Watch out for dealer antics when purchasing a new car around the Villages

[huge-pigeons]

I have been looking at new cars the last couple of weeks and ran into issues from local dealers that I think the Village residents should know about so they can watch out for these expenses when purchasing a new or used car.Every dealer that I dealt with within a 200 mile radius adds on to the MSRP a package of STUFF (they call it a Florida package which includes window tint, wheel locks, etc..) and these packages (not shown on the window sticker) can be up to $6000. For example, I looked at a 2022 used car at a local dealer that had an internet price of $40k, but the price they gave me after a test drive out the door was over $53k, which included $8k of dealer Florida package and certified warranty expenses plus taxes and registration. What got me was the manager tried to justify the $8k charge saying that all the people in the villages have done well and they don't mind paying these charges. I told him that it doesn't matter if somebody is well off or not, nobody wants to be foolish and spend almost 17% of the cars value on items that cost practically nothing. Of course I walked. (See below for an example on different values for these fees).

At the same time, I was dealing with a Nissan dealer in Ocala that also had a 2022 new car for sale for an asking price of $39k. I asked for an out the door price and he gave me 1 that didn't include any Florida package, just dealer fee of <$1000, and taxes and registration. When I got this quote from a text message, I called the salesman and asked him about any extra fees and he had to ask his manager and when he came back, he told me they were going to waive the $5900 package that they normally put on the sale because it was a 2022 and they wanted it sold. I told him I will come in the next day. This is where it gets strange.
The next day, I go to the dealers website to get their address and I looked at the car listing again and the dealer raised the price of the car almost $5k. I told him we were talking about the original price of $39k the day before and he told me that the person who puts together the ad/webpage put in a Platinum Altima price instead. I told him that's funny, Nissan doesn't make a Platinum Altima any more AND the highest price for the deluxe Altima isn't close to the $39k they were advertising the car I was looking at. Then he told me "you got me on that". Then he told me they can sell any car at any price. I have all of this saved in emails and text messages, plus a snapshot of the webpage showing the original price of the car for $39k.

I ended up buying a new 2023 Nissan from Courtesy Nissan in Tampa which only charged me $800 for their package fee (which I thought was reasonable and they were upfront, they didn't try to hide it) and they were also the cheapest within a 200 mile radius.

Buyer beware.

[Babubhat]

Nothing unusual. Order one from the factory and wait. Or walk out once they go above manufacturer list. Do not debate them. It’s only out the door price that matters. Why dealerships should cease to exist,

You can pay a specialist a fee to negotiate for you. Possibly worth it if you don’t want the hassle

[dhdallas]

I was at one time a new car salesman. Here is the way to buy a car. Go online and get the invoice price. Tell the dealer you will pay the invoice price only and they either agree or go to another dealer. Dealers can even sell under invoice and make money because there is a "hold back" of $xxx that the car manufacturer pays to the dealer after every sale. Our hold back was $750. Never ever give the salesman any cash as a good faith offering so he can show his manager that you are a serious buyer. They will try and hold your money hostage as they keep pressuring you to buy at their price.

[JRcorvette]

One of the largest Dealers in the area is the worst at doing this. The big “J”

[daniel200]

I have purchased 2 new Toyotas in the last 4 years. I have never been able to get a good price in Leesburg or Ocala. So I purchased in Tampa and Orlando.

Started looking again this month for a new Toyota again. I got prices from Tampa and Orlando. Then I walked into Toyota Leesburg and told them what I was looking for. I reminded them that they had been servicing my new cars for the last 4 years but I had never been able to purchase from them because of price.

They returned with a price $4000 higher than Tampa for the same vehicle. This included a $2,000 “market adjustment” fee and $2,000 in useless options they require … So it seems the local dealers feel no need to compete

I walked. I can have a very nice weekend in Tampa with the savings.

[pauld315]

The dealers can't sell cars and their lots are overflowing to the point that even brand new cars are being sold at auction but they are still trying to cash in with these games ? I will never shop at a dealer that is doing these things.

[wisbad1]

I have been looking at new cars the last couple of weeks and ran into issues from local dealers that I think the Village residents should know about so they can watch out for these expenses when purchasing a new or used car.Every dealer that I dealt with within a 200 mile radius adds on to the MSRP a package of STUFF (they call it a Florida package which includes window tint, wheel locks, etc..) and these packages (not shown on the window sticker) can be up to $6000. For example, I looked at a 2022 used car at a local dealer that had an internet price of $40k, but the price they gave me after a test drive out the door was over $53k, which included $8k of dealer Florida package and certified warranty expenses plus taxes and registration. What got me was the manager tried to justify the $8k charge saying that all the people in the villages have done well and they don't mind paying these charges. I told him that it doesn't matter if somebody is well off or not, nobody wants to be foolish and spend almost 17% of the cars value on items that cost practically nothing. Of course I walked. (See below for an example on different values for these fees).

