Consumer Reports Investigates the Most and Least Expensive Car Destination Charges
Part of the deal with getting a new car is the destination charge. These charges vary but can be a costly addition to the new car process, so let’s see which brands topped the list by Consumer Reports. It might not surprise you to know that big trucks and SUVs were some of the most expensive to ship.
Consumer Reports says these are the most expensive car destination charges
One of the more exciting things about this Consumer Reports list is that not all models are the same charge, even if it is the same brand. The most expensive car destination charge is $2,000 from Jeep. Both the Jeep Grand Wagoneer and Wagoneer will cost you that much. The second most costly destination charge is $1,795 from Jeep again, this time for the Grand Cherokee and Grand Cherokee L. Ram ties that $1,795 charge for the 1500, 1500 Classic, 2500HD, and 3500HD trucks. These are all pretty large SUVs and trucks, so perhaps the size impacts its price.
Next up in the expensive destination charges is the Cadillac Escalade for $1,695. There are a lot of SUVs and trucks with this charge. Consumer Reports says the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 truck, 2500HD, and 3500HD are all $1,695, along with the Suburban and Tahoe SUVs. Ford charges the same amount for the Expedition SUV and the Ford F-150, F-150 Lightning, F-250, F-350 trucks.
GMC charges $1,695 to deliver the Hummer EV; Sierra 1500, 2500HD, 3500HD; Yukon, and Yukon XL SUV. The Nissan Titan and Toyota Tundra trucks are the same cost. Finally, the Dodge Challenger, Charger, and Durango will cost the buyer $1,595 to ship. Jeep drops the price to $1,595 for the Cherokee, Compass, Gladiator, Renegade, and Wrangler. That means that Jeep charges the most for destination charges across the board.
Consumer Reports says these are the brands with the least expensive destination charges
Consumer Reports says the Honda Accord, Civic, and Insight will cost buyers $1,105 for the destination charges. That isn’t too bad when it comes down to it, as long as your new car arrives safely. The Volkswagen Golf R, GTI, Jetta, and Passat come in at $995 for the fees. The Subaru BRZ, Impreza, and Legacy are the same price, too.
If you buy a Chevrolet Bolt, Bolt EUV, Malibu, or Spark, Chevy will only charge the same $995 for the car destination charges. BMW charges $995 for the entire lineup of cars and SUVs, which is pretty reasonable. The cheapest car destination charges that Consumer Reports found were from the Mini brand. Mini’s cars and SUVs will cost the new owner $850 for shipping.
Destination charges aren’t a deal breaker, but it does matter
While new car prices are through the roof, an expensive destination charge is another added expense. However, Consumer Reports is trying to get automakers to include this fee in the advertised price, so there is less shock later on.
Automakers use the destination charge fee to cover transportation for the new car all across the country. What the automakers pay to transport vehicles across the country is up for debate, but the destination charges are all over the place for now. If you are looking at a Jeep, be prepared to pay at least $1,595 to get your beloved new vehicle into your personal garage.
