BOGOF Mania Sweeps the Nation

U.S. News and World Report is reporting to the world the news that US car dealers are working a new angle: buy one, get one free (BOGOF). OK, a buck.

Seattle NBC-affiliate KING5 reports on one such offer from Washington’s Bill Pierre Ford. “General manger Curt Bush dreamed up the unique promotion. If you buy a super duty truck at a sticker price of $50,000, you get a Ford Focus for $1.” If the Fords don’t interest you, Pierre’s dealership network is doing the same thing with Chevrolet products. “On Pierre’s Chevy lot next door, you can buy a Tahoe and get an Aveo for $1.”

But the tactic is not unique to Washington state. Reno, Nevada CBS-affiliate KTVN found a similar offer in their area. “At Reno Mazda-Kia, if you buy a 2008 Sorrento at full price, you can get a Spectra for $1,” they report. “The price tag for the Sorrento is about $28,000.”

We’ve seen similar reports elsewhere: Buy-one-get-one-free Dodge Rams in Florida, for instance, or an Illinois deal offering a Chrysler PT Cruiser for $1 when you buy a Chrysler Pacifica at full price.

Gee! They’re giving them away! Well, obviously not.

U.S. News raises the red flag, however slowly and cautiously. (As Toots says, Times Tough.)

There are catches, of course. [Is that what you call them?] You can’t negotiate the price of the more expensive vehicle, or claim any cash-back rebates from Ford or Chevy on the deal. KING5 reports, “You’ll have to pay full suggested retail and hand over all rebates to the dealer.”

Unfortunately, U.S. News just can’t bring themselves to cry scam. “Do [the BOGOF deals] work for buyers?” the rag mag asks rhetorically. “Of course, that’s an individual decision based on your own budgetary needs.” Oy. Let’s try that again . . .

It’s also important to note that the deals all require that you pay full price for the more expensive model, and taxes, title and licensing fees still apply to both cars in the purchase in all cases. However, if you genuinely have a need for two vehicles, it is likely that paying full price for the more costly car and $1 for the less expensive car probably saves you money over negotiating the two deals separately.

Wait a minute . . . OK, another one’s born. Carry on.