Toyota Rav4 limited, Delivery Fees

[schamp]

Seems with the increase in gas prices my wife has been spending between 600.00 and 700.00 a month in fuel for her 6.0 Denali Yukon XL. I have been looking to put her in something smaller. I am just about ready to pull the trigger on an 2008 Rav4 Limited 2 wheel drive etc etc and notice all the crap fees. 735.00 for a delivery and manufacting fee. Seems to me that if you have something to sell and you have it then how you got it is your cost not mine. What do ya'll think of the Rav4 and do you pay the fees on a new car? We did look at the Honda CRV and found the Toyota to be a step ahead. Thanks. Spencer

[Danny_Ocean]

Here are three 2008's with no "dealer-added mark-up" fees, still under factory warranty and thousands less than what you're gonna pay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/RAV-4-V6-ONLY-8-000-MILES-LIKE-NEW-WARRANTY_W0QQitemZ160241357235QQihZ006QQcategoryZ3 1872QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2008-Toyota-Rav-4-4-Wheel-Drive_W0QQitemZ220234815320QQihZ012QQcategoryZ3187 2QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/08-LIMITED-4WD-4X4-RED-V6-MOONROOF-SUV-ARIZONA_W0QQitemZ260245100764QQihZ016QQcategoryZ31 872QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Tell the dealer to stuff it.

[the]

It doesn't sound like he's talking about an additional dealer markup fee. Just the normal "destination charge" that is part of every car manufacturer's normal sticker price.

If that's the case, yes, everyone pays that fee on a new car. It's really just a part of the MSRP bottom line, of course, you can negotiate the price down on most cars.

[bell]

if you can find a "demo" with a few miles on it alot of times the dealer will waive that fee.....

[schamp]

I would think it is part of the cost of doing business for the dealer. Maybe its me but I get tired of the "in your face " crap charges that get added. Hence, I haven't bought a car from a dealer in many years because of stuff just like this. Spencer

[Danny_Ocean]

Originally Posted by the

It doesn't sound like he's talking about an additional dealer markup fee.

If you think a "delivery & manufacturing fee" isn't a dealer mark-up, I've got a bridge you might be interested in...

[rfuerst911sc]

I have a 2007 RAV4 with a 3.5 V6 and it is a great vehicle. It's my daily driver and with the 5 speed auto and a light foot it's very good on gas. My wife and I recently took a trip to Atlanta and we got 30.07 mpg on the highway. I'm guessing around 22-23 around town. It has lots of power,rides nice,is quiet and tows my little utility trailer with no fuss. I really like the vehicle.

[fireant911]

schamp,
According to Edmunds, the definition of this fee is as follows:

"Destination Charge
A flat fee that the manufacturer charges to deliver a vehicle from the factory to the dealership. The fee is not negotiable and is generally the same amount no matter how far or near you live from the factory."

I have seen this explanation in other places as well. When getting ready to purchase a vehicle, I spend a considerable amount of time developing the 'out-the-door' price that I am willing to pay. The final value is one that is both a good deal for me and profitable to the dealership. Although the destination charge is purported to be non-negotiable, the dealership may come off of other bloated charges. Check with Edmunds.com and see what price you arrive at - do not get bent on the details... just focus on the final out-the-door price.

I used this procedure in 2006 for my Tacoma Truck, in 2007 on the daughter's Hyundai Tucson, and I am preparing to do this within the next month for a new Honda for my wife. I make it very clear that I am not there to haggle - I am prepared to buy and my price is firm. I do not care from where the cost is cut, this is all I am willing to pay or I will go elsewhere.

[3.2 CAB]

The supposed freight fees have been a common item on the invoice for decades. The dealer handling and prep charges are sometimes just way out in left field somewhere. Just some of the many ways that a new car buyer takes the initial "hit" on their way to having the depreciation ball rolling.