This New Car Is One Of The Worst Deals According To Consumer Reports

With today's economy being what it is, anyone in the market for a new car is likely looking for a good deal. And, while price isn't the only thing to consider when making a large purchase for something like a new car, it definitely plays a role in the final decision. So when Consumer Reports puts out its list of the worst deals on new cars, it's worth paying attention. One car that unexpectedly made the top of the list recently is the Toyota Prius. According to Consumer Reports, if you want a new Prius, you should expect to pay around 5% over the manufacturer's suggested retail price, or MSRP.

The MSRP for a 2025 Prius is $28,350. Keep in mind that this is the base price for the lowest trim level, without any upgrades. This means your actual price is likely going to be closer to $30,000 with that additional 5% markup. Bump up your trim level or start adding features, and you'll easily find yourself paying something in the mid-$30,000 or even into the $40,000 range for this hybrid vehicle. Some dealers may even include additional fees that put what is supposed to be an affordable hybrid car out of reach for many drivers.

First, it's important to note that car dealerships are not obligated to sell a car at the MSRP. Because this price is only a suggestion, dealers can tack on or reduce the prices of the cars they sell as they see fit. Among the many sneaky ways that car dealerships can try to trick you into spending more money is how many dealerships operate their pricing. When a dealership has too many of a specific vehicle, for example, it is more likely to try and sell that model at a discount. A car in high demand, on the other hand, is one in which a dealer is more likely to raise the price.

The Toyota Prius paved the way for hybrid vehicles and is largely synonymous with the term. That helps makes this particular hybrid model highly sought-after by consumers looking for an affordable car with exceptional gas mileage — and Toyota likes it that way. The brand has done its best to keep the Prius as an affordable new car option for the average household, complete with one of Toyota's best resale values. However, dealerships can, and are, charging exorbitant rates in some places, with some even adding as much as $10,000 to the price of a new Prius. These significant markups can ultimate defeat the cost benefits of owning a hybrid vehicle.