starter Jim Matthews
- Start date
- Replies 87
- Views 30K
I live on Long Island. I called every dealer on Long Island, Brooklyn Queens, Westchester etc. "Market Adjustment" ranged from $5,000-8,000. I did not stop until I found a dealer who needed to move a vehicle and negotiated for $500 above MSRP. I walked away from at least 12 dealerships. My EV6 will arrive in 2 weeks.
drivewithme
New Member
Here’s a Kia EV6 Locator https://kia-ev6.us I put together to try to help buyers level the playing field with respect to knowing what EV6 models and VINs are out there. You can see and download the window sticker MSRP and can hopefully use this information to help hold the line on outrageous markups. I’m asking for a modest one time subscription fee just to help cover the costs of organizing this data and working to keep it updated. Would love to hear if you find it useful and would want to see more features added in the future. https://kia-ev6.us
ITown
Active Member
About 2.5 years ago I bought my Niro EV from Stevens Creek Kia. The guy who sold me the car seemed pretty easy-going and genuine. Recently I went back to the dealership to take a look at the EV6. In addition to every EV6 having a $9,995 markup, the salespeople were very forward and didn't really want to leave me alone until I told them very clearly that I wasn't planning on buying.
After that, I told one of the salesmen that I would never buy the EV6 with a markup on it. He led with "The reason why these cars are so expensive is because the government has so much debt." What a load of crap. Then asked me if I would buy it if the markup was cut in half (to $5000). I said "no, I'm only buying it if it sold at MSRP or less." That was enough to scare him off
These markups are really disappointing, and turned me away from being a repeat customer at Kia. So instead, I ordered a Polestar 2 AWD.
After that, I told one of the salesmen that I would never buy the EV6 with a markup on it. He led with "The reason why these cars are so expensive is because the government has so much debt." What a load of crap. Then asked me if I would buy it if the markup was cut in half (to $5000). I said "no, I'm only buying it if it sold at MSRP or less." That was enough to scare him off
These markups are really disappointing, and turned me away from being a repeat customer at Kia. So instead, I ordered a Polestar 2 AWD.
Jim Matthews
Active Member
Yep. That's the sort of fabricated nonsense used to justify what can most charitably be described as theft.
This business model deserves a quick burial, and good riddance.
BetterBuyTesla
New Member
Bev Smith Kia in Ft. Pierce, FL wants $12k extra on a car listed at about $48k MSRP - that is an additional 25%.
When gas is $4 but then a gas station decides to charge you $5 (also a 25% markup) they risk going to jail for their price gouging.
So why is it that car dealers aren't held to the same (legal) standard?
When gas is $4 but then a gas station decides to charge you $5 (also a 25% markup) they risk going to jail for their price gouging.
So why is it that car dealers aren't held to the same (legal) standard?
Follow the money--er, lobbyists. The oil companies have more lobbyists, than gas stations do. So oil companies can raise prices however they like without consequences. Similarly, car companies and dealers have lobbyists who make sure the "free market" controls the pricing of cars.
Of course, the car-dealers' lobbyists' definition of "free market" is nuanced. They have worked hard to ensure Michigan law prevents Tesla from direct-selling cars in the state. Customers have to buy one from Ohio or another state.
Interestingly, Tesla is about to tear down a popular bowling alley to build a large, highly visible service center in the middle of the multi car-dealer row on Jackson Avenue here in Ann Arbor. I assume if Tesla's lobbyists and/or lawyers eventually win-out, Tesla is planning to make it a sales and service center.
Last edited:
BetterBuyTesla
New Member
@insightman : Yes, indeed. It is all about lobbying.
But now that Tesla has shown how well Manufacturer-to-Consumer direct car sales can work and with the demise of the ICE car in the very near future I hope more car manufacturers follow that model and build "delivery and service centers" all over the United States.
I don't need a greedy shady car dealer who is borderline crocked in the first place.
