In the automobile industry, retail dealers buy their vehicles directly from the manufacturer at the new car invoice price, then they resell them to the public at higher prices, which are usually around the sticker price. For this reason, car shoppers should know the new car invoice prices to help them negotiate better deals. This actual figure seems to be quite mystical to the general public as well as to employees of the dealership. Only the owners really know exactly what they paid for each vehicle at the wholesale level. However, when shopping around for the best deal, we find that one dealership may quote a particular price, then a completely different price will be quoted at the next dealer. The consumer should understand that the wholesale cost any dealer pays is the same, regardless of their size or location. Expenses are added to the new car invoice prices as the dealers factor in the delivery fees charged by the manufacturer. However, this number is the same regardless of the location of the dealer. This figure is just tacked on to the individual cost of the vehicle that is passed on to the consumer. Where things change from one dealer to the next is the financing that dealers take out directly from the manufacturer to pay for their vehicle purchases. They must pay interest on this financing.
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. The smart consumer will jump at the opportunity when it arises, but they must be prepared to do so when these special programs are available because they may not last long. They are created and offered only to entice buyers when new car sales are slow, and when these programs are not available, buyers are usually unable to purchase below the invoice price.