The Toughest Cars To Negotiate: August 2014
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- Image Credit: Honda
With help from TrueCar.com, we've come up with a list of ten of the most difficult cars to negotiate on right now. Our list features vehicles selling at, very near or even above their sticker price. Because these cars are either in high demand or very new to the market, dealers are much less inclined to sell them for a discounted price. (Conversely, for cars selling at high discounts on average, consult The Best New Car Deals here).
This doesn't mean they are bad cars. Quite the contrary. Many of these vehicles are selling for higher prices because they are such good vehicles. For example, the Honda Fit and Kia Soul are vehicles on the "no-bargain" list this month, and are among our favorite cars out there right now.
If you're looking for a big discount on a new car, you'll be better off either waiting to buy one of these cars or skipping them all together. Click through to see which ones are the toughest to negotiate. -
- Image Credit: Ford
10. 2014 Ford F-150
Sticker Price: $25,025 - $54,410
Invoice Price: $23,211 - $49,377
Fuel Economy: 17 mpg City, 23 mpg Highway
Average Discount Off Of Sticker Price: 0.56%
A completely new Ford F-150 will be hitting dealer lots soon, but that's not making it any easier to get a deal on the current generation. It's selling at just a half of a percent under its sticker price.
The F-150 is available in several distinctive trims. These include the XL, STX, XLT, FX, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum and the Limited. For the off-road extremist, the segment exclusive SVT Raptor is available and delivers both outstanding off-road capabilities and daily use characteristics. Available Ford exclusive features include three SYNC variations, MyKey, SecuriLock, SecuriCode, SelectShift, retractable pickup box side steps, a tailgate step and innovative Ford Work Solution options.
Research the 2014 Ford F-150
Ford F-150 Overview
Ford F-150 Photos
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- Image Credit: Nissan
9. 2014 Nissan Frontier
Sticker Price: $17,990 - $34,410
Invoice Price: $17,252 - $32,233
Fuel Economy: 19 mpg City, 23 mpg Highway
Average Discount Off Of Sticker Price: 0.34%
The Frontier has been around for some time and hasn't ever been a big seller, which makes it a bit odd that it's selling just barely below its sticker price.
The mid-size Nissan Frontier pickup is a versatile option, suitable for both work and the trail. It is available in either a rear-wheel (4x2) or four-wheel drive configuration, with two body styles - extended (King) Cab and Crew Cab. Available engines include a 152-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder, mated to either a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission, and a 261-hp 4.0-liter V6, paired with either a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission.
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Nissan Frontier Overview
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- Image Credit: Kia
8. 2014 Kia Soul
Sticker Price: $14,900 - $20,500
Invoice Price: $14,595 - $19,521
Fuel Economy: 24 mpg City, 30 mpg Highway
Average Discount Off Of Sticker Price: 0.16%
Fresh off of a redesign, the popular Soul continues to be a tough car to get at a discount. According to TrueCar, it's selling at just 0.16 percent under sticker price.
The trendy Kia Soul offers loads of interior room, versatility and a unique design. All in all, it's a great value buy. There are three variations of Soul's to choose from: Base Soul, Soul +, and Soul !. The Base front-wheel drive, five-passenger Soul is powered by a 130-hp 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with power being delivered through a six-speed manual or optional six-speed automatic transmission. All the other trims are powered by a 164-hp 2.0-liter four cylinder engine attached to a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission.
Research the 2014 Kia Soul
Kia Soul Overview
Kia Soul Photos
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- Image Credit: Chrysler
7. 2015 Dodge Journey
Sticker Price: $19,995 - $30,895
Invoice Price: $19,740 - $29,368
Fuel Economy: 19 mpg City, 26 mpg Highway
Average Discount Off Of Sticker Price: 0.07%
The Journey hasn't been breaking any sales records during its tenure as Dodge's go-to midsize crossover, but this month it's proving to be a tough vehicle to get on the cheap.
The Dodge Journey is offered in front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive configuration and can seat up to seven. The trim lineup includes SE, SXT, Limited, and R/T. Available engine choices are either a 173-hp 2.4-liter engine with a four-speed automatic transmission, or a 283-hp 3.6-liter V6 engine, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Key features on all trim levels include dual zone air-conditioning, power heated mirrors, proximity keyless entry, cruise control, USB and auxiliary input jacks and steering wheel audio control
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Dodge Journey Overview
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- Image Credit: Porsche
6. 2015 Porsche 911
Sticker Price: $84,300 - $194,600
Invoice Price: NA
Fuel Economy: NA
Average Discount Off Of Sticker Price: None -- Selling at 0.48% above sticker price
The Porsche 911 is one of the industry's most storied sports cars. The legend doesn't come cheap. According to TrueCar, the 911 is selling for more than its sticker price right now.
The 911 is available as either a coupe or a cabriolet, and drive type choices include rear- or all-wheel drive in Carrera models, all-wheel drive only in the Turbo and rear-wheel drive only in the track-ready GT3. The Carrera is powered by a 350-hp direct-injection 3.4-liter flat six-cylinder, while the Carrera S is powered by a 400-hp direct-injection 3.8-liter flat six-cylinder engine. The Turbo is a 520-hp version of the 3.8-liter (560-hp in the Turbo S). The GT3 includes a high revving 3.8-liter naturally aspirated flat-six making 475-hp.
