| Do these even exist right now? When will this nightmare end? I don’t want to order a car I’ve never seen or driven. |
| Subarus, to the extent of what they have on the lot. |
| This is region and dealer dependent. Vehicles going for over MSRP at one dealership may go for a discount at another, especially if further away, i.e., maybe out of state. Cast your net widely, consider using a broker, be flexible with regard to make/model, and aim for lower trim levels which contain fewer options which have been affected by chip shortages. Sometimes you'll be able to find a vehicle ordered by someone who failed to complete the transaction. In such cases dealerships may provide more favorable pricing. Ordering a vehicle, although you'll have to wait for delivery, may also result in better pricing. Ask. |
| OP here - I can’t even find one on a lot I can go see in person! |
We ordered a Subaru in May for July delivery. They are charging msrp. They had one car of each type on the lot to test drive. |
Depends on the dealer, but yes there are Subaru dealers doing this. |
| The Lexus in Rcokville has ES or whatever. Call them, I'm not sure. |
| I see plenty of cars on lots. If you're looking for something very specific you may have difficulty, but if you're flexible you'll find plenty of cars out there, both new and used. |
| Gas engine - no hybrid or EV. Sedan - no SUV or small cross over. Be willing to take whatever trim and color they have. |
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Price range?
Any preferred brands? Some dealers keep cars on the lot for test drives but not all do. You should look at other dealers further out. Looks like dealers up in Baltimore area had more on the lot. |
OP here. I’m looking for a midsize 3 row SUV or minivan under $50k. I can’t believe I just had to type that number out. I’m not paying a deposit or ordering something sight unseen. Replacing an old minivan. |
We put down a $500 refundable deposit for a Subaru. If it is a desirable car they'll be able to sell it to someone else as soon as it hits the lot. |
| carmax |
A few months ago we got a Mazda CX-9 Signature (top trim) for ~$2k under MSRP. There was absolutely wiggle room on the top trims at both Ourisman Mazda in Rockville and Koons in Silver Spring. With some of these dealers you just need to tell them "I'm not paying your market adjustment; do you still want to sell me the car?" and see if they'll play ball. Dealers are still figuring out this new world too. VW Atlas could be a pretty easy option, too. Just glancing around, there are many dealers in the area advertising below MSRP. Just call them before you go and ask if the prices are real or BS. |
| Order from factory. Brand new car. No need to check it out. |