Ordering the base model of a car

[Anonymous]

We're considering ordering a plug-in hybrid that is in high demand (dealers apparently can't keep them in stock). We're looking at the base model with 1-2 small add-ons, which is significantly less than the fully loaded models they get on the lot. I know the estimated price from the website, but we were told by the car company's customer service that the price doesn't include "dealership fees" or "ordering charges."

A few questions:

1. How much are those dealership fees typically? And are they negotiable?
2. How much are the ordering charges?
3. If I'm ordering a car from the factory, is there any wiggle room on price or do I pay MSRP?

Hoping someone can share some knowledge or expertise on this. And anything else I'm missing here, please share!

[Anonymous]

1) between $500 and $1000, they negotiable are but good luck
2) If you mean delivery, between $500 and $1000 and not negotiable
3) the same wiggle room as normal.

You are probably out of luck though. For a popular model that dealers can't keep in stock the factory likely is making few if any base models. For popular cars, dealers get allotments from the factory, I doubt one will want to waste on of there's on a base model

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:1) between $500 and $1000, they negotiable are but good luck
2) If you mean delivery, between $500 and $1000 and not negotiable
3) the same wiggle room as normal.

You are probably out of luck though. For a popular model that dealers can't keep in stock the factory likely is making few if any base models. For popular cars, dealers get allotments from the factory, I doubt one will want to waste on of there's on a base model

Thanks for this! On the base model, the website allows you to configure exactly the car you want and then says to bring it to the dealer for them to order it. Why would they do this if they didn't want to sell that configuration?

[Anonymous]

if you order a base car with only 1-2 options. you will likely pay a similar price to a vehicle that is already on a dealers lot.

simple reason, dealer wants to move their inventory out. They really don't want to order in another units thats not going to make them much money.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:On the base model, the website allows you to configure exactly the car you want and then says to bring it to the dealer for them to order it. Why would they do this if they didn't want to sell that configuration?

Because from 1980 - 2019 you could bring your precise configuration to a dealer and depending on the brand they could either:
A) find one on their lot that matched 94% of your requested configuration
B) call another dealer of the same brand who has your exact configuration in stock and have it transferred (shipped) to your local dealer
C) for some brands, place a custom order from the factory exactly to your liking

Right now in September 2021:
--Option A rarely works because most dealers have such a limited stock of on-lot inventory to choose from and many of their incoming vehicles are pre-sold before they hit the lot.
--Option B doesn't work because most dealers have suspended the practice of trading inventory with other dealers. Why would they go through the hassle of trading inventory when everyone is selling out of everything rapidly?
--Option C still works in some cases. Only certain brands do custom orders. BMW for example will let you place a custom order and the factory builds the car with exactly the options you want. Toyota/Lexus does not allow custom orders from the factory at all. Be prepared to pay up for the privilege of custom ordering.

Your best bet for getting a base model of the car you want right now is to expand your search radius, get in touch with dealers up to ~150 miles from you, and see if any of them can offer you something at least close to what you are looking for. Do that and be prepared to pay ~MSRP and you should be able to get what you want (unless we are talking about one of the ultra-hot models of the moment such as Bronco, Defender, Corvette, RAV4 Prime).