Research the 2015 Porsche 911
Porsche 911 Overview
Porsche 911 Photos
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- Image Credit: Chrysler
5. 2015 Jeep Patriot
Sticker Price: $16,495 - $26,495
Invoice Price: $16,351 - $25,486
Fuel Economy: 23 mpg City, 30 mpg Highway
Average Discount Off Of Sticker Price: None -- Selling at 0.54% above sticker price
The Jeep Patriot hasn't enamored critics or consumers, but it's still selling for above its sticker price this month.
The Patriot is offered in either front-wheel drive or with a four-wheel drive system that features a "lock" mode to enhance traction during inclement weather. Three trim levels are available: Sport, Latitude and Limited. The front-wheel drive Sport and Latitude trims are powered by a 158-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, while all other models use a 172-hp 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine (optional on the FWD Sport and Latitude).
Research the 2015 Jeep Patriot
Jeep Patriot Overview
Jeep Patriot Photos & Video
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- Image Credit: Fiat
4. 2014 Fiat 500c
Sticker Price: $19,945 - $26,195
Invoice Price: $19,384 - $25,196
Fuel Economy: 31 mpg City, 40 mpg Highway
Average Discount Off Of Sticker Price: None -- Selling at 0.73% above sticker price
The fun and fuel efficient Fiat 500c is a tough car to score for a deal this month. According to TrueCar, it's selling at 0.73 percent above its sticker price.
Available in three trim levels, Pop, Lounge and Abarth, the first two 500c trims are powered by a 1.4-liter MultiAir four-cylinder engine producing 101 horsepower. Two transmissions are offered, a five-speed manual and an exclusive to North America six-speed automatic with sequential shifting. The Abarth has a turbo version of the 1.4-liter MultiAir making 160-hp and one transmission choice, a performance five-speed manual.
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Fiat 500c Overview
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- Image Credit: Honda
3. 2015 Honda Fit
Sticker Price: $15,525 - $19,800
Invoice Price: $15,120 - $19,262
Fuel Economy: 29 mpg City, 37 mpg Highway
Average Discount Off Of Sticker Price: None -- Selling at 1.34% above sticker price
The Honda Fit, one of the best subcompacts on the market, was recently redesigned for the 2015 model year and now comes with even more interior space, sharper looks and a more refined driving demeanor.
The Fit is available in three trim levels: LX, EX and EX-L, all are powered by a 130-hp 1.5-liter i-VTEC direct injection four-cylinder engine with front-wheel drive and the choice between a six-speed manual or CVT automatic (EX-L is CVT only). Standard features include six airbags, security system, stability control, four-wheel anti-lock brakes with brake assist, LED brake lights, rearview camera, Bluetooth phone and audio streaming and air-conditioning.
Research the 2015 Honda Fit
Honda Fit Overview
Honda Fit Photos & Video
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- Image Credit: Mitsubishi
2. 2015 Mitsubishi Mirage
Sticker Price: $12,995 - $14,195
Invoice Price: $12,712 - $13,886
Fuel Economy: 34 mpg City, 42 mpg Highway
Average Discount Off Of Sticker Price: None -- Selling at 1.63% above sticker price
The Mitsubishi Mirage is one of the least expensive cars on the market at the moment. Reviewers aren't in love with it, but it seems to be popular enough to sell at more than its sticker price.
Available in one bodystyle, a four-door hatchback, the Mirage is powered by a 74-hp 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine, with a choice of either a five-speed manual or continuously variable transmission (CVT). One of the least-expensive new cars available right now, the Mirage doesn't come with a decked-out interior, but buyers still get electric power steering, anti-lock brakes, stability control, traction control, power door locks with remote keyless entry, automatic climate control, CD player with MP3 capability and a USB port.
Research the 2015 Mitsubishi Mirage
Mitsubishi Mirage Overview
Mitsubishi Mirage Photos
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- Image Credit: Land Rover
1. 2014 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
Sticker Price: $62,600 - $92,400
Invoice Price: $58,174 - $85,441
Fuel Economy: 17 mpg City, 23 mpg Highway
Average Discount Off Of Sticker Price: None -- Selling at 2.38% above sticker price
Land Rover is one of the hottest brands on the market at the moment. Vehicles are staying on dealer lots only for a few days.
The Range Rover Sport, a highly off-road capable luxury SUV, has been especially popular, evidenced by its low average discount. Powered by either a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 engine or an even more burly supercharged 5.0-liter V8, the Range Rover Sport can tackle nearly any kind of terrain, all while keeping occupants relaxed and comfortable with loads of interior features. Full-time four-wheel drive with Land Rover's acclaimed "Terrain Response" system helps tackle a wide range of off-road conditions, while Supercharged and Autobiography trims add Adaptive Dynamics with variable suspension dampening for sportier handling and an active locking rear differential.
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Land Rover Range Rover Sport Overview
Land Rover Range Rover Sport Photos & Video
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