>>>>Hi,
>>>>
>>>>Shopping for a car (helping one of my kids). New car. I am looking on-line and see that new cars have Freight Delivery Charge.
>>>>I read that this is to be expected to pay. My question: can dealers "manipulate/fix" the Freight Delivery Charge or this is set by manufacturer and a dealer has no control?
>>>>TIA
>>>
>>>With most manufacturers, the dealer has control of everything - selling price, delivery, prep, etc. - at least in New Jersey -except sales tax.
>>>In New Jersey, they can give you the car gratis, but if they do, they must collect a reasonable sales tax in order for the buyer to register the car.
>>>Some manufacturers might control how far the selling price can go down, but I don't know of any offhand.
>>
>>first, thank you. I know that we must pay state sales tax (6.25% in Mass). Registration in Mass is about $80. The delivery charge I see (on-line) varies from $400 to $800. Plus, all other charges, documentation, preparation, etc.
>>I am just trying to understand it better before we head out to the dealers tomorrow.
>
>I seem to remember that it's a traditional cost of freight from Detroit, which was charged even on cars made in California. Which made for nice tourist industry - people would figure a trip to Detroit, where that cost is zero, and a drive from there would still leave them with some leftover cash.
>
>That was ages ago, but it would be interesting to see how this charge is calculated and how does it vary by location. Or does it - perhaps now they're calculating an average.

According to what I read online the cost is set by the manufacturer for delivering to the dealer. I will see (tomorrow) if this is clearly shown on the Price tag.