Affordable vehicles unavailable but dealership lots are full!

[dogememe]

I've done a lot of car shopping recently for people I know and what I've noticed across all brands and dealerships you visit, drive by, or check inventory on their website... they ALL have TONS of vehicles in stock, but they're all EXPENSIVE.

I'm not even discussing the price of vehicles as a whole (as this is a different discussion), but lower trim or lower option cars are almost IMPOSSIBLE to find while fancier versions are everywhere. My aunt's Prius? We drove an hour to get the one base model one in stock (and another customer tried to buy it while we were buying it). My ex and I's Equinox EV we got two days ago? One of two on the lot and none of them anywhere in the area were near the $35K starting price the Equinox EV was supposed to have. The Nissan dealer we stopped at to check out an Ariya before we settled on the Equinox EV? A dozen Platinum AWDs in stock and two cheaper FWD units, both in the same ugly color.

In all cases, the dealership lots are full. We barely found a place to park at that Nissan dealer! Yet, people don't seem to be buying - everyone else was just milling around watching us.

I get car companies make more profit on higher trim cars, and want to sell those, but there's a point at which I don't think it's sustainable. Good, non-beater, reasonable mileage used cars are HORRIBLY priced and literally not worth it, and car companies should have no trouble converting these buyers into base model, cheaper new cars. But instead, they have a lot full of premium vehicles just sitting there.

What gives? Will this ever change?

 

[Lubener]

The reason people aren't buying is that they are financially strapped and unsure of their economic future.

The higher end vehicles still on their lot probably have been there for a while.

 

[Rand]

There will be a market correction.

we keep swinging back and forth. early covid no one buying CRAZY deals.
late covid to last year swinging back to no cars available

now cars available huge markups.. bad interest rates.
lower incentives.

should start moving the other way..
there are deals to be had.
dodge hornet right now is struggling with crazy deals available.

 

[skyactiv]

When it comes to new it's often because too many people settle for what's on the dealer lots in their area. A lot of people say they want a basic "bronze trim" model, but end up buying the "silver trim" with the sunroof they didn't want because that's what was available.

There will be a market correction.

we keep swinging back and forth. early covid no one buying CRAZY deals.
late covid to last year swinging back to no cars available

now cars available huge markups.. bad interest rates.
lower incentives.

should start moving the other way..
there are deals to be had.
dodge hornet right now is struggling with crazy deals available.

I don't think I've ever seen a Dodge Hornet on the road.

 

[dishdude]

I think a lot of people overpaid a few years ago and are way underwater in long term loans.

 

[Analog-1]

I don't think I've ever seen a Dodge Hornet on the road.

With good reason. They are garbage.

 

[Rand]

When it comes to new it's often because too many people settle for what's on the dealer lots in their area. A lot of people say they want a basic "bronze trim" model, but end up buying the "silver trim" with the sunroof they didn't want because that's what was available.

I don't think I've ever seen a Dodge Hornet on the road.

they were horribly priced.
35-50k on vehicles that should be 23k-35k

now they are priced that 33% off msrp in some cases so its basically a precovid type deal right now.
they arent bad cars certainly compared to a jeep compass etc.
I would have been in the market for the top tier phev with 400ft/lb in a small car at one time.
but they were 53k then not 35k.. absurd pricing.. they got greedy early, werent innovating, built nothing exciting
everything was overpriced... and that is one of the reasons carlos tavares got the boot.

 

[userfriendly]

In September and October take a walk around a dealership’s lot.
All the best cars and trucks have been picked over and all that’s left are base models and work trucks.
I for one can’t bring myself to buy crappy vehicles just to save a hundred bucks a month on a payment.

 

[supton]

I think a lot of people overpaid a few years ago and are way underwater in long term loans.

That might explain the cars on the lot sitting but not the lack of “affordable” IMO.

Personally I can’t get over the fact that 2010’s $20k is 2025’s $30k. I think my pat has kept up—but I didn’t think $20k was cheap then and don’t think $30k is cheap today.

 

[fantastic]

Yeah, I mean how many "advertised" low priced vehicles have never actually been offered. I think I remember a certain Ford option perhaps Maverick? that they touted as being under XX,000 dollars but none ever existed. Dealer fee's, destination charges, you have to order x package just to get x option at xx price. It's all set up to drive more money and harder to get a base model. Especially, if you're wanting one waiting on the lot for you to inspect prior to purchase. That's not what the dealerships are going to push. I suppose the very basic micro cars are going to be the more affordable options & go up as size/options go up.

 

[userfriendly]

The chaos of several years of running high-inflationary policies.

Wage growth was far behind so one way or another, things eventually sort out.

Get off the couch.

 

[Paco Pena]

Keep driving the old one till things sort out.

Paco

 

[Zee09]

Dealers got used to MSRP and nothing less will do. Realtors have the same issue. They never save for a rainy day... I was looking on cargurus today and the prices are still insane...

 

[odie]

It wasn't easy finding the LX ( Base ) SOUL(s) . The colors preferred ( Gravity Gray , Steel Gray , Mars Orange ) made it difficult since others were after the same colors and base level . Last , wanted to stay within a 100 mile radius in case of warranty , recalls , regular maintenance and parts . Most vehicles purchased through the years have been base models . Like the lower payments .

 

[Pablo]

I have confidence the market will fix itself if given the chance. Timeframe is the largest variable

 

[bdcardinal]

I realize I am just a parts person, but I am a bit observant of the whole thing. I see very few people coming in wanting lower trim level vehicles. I realize we are probably skewed being in one of the higher cost of living areas. But I rarely see someone come in looking for an XL truck. Its almost always a Lariat or above. Which ends up being entertaining when they knock a mirror off or break a taillight and we are pushing $1500 and up in parts.

 

[odie]

The upcoming tariffs also made it difficult to find a certain trim level . The Steel Gray was very difficult to get in the base model SOUL . Lost out a few times . The dealers were quite busy .

 

[raaizin]

I have confidence the market will fix itself if given the chance. Timeframe is the largest variable

The proposed tariffs and another variable in what was already a complicated situation (Covid, chip shortage etc.) I wouldn't be surprised if we don't get a clear picture for a long time

 

[ls1mike]

When it comes to new it's often because too many people settle for what's on the dealer lots in their area. A lot of people say they want a basic "bronze trim" model, but end up buying the "silver trim" with the sunroof they didn't want because that's what was available.




I don't think I've ever seen a Dodge Hornet on the road.

I wanted a basic W/T when I picked up my 2024. I wanted 4 doors, rubber floors vinyl seats and an 8 foot bed (that doesn't have to be made ) Couldn't find one. I got the least optioned one I could find. I think your comment, well both of them, is spot on.

 

[Cujet]

I have confidence the market will fix itself if given the chance. Timeframe is the largest variable

Through no real future price increases?