But now that Tesla has shown how well Manufacturer-to-Consumer direct car sales can work and with the demise of the ICE car in the very near future I hope more car manufacturers follow that model and build "delivery and service centers" all over the United States.
I don't need a greedy shady car dealer who is borderline crocked in the first place.
I contacted the Attorney General of NY and asked that question. They answered that dealers can set the price to whatever they want. I called every dealer on Long Island and NYC. Finally found a couple selling at sticker price and with the NYS drive clean rebate got the car $500 under MSRP.
Ditto for Orange Park Kia in Jacksonville. I sold my Tesla Model Y recently but, with this band of cut-throats selling EVs now depressing sales of EVs in general, it's making me re-evaluate Tesla.
Attachments
$20 for freely available information?
I had the same experience there as well. When I contacted a manager and complained that it was price gouging, she hung up on me.
"average is 5-7k if that ends up helping....The invoice and the MSRP are the exact same to the penny. This one will be over sticker for YEARS"
- This from North Freeway Hyundai in Spring, TX.
I wonder if he genuinely believes that. Whether market price or not I just can't get myself to pay over sticker. Can't do it.
Where were you able to find niros at MSRP? I’m in New York
VABeachKiwi
New Member
Shout out to Jeff Roberts at Sale KIA in Kinston, NC. I ordered a Gravity Wind EV6 from him March 11, paying a $1,000 deposit to place the order. He promised me the car at $1,000 BELOW MSRP, if I used their financing. MSRP if I did not. Surprisingly my car arrived late April, not only did they kept it for me for 2 weeks until I was able to get down there (I live 3-hrs away in SE VA), but their financing was better than both my credit union and USAA. They totally delivered on everything they promised! Best car buying experience I’ve ever had! Not sure what’s happening locally but those folks wouldn’t place an order for me without $5k mark up in March. Totally recommend this dealer if you can travel to pick up the car. FYI I got an Uber there for $250!
Bill Carter
Member
Congratulations! Finally, a good news dealer story. There are a few around.
We need more uplifting posts like this. And more affordable EVs.
Sent from my iPhone using Inside EVs
Jim Matthews
Active Member
I just had an unfortunate return to 1985 at a nearby Hyundai dealership (Empire in Fall River, MA) that has hardened my resolve to never set foot in one again.
They have an Ioniq 5 se on the lot, more than 12 weeks old.
The online sales rep offered a reasonable price and acceptable range for my trade (I converted a lease and have positive equity) that the GM signed off on.
I had an appointment scheduled (per the GM request) that the bullpen staff did not care to honor, nor did they know anything about the basics of the agreement.
After announcing who I was there to see, the bullpen staff started with herding tactics - "You can wait in that room, over there."
I stepped outside, instead.
The point man came outside and started the usual tired and untrue spiel about how they sold like hotcakes, and market pressures were raising prices.
Two of the things I detest most, in the same place.
Never again.
They have an Ioniq 5 se on the lot, more than 12 weeks old.
The online sales rep offered a reasonable price and acceptable range for my trade (I converted a lease and have positive equity) that the GM signed off on.
I had an appointment scheduled (per the GM request) that the bullpen staff did not care to honor, nor did they know anything about the basics of the agreement.
After announcing who I was there to see, the bullpen staff started with herding tactics - "You can wait in that room, over there."
I stepped outside, instead.
The point man came outside and started the usual tired and untrue spiel about how they sold like hotcakes, and market pressures were raising prices.
Two of the things I detest most, in the same place.
Never again.
Jonathan Oexner
New Member
I had similar experiences at area Hyundai dealers, with fibs about Ioniq 5 stock from Internet sales managers. I somewhat expected as much, because I had my heart set on the sun roof model, which is hard to find. Eventually I reconsidered the EV6 (looks *way* better in person, and drives great!), gritted my teeth and plunked down $5k over MSRP for a gravity blue AWD Wind EV6 yesterday in Swansea, MA. Can't wait to pick it up Wednesday!
Last edited: