TrueCar can typically save buyers between $3,000 and $5,000 off the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) on a new car. The actual amount varies significantly based on the vehicle's make, model, trim level, region, and current market incentives. TrueCar's primary value is providing transparency into the average price people are actually paying in your local area, which gives you a powerful baseline for negotiation.
The platform works by showing you a pricing curve. The "Great Price" or "Certified Price" you see often represents a price at or below the dealer's invoice price—the amount the dealer paid the manufacturer. This is possible because dealers agree to offer pre-negotiated, no-haggle prices on TrueCar to attract ready-to-buy customers.
| Vehicle Category | Example TrueCar Average Savings vs. MSRP (Estimated) | Key Factors Influencing Savings |
|---|
| Popular Compact SUV (e.g., Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV-4) | $2,100 - $3,800 | High demand can limit discounts; look for end-of-model-year clearouts. |
| Full-Size Pickup Truck (e.g., Ford F-150, Ram 1500) | $4,500 - $7,500+ | Highly competitive segment with frequent and substantial manufacturer cash incentives. |
| Luxury Sedan (e.g., BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class) | $5,000 - $9,000 | Higher profit margins and slower sales cycles often lead to deeper discounts. |
| Electric Vehicle (EV) | Highly Volatile ($0 - $6,000) | Directly tied to active federal/state tax credits and manufacturer rebates, which change frequently. |
| Hybrid Vehicle | $1,500 - $3,000 | Limited supply and high demand can constrain savings compared to non-hybrid versions. |
It's crucial to understand that the TrueCar price is a starting point, not necessarily the final word. You can still negotiate. Always compare the TrueCar offer with other sources like Costco Auto Program or direct quotes from multiple dealers. The real savings come from using the data TrueCar provides to confidently discuss pricing, avoiding the common pitfall of negotiating up from the inflated MSRP.
