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Originally posted by a1abdj:

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Why have a middleman when you can order a new car right from the carmaker and have it delivered right to your house?

Likely because at this point none of the major manufacturers have any interest in selling cars directly to consumers.

Plus how is a person going to test drive it before buying it, get it repaired, etc. A lot of car buying is emotion for people, they see it and like it, have to have it.

Right now most of the cars that come in to dealers are already pre-sold, so what inventory that comes in, leaves in a few days.

I just had to buy a car for a new job. I got extremely lucky finding the right used car, but it wasn't for a lack of effort trying to buy something new.

Nobody has anything in stock, not anything remotely practical or interesting.

I stumbled upon a commercial sales guy and panic ordered a new truck because I'll get it at msrp.

In a year or so.

Local dealer here is the same. One car on the showroom floor. Lot is essentially empty.
Was talking to the sales manager and he said he is busier than ever. Sales are through the roof.

In most cases the gas powered cars are sold even before they hit the lot and the wait time is about three weeks. If you’re after an EV or a hybrid the wait time is about 4 months.

He says the cars are never here long enough to actually hit the lot.

It’s hit and miss. Some lots have quit3 a few and there are those like you’d described.

My theory is the empty lot ones are those willing to make deals and move cars. The ones with a lot of cars must be too proud of their prices.