I was shopping for exactly what this car is: a 2015 Kia - tony
I was shopping for exactly what this car is: a 2015 Kia Soul with about 200,000 miles, listed at $3,988, as a first car to teach my teenager to drive in. Nothing long-term, and I was happy to pay the advertised price for a beater. Cash buyer, aiming around $4,000 out the door.
When I asked about price, the salesman offered to "knock off $1,000." That's not a realistic discount on a car under four grand, so I assumed he meant $100; in the end the price only moved to $3,900, about $88 off. Then came a $998 "Murphy's Law Protection Package" that is pre-installed and can't be declined, plus an $899 documentation fee. The out-the-door quote reached about $5,100 on a car advertised at $3,988. For reference, actual NC title and highway-use tax on that car is around $200, so nearly all of that gap is dealer add-ons and fees, on a 200,000-mile car.
What sticks with me is that their own listing photo advertises "Up Front Pricing" on the same slide that discloses the $998 pre-installed package not included in the price. I called back to confirm the numbers and they held. My advice: ask for a complete, itemized out-the-door quote in writing before you visit.
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