US Dealer Slaps $20,000 Markup On VW ID. Buzz
The rear-wheel drive VW ID.Buzz 1st Edition has a $65,495 MSRP, but some greedy dealers want more
November 22, 2024 at 16:30
- A salesman told a customer they’d need to pay “between $10k–20k over sticker.”
- Fortunately, most dealerships appear to be honoring the ID. Buzz’s original MSRP.
- Surprisingly, some dealerships are even offering discounts on the all-electric van.
When we first heard that Volkswagen would limit availability of the new ID. Buzz to just one or two units per dealer at launch in the States—gradually increasing allocation in 2025—it didn’t take a crystal ball to predict that a few stealerships might see dollar signs. While many seem to be playing nice for now, there are always those bad apples who just can’t resist squeezing a little extra juice out of a supply pinch.
At least one VW dealership in the U.S. is testing the waters by slapping a hefty premium on the ID.Buzz 1st Edition, with reports of markups reaching as high as $20,000. Others appear to be adding more modest premiums, but the pattern is still enough to draw some attention.
The $20K Sticker Shock
A Redditor recently shared a screenshot of a text exchange with a VW salesperson named “Mike.” While the dealership’s location wasn’t disclosed, the interaction painted a clear picture of pricing antics. In the exchange, Mike provided an image of the ID. Buzz 1st Edition’s window sticker, confirming it as a single-motor, rear-wheel-drive model with a base MSRP of $65,495. Add in $1,500 for destination fees, a charging cable, a roadside assistance kit, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and the total climbs to $68,083. But that wasn’t the end of it.
Review: VW ID.Buzz Is The Coolest Minivan On The Block, But There’s A Catch
The salesman went on to state that the dealership was asking “somewhere between $10k–20k over sticker” for the electric van. The customer pushed back, replying, “Volkswagen specifically stated that that’s not allowed.” Mike’s response? A curt “Thank you for your time,” effectively ending the conversation.
The exchange is a stark reminder of how some dealerships try to take advantage of the hype over a new model and how desperate they often are to maximize profits, even if it means going against the policies of car manufacturers. It’s not the first time a vehicle launch has been met with such tactics, and unfortunately, it won’t be the last.
This isn’t the only ID.Buzz 1st Edition hit with a markup. Emich VW in Denver, Colorado, is selling a 2025 model with all-wheel drive for $77,300, a $5,000 markup over its $72,300 MSRP. However, there’s also encouraging news for buyers willing to shop around.
Northampton Volkswagen in Massachusetts is selling an ID.Buzz 1st Edition with all-wheel drive for $69,493, representing a $2,934 discount from its MSRP. Portsmouth Volkswagen in Greenland, New Hampshire, also has one in stock with an asking price of $70,295, a $2,452 discount.
Shop Smart
The disparity in pricing for the ID. Buzz highlights the wild variations that can occur during a high-profile vehicle launch. While some dealerships can’t resist tacking on premiums, others are sticking to MSRP—or even offering discounts. For buyers, the key takeaway is clear: shop around, compare prices, and don’t be afraid to walk away and wait if needed. With supply set to improve in 2025, patience might just save you thousands.
Leave a Reply