Daunting Dealer Markups Are Making These Models Even Harder to Buy
It’s 2022, and buying any vehicle is challenging these days. However, some are much more difficult to buy than others. More specifically, models like the Ford Maverick and Jeep Wrangler, which are in high demand, are nearly impossible to find in stock. Many models have a depleted inventory or hold thousands of reservations no matter where you go. Consequently, if you find one available for purchase, they’re being sold with dealer markups. Here are some of the most overpriced models that are even harder to buy.
The Jeep Wrangler is the most overpriced vehicle right now
According to Muscle Cars and Trucks, the Jeep Wrangler and Ford Maverick are the most overpriced models right now. Demand is incredibly high for these two models, and production is down for everything. That’s why it’s no surprise that dealers are taking advantage of the situation. Everyone wants one, but no one can buy one. Moreover, dealers are taking the opportunity to make as much money as possible from the lack of availability.
For example, the Jeep Wrangler, on average, has a markup of 26.7% over MSRP. That’s roughly $8,925 more than the regular price for which dealers should sell it. In percentages, that’s the highest average markup of any vehicle on the market. The pickup truck version of the same model takes the cake for American cars in terms of a dollar amount. Jeep Gladiators are 22.5% over MSRP or a $9,824 price increase.
How big are Ford Maverick and Ford Bronco dealer markups?
The standard hybrid and gas-powered version of the Ford Maverick are in the top 10 most marked-up models. Moreover, the hybrid model ranks second behind only the Jeep Wrangler. At about $5,601 over sticker price, the Maverick is, on average, selling for 25% more than it should. Contrarily, the gas-powered version, which requires a $1,085 upgrade, is 22.2% over MSRP. That’s another $5,368 above the standard asking price, good enough for sixth in terms of percentage.
Ford’s compact truck isn’t the only one to make the list. Another very in-demand model, the Bronco SUV, ranks as the eighth-most marked-up model. Enduring a 20.6% price increase, the SUV is available for $7,783 above MSRP on average. Buying either of these popular Ford models will cost you more than you’d hoped. At least with the Maverick, the starting price was low from the beginning.
Which other models are dealer markups making harder to buy?
Dealer markups have a massive impact on Jeep and Ford models, but that’s not where the damage ends. Vehicles from many different automakers are receiving price hikes above MSRP. An unexpected third place model ranks behind the Wrangler and Maverick in terms of the percentage above MSRP. The Porsche Macan, a luxury premium SUV priced around $54,000 for the base model, is marked up 23.3%. That’s good enough for a $13,254 jump above the sticker price, the highest dollar amount on the list.
| Rank | Vehicle | % Above MSRP | Amount Above MSRP ($) |
| 1 | Jeep Wrangler | 26.70% | $8,925 |
| 2 | Ford Maverick Hybrid | 25.00% | $5,601 |
| 3 | Porsche Macan | 23.30% | $13,254 |
| 4 | Jeep Wrangler Unlimited | 22.90% | $9,534 |
| 5 | Jeep Gladiator | 22.50% | $9,824 |
| 6 | Ford Maverick | 22.20% | $5,368 |
| 7 | Lexus RX 450h | 21.00% | $10,365 |
| 8 | Ford Bronco | 20.60% | $7,783 |
| 9 | Genesis GV70 | 20.00% | $8,611 |
| 10 | Mercedes-Benz GLB | 19.80% | $7,992 |
| 11 | Chevrolet Corvette | 19.30% | $15,218 |
| 12 | Ford Mustang | 19.10% | $6,941 |
| 13 | MINI Countryman | 18.90% | $6,325 |
| 14 | Lexus RX 350L | 18.60% | $9,242 |
| 15 | Mercedes-Benz GLA | 18.60% | $7,142 |
In conclusion, many vehicles are difficult to buy right now. The current market allows dealers to corner buyers with the vehicle they want and mark up the price as high as possible. Some manufacturers have cracked down on dealers for markups, but others have not. Dealer markups are making these models harder to buy, and the Jeep Wrangler and Ford Maverick Hybrid are the most overpriced of the lot.
