I sold cars for a brief portion of my life. The independent dealership model is more predatory and rent seeking than people understand. I'm saying it looks worse from the inside than it does from the outside. It's an entrenched financial interest as well. It will be destroyed eventually but not before taking it's toll on ordinary people who just need to buy a car.

At one time it was a useful financial tool to keep production high and reduce the shock (to manufacturers) of fluctuations in demand. Today with a streamlined and JIT supply chain, easy financing for buyers, and the internet, the independent dealerships really have to fight for every penny and the only way they can do that is by screwing you.