At the same time, I was dealing with a Nissan dealer in Ocala that also had a 2022 new car for sale for an asking price of $39k. I asked for an out the door price and he gave me 1 that didn't include any Florida package, just dealer fee of <$1000, and taxes and registration. When I got this quote from a text message, I called the salesman and asked him about any extra fees and he had to ask his manager and when he came back, he told me they were going to waive the $5900 package that they normally put on the sale because it was a 2022 and they wanted it sold. I told him I will come in the next day. This is where it gets strange.
The next day, I go to the dealers website to get their address and I looked at the car listing again and the dealer raised the price of the car almost $5k. I told him we were talking about the original price of $39k the day before and he told me that the person who puts together the ad/webpage put in a Platinum Altima price instead. I told him that's funny, Nissan doesn't make a Platinum Altima any more AND the highest price for the deluxe Altima isn't close to the $39k they were advertising the car I was looking at. Then he told me "you got me on that". Then he told me they can sell any car at any price. I have all of this saved in emails and text messages, plus a snapshot of the webpage showing the original price of the car for $39k.

I ended up buying a new 2023 Nissan from Courtesy Nissan in Tampa which only charged me $800 for their package fee (which I thought was reasonable and they were upfront, they didn't try to hide it) and they were also the cheapest within a 200 mile radius.

Buyer beware.
After listening to the bs from dealership around here we went to Headquarters Honda in Clermont. Got a good price and no runaround.

[homeboy]

After listening to the bs from dealership around here we went to Headquarters Honda in Clermont. Got a good price and no runaround.


Had the same experience with HQ Mazda also in Clermont.

[New Englander]

One of the largest Dealers in the area is the worst at doing this. The big “J”

:agree:

[DAVES]

I was at one time a new car salesman. Here is the way to buy a car. Go online and get the invoice price. Tell the dealer you will pay the invoice price only and they either agree or go to another dealer. Dealers can even sell under invoice and make money because there is a "hold back" of $xxx that the car manufacturer pays to the dealer after every sale. Our hold back was $750. Never ever give the salesman any cash as a good faith offering so he can show his manager that you are a serious buyer. They will try and hold your money hostage as they keep pressuring you to buy at their price.

Car buying always was a dirty business. It sounds to me that where you worked not only shafted the customers but the sales staff as well. The dealer does not get the same, hold back on every car. It is actually called a call back and it changes depending on both brand and model. It is 4-6%. The reason why dealers could sell cars for $100 over dealer invoice.
With cars today costing roughly 30,000 4% is 1200 6% is 1,800.

One of our local dealers is running a radio ad they will not sell for over MSRP. MSRP is manufacturers suggested retail price-LIST PRICE. I've not bought a car in several years.
You negotiate from net net-real cost not from list down

[mikreb]

Florida is currently the worst state to buy a car. Inventory is the lowest in Florida than any other state. Also, Florida law does not cap dock fees, whereas other states cap fees as low as $85.

[VApeople]

We bought a new Toyota four years ago and the whole experience was very enjoyable.

We discussed our car-buying methods in other TOTV forums and we found others who use the same method. In short, we determine the car we want to buy, do research to determine a reasonable out-the-door price we are willing to pay, and go to the dealer and offer that price.

If we don't hear Yes within 15 minutes, we leave.

[gatorbill1]

I have purchased 2 new Toyotas in the last 4 years. I have never been able to get a good price in Leesburg or Ocala. So I purchased in Tampa and Orlando.

Started looking again this month for a new Toyota again. I got prices from Tampa and Orlando. Then I walked into Toyota Leesburg and told them what I was looking for. I reminded them that they had been servicing my new cars for the last 4 years but I had never been able to purchase from them because of price.

They returned with a price $4000 higher than Tampa for the same vehicle. This included a $2,000 “market adjustment” fee and $2,000 in useless options they require … So it seems the local dealers feel no need to compete

I walked. I can have a very nice weekend in Tampa with the savings.

I seem to have same story as you, including servicing in Leesburg for my Toyota. I purchased a new one in Clearwater last year - AutoNation, which is not allowed to charge over MSRP I was told.

[retiredguy123]

I was looking at the Hyundai Clermont dealer website. Every vehicle has a listed "Up Front Price". I called the dealership and asked what the up front price included. He told me that you need to add the sales tax (6 percent plus $50) and $474 for a tag transfer fee. But the Florida tag transfer fee is only about $75. He explained that some customers owe money to the state, and, if you don't, the state will send you a refund of about $400. Does that make any sense? I'm skeptical.

[retiredguy123]

I seem to have same story as you, including servicing in Leesburg for my Toyota. I purchased a new one in Clearwater last year - AutoNation, which is not allowed to charge over MSRP I was told.
There is nothing illegal about charging more than the MSRP. I don't think that person told you the truth.

