Realistic Best Negotiated Price For A New 2024 XLT Hybrid

[MattTX]

Hi everyone,

A quick little bit about me. I'm on the autism spectrum, introverted, have social anxiety, hate being "sold" to, and not very good or comfortable with negotiating let alone playing hardball. Going to a dealership is something I dread, I hate the whole back and forth let me go talk to my manager BS and it's been over 10 years since I bought my last car, so I want to have as much info as possible before I go so I'll feel halfway confident. I've been reading a lot on these forums which has been helpful but haven't seen anything that gives me that little bit of confidence.

I've been looking at the Maverick since it was announced in 2021 and I'm now in a position to be able to buy one. I was originally thinking about getting a used 2023 or 2024 to save some money but anything with low mileage is as expensive (or even more...WTF!) as a brand new 2024 / 2025, so after thinking about it for the last couple of months I've decided I'm most interested in a new 2024, and specifically I want to get an XLT Hybrid.

There are some dealerships about 30-45 minutes from me that have a number of new 2024 hybrids, as of a few days ago one of them had at least 15 on the lot! But I can't get over the fact that they are priced the same as the 2025 and I'm wondering how much of a price break is realistic for a 2024. I know that's going to vary a lot based on the dealership but I've read that after about 60 days most dealerships start to really want to move vehicles and are more open to price breaks. I looked up the VIN on a few of the 2024s and they've been at the same dealership for 6+ months.

I want to stay under $30,000 out the door (I'd REALLY like to stay around $27,000 but it looks like that isn't a reality in 2025). I've seen a few 2024s that I like that are $28,500 - $29,500 plus another $2,500 or so more for taxes and other fees. I'm hoping that since the 2024s have been sitting on their lot for over 6 months that I'd be able to use that to get a bigger break, since it gets those old models off their books, but I just have no idea what a realistic number would be to ask for, and I know if I go into a dealership without a better idea my anxiety is going to kick in and I'm either going to fail at getting a better price or end up not buying anything.

So any advice would be very appreciated! Thanks!

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[Johnnycrouch]

I would calmly go to the dealer and offer 27,500 out the door on the one you want. Explain to them that this is a one time shot to earn your business. Tell them to take your offer or text you their best offer within an hour( no phone calls). Then if the take your offer great if not just leave and await their text. Always be prepared to leave immediately. You owe them no explanation for leaving or anything else. I would think they could sell the truck in the photo for under 30k otd.

 

[710-oil-614]

I can't see a scenario where you get OTD for $27,500 for a 24 XLT Hybrid, even with all the incentives and Ford's announced pricing.

If you're trying to stay close to or around the 27,500 OTD price I would look at a 2025 XL Hybrid which will have the upgraded CV axles, improved HF55 transmission, AGM battery, and Sync4 infotainment software. I value those features more than the ones in the XLT trim level.

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/d521aeec-8f8b-40a7-a1e7-ea2d35a018dd/

 

[Manollo3]

I have just finished a month-long search for a Maverick. Got about 28 different quotes from dealers within 1300 miles of my home.
It is very very frustrating as the advertised prices are a lot of times not the one they will give you. There might a $ 1000.00 finance reduction in there which they don’t tell you.
I have finally settled on a 25 space white Maverick XL, AWD, Hybrid with 4K tow package and no other accessories. It came out to right under 30K OTD plus sales tax.
So I’ll be going on a 1050 miles road trip to pick up the vehicle. Still worth the savings.
Good luck with your search.

 

[HeyBales]

Also - leave the financing and trades out of the discussion.

You can mention there may be a trade (if there is), but you'll discuss that afterwards.
You can mention financing may be an option, if you need it and know the rate from elsewhere, to let them beat it.

But do NOT let them break out a board that deals with monthly payments involving any of that.

As you've stated - just OTD pricing, realizing the fees for title transfer and registering ect should be known and mentioned to be in there - but you should account for that too.
Dealer website will probably show that amount on existing inventory, so you can know ahead of time. They may have to charge sales tax too, like if in the same city as you, otherwise you may get that big chunk on title/registration.

Make sure you are also getting the employee pricing incentives available.

https://www.ford.com/trucks/maverick/pricing-and-incentives/

 

[MattTX]

I can't see a scenario where you get OTD for $27,500 for a 24 XLT Hybrid, even with all the incentives and Ford's announced pricing.

If you're trying to stay close to or around the 27,500 OTD price I would look at a 2025 XL Hybrid which will have the upgraded CV axles, improved HF55 transmission, AGM battery, and Sync4 infotainment software. I value those features more than the ones in the XLT trim level.

