Thread: Anyone need to know the dealer invoice of a new car?

I recently purchased a new vehicle and as part of the research prior to making the purchase I subscribed to a temporary membership to Consumer Reports online. It gave me great info on the actual dealer invoice, cash back promotions and dealer holdbacks for new cars.

If anyone is thinking of buying a new car of any kind in the U.S., I'd be happy to generate that type of report and email it to you. It was very helpful arming me with that info (as was Glen aka gssixgun. Thanks again, Glen!!!). I think I have the membership for another 30 days or so.

Chris L

Actual dealer invoice meaning what the dealer paid for the car?

Well in my understanding no one but the dealer network for a specific manufacturer REALLY knows the absolute cost a dealer pays for a vehicle in the end (the "green sheet?) because in addition to hold backs, companies most likely give growth or sales bonuses, etc to dealers that may benefit a dealer in relation to sales performance in general vs. attributed to each individual vehicle.

But...in a nutshell, yes, the "dealer invoice" price is supposed to be for all practical purposes the dealer cost.

Chris L

Hey Chris, what vehicle did you end up buying?I remember the "I don't want to buy a minivan"posts.

Yeah, I'll have to update that post. I'm the owner of a 2009 Toyota Sienna LE 8 passenger......minivan.

Actually it's not that bad. It's actually a lot quieter than our Subaru Forester that we've just loved but outgrew. My pain was eased when I easily threw a bunch of 8' 2x4s, 2x3s and 2x2s and some 8' lengths of cut plywood in the back of that new minivan with room for all of us to ride. I'll get used to it!

Chris L

That's a great vehicle.I predict that you will more than get used to it,you'll probably like it a lot.

I never thought I'd say it, but yes, I'm liking it more than I thought I would.

I still can't figure out why at least in our area, so many senior citizens drive minivans. I'd say they outnumber families that have minivans from what I can see. What's the allure for them?

Chris L

I don't know what the allure is,but I've seen it too.

From what I've seen when working with older people, minivans are comfy and easy to get in and out of. They can fit a bunch more old people in there with them to go to bingo too.

Originally Posted by Quick Orange

From what I've seen when working with older people, minivans are comfy and easy to get in and out of. They can fit a bunch more old people in there with them to go to bingo too.

I could see that. It's easier to step up into something and step DOWN out of something that it is to do the opposite. The few times my mother in law got into my company car (a VW beetle which is very low to the ground) she had a difficult time getting up out of it even with help.


Chris L