US Dealer Slaps $20,000 Markup On VW ID. Buzz

[chucchinchilla]

Yes this is the Scout forums, however I want this to serve as a fresh reminder of what we'll be avoiding when these things go on sale direct from Scout and not from a Volkswagen dealer. I also want our friends at Scout to see this headline and know they made the right call. Thanks.

https://www.carscoops.com/2024/11/us-dealer-wants-to-sell-a-vw-id-buzz-with-up-to-20k-markup/

I also hope you go all the way and fix the antiquated F&I process as well. Nobody wants to sit in a small room and get pushed protection plans they don't need and services that aren't warranted from a guy in a cheap suit. It does not match the product, it's frustrating, and it wastes 30-45m of the customer's time. At least that was our experience when leasing our ID.4 from "America's #1 ID.4 dealer." So far I haven't seen anything that suggests this will happen so for that, again thank you.

 

[J Alynn]

Suits or the standard polo with corporate colors and logo-can’t stand either. Thankful my last few purchases were with my cousin-SO much better and easy going. Second car purchase there and even the finance manager remembered and said-I know you don’t want these items but it’s company policy so I’ll read quick and you just say no as we go and we’ll get you out ASAP. Even gave us an extra $500 loyalty credit after killer price from my cousin. Granted I felt like we won but such a better experience than most

 

[Logan]

I saw this news as well.

Dealer markups are the worst, and I actively despise working with dealers, and avoid them like the plague.

My last vehicle purchase went incredibly smoothly, but it’s only because it was through a friend who works at an auto manufacturer. He didn’t have a “deal” for me during Covid, but he was able to ask a dealer he worked with to “treat me right”, and I got a deal at exactly zero markup, when others were paying $10-15k over. I got the white glove treatment, and zero hassles.

I think scout should point to this when the dealers are complaining they won’t get scout, as the exact reason they won’t get them. The CEO strongly asked for zero markup. And this is what they got.

 

[LastDayScout]

I have a tractor and construction equipment dealership. We do not operate like that. It’s drilled into my staff that we will not treat customers like they are at a car dealership….period.

 

[J Alynn]

Yes this is the Scout forums, however I want this to serve as a fresh reminder of what we'll be avoiding when these things go on sale direct from Scout and not from a Volkswagen dealer. I also want our friends at Scout to see this headline and know they made the right call. Thanks.

https://www.carscoops.com/2024/11/us-dealer-wants-to-sell-a-vw-id-buzz-with-up-to-20k-markup/

View attachment 3921

I also hope you go all the way and fix the antiquated F&I process as well. Nobody wants to sit in a small room and get pushed protection plans they don't need and services that aren't warranted from a guy in a cheap suit. It does not match the product, it's frustrating, and it wastes 30-45m of the customer's time. At least that was our experience when leasing our ID.4 from "America's #1 ID.4 dealer." So far I haven't seen anything that suggests this will happen so for that, again thank you.

At the starting price no matter the nostalgia-who in their right mind would pay that kind of price

 

[pwrofgrayskull]

I absolutely cannot stand the dealership experience and I avoid it at all costs. I’d rather just keep my old vehicle forever than have to deal with the entire day experience of purchasing a vehicle. The only way I have found to get around some of it is to not even step foot in one without having done EVERYTHING via text/email/online beforehand. Show up to inspect and drive the vehicle, reject all their BS add-ons, sign the docs, and GET OUT. There just really are not many other experiences in the world I despise more and I always feel dirty after being at a dealership.

 

[Logan]

At the starting price no matter the nostalgia-who in their right mind would pay that kind of price

That’s the whole reason the VW CEO was trying to do what they could to try to prevent markups. Because they knew they were coming in with an MSRP that’s already a solid $20k over what people thought it would be.

Adding $10-20k on top of that is insult and injury.

I actually like the design of the ID Buzz. But even if the price was $40-50k, the 230 mile range is already sort of a non-starter.

VW has a tough road in front of them for ID Buzz sales.

 

[KarlT]

Markups - the reason I passed on a Bronco, a Ranger Raptor, and a Land Cruiser. Hate ‘em. But I really thought this VW bus wouldn’t sell well.

 

[CarTechGeek]

Markups - the reason I passed on a Bronco, a Ranger Raptor, and a Land Cruiser. Hate ‘em. But I really thought this VW bus wouldn’t sell well.

Too early to tell on VW sales. Early markups are common as production Ramps up.

Early Ford Lighting had massive dealer markups, now they have incentives and are shutting down production.

 

[Chuckles]

That’s the whole reason the VW CEO was trying to do what they could to try to prevent markups. Because they knew they were coming in with an MSRP that’s already a solid $20k over what people thought it would be.

Adding $10-20k on top of that is insult and injury.

I actually like the design of the ID Buzz. But even if the price was $40-50k, the 230 mile range is already sort of a non-starter.