[Babubhat]

Check Home - CarEdge (https://caredge.com/)


Dealer’s don’t care because people keep paying ridiculous prices.

The industry’s average price paid for a new vehicle in March was $45,818, up 5.5% from a year earlier, according to research firm J.D. Power.

[Stu from NYC]

This is why we purchased our last Toyota 18 months ago from a dealer 80 miles away.

They feel we are too dumb to consider buying cars elsewhere.

[BrianL99]

I was at one time a new car salesman. Here is the way to buy a car. Go online and get the invoice price. Tell the dealer you will pay the invoice price only and they either agree or go to another dealer. Dealers can even sell under invoice and make money because there is a "hold back" of $xxx that the car manufacturer pays to the dealer after every sale. Our hold back was $750. Never ever give the salesman any cash as a good faith offering so he can show his manager that you are a serious buyer. They will try and hold your money hostage as they keep pressuring you to buy at their price.

Obviously you haven't bought an automobile in the last few years and don't bother to pay attention to the news and current events.

[BrianL99]

The dealers can't sell cars and their lots are overflowing to the point that even brand new cars are being sold at auction but they are still trying to cash in with these games ? I will never shop at a dealer that is doing these things.


Overflowing! :a040: :a040:

Premaket stocks: Auto sales are falling — but profits are surging. Welcome to the new normal | CNN Business (https://www.cnn.com/2023/01/12/investing/premarket-stocks-trading/index.html)

[retiredguy123]

I was at one time a new car salesman. Here is the way to buy a car. Go online and get the invoice price. Tell the dealer you will pay the invoice price only and they either agree or go to another dealer. Dealers can even sell under invoice and make money because there is a "hold back" of $xxx that the car manufacturer pays to the dealer after every sale. Our hold back was $750. Never ever give the salesman any cash as a good faith offering so he can show his manager that you are a serious buyer. They will try and hold your money hostage as they keep pressuring you to buy at their price.
I consider the invoice to be a totally bogus document. If a car salesman hands me one, I just hand it back to him. I use Edmunds.com and KBB.com to determine the fair value. I make a take-it-or-leave-it offer, and give the dealer 15 minutes to decide. If they try to negotiate a higher price, I am gone immediately. I never haggle with a car dealer. And, there is no way that I would ever give cash to the salesman.

[kcrazorbackfan]

One of the largest Dealers in the area is the worst at doing this. The big “J”

Purchased a ‘23 Passport from the big J; traded our ‘18 Traverse; knew what our trade was worth, knew what the cost of the Passport was; they came out and showed what they would do; I told them what my figure was and then we went back and forth for about another hour; we got the price we wanted.

[AJ32162]

///

[djplong]

These are examples as to why I will never deal with another dealership for as long as I live. Their sales techniques are reprehensible and a throwback to the 1800s (and worse). Unfortunately, they have taken laws that were originally intended to protect them from their parent franchisor and tried to turn them into laws guaranteeing their existence.

There aren't many alternatives but I was lucky enough that a Tesla filled my needs (and more, as I found out). I went to the website, ordered the car, paid the price stated on the website and that was that. Legacy auto manufacturers like Ford & GM would love to get rid of their dealerships because they know the dealerships are giving them a bad name.

[LonnyP]

I tried to buy a used vehicle at Phillips Toyota. They have an additional $750 fee on every single car that is simply a profit fee that goes directly to the owner of the dealership. This is over an above all those other fees that you were speaking about. And, clearly over and above whatever profit they are already making.

[midiwiz]

I have been looking at new cars the last couple of weeks and ran into issues from local dealers that I think the Village residents should know about so they can watch out for these expenses when purchasing a new or used car.Every dealer that I dealt with within a 200 mile radius adds on to the MSRP a package of STUFF (they call it a Florida package which includes window tint, wheel locks, etc..) and these packages (not shown on the window sticker) can be up to $6000. For example, I looked at a 2022 used car at a local dealer that had an internet price of $40k, but the price they gave me after a test drive out the door was over $53k, which included $8k of dealer Florida package and certified warranty expenses plus taxes and registration. What got me was the manager tried to justify the $8k charge saying that all the people in the villages have done well and they don't mind paying these charges. I told him that it doesn't matter if somebody is well off or not, nobody wants to be foolish and spend almost 17% of the cars value on items that cost practically nothing. Of course I walked. (See below for an example on different values for these fees).

