Edmunds: Car Shoppers Don’t Focus on Rock-Bottom Price
SANTA MONICA, Calif. — About 20% of car shoppers consider themselves “extreme price grinders” who will take as much time as they can to get the lowest possible price on a new or used car, according to a new report released by Edmunds.com.
In fact, according to Edmunds.com officials said, a clear majority of car shoppers (64%) value the importance of saving both money and time in the shopping process.
“These findings dispel the myth that car shoppers will do whatever it takes to pay a rock-bottom price,” said Edmunds.com President Seth Berkowitz. “The feedback we’ve received from shoppers is clear: They’re more than willing to limit their efforts to haggle if they can get a fair deal without the difficulty and stress of long negotiations.”
The balance of time vs. money is just one of the interesting findings of the 2014 Car Shopping Trends Report, which was released this week by Edmunds.com. The report is based on a survey of 500 in-market and recent new- and used-car shoppers from across the United States.
According to the study, 66% of shoppers said that they are likely to request guaranteed upfront pricing on a new car, and 82%of shoppers said they prefer to have a price guarantee on a VIN-specific new car as opposed to a vehicle configuration that may or may not be on the dealer’s lot.
When it comes to mobile, 100% of smartphone owners surveyed say they used their device to perform some sort of car-shopping activity, typically for vehicle and pricing info. During the shopping process, shoppers will, on average, visit two dealers and take two test drives — although only 58% of respondents said they test-drove a vehicle before they made their most recent purchase. Additionally, 83% of car shoppers said that they come away very or somewhat satisfied with their dealership experience.
To view the full study, click here.
More Industry

Charger Network Growth Slows
Despite a projected increase in public EV chargers in 2026, charging infrastructure remains a top concern for consumers as the gap between the most and least EV-friendly places remains substantial.
Read More →
Lenders, Consumers Take on More Auto Loan Risk
September records loosened credit access the most in over a decade as buyers took advantage of the conditions to afford trading, though loan applications fell.
Read More →
Next-Gen Hybrids in Sight
Dealerships can expect to see revamped hybrids from Honda next year as the company rolls out a new system and model lineup.
Read More →
Gem State Stores Change Hands
A larger auto group founded in the industry’s early years sold two franchises to a neighbor group that's on a growth spurt.
Read More →
Charging In Motion
Honda has been researching wireless in-motion charging for electric vehicles since 2025, and new technology developments have put it a step closer to a final product.
Read More →
Twin Cities Stores Sell
Minnesota-based Walser Automotive Group made what it called the most significant acquisition in its history with a three-rooftop deal in Minneapolis.
Read More →
U.S. Auto Sales Still Below Prepandemic Levels
Mobility Global industry observers don’t expect the market to return to the higher volumes that became routine before Covid but to stay well below its potential.
Read More →
The Powertrain Shift
Electric-vehicle owners are backpedaling, according to new data, with product availability driving many to shift back to gas-powered engines.
Read More →
Achromatic Autos
The shades that dominate the U.S. car market don’t call attention to themselves, though grayscale may have plateaued after a 30-year upswing, research shows.
Read More →
Used-Vehicle Affordability Worsens
Listing prices in August defied seasonal trends, rising above $27,000 for the second time this year.
Read More →