Psycareyo,
Would I sell something below my cost? Sure. If I had to. Businesses do that all the time. It's called "cutting your loss".
Yes, by definition, if the vehicle hasn't left the lot and hasn't been registered, then it is new. However, by circumstance, the thing is getting "old in the tooth". If there were 2011 STs (there won't be) then the 2010s still on the lot would be competing in price and inventory with the used 2010s. True, the unsold 2010s would still be new, technically, but there comes a point in time where the dealers pretty much start giving them away. We've all seen it happen.
Which takes me to my point: "Giving them away." I don't believe for a second that x-plan price is "at or near" cost. That's why I said I would start my negotiations several K below x-plan. I'm not expecting the dealer to lose money. But at some point they do have to "cut their losses" (or at the very least cut their profit to almost nothing), right?
You say the x-plan commission is the only profit a Ford dealer gets on a vehicle sold under x-plan. Again, I don't believe that given my experience. If that were true, explain how I have purchased 2 new Fords at x-plan price WITHOUT an x-plan pin???? I've done it. I've seen the x-plan price. I've actually gotten below that price...twice. Are you saying in both cases the dealer made no money, or lost money?
My '07 Focus was purchased at $75 below x-plan, sans the pin. And I took rebates to boot (on top of the below x-plan price).
For me, x-plan price is the highest I will pay, and that's without a pin. Haven't had a Ford dealer yet turn down my offers using that negotiation tactic. I've pretty much told them if they can beat the x-plan price, I will walk out wiith the car that day.
Oh, and I haven't purchased any dealer upgrades, etc.
I think there is some profit there even at, or below x-plan. The question is, how much?
TJR