At the same time, I was dealing with a Nissan dealer in Ocala that also had a 2022 new car for sale for an asking price of $39k. I asked for an out the door price and he gave me 1 that didn't include any Florida package, just dealer fee of <$1000, and taxes and registration. When I got this quote from a text message, I called the salesman and asked him about any extra fees and he had to ask his manager and when he came back, he told me they were going to waive the $5900 package that they normally put on the sale because it was a 2022 and they wanted it sold. I told him I will come in the next day. This is where it gets strange.
The next day, I go to the dealers website to get their address and I looked at the car listing again and the dealer raised the price of the car almost $5k. I told him we were talking about the original price of $39k the day before and he told me that the person who puts together the ad/webpage put in a Platinum Altima price instead. I told him that's funny, Nissan doesn't make a Platinum Altima any more AND the highest price for the deluxe Altima isn't close to the $39k they were advertising the car I was looking at. Then he told me "you got me on that". Then he told me they can sell any car at any price. I have all of this saved in emails and text messages, plus a snapshot of the webpage showing the original price of the car for $39k.

I ended up buying a new 2023 Nissan from Courtesy Nissan in Tampa which only charged me $800 for their package fee (which I thought was reasonable and they were upfront, they didn't try to hide it) and they were also the cheapest within a 200 mile radius.

Buyer beware.


actually it's pretty easy, this is also common in other parts of Florida, the reason is sucker syndrome. TV has long been known for it, and with the growth in central Florida you'll find it's like a rash here. Tampa is pretty good on prices, but you still have to be careful. Orlando is easy - anything in West Orlando is horrible, east is so-so. After as many years as we've been in this state I only have a specific amount of dealers that I will bother with. Remember the old saying there's a sucker born every minute....and these dealers hang on it.

[gatorbill1]

I have purchased 2 new Toyotas in the last 4 years. I have never been able to get a good price in Leesburg or Ocala. So I purchased in Tampa and Orlando.

Started looking again this month for a new Toyota again. I got prices from Tampa and Orlando. Then I walked into Toyota Leesburg and told them what I was looking for. I reminded them that they had been servicing my new cars for the last 4 years but I had never been able to purchase from them because of price.

They returned with a price $4000 higher than Tampa for the same vehicle. This included a $2,000 “market adjustment” fee and $2,000 in useless options they require … So it seems the local dealers feel no need to compete

I walked. I can have a very nice weekend in Tampa with the savings.

There is nothing illegal about charging more than the MSRP. I don't think that person told you the truth.

AutoNation policy only - no sales over MSRP

[jerryss]

Costco auto program.

Go to the web site, choose your car. 3 dealers are notified. You call them and they give you their best price - over the phone.

Auto Buying ZIP Code Entry | Costco Auto Program (https://www.costcoauto.com/)

[NoMoSno]

Florida is currently the worst state to buy a car. Inventory is the lowest in Florida than any other state. Also, Florida law does not cap dock fees, whereas other states cap fees as low as $85.
You must watch these guys:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fBSWH-NkSRQ
They have lots of good info.

[Rinkerbert]

I tried buying locally at all three Cadillac dealers the worst with sullivan asking 30 K over MSRP. I ended up driving to North Carolina to get the exact vehicle that was on the sullivan car lot at MSRP.

[Flyer]

Last two vehicles, Honda and Toyota, went outside the bubble. Sanford and even down to Del Ray Beach. Saved combined over $8000 on what local dealers stated was there final price. Pays to shop around.

[thevillager1988]

My husband had some similar and interesting car dealer interactions near The Villages. He ultimately bought and had a very positive experience at VW of Brandon.

[cjrjck]

Florida has had that dealer fee for years. It is part of their custom here. Having lived near Florida several times during my career, I often shopped Florida when buying a used car. While I could not ever get a Florida dealer to waive the dealer fee, I often could get them to lower the price of the vehicle to match or beat competing drive out prices from nearby states. On several occasions I purchased a Florida vehicle. Normally, though, nobody could beat the Atlanta area dealers on price. There a just too many and they are often willing to negotiate to the point others can't.

[retiredguy123]

Florida has had that dealer fee for years. It is part of their custom here. Having lived near Florida several times during my career, I often shopped Florida when buying a used car. While I could not ever get a Florida dealer to waive the dealer fee, I often could get them to lower the price of the vehicle to match or beat competing drive out prices from nearby states. On several occasions I purchased a Florida vehicle. Normally, though, nobody could beat the Atlanta area dealers on price. There a just too many and they are often willing to negotiate to the point others can't.
Whenever I have made an offer on a car, I have used Edmunds.com and KBB.com to determine the fair value. Neither of these websites applies a dealer fee to the value. I don't care what individual line items the dealer lists on the pricing sheet, but if the out-door-price is in line with Edmunds and KBB, I will buy the car. If not, I won't. Most dealers want you to argue with them about individual line items. Don't do it. Just ask them for the out-the-door price.

[Karmanng]

I was at one time a new car salesman. Here is the way to buy a car. Go online and get the invoice price. Tell the dealer you will pay the invoice price only and they either agree or go to another dealer. Dealers can even sell under invoice and make money because there is a "hold back" of $xxx that the car manufacturer pays to the dealer after every sale. Our hold back was $750. Never ever give the salesman any cash as a good faith offering so he can show his manager that you are a serious buyer. They will try and hold your money hostage as they keep pressuring you to buy at their price.

