Deposits and long waits while being gouged on the price to get the car they want are typical for Toyota shoppers. Here are the most overpriced Toyota deals to prepare you before going to the dealer.
Buying a new 2025 Toyota model has Toyota shoppers scratching their heads about what is not just a good but at least a fair deal, as observed in recent Toyota forum discussions on what Toyota owners have paid or are seeing others pay for a new Toyota.
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You Can Easily Pay Thousands Over MSRP
For example, on a recent Reddit r/Rav4 forum, one original poster asked what followers are paying for a non-Hybrid 2025 model Rav4. The comments reveal that when it comes to Toyota model pricing, it is still a Wild West environment where you MIGHT be able to pay below MSRP; however, seeing prices range from a few to several thousand dollars is a more common experience among shoppers today.
That said, these prices appear to depend on three factors at least:
- The model you desire.
- The add-ons or trim you either want or are already installed on the vehicle on a lot.
- Where the dealership is located and its level of greed.
Thankfully, the host of the Car Help Corner YouTube channel recently addressed and reviewed the pricing of popular Toyota models. He points to a fourth factor that affects the final price you pay more than the three aforementioned: Dealership gouging.
"What are the most overpriced cars with the worst deals right now? That's what we're going to help you find out. New cars are incredibly expensive, and for a while now, a major part of the high prices has been caused by some dealers who are just price-gouging consumers. I'm going to show you which models are the toughest ones to get a great deal on that are often really desirable and popular vehicles that are sometimes still selling for over MSRP," promises the host as he walks viewers through a short video on the Toyota model's car dealers are gouging buyers the most on as well as an example of one fair deal to prepare you before going to the dealer.
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If you prefer, a summary of the models and the key points you need to know are provided immediately below the video.
Most Overpriced Cars With The Worst Deals Right Now
Video Summary with Key Points to Guide Your New Toyota Shopping
Using current data from both Consumer Reports and Car Edge, the host focuses on the most desirable and popular vehicles selling for over MSRP of which Toyota is the leading offender amongst new car shoppers.
THOSE TOYOTA MODELS LISTED INCLUDE THE:
- 2025 Toyota Corolla―An extremely tough model to get a great deal on, the Corolla is now selling at least $1,000 over MSRP primarily due to supply issues. Expect to pay an order deposit and wait weeks to months for your model―especially if you want the Hybrid model. Toyota-shopper popularity is based on the fact that it is one of the few most reliable cars for under $30,000 that you can still find today.
- 2025 Toyota Highlander and Sienna Models―Tied concerning pricing, both models sell on average for $2,000 above MSRP. The most popular models for families with kids need a larger vehicle that is proven reliable and has a good resale value; it is unfortunate that Toyota has not been able to keep up with the demand. Expect to wait months to even years for one or be price gouged whenever one arrives at a dealership lot.
- 2025 Toyota Camry― Average cost is $2,600 over MSRP. The Hybrid model is especially popular and difficult to find. Expect anywhere from a few to several months of waiting after placing an order, and pay a premium price for any on a lot today.
- 2025 Toyota 4Runner― Average cost is $3,000 over MSRP due to this 6th Generation model still being in delayed production, and the 2024 models are rare to find without an excessive dealership markup.
- 2025 Toyota Rav4 and Corolla Cross Hybrid models―Tied as the most you can expect to pay above MSRP at an average cost of $3,800. Supply and demand cause a bottleneck that dealers are more than willing to exploit. You may have to wait months, up to a year, before getting one.
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NON-TOYOTA MODELS LISTED IN THE VIDEO INCLUDE:
- 2025 Ford Maverick―Average cost is $1,600 over MSRP. What was supposed to be a very affordable truck in the low 20-thousand dollar range has now risen in price with above MSRP into the thousands depending on the dealership. However, supplies are on the up, and a below MSRP is possible with careful shopping.
- 2025 Nissan Kicks―At an average cost of over $1,800 above MSRP, it is a redesigned, popular, affordable model many dealerships take advantage of by over-inflating its $25,000 base price. The host advises consumers to wait longer as supplies are expected to increase, and you will find some at MSRP or lower.
- 2025 Kia K5― Average cost is $2,200 over MSRP. This low-production model will end soon, guaranteeing dealers will take advantage of this one among Kia enthusiasts.
- 2025 Kia Sportage― Average cost is $2,500 over MSRP due to limited supplies.
- 2025 Kia Sorento Hybrid― Average cost is $2,800 over MSRP. Minimal availability is the primary problem right now; Expect the worst in waiting and paying for one.
There is Hope However
According to the host, the best bet for new car shoppers is to have the patience to wait and see how the year progresses. The expectation is that supplies will increase this year to meet the demand, including rebates and other benefits to make a sale more attractive to an already jaded car consumer. However, this is about other car makers and is not the predicted case for either Toyota or Kia in 2025. In fact, Consumer Reports recently added these used car model recommendations to hold you over until new car availability and prices improve.
Be sure to watch for any updates on this situation later this year.
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Timothy Boyer is an automotive reporter based in Cincinnati who currently researches and works on restoring older vehicles with engine modifications for improved performance. He also reports on modern cars (including EVs) with a focus on DIY mechanics, buying and using tools, and other related topical automotive repair news. Follow Tim on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites as well as on Facebook and his automotive blog "Zen and the Art of DIY Car Repair" for useful daily news and topics related to new and used cars and trucks.
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