Buying a new car in Fresno? Expect big dealer markup on these popular models, study finds

Fresno car buyers can expect to see dealer markups on new cars continuing for some time, a product at least partially of the COVID-19 pandemic. But the sticker shock will hit a lot harder if your heart is set on certain models, according to a new study.

If you have your heart set on a Kia or a Jeep, you are likely to pay the biggest add-on cost, according to iseecars.com, an online automotive research firm that studied the Fresno car market.

That means a Kia Telluride might be priced 32.1 percent, or $12,710 more out the door. On a Kia K5, those numbers are 30.2 percent or $8,112; on a Kia Forte, it’s 26.7 percent or $11, 264.

According to iSeeCars, expect to see a sticker price on a Jeep Wranger 26.9 percent, or $11.321 above list, and a Jeep Gladiator 26.4 percent, or $11,264 more expensive. Nationwide, the Wrangler is the the vehicle with the highest markup.

But there’s hope for new car buyers who are willing to opt for a second or third choice, according to marketwatch.com, which notes price jumps are due to supply chain problems and and microchip shortages. Not all manufacturers are equally impacted.

In addition, patience is the car buyer’s friend. According to Cox Automotive, which reported the average listing price dropped from $44,814 at the end of January to $44,704 nationwide. Cox noted that Kia had the least inventory on hand, followed by Lexis, Toyota, and Subaru. Carmakers with more inventory included Mazda, Ford, and Chrysler.

This story was originally published April 13, 2022 at 11:48 AM.