HOW do you FIND the dealer invoice price????????

[Al2014]

Florida has had that dealer fee for years. It is part of their custom here. Having lived near Florida several times during my career, I often shopped Florida when buying a used car. While I could not ever get a Florida dealer to waive the dealer fee, I often could get them to lower the price of the vehicle to match or beat competing drive out prices from nearby states. On several occasions I purchased a Florida vehicle. Normally, though, nobody could beat the Atlanta area dealers on price. There a just too many and they are often willing to negotiate to the point others can't.
The dealer fee is common. It provides income to the dealer on which they do not pay any sales commission. It is a junk fee. In the mortgage business, they must show a cost incurred by them in order to add fees to the buyer.

[La lamy]

I've never dealt with dealerships for selling or buying a used car. Auto Trader has been my go to, and I've had fantastic deals. No BS fees.

[DebeeDoo]

I tried buying locally at all three Cadillac dealers the worst with sullivan asking 30 K over MSRP. I ended up driving to North Carolina to get the exact vehicle that was on the sullivan car lot at MSRP.

I am very curious about how to get around paying sales tax to both states when you purchase in another state? Doesn’t Florida charge sales tax when you go to register the vehicle? I don’t know how that all works. Thanks to OP and all other contributors to this thread!! I’m in the market for a new vehicle and suspected it would be challenging to get a fair deal in this area. And in fact, just yesterday my trusted technician/mechanic told me I would need to go to a big city -Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville - in order to not get “taken”!

[NoMoSno]

I am very curious about how to get around paying sales tax to both states when you purchase in another state? Doesn’t Florida charge sales tax when you go to register the vehicle? I don’t know how that all works. Thanks to OP and all other contributors to this thread!! I’m in the market for a new vehicle and suspected it would be challenging to get a fair deal in this area. And in fact, just yesterday my trusted technician/mechanic told me I would need to go to a big city -Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville - in order to not get “taken”!
You take proof of sales tax paid in another state to the DMV when you register in FL. You pay any difference to FL if the other state's tax is less.

[Michael G.]

Last two vehicles, Honda and Toyota, went outside the bubble. Sanford and even down to Del Ray Beach. Saved combined over $8000 on what local dealers stated was there final price. Pays to shop around.

That goes for 99.9% of everything else in and near The Villages, food, golf carts, restaurants, appliances, medical care, and anything in-between.

And most retailers will admit that because they see to many wealthy people in this area that pay the first price offered to them.

[Villages Kahuna]

Shop for used cars at CarMax in Ocala. Good people. On Route 200 about a half mile west of I-75. You can check their website before driving up there.

[BrianL99]

I am very curious about how to get around paying sales tax to both states when you purchase in another state? Doesn’t Florida charge sales tax when you go to register the vehicle? I don’t know how that all works. Thanks to OP and all other contributors to this thread!! I’m in the market for a new vehicle and suspected it would be challenging to get a fair deal in this area. And in fact, just yesterday my trusted technician/mechanic told me I would need to go to a big city -Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville - in order to not get “taken”!

In MOST states, an "out of state" buyer doesn't need to pay the Sales Tax in the state he buys in. The caveat being, he has to "take delivery out of state". In Massachusetts for example (which was an early adopter of Sales Tax), we could sell a car to someone from NH and not charge Sales Tax, provided we got an "affidavit of out of state delivery".

Sales Tax on an automobile purchase in most states, is paid upon Registration, not purchase. Any new car dealership you opt to do business with, will surely know how to deal with the situation.

FYI. There are (5) states that do not have a sales tax on automobiles. I happen to be a resident of one of them. That can get into a sticky situation, as some states will charge you a Sales Tax when you register a vehicle that has previously been registered in a non-sales tax state . It typically depends on how longer it was registered in the other state.

With automobiles, it's a fairly straight forward process. Airplanes & boats are horse of another color ... that can be a horror show.

[LianneMigiano]

One of the largest Dealers in the area is the worst at doing this. The big “J”
Agreed! They pulled that crap on us when we purchased a vehicle that we initially leased from them. We were even charged a "dealer fee" of about $700 on the same car we had already paid a "dealer fee" on when we first leased it. They came up with some charge (showing us on paper) to justify some fees and I found the originals at home without a checkmark on those items. I will NEVER buy from them again!

[Fenster]

I have been looking at new cars the last couple of weeks and ran into issues from local dealers that I think the Village residents should know about so they can watch out for these expenses when purchasing a new or used car.Every dealer that I dealt with within a 200 mile radius adds on to the MSRP a package of STUFF (they call it a Florida package which includes window tint, wheel locks, etc..) and these packages (not shown on the window sticker) can be up to $6000. For example, I looked at a 2022 used car at a local dealer that had an internet price of $40k, but the price they gave me after a test drive out the door was over $53k, which included $8k of dealer Florida package and certified warranty expenses plus taxes and registration. What got me was the manager tried to justify the $8k charge saying that all the people in the villages have done well and they don't mind paying these charges. I told him that it doesn't matter if somebody is well off or not, nobody wants to be foolish and spend almost 17% of the cars value on items that cost practically nothing. Of course I walked. (See below for an example on different values for these fees).

