Actually, the posted dealer prices are just another hand in a poker game
where you are the only one not allowed to see the cards. I'm sure the
practice is based on "well intentioned" consumer legislation, but it is
easily subverted by dealer volume and other discounts.

Several years ago, I ordered a truck from a dealer and paid listed price
(which seemed to be very competative) for the base vehicle and selected
options. The dealer liked the package and brought in a duplicate to put on
the floor too. Shortly after, an acquaintance bought the duplicate and
proudly pointed out that he had bought it for $3500 below invoice price. I
felt kinda bad until I realized he paid $2000 more than me.

surfnturf


wrote:

I have read on several occasions that ``dealer invoice prices,'' the price
the dealer pays a manufacturer for a product, are not available in the
boating world.
This information is extremely helful to consumers, because it allows you
to figure out what the dealer paid and tailor your offer accordingly. When
buying a car, dealer invoice prices are widely available from a large
number of sources -- so many, in fact, that I have to believe this data is
reported to some federal agency or other publically-available source. (Why
else would so many vendors have it for every make and model?)...