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/d521aeec-8f8b-40a7-a1e7-ea2d35a018dd/

I figured that might be asking too much which is why I am willing to go up to $30,000 OTD if I need to and if it's got a few upgrades that are of interest to me. I'm pretty set on a 2024 and I was a little flexible on the XL vs XLT, but I've only found a few XL hybrids available within 750 miles of me while there are a ton of XLTs, and the XLs I saw I didn't like. The potentially bad CV axles is mildly concerning, but I don't drive all that much (maybe 10,000 miles per year) and rarely off pavement, and when I do it's pretty much always graded dirt, so I won't be putting excessive wear on them. One of the biggest things I don't like about the 2025 is the infotainment screen. I mean, the screen itself is cool, and I'm a major tech nerd, I build my own computers, built my first drone from Home Depot parts in 2013 before most people had every heard of a drone, and love sci-fi. But I don't want a car that is toooooo much like a computer, and the 2025 is just that, too many physical buttons and knobs have been replaced with digital controls on the screen.

I have just finished a month-long search for a Maverick. Got about 28 different quotes from dealers within 1300 miles of my home.
It is very very frustrating as the advertised prices are a lot of times not the one they will give you. There might a $ 1000.00 finance reduction in there which they don’t tell you.
I have finally settled on a 25 space white Maverick XL, AWD, Hybrid with 4K tow package and no other accessories. It came out to right under 30K OTD plus sales tax.
So I’ll be going on a 1050 miles road trip to pick up the vehicle. Still worth the savings.
Good luck with your search.

Yep! I was just looking at some XLs to see if I could find one at a price that made up for the difference in options and while I did find one that was $25,500, it was about 1000 miles away and that price had some hidden fees. It only applied if I financed through the dealership otherwise was $1000 more (I'm approved through my credit union at 5.5%), plus that particular dealership also had a $1000 admin fee which I haven't seen any of my local dealers showing, they have doc fees but most here are about $150 (I think the state caps them at $250). I'm not opposed to going out of state to get one but not if getting there and driving back is going to cost as much as just buying one locally.

Also - leave the financing and trades out of the discussion.

You can mention there may be a trade (if there is), but you'll discuss that afterwards.
You can mention financing may be an option, if you need it and know the rate from elsewhere, to let them beat it.

But do NOT let them break out a board that deals with monthly payments involving any of that.

As you've stated - just OTD pricing, realizing the fees for title transfer and registering ect should be known and mentioned to be in there - but you should account for that too.
Dealer website will probably show that amount on existing inventory, so you can know ahead of time. They may have to charge sales tax too, like if in the same city as you, otherwise you may get that big chunk on title/registration.

Make sure you are also getting the employee pricing incentives available.

https://www.ford.com/trucks/maverick/pricing-and-incentives/

Yeah I've watched a bunch of videos about when to mention things like financing and trade in, and I know they can play some tricks to get the monthly payment to match whatever I say I want it to be. But I'm also smart enough to look at the bottom line price and even did the math to see how much interest I'll be paying for different loan terms at different purchase prices. Sales tax in Texas is 6.25% which I've included in my $30,000 max price, which is why I need to see if I can get the price of the trucks I've been looking at down by about $1,500 at least which I'm hoping will be easier since I'm wanting a 2024 model. My credit score is about 725 and my credit union gave me 5.5%, maybe not the lowest possible rate but from the research I did it looks to be below the national average so I don't know if any dealerships would match that.

My current car is 17 years old with about 190,000 miles on it and needs some work, according to Edmunds and KBB it's probably only worth about $2000 at most, so it's not really a major factor in this transaction. Not that $2000 is nothing, but it's not like I have a semi-modern car that is still worth $10,000 or more, and I'm not even sure a dealership is going to want it anyway as it needs a decent amount of work. That's part of the reason I'm trying to get the best deal possible, because most of the down payment is probably going to be coming directly out of my bank account and I'm not even certain a dealership will take my current car in trade.

 

[malicoreon]

Hey MattTX —

You’re on the right track thinking ahead about the OTD price. I did some quick math that might help you when you’re talking to dealers:

If you’re trying to stay under $30k out-the-door, factoring in Texas 6.25% sales tax and average fees ($150–250 doc fee, $200–300 registration/title), the truck price itself really needs to be around $27,750 or lower before tax and fees. That gives you enough room to stay under your max even after everything gets added in.