At the same time, I was dealing with a Nissan dealer in Ocala that also had a 2022 new car for sale for an asking price of $39k. I asked for an out the door price and he gave me 1 that didn't include any Florida package, just dealer fee of <$1000, and taxes and registration. When I got this quote from a text message, I called the salesman and asked him about any extra fees and he had to ask his manager and when he came back, he told me they were going to waive the $5900 package that they normally put on the sale because it was a 2022 and they wanted it sold. I told him I will come in the next day. This is where it gets strange.
The next day, I go to the dealers website to get their address and I looked at the car listing again and the dealer raised the price of the car almost $5k. I told him we were talking about the original price of $39k the day before and he told me that the person who puts together the ad/webpage put in a Platinum Altima price instead. I told him that's funny, Nissan doesn't make a Platinum Altima any more AND the highest price for the deluxe Altima isn't close to the $39k they were advertising the car I was looking at. Then he told me "you got me on that". Then he told me they can sell any car at any price. I have all of this saved in emails and text messages, plus a snapshot of the webpage showing the original price of the car for $39k.

I ended up buying a new 2023 Nissan from Courtesy Nissan in Tampa which only charged me $800 for their package fee (which I thought was reasonable and they were upfront, they didn't try to hide it) and they were also the cheapest within a 200 mile radius.

Buyer beware.


You should report them to the Sheriff and Consumer Affairs. Otherwise, they will continue scamming Villagers and others.
It’s very helpful that you saved all the texts and emails.

[retiredguy123]

Yesterday, I was told by Hyundai in Clermont that they charge everyone $474 for the title and tag transfer fee, even though the actual Florida fee is less than $100. They do this because some customers owe money to the state, and that if they don't, the state will send the customer a refund within about 2 weeks. This didn't sound correct, so I asked the DMV to confirm what the Hyundai guy told me. The DMV lady said that the dealer had lied to me, and that they would never send a refund. Go figure.

[New Englander]

This is why we purchased our last Toyota 18 months ago from a dealer 80 miles away.

They feel we are too dumb to consider buying cars elsewhere.

Where do you take it for service?

[kkingston57]

I was looking at the Hyundai Clermont dealer website. Every vehicle has a listed "Up Front Price". I called the dealership and asked what the up front price included. He told me that you need to add the sales tax (6 percent plus $50) and $474 for a tag transfer fee. But the Florida tag transfer fee is only about $75. He explained that some customers owe money to the state, and, if you don't, the state will send you a refund of about $400. Does that make any sense? I'm skeptical.

Had this happen to me twice and on both occasions I was paid back the difference. However it was not paid by the state. Dealer sent me the money both times.

[kkingston57]

I have been looking at new cars the last couple of weeks and ran into issues from local dealers that I think the Village residents should know about so they can watch out for these expenses when purchasing a new or used car.Every dealer that I dealt with within a 200 mile radius adds on to the MSRP a package of STUFF (they call it a Florida package which includes window tint, wheel locks, etc..) and these packages (not shown on the window sticker) can be up to $6000. For example, I looked at a 2022 used car at a local dealer that had an internet price of $40k, but the price they gave me after a test drive out the door was over $53k, which included $8k of dealer Florida package and certified warranty expenses plus taxes and registration. What got me was the manager tried to justify the $8k charge saying that all the people in the villages have done well and they don't mind paying these charges. I told him that it doesn't matter if somebody is well off or not, nobody wants to be foolish and spend almost 17% of the cars value on items that cost practically nothing. Of course I walked. (See below for an example on different values for these fees).

At the same time, I was dealing with a Nissan dealer in Ocala that also had a 2022 new car for sale for an asking price of $39k. I asked for an out the door price and he gave me 1 that didn't include any Florida package, just dealer fee of <$1000, and taxes and registration. When I got this quote from a text message, I called the salesman and asked him about any extra fees and he had to ask his manager and when he came back, he told me they were going to waive the $5900 package that they normally put on the sale because it was a 2022 and they wanted it sold. I told him I will come in the next day. This is where it gets strange.
The next day, I go to the dealers website to get their address and I looked at the car listing again and the dealer raised the price of the car almost $5k. I told him we were talking about the original price of $39k the day before and he told me that the person who puts together the ad/webpage put in a Platinum Altima price instead. I told him that's funny, Nissan doesn't make a Platinum Altima any more AND the highest price for the deluxe Altima isn't close to the $39k they were advertising the car I was looking at. Then he told me "you got me on that". Then he told me they can sell any car at any price. I have all of this saved in emails and text messages, plus a snapshot of the webpage showing the original price of the car for $39k.

