Kerlin Performance
MAP Pricing Explained
Why the price you see online may be controlled by the performance manufacturer — and why it can still be worth contacting us.
What Does MAP Mean?
MAP stands for Minimum Advertised Price.
Some performance manufacturers establish pricing policies that control how low an authorized dealer may publicly advertise certain vehicles or packages. That means the price shown online may not be a number the dealership is permitted to advertise below.
What MAP Controls
The Advertised Price
MAP policies generally deal with what an authorized dealer may publicly advertise on websites, social media, listings and other marketing channels.
What MAP Doesn’t Always Mean
The Final Selling Price
An advertised price and an actual negotiated transaction are not always the same thing. Depending on the vehicle, program and manufacturer policy, there may still be reasons to talk directly with us.
Why It Exists
Protecting the Brand
MAP policies help manufacturers protect brand value, create more consistent advertised pricing and reduce the race-to-the-bottom discounting that can damage a specialty performance brand.
Why This Matters To You
Don’t Assume the Website Price Ends the Conversation
When a vehicle is subject to MAP pricing, every authorized dealer may appear to be advertising the same or very similar price.
That can make it look like there is no reason to call, text or ask questions. In reality, the advertised number may only tell part of the story.
Availability, incentives, financing programs, trade value, transportation, timing and the complete structure of the transaction can all matter.
Why Buy a MAP-Priced Vehicle From Kerlin Performance?
No Surprise Add-Ons
We don’t believe in advertising one number and then loading the deal with mandatory coatings, accessories or protection packages.
Straightforward Conversations
If there is an opportunity to structure a better overall deal, we’ll tell you. If there isn’t, we’ll tell you that too.
Strong Trade Appraisals
The purchase price is only one part of the transaction. A fair, market-based trade value can make a significant difference in the complete deal.
Multiple Financing Sources
We work with more than 20 lending sources and try to match each transaction with the lenders that make the most sense instead of unnecessarily sending your application everywhere.
Nationwide Buyers Welcome
Many specialty performance vehicles attract buyers from outside Indiana. We can help coordinate remote paperwork, financing and transportation.
We Know the Product
These aren’t ordinary vehicles. We understand the performance packages, manufacturers, warranty considerations and details that matter to enthusiasts and collectors.
A Simple Example
Same Advertised Price. Very Different Deal.
Imagine two dealers are advertising the same performance vehicle at the same MAP price.
Dealer A adds mandatory products, gives you less for your trade and offers limited financing options.
Dealer B keeps the transaction straightforward, gives you a fair trade value, helps find the right financing structure and makes the process easy. The advertised price may be identical. The actual buying experience isn’t.
Every Manufacturer’s Policy Can Be Different
MAP policies are not identical across every manufacturer or every vehicle. Specific restrictions, programs and requirements can vary.
Kerlin Performance follows the applicable advertising requirements for the manufacturers and performance brands we represent. Contact us for current vehicle-specific information.
The Bottom Line
See a Performance Vehicle You Want?
Don’t assume the advertised MAP price means there is nothing to discuss. Call, text or message us and let’s look at the complete transaction.