I ran a search for new 2024 XLT Hybrids within 500 miles of DFW (I used zip 75320) if it helps you scout some options:

Cars.com Search Link

Looks like there are a decent number still sitting, especially around Dallas, Frisco, Austin, etc. If you can find one that’s been on the lot a while and work them down to ~$27,750 pre-tax, you should have a good shot at landing under $30k OTD.

Good luck! Pulling for you — it’s a great truck and you sound like you’ve really done your homework.

 

[zen_]

I would just look at it as the actual purchase price, dealer has no control control of taxes and registration cost anyway.

28-28.5 is probably what you are looking at, and I would just get one rather than hoping the price will come down. The $1K finance offer that Granger offers is not a bad deal either, their financing was only 0.1% higher than what I found with excellent credit on my own, and I had no issues making early payments with TD Bank. I actually have a $3.78 refund check from TD for interest they owed me back from the final payoff.

 

[MattTX]

Hey MattTX —

You’re on the right track thinking ahead about the OTD price. I did some quick math that might help you when you’re talking to dealers:

If you’re trying to stay under $30k out-the-door, factoring in Texas 6.25% sales tax and average fees ($150–250 doc fee, $200–300 registration/title), the truck price itself really needs to be around $27,750 or lower before tax and fees. That gives you enough room to stay under your max even after everything gets added in.

I ran a search for new 2024 XLT Hybrids within 500 miles of DFW (I used zip 75320) if it helps you scout some options:

Cars.com Search Link

Looks like there are a decent number still sitting, especially around Dallas, Frisco, Austin, etc. If you can find one that’s been on the lot a while and work them down to ~$27,750 pre-tax, you should have a good shot at landing under $30k OTD.

Good luck! Pulling for you — it’s a great truck and you sound like you’ve really done your homework.

Thanks! The one thing I'm really good at is doing (too much) research! Due to my brain I have a really hard time going into most situations without as much info as I can get.

After my last post I did the same as you and did another search, though I've only been going about 250 miles out from where I live (Downtown Dallas is just about 250 miles from here so I was getting some of the dealerships up there but not all of them). A new Maverick popped up 150 miles away that I hadn't seen before that looked great - I like the color and it even has the Co-Pilot 360 / Blis package, the list price is $31,000 and has a $3,400 dealer discount bringing it to $27,600 which is why it was now showing up my most recent search. But the catch is it has hail damage, they fixed most of it but not the roof because it would have cost too much. The salesman was very nice and upfront about it which I appreciate, he even went out and took a number of photos so I could see what the damage looked like, and it sounded like they'd be willing to go even lower on the price. It's a little hard to tell but it didn't look like any of the paint was chipped and it's tempting because of the lower price, but unfortunately I think the damage is a little too much for my liking. But if anyone else wants to get a new 2024 XLT Hybrid with a pretty good discount and doesn't mind the dents, check out College Station Ford.

I would just look at it as the actual purchase price, dealer has no control control of taxes and registration cost anyway.

28-28.5 is probably what you are looking at, and I would just get one rather than hoping the price will come down. The $1K finance offer that Granger offers is not a bad deal either, their financing was only 0.1% higher than what I found with excellent credit on my own, and I had no issues making early payments with TD Bank. I actually have a $3.78 refund check from TD for interest they owed me back from the final payoff.

Yeah I have no illusions on the prices coming down but mostly trying to understand how much negotiating room there might be for a 2024. The way the economy and car market are going is part of why I finally made this post, to prepare myself for actually going to a dealership. The other thing is my car is already not worth much and only one (more) breakdown away from costing me yet more money and being worth even less, so the clock is ticking.

I did look at Granger and a few other of the dealerships that people on here have recommended but they are about 1000 miles away. They have one for $28,500 that is close to what I'm looking for and another that is a little closer but is $30,400, so I'm not sure it's worth the travel and time commitment when it looks like there are some options about 250 miles from me at similar prices.

 

[malicoreon]

It really sounds like you’re doing a great job staying focused and weighing your options carefully — that’s huge. I think you made a smart call passing on the hail-damaged truck. Even if the price was tempting, you’d probably never stop noticing it (I know I wouldn’t), and when you’re spending this much on something you plan to keep for a long time, you deserve something you feel good about.

It’s great that you’re starting to see more choices pop up closer to home too. Traveling 1000 miles for a truck might make sense if the savings are huge, but like you said, if the pricing is fairly close, it’s a lot of extra hassle and risk. You’re asking all the right questions, and having a clear “walk away” point is going to serve you really well once you step into the dealership.

