The years of hype leading up to the launch of the Volkswagen ID. Buzz were exciting. The thought of an electric minivan inspired by the Type 2 “Microbus” tickled a nostalgic nerve while generating enthusiasm for a future of electric driving. Plus, it was a minivan that actually kind of looked cool. It went from concept to production intent while maintaining its sense of style.
Next came the European reviews, and enthusiasm lingered. Then we got North American pricing and driving range this fall: a starting MSRP of $59,995 (with no federal tax credit available), and an EPA rating of 234 miles. A North American first drive showed the ID. Buzz to be competent and comfortable, but the price lingered like a rain cloud over an otherwise cheery review. Now, dealers are making the problem worse, by marking up the ID. Buzz despite the urgings against the practice by former VW CEO Pablo di Si. Perhaps VW dealers are still sore about Scout Motors bypassing dealers with direct-to-consumer sales.
Dealers Are Charging Markups Of Over $10,000
Last week, a Reddit user reported that a dealer in California telling them to expect a markup of $10,000 to $20,000. Seeing this, InsideEVs contacted the same dealer, and was told a markup was uncertain, but likely between $10,000 and $15,000. Another Reddit post from October noted an expected markup of $10,000 from a dealer in Illinois.
Now, though, customers are beginning to take delivery of their vehicles, celebrating their own personal “New Buzz Day” on Reddit, and the news isn’t all bad. One user got theirs for MSRP, while another spotted an ID. Buzz 1st Edition listed at a discount. Another user claims to have simply paid MSRP plus a $188 “VIN etching fee.” Yet another Redditor has started a spreadsheet listing dealerships selling the Buzz at a markup, at MSRP, or at a discount.
So if you’re looking to get your hands on an ID. Buzz, and don’t want to pay more than the already hard-to-swallow MSRP, make sure to shop around. It’s likely that time will heal these high-priced wounds, too, as initial demand wanes. Still, this isn’t a great look for dealers. Dealer markups will continue to be an issue for high-demand vehicles, however, at least among automakers with a dealership network. At least Volkswagen won’t have this problem with Scout.
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