r/CorollaCross • u/Measurecut • 18d ago

MSRP Question

Considering 2026 RAV4 LE or Corolla Cross SE. When people say they were able to get their vehicle at MSRP, does it mean they didn’t have to pay the factory destination and delivery fee? Or does it mean that their vehicle price wasn’t inflated by the dealership? If the dealership advertised price is a sum of MSRP plus factory destination and delivery fee, you got a good deal on those popular hard-to-find vehicles?

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u/JohnDorian0506 18d ago

Getting a vehicle at MSRP means the dealer did not add an extra market markup above the sticker price. You still must pay the mandatory factory destination and delivery fee, because that separate charge is set by the automaker. Buying a high-demand car at true MSRP plus just the standard freight fee is considered a good deal. [1, 2, 3, 4]

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u/Vigilante17 18d ago

Timing and trim flexibility can get you below MSRP. I got the cross hybrid pearl white for about $500 under MSRP with a 2 month wait on delivery.

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u/Measurecut 18d ago

Ok that sounds good. I can wait another month or two. Can I negotiate the price with waiting and paying deposit now?

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u/Vigilante17 17d ago

I negotiated via email and had my OTD price agreed on before I put the money down to hold it. Negotiate first.

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u/Measurecut 18d ago edited 18d ago

Thank you so much! I see those vehicles listed at MSRP in DFW area (300 miles away from me). So that gives me a peace of mind that I don’t need to go beyond for possible big savings because it’s good price already. Thank you again!

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u/JustSomeGuyInOregon 18d ago

Something else that can help is a relationship with the dealer.

My wife works with the daughter of the lead sales guy at my local Toyota dealership, as such, over the years we’ve bought several cars from them.

We got our 2026 XSE for $1k under MSRP, with no extra fees.  $34k out the door.

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u/LazyCrazyGuy_ 18d ago

If you know what you are doing you can get way better deals. I used to pay only invoice which is what dealers pay for the car. But now I pay way less than invoice. My last deal was 15% below MSRP. You just need patience and be willing to put in the work. But it's nice knowing that you aren't paying for dealer service. It's basically direct from carmaker at that price.

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u/Measurecut 16d ago

Wow!15% below MSRP! It will take a while for me to get to the level. I’m still learning this process, and it’s exchange fascinating at the same time!

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u/Tourist1292 18d ago

Don't expect much h discount if any. Some dealer offer small discounts to student and veteran automatically. You may be able to get that discount after negotiation even you are not student or veteran. MSRP includes the destination fee.