VW has a tough road in front of them for ID Buzz sales.

That 231 range is optimistic, too. Car and Driver got only 190 miles@75 mph. The ID Buzz would benefit from a Harvester system. I hope Scout has a range closer to the EPA figure, but I won't be surprised if they don't.

 

[DBHowe]

I bought a car in 2006. I did my research and knew exactly what I wanted. I walked into three dealerships and told them each the same story. "I am not buying a car on this visit." "Here is what I want." "I will be going to three dealerships." "I will buy the car for cash in the next 48 hours from the dealership who gives me the best price." I walked out with three prices and purchased the cheapest car. It was a $23,000 car (remember 2006?) and the prices varied wildly between the three dealerships. In fact, the most expensive dealership was $2,200 more than my best price. For the same car.

I want to buy my Scout directly from the factory with no dealership in the middle. I don't want to pay for a beautiful showroom with free coffee and donuts. I want a fair price. I want the best price possible and I don't want to haggle. Factory-direct will at least help reduce the cost of the middleman.

 

[Mousehunter]

I was really interested in the VW Buzz when it was in concept stage. I have -0- interest in it now. Add 20%, not like I can get any less interest.

To me it was a swing, miss, stumble, and broken ankle. It was a tease, and then a complete and utter, well not disappointment, sever frustration maybe. Kind of pissed off that VW could do that.

 

[OleScout]

I have a tractor and construction equipment dealership. We do not operate like that. It’s drilled into my staff that we will not treat customers like they are at a car dealership….period.

Good on you and your team. Personally, I don't deal with dealership who do markups. With today's ability to cross reference pricing, I'm surprised so many dealerships are able to get away with this.

 

[OleScout]

Yes this is the Scout forums, however I want this to serve as a fresh reminder of what we'll be avoiding when these things go on sale direct from Scout and not from a Volkswagen dealer. I also want our friends at Scout to see this headline and know they made the right call. Thanks.

https://www.carscoops.com/2024/11/us-dealer-wants-to-sell-a-vw-id-buzz-with-up-to-20k-markup/

View attachment 3921

I also hope you go all the way and fix the antiquated F&I process as well. Nobody wants to sit in a small room and get pushed protection plans they don't need and services that aren't warranted from a guy in a cheap suit. It does not match the product, it's frustrating, and it wastes 30-45m of the customer's time. At least that was our experience when leasing our ID.4 from "America's #1 ID.4 dealer." So far I haven't seen anything that suggests this will happen so for that, again thank you.

Just saw my first ID Buzz, had no idea they had hit dealers. MSRP on this one was 69k in Maryland.

 

[CarTechGeek]

Kind of pissed off that VW could do that.

Do what exactly?

 

[J Alynn]

Just saw my first ID Buzz, had no idea they had hit dealers. MSRP on this one was 69k in Maryland.

I have to admit I do kinda like it. But pricing is nuts. With $20K markup I could probably buy two entry level mini vans from other manufacturers

 

[CarTechGeek]

I have to admit I do kinda like it. But pricing is nuts. With $20K markup I could probably buy two entry level mini vans from other manufacturers

It's a relatively large 3 Row EV. What would you expect it to cost?

 

[J Alynn]

It's a relatively large 3 Row EV. What would you expect it to cost?

I would’ve thought topping out in low $60’s but appears it may be closer to $70 and that’s without the occasional dealer mark ups. I’m sure me saying buy two for $80K is off by about 4 years but just think it’s pricey having watched a review of it last week. The inside is stylish and modern but doesn’t feel like $60K +. Having seen the scouts at reveal that set the bar high, though I’m sure what we saw wasn’t the entry price point either so I have to admit prices are just higher these days

 

[CarTechGeek]

I would’ve thought topping out in low $60’s but appears it may be closer to $70 and that’s without the occasional dealer mark ups. I’m sure me saying buy two for $80K is off by about 4 years but just think it’s pricey having watched a review of it last week. The inside is stylish and modern but doesn’t feel like $60K +. Having seen the scouts at reveal that set the bar high, though I’m sure what we saw wasn’t the entry price point either so I have to admit prices are just higher these days

The Dealer markup is NOT VW's fault.

Starting price is $60K essentially right around where Scout is aiming, it was also pretty much what everyone was predicting.

As far as topping out. Generally these days, the sky's the limit on that. There are Ford F150s that top out well above $110K.

 

[J Alynn]

The Dealer markup is NOT VW's fault.

Starting price is $60K essentially right around where Scout is aiming, it was also pretty much what everyone was predicting.

As far as topping out. Generally these days, the sky's the limit on that. There are Ford F150s that top out well above $110K.

I know mark ups aren’t VW. Everyone went through it with new Broncos, but that market seemed much larger. I’ve never been a mini van person-always SUV’s so to start at $60 just surprises me but guess the market will determine if Bob Barker is correct