You’re in a good spot — good luck, and keep us posted when you find the one!

 

[Cougar70]

I found a website called caredge.com that provided some great free information. I wasn’t willing to shell out for their paid info, since it was just a onetime purchase for me
You can do search in your area and it will show “days on market” and that can give you some leverage.
it also showed info for dealerships that hadn’t shown up in my other searches. They only show the msrp on that site but I would search on the vin number to take me to the dealers site.
I also made a spreadsheet with msrp and actual sales prices and actually used that as leverage, saying to one dealer that another had the same model and ask what they can do.
And as others have said, focus strictly on the out the door price.
I literally just picked up my Maverick Thursday night and the dealer wanted to sell bad enough that they cut the doc fee in half and gave me $750 rebate I didn’t know was available and ended up just under $30k for a 24 XLT with the hybrid engine, luxury package and 360 copilot.
very happy with my deal.
of course I’m on the east coast so the market will be a bit different from your area.
Good luck on your search and be persistent and stand by your expectations.
Also watch out for any dealer addons, such as the $995 service plan they wanted to include.

 

[Bob zimmerman]

To the OP,
You already mentioned Granger in Iowa.
I bought my truck there.
If you don’t want to negotiate or worry about hidden fees, or find that the price you are quoted came with some extras they forgot to mention, then Granger is still your place.

They will give you a quote via email. The price is the price. Nothing changes. When I went to pick up my truck, I was there for 30 minutes and then on my way home.

It really was an amazing truck buying experience.
If you want piece of mind that you did your best buying a new truck, just get to Iowa.

You can buy a one way plane ticket, they pick you up. You drive home in your awesome new truck.
Bob

 

[Mabcim]

Ford is doing A plan pricing on all new ‘24s and ‘25s. Just get new and no haggling needed.

 

[MattTX]

I found a website called caredge.com that provided some great free information. I wasn’t willing to shell out for their paid info, since it was just a onetime purchase for me
You can do search in your area and it will show “days on market” and that can give you some leverage.
it also showed info for dealerships that hadn’t shown up in my other searches. They only show the msrp on that site but I would search on the vin number to take me to the dealers site.
I also made a spreadsheet with msrp and actual sales prices and actually used that as leverage, saying to one dealer that another had the same model and ask what they can do.
And as others have said, focus strictly on the out the door price.
I literally just picked up my Maverick Thursday night and the dealer wanted to sell bad enough that they cut the doc fee in half and gave me $750 rebate I didn’t know was available and ended up just under $30k for a 24 XLT with the hybrid engine, luxury package and 360 copilot.
very happy with my deal.
of course I’m on the east coast so the market will be a bit different from your area.
Good luck on your search and be persistent and stand by your expectations.
Also watch out for any dealer addons, such as the $995 service plan they wanted to include.

That's great to hear you were able to get such a good deal! What was the $750 rebate for? I saw on one dealerships website that they might have discounts for things like Costco and credit union members, of which I'm both, but I don't know if that was just them or if that's an all of Ford thing. There are a few options I'd like to get but could also live without, I'd like a tow hitch and I'm hoping I can get Co-Pilot 360. I wouldn't turn down the Luxury package if the price was right, but just having a vehicle with suspension that isn't shot and seats that aren't worn out will be luxury enough for me.

Your and my brains work similarly, I watched a bunch of the CarEdge guys videos on YouTube which are a little cheesy but informative, and have been looking up the days on lot for different vehicles. And I also created a spreadsheet...

Granted these are all 2025 models as that's what I was thinking about getting at first. I actually got in touch with Friendly Ford through email and got a few emails back (a couple of which I think were automated), and texted with a salesman. He was supposed to call me but didn't, and I called the dealership but no one answered so I left a message, and never heard back. So I'm not sure how friendly they actually are.

 

[MattTX]

To the OP,
You already mentioned Granger in Iowa.
I bought my truck there.
If you don’t want to negotiate or worry about hidden fees, or find that the price you are quoted came with some extras they forgot to mention, then Granger is still your place.

They will give you a quote via email. The price is the price. Nothing changes. When I went to pick up my truck, I was there for 30 minutes and then on my way home.

It really was an amazing truck buying experience.
If you want piece of mind that you did your best buying a new truck, just get to Iowa.

You can buy a one way plane ticket, they pick you up. You drive home in your awesome new truck.
Bob

Yeah they're not completely out of the question, I just haven't exhausted all the options closer to me yet. I also have family in Las Vegas who would probably buy my plane ticket out there if I told them I'd visit, so that's another option.

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