by Scandal with Markups on Honda Civic Type R
The new car market has long cooled down after the pandemic frenzy, but some dealers still cannot get rid of the habit of inflating prices, simultaneously ruining the brand’s reputation. A vivid example is the Honda of Fort Myers dealership, which secretly adds from $10,000 to $15,000 to the cost of every Honda Civic Type R. This is not an assumption — a salesperson at this dealership openly confirmed this information, and this might not even be the most infuriating part of the story.
Revelation of Markup Practices
The car that caused outrage on Reddit is a 2025 Honda Civic Type R in Boost Blue Pearl color with a black interior. On the dealer’s website, it is listed at a price of $47,975, and there is even an “Unlock the Best Price” button that requires entering personal information before contacting you. There’s no need to worry about providing this data, because on the same page, Honda of Fort Myers states that they don’t just sell cars, but “invite you into their family.” They offer to become your reliable partner in everything related to cars.
Terms of “Family” Relationships
How would your family behave regarding the price of a new car? Would they make you overpay $10,000–$15,000 over what the manufacturer has set? If so, it seems you are already a member of the Honda of Fort Myers family. The only thing that can be praised in this case is that the dealer openly informs about the markup when you are already in their office or call them.
The sticker on the car, published on Reddit, shows a crazy amount of $15,000 for “dealer additional profit.” Additionally, they charge $599 for all-weather floor mats and another $399 for door edge guards. At least they don’t charge extra for air in the tires yet.
Make this make sense? by u/Spiritual_Reason2430 in Honda
Online Reaction
The online reaction was more than unfavorable, and it concerned not only the dealer itself. One commenter noted: “This markup should be illegal, but Honda does nothing about it. It’s a complete scam.” Another added: “This is called cheating customers because sales are decreasing due to the same cheating!” But the strangest thing in this situation is something else.
The Acura Integra Type S is a better car in every respect, its recommended price is $54,095, and it is often sold at this price or even cheaper due to discounts. The conclusion for consumers is obvious: if you are looking for a good deal on a Civic Type R, it’s better to avoid Honda of Fort Myers. The conclusion for Honda should also be clear: it is necessary to prohibit such dealers from receiving cars on which they set such markups.
Photo Reddit/u
This story reminds us of a larger problem in the automotive industry, where dealers often use price inflation tactics, especially on popular models. Although the market is gradually stabilizing, such cases demonstrate that some participants are not yet ready to give up short-term benefits at the expense of customer trust. The comparison with the Acura Integra Type S also points to alternatives that may be more beneficial for buyers, which might force manufacturers to reconsider their relationships with dealers.
