Technology

Buyer Beware: The New Cars That Are Costing You More Than They're Worth!

2025-01-20

Author: Ting

These days, the auto market is finally showing some signs of recovery, with many new cars available at or below the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). However, not every offer out there is a good one. Shockingly, some models are still being sold at a significant markup, leaving buyers paying much more than they should for their dream cars. The latest analysis by Consumer Reports, leveraging actual transaction data from TrueCar, highlights the cars that are currently the worst deals on the market.

Interestingly, the vehicles that topped this unfortunate list are all selling for an average of 8% over MSRP. Keep in mind, the trim levels of vehicles can vary greatly in terms of value; for example, while the Outer Banks version of the Ford Bronco Sport boasts a spot on the best SUV deals list, the Big Bend trim unfortunately made the cut for the worst deals.

Let’s dive into the specifics of the cars that ranked poorly in terms of pricing. Spoiler alert: many of them hail from the Ford and Toyota lineup, and they could be costing you a lot more than you bargained for!

The Latest Culprits in New Car Price Gouging:

1. Ford Bronco 2025 - Model: Base 2-Door 4WD - MSRP: $37,995 - Average Price: $40,867 - Average Markup: $2,872

2. Ford Bronco Sport 2025 - Model: Big Bend AWD - MSRP: $29,995 - Average Price: $32,364 - Average Markup: $2,369

3. Ford F-150 2025 - Model: XL Reg Cab 2WD 8’ Bed - MSRP: $37,350 - Average Price: $40,309 - Average Markup: $2,959

4. Ford Mustang Mach-E 2025 - Model: Select RWD - MSRP: $36,495 - Average Price: $39,433 - Average Markup: $2,938

5. Ford Maverick 2025 - Model: Hybrid XL FWD - MSRP: $26,395 - Average Price: $28,535 - Average Markup: $2,140

6. Toyota 4Runner 2025 - Model: SR5 2WD - MSRP: $40,770 - Average Price: $44,083 - Average Markup: $3,313

7. GMC Sierra 2025 - Model: 1500 Reg Cab 2WD Pro - MSRP: $38,300 - Average Price: $41,419 - Average Markup: $3,119

8. Toyota bZ4X 2025 - Model: XLE FWD - MSRP: $37,070 - Average Price: $40,162 - Average Markup: $3,092

9. Toyota Grand Highlander 2025 - Model: LE FWD - MSRP: $40,860 - Average Price: $44,276 - Average Markup: $3,416

10. Toyota GR86 2025 - Model: Manual - MSRP: $30,000 - Average Price: $32,508

Conclusion: Stay Informed before You Buy! With this data, consumers should be especially cautious about overspending on these models. Despite the urge to own one of these trendy vehicles, it’s crucial to recognize the potential for being taken advantage of in the current market. Knowing the average markup is essential to making smarter buying decisions. Keep this list in mind during your car search, and always negotiate with your dealer—your wallet will thank you!