The new Ford Bronco.Alanis King
- Low inventory at car dealerships means many are asking above MSRP for popular models.
- Car buyers may need to pay up to 27% above retail for an in-demand vehicle, according to a new study.
New cars — like most other consumer goods — have become wickedly expensive over the last couple of years. Chalk that up to a pandemic-generated confluence of parts shortages, virus outbreaks, and general supply-chain mayhem.
Manufacturing hiccups and delays mean that US car dealers have millions fewer vehicles on hand than usual, and that reduced supply has allowed them to start charging above MSRP for in-demand models. According to a new study from automotive research outfit iSeeCars, dealers are asking as much as 26.7% above retail for certain popular vehicles.
iSeeCars analyzed 1.2 million vehicle listings over the last two months and identified the 15 new models with the highest markups. If you're in the market for a new vehicle and want some semblance of a deal, it might be best to avoid the models listed below. But remember: these are asking prices, not actual transactions.
15. Mercedes-Benz GLA
Mercedes-Benz GLA 250. Mercedes-Benz
- Average MSRP: $38,392
- Average asking price: $45,534
- Difference: $7,142, 18.6%
14. Lexus RX 350L
2022 Lexus RX 350L. Lexus
- Average MSRP: $49,629
- Average asking price: $58,871
- Difference: $9,242, 18.6%
13. Mini Countryman
The 2022 Mini Countryman. Mini
- Average MSRP: $33,504
- Average asking price: $39,829
- Difference: $6,325, 18.9%
12. Ford Mustang
The 2022 Ford Mustang Coastal Limited Edition. Ford
- Average MSRP: $36,424
- Average asking price: $43,365
- Difference: $6,941, 19.1%
11. Chevrolet Corvette
2020 Chevrolet Corvette. Kristen Lee/Business Insider
- Average MSRP: $78,849
- Average asking price: $94,067
- Difference: $15,218, 19.3%
10. Mercedes-Benz GLB
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB. Mercedes-Benz
- Average MSRP: $40,264
- Average asking price: $48,256
- Difference: $7,992, 19.8%
9. Genesis GV70
The 2022 Genesis GV70. Genesis
- Average MSRP: $43,155
- Average asking price: $51,766
- Difference: $8,611, 20%
8. Ford Bronco
The new Ford Bronco. Alanis King
- Average MSRP: $37,710
- Average asking price: $45,493
- Difference: $7,783, 20.6%
7. Lexus RX 450h
The 2022 Lexus RX 450h. Lexus
- Average MSRP: $49,414
- Average asking price: $59,780
- Difference: $10,365, 21%
6. Ford Maverick
2022 Ford Maverick. Ford
- Average MSRP: $24,211
- Average asking price: $29,579
- Difference: $5,368, 22.2%
5. Jeep Gladiator
2020 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon. Kristen Lee/Business Insider
- Average MSRP: $43,639
- Average asking price: $53,463
- Difference: $9,824, 22.5%
4. Jeep Wrangler Unlimited (four-door)
Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. Jeep
- Average MSRP: $41,637
- Average asking price: $51,170
- Difference: $9,534, 22.9%
3. Porsche Macan
2020 Porsche Macan GTS. Kristen Lee
- Average MSRP: $56,863
- Average asking price: $70,116
- Difference: $13,254, 23.3%
2. Ford Maverick Hybrid
2022 Ford Maverick. Ford
- Average MSRP: $22,414
- Average asking price: $28,014
- Difference: $5,601, 25%
1. Jeep Wrangler
The Jeep Wrangler. Jeep
- Average MSRP: $33,482
- Average asking price: $42,406
- Difference: $8,925, 26.7%