Forum Discussion

mtofell1's avatar
mtofell1
Explorer
May 30, 2014

"Truecar" Pricing Rant

Maybe I'm just skeptical but I think this whole thing is a scam and probably run by a dealer's association or something.

Something that caught my ear on a recent radio ad is they are bragging about buyers saving an average of $3000 off of the MSRP. For anyone shopping for a vehicle, 3K off of MSRP is TERRIBLE!!!

I just bought my Ram truck at about $9500 off of MSRP or, on a % basis, about 81% of MSRP.

Something about their ads have just bugged me from the start and with the amount of $$ they are throwing at advertising it has to be backed by someone with an interest (dealers). There's no way some independent website is pulling enough visitors/revenue to pay for all the ads they are running.

Like the saying goes..... follow the money.
Tow Vehicles
  • APT's avatar
    APT
    Explorer
    May 30, 2014
    Did you look up the Truecar price for your Ram truck? How does that compare to your deal? $10k off pickups is quite common and has been since at least 2003 when I bought my F-150. $2000 off a $25k sedan is uncommon. I'm at 13 new cars in the last 15 years. MSRPs go up. Dealer invoice to MSRP gap shrinks. Discounts remain about the same. I have never used Truecar or any similar service, though.

    I have not heard of one complaint about Truecar. For those who do not like to negotiate, the buying experience is a lot less intimidating.
  • 2012Coleman's avatar
    2012Coleman
    Explorer II
    May 30, 2014
    Ray & June wrote:
    Look at "fightingchance.com". I've used it twice, my son-in-law used it, and I'd use it again.

    He explains dealer holdbacks, bonuses, and how and when to make an offer.

    Have the dealers bid against each-other for your business. Never talk to a salesman.

    Not a employee of them, but a satisfied customer.
    X2 - I have not used this site yet, but likely will. Even if you are not in the market for a new vechile, this site is worthwhile reading - lots of interesting articles. And yes, these services are bogus. Depend on the dealerships - they pay TrueCar.com for referrals. Invoice price is the newest scam.
  • bucky's avatar
    bucky
    Explorer II
    May 30, 2014
    Truecar is not owned by any dealers. Autonation and Sonic would not be developing their own ways to do this if so. Truecar is lucky to still be in business after some early legal troubles. The president of the company is a very sharp human, and has adapted quickly to stay alive without alienating the dealers he needs to survive. Source Automotive News for the last year or so. It's $150 a year to subscribe, but worth it.
  • Ray___June's avatar
    Ray___June
    Explorer
    May 30, 2014
    Look at "fightingchance.com". I've used it twice, my son-in-law used it, and I'd use it again.

    He explains dealer holdbacks, bonuses, and how and when to make an offer.

    Have the dealers bid against each-other for your business. Never talk to a salesman.

    Not a employee of them, but a satisfied customer.
  • srt20's avatar
    srt20
    Explorer
    May 30, 2014
    Trucks are heavily discounted. Cars and SUV are not anymore.
    True car or others like USAA, might be terrible for trucks, but they are kinda close on cars and SUVs. Though I just bought a SUV that I was able to get a good amount cheaper than Truecar or USAA was pricing at. But don't expect to pay only 81% on any of the current SUV's. Maybe get close after a new design change over on the leftovers.
  • gbopp's avatar
    gbopp
    Explorer
    May 30, 2014
    I'm skeptical also, I looked up their website. I wasn't impressed.
  • The_Texan's avatar
    The_Texan
    Explorer
    May 30, 2014
    When it first appeared, it was an independent company and they had inside info that the dealers felt hurt their profit margin. NOW, it is owned by the dealers and it is, IMO, a completely useless scam. There was a complete history about them just a week or two ago on TV.

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