I ended up buying a new 2023 Nissan from Courtesy Nissan in Tampa which only charged me $800 for their package fee (which I thought was reasonable and they were upfront, they didn't try to hide it) and they were also the cheapest within a 200 mile radius.

Buyer beware.

Good information. Wonder if these car dealers get a lot of sales, due to some peoples belief that they will get better service from a "local" car dealer, like some people get in TV with their golf carts. Cars and carts both are extremely reliable and no one should be paying thousands of dollars for this "promise"

[retiredguy123]

Had this happen to me twice and on both occasions I was paid back the difference. However it was not paid by the state. Dealer sent me the money both times.
Why would I pay $474 for a title and tag transfer that only costs about $100? The suggestion that I may owe money to the state was absurd.

[Stu from NYC]

Where do you take it for service?

During the warranty time Phillips Toyota, when warranty expires will go elsewhere.

[Limey]

If you want to get ripped off by dealers with their 'fees' then shop in this area, if not then get an out the door price on the phone from several dealers & be prepared to go out of state. We have a long weekend away & go to Tennessee & get great deals.

[BrianL99]

Where do you take it for service?

Any Franchised New Car Dealership will be thrilled to service your car under Warranty, regardless of where you bought it ... unlike some *un-named* Golf Cart dealers.

Dealers are essentially paid the exact same amount of money for Warranty Work, as they're paid for Customer Paid repairs. Most every state has a "parity" law that requires Manufacturers to pay the same rate. Florida's is not exactly a parity law, but close enough (Chapter 320 Section 696 - 2011 Florida Statutes - The Florida Senate (https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2011/0320.696))

Manufacturer Paid Warranty work is huge revenue producer for Automobile dealers and their Franchise Agreement requires them to do it, for any owner of vehicles from the specific manufacturer.

[jpvillager]

Last new car we bought near Rochester NY. No additional fees and dealer had a third party that for $100 took care of Florida registration, plate transfer and sales tax payment.

[Villagevip]

Never say Im'a cash buyer...Go in with the lowest acceptable down payment, and lowest acceptable monthlies..Annual precent Rate(APR), monthlies very high for six years, but not important..For the banks to buy this deal, car has to be heavily discounted.. Dealers expect to profit on the back end..Make one, or two payments (if required)..Then cash out, for a great deal... : )

[VApeople]

Never say Im'a cash buyer...Go in with the lowest acceptable down payment, and lowest acceptable monthlies..Annual precent Rate(APR), monthlies very high for six years, but not important..For the banks to buy this deal, car has to be heavily discounted.. Dealers expect to profit on the back end..Make one, or two payments (if required)..Then cash out, for a great deal... : )

Your way involves too much thinking and too much energy. We find it easier to just make a cash off and leave if they don't accept it.

[retiredguy123]

Your way involves too much thinking and too much energy. We find it easier to just make a cash off and leave if they don't accept it.
I agree. Cash is the way to go. I also don't believe in playing the same games the dealer does. I am completely honest and polite with the dealer. If I am paying cash and not trading in a vehicle, I will tell the dealer that upfront. But I don't negotiate. I also tell them that I never buy a vehicle the same day because my mother always told me to sleep on a large purchase before buying. Car salespeople hate that.

[mrf0151]

Do your homework so your prepared. Know what dealer cost is for the vehicle you want to buy. Once you know this then contact ONLY the internet manager at the dealership. Only deal with this person. You can do this online or by phone. Get your firm out the door price including EVERYTHING. Make your appointment with this internet manager to do the paperwork and drive the vehicle home.
You will save thousands.

[BrianL99]

Never say Im'a cash buyer...Go in with the lowest acceptable down payment, and lowest acceptable monthlies..Annual precent Rate(APR), monthlies very high for six years, but not important..For the banks to buy this deal, car has to be heavily discounted.. Dealers expect to profit on the back end..Make one, or two payments (if required)..Then cash out, for a great deal... : )

Other than your statement the car "has to be heavily discounted", you're reasonably accurate.

Because of current market conditions, dealers are counting on the "back end" to provide additional profits. This "profit" is usually close to 75% of the profit from Dealer Cost to Retail Sales price. In other words, the Dealer may double his anticipated profit, if he provides the financing.

All that said, banks do put some limit on the amount they will finance, but it's usually higher than MSRP, depending on a person's credit.

The caveat, is some Retail Installment Contracts have a pre-payment penalty. I'm not sure if Florida allows pre-payment penalties.

[VApeople]

I agree. Cash is the way to go. I also don't believe in playing the same games the dealer does. I am completely honest and polite with the dealer. If I am paying cash and not trading in a vehicle, I will tell the dealer that upfront. But I don't negotiate. I also tell them that I never buy a vehicle the same day because my mother always told me to sleep on a large purchase before buying. Car salespeople hate that.

