Is the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price the Same as the Bare Car Price?
2 Answers
The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) and the bare car price are not the same. The MSRP is essentially a suggested price provided by the automaker and does not represent the bare car price. The bare car price, as the name implies, refers solely to the price of the vehicle itself, excluding any additional fees. Typically, when you visit a 4S dealership to purchase a car, the dealership will display a price tag on the vehicle's roof, indicating the bare car price. This is the most basic price of the car. Important considerations: 1. Choose the right model: For beginners who have just obtained their driver's license and lack driving experience, it's advisable to start with a used car for practice. Of course, buying a new car is also an option, but it's best to avoid overly expensive models. In terms of size, compact hatchbacks are recommended. For engine displacement and fuel consumption, opt for smaller displacement vehicles. 2. Conduct a thorough inspection: Perform a detailed check of the vehicle's exterior, looking for any scratches, especially on the four corners of the car, as minor bumps can occur during transportation. To avoid regrets, it's best to inspect the exterior in good outdoor lighting, as dimly lit garages might obscure minor flaws.
I recently accompanied my brother-in-law to a 4S dealership to negotiate prices and realized the tricks involved. The manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) is like the tag price on a product, recommended by the automaker. The bare car price is the actual price the 4S dealership charges you for the vehicle alone. Nowadays, it's a common tactic for 4S shops to mark up the MSRP significantly while offering an attractive bare car price to lure customers in. Last week, I was eyeing a German SUV with an MSRP of 260,000 yuan, and the salesperson quietly mentioned they could offer a bare car price of 230,000 yuan to meet end-of-month sales targets. However, be cautious—the bare car price doesn't include purchase tax, insurance, and other fees, so the final out-the-door price could be 20,000 to 30,000 yuan higher. If you're financing, it gets even more complicated, with potential add-ons like financial service fees and GPS charges. My advice? Bring a calculator when negotiating and insist the salesperson itemizes every cost clearly to avoid surprises.
