The short answer
'Good deal' badges on listing sites usually compare a vehicle's price with similar vehicles in the market; the method and data source differ by site. Use them as a starting point, then compare itemized out-the-door totals on the exact VIN.
Two common measures: price-to-market (price ÷ average market price for similar vehicles × 100%) and market days' supply (vehicles available ÷ average daily sales). Below 100% price-to-market means priced under the market average; a low days' supply means the vehicle is scarce.
The math
| Measure | Formula | Read it as |
|---|---|---|
| Price-to-market | Asking price ÷ average price of comparable vehicles × 100% | Under 100% is below the comparison average |
| Market days' supply | Comparable vehicles for sale ÷ average sold per day | Low = scarce; high = plenty to choose from |
| Days on lot | Days since this unit was listed | Context only; not a measure of value |
What badges can't see
- Options and packages the listing data may miss
- Condition, history and reconditioning
- Dealer add-ons and fees not in the advertised price
- Incentives you do or don't qualify for
How Swant Graber prices
New vehicles: invoice pricing with no dealer add-ons, and prices are up front. Invoice pricing is the selling price, not the total; taxes, title, registration and the $127.50 service fee are extra. Ask for an itemized quote. Used vehicles are priced from the market for comparable vehicles; our Wholesale to Public units are priced from condition and approximate auction values and sold as is.
Trade, payoff and amount financed
A rough worksheet to compare proposals on the same terms. Wisconsin generally taxes the price after the trade-in allowance; confirm your exact tax with your sales consultant or the Wisconsin DOR. Not a quote or a credit offer.
Short answer
Ask every dealer for the same itemized lines: selling price, each fee, trade allowance, payoff, tax, APR, term, amount financed and total of payments.
A lower payment can come from a longer term or more money down. Make sure you're comparing the same thing.
The lines to compare
Checklist
8 itemsYour ticks are saved only in this browser. Print or screenshot the list to bring it along.
Term changes the picture
A longer term lowers the payment and usually raises the total paid. Compare total of payments, not just monthly.
Get pre-approved
Apply online so you can compare a rate in hand. Financing is subject to credit approval and lender terms.
Sources: https://www.revenue.wi.gov/DOR%20Publications/pb202.pdf · https://www.revenue.wi.gov/DOR%20Publications/pb202.pdf
More questions
How should I compare two car offers?
Compare the same itemized lines: selling price, fees, trade, payoff, tax, APR, term, amount financed and total of payments.
Questions
What is a good price-to-market?
There's no single cutoff. Under 100% means below the comparison average, but check that the comparison vehicles truly match on trim, options, miles and condition.
What does market days' supply tell me?
How quickly comparable vehicles are selling. A low number suggests less room to wait for a better one.
Next steps at Swant Graber
Swant Graber Motors (Chevrolet, Ram, Dodge): 1690 E Division Ave, Barron, WI 54812, 715-537-5657. Swant Graber Ford: 1697 E Division Ave, 715-537-9500. Search new or used inventory, or see shop near you for model-by-model answers.