Yeah, you and I had this discussion in a different thread a few years ago.
I guess neither of us has changed our opinions since then, have we?

I like dealing with salespeople.

[Stu from NYC]

Yeah, you and I had this discussion in a different thread a few years ago.
I guess neither of us has changed our opinions since then, have we?

I like dealing with salespeople.

The problem with sales people is they have no authority and must go to a hire up.

If I negotiate will only do so with the guy who has the authority.

[VApeople]

The problem with sales people is they have no authority and must go to a hire up.


When we bought our 2005 Honda Accord in Fairfax VA, we had a nice salesman. We made our offer but his sales manager would not accept it, so we thanked the salesman, went outside, got in our car, and started to drive away. Then the salesman came outside and said they would accept our offer, so we parked the car, went back inside, and bought the car.

While we waited for the deal to be written up, we had a nice discussion about the history of science with the salesman. Afterwards, we bought a $100 gift certificate for the local supermarket and sent it to the salesman.

If I negotiate will only do so with the guy who has the authority.

Since we never negotiate, we have no need to talk with the sales manager.

[BrianL99]

When we bought our 2005 Honda Accord in Fairfax VA, we had a nice salesman. We made our offer but his sales manager would not accept it, so we thanked the salesman, went outside, got in our car, and started to drive away. Then the salesman came outside and said they would accept our offer, so we parked the car, went back inside, and bought the car.

While we waited for the deal to be written up, we had a nice discussion about the history of science with the salesman. Afterwards, we bought a $100 gift certificate for the local supermarket and sent it to the salesman.



Since we never negotiate, we have no need to talk with the sales manager.

I'm sure nothing has changed in the last 18 years.

[Stu from NYC]

When we bought our 2005 Honda Accord in Fairfax VA, we had a nice salesman. We made our offer but his sales manager would not accept it, so we thanked the salesman, went outside, got in our car, and started to drive away. Then the salesman came outside and said they would accept our offer, so we parked the car, went back inside, and bought the car.

While we waited for the deal to be written up, we had a nice discussion about the history of science with the salesman. Afterwards, we bought a $100 gift certificate for the local supermarket and sent it to the salesman.



Since we never negotiate, we have no need to talk with the sales manager.

Your money so your decision but wondering what the salesman did for you that you felt it necessary to give him a $ 100 gift certificate.

[collie1228]

Rather deal with a Florida dealer with its large fee structure and ridiculous price-up in addition to the MSRP, we flew to NY and bought a new Hyundai SUV from a dealer there. We paid full MSRP, as we expected, but the fees were much lower and there was no price-up added to the MSRP, and we were very happy with the deal. We saved way more than the cost of travel up there and the drive home.

[Chi-Town]

Jenkins has really good service but caveat emptor at their dealerships.

[VApeople]

Your money so your decision but wondering what the salesman did for you that you felt it necessary to give him a $ 100 gift certificate.

He was a nice guy and I felt bad for him because he had to deal with a younger and more aggressive sales manager.

[mrf0151]

Any Franchised New Car Dealership will be thrilled to service your car under Warranty, regardless of where you bought it ... unlike some *un-named* Golf Cart dealers.

Dealers are essentially paid the exact same amount of money for Warranty Work, as they're paid for Customer Paid repairs. Most every state has a "parity" law that requires Manufacturers to pay the same rate. Florida's is not exactly a parity law, but close enough (Chapter 320 Section 696 - 2011 Florida Statutes - The Florida Senate (https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2011/0320.696))

Manufacturer Paid Warranty work is huge revenue producer for Automobile dealers and their Franchise Agreement requires them to do it, for any owner of vehicles from the specific manufacturer.
The Cart dealer that you did not name had to go this route so they could take good care of "THEIR" buyers/customers. This unnamed Villages cart dealer sells 400 plus carts per month and services over 150 a day in their locations here in TV. Nothing to be upset about that they are doing the right thing.

[BrianL99]

The Cart dealer that you did not name had to go this route so they could take good care of "THEIR" buyers/customers. This unnamed Villages cart dealer sells 400 plus carts per month and services over 150 a day in their locations here in TV. Nothing to be upset about that they are doing the right thing.

I'm not disagreeing, which is why I didn't call them out by name.

I won't do business with them, but that's not due to their business decision to only service carts they sell.

I think they're way over-priced and have a captive market. As a consumer, I've chosen not to pay their prices. As a business person, I'd love to operate in such an environment.

[VApeople]

I'm sure nothing has changed in the last 18 years.

Nothing has changed compared to the changes we suffered through in the "bad old days".

We bought our first new car in 1972 and it cost $2700. Thirteen years later we bought another very similar new car and it cost $11,000, which was four times as much. Inflation was pretty miserable in those days.