A reputable dealership won't change pricing if there is an executed sales contract or buyer's order. The items subject to change are: (1) manufacturer changes in price or (2) manufacturer rebates / incentives. It is such a shame that some dealerships will take a deposit and then change price with dealer markups at end. I had a positive experience my dealership - the price agreed was the price paid. Unfortunately, too many people leave deposits for an open ended order (not an incoming
VIN) and don't ask for or get a sales contract.
I specifically said on the phone when I went to place order: I will come in and order if there is no dealer markup - and they agreed (I forgot to say dealer adds too - so I got hit with a couple of those - but small amounts). I talked with at least 6 other dealerships - none who were willing to waive the markup - and that was over a year ago.
I asked what deposit they wanted - salesperson said: "well usually people leave 10% down", I laughed and said no way I'm leaving $4k when I don't know when this thing is going to show up. You can have $500, and I want a bill of sale showing final negotiated price - credit terms and rebates subject to availability at delivery. I also want deposit to be refundable. I spoke to sales manager face to face with salesman (I went up to booth while sales guy was talking with manager). That's important to not just talk to a salesperson, because the sales managers have the power and can play hardball while the salesperson just tries to be your friend and pretend he's advocating for YOU while the manager is the bad guy. It's a game... car buying of the 1990s. Plus, the managers are most likely to still be at the dealership in 4-6 months when vehicle arrives. There can be high turnover in salespeople.
Another dealership I talked with only wanted a $300 check that they never cashed and they would send a buyers order.
So, there are reputable dealerships... just need to find them. By now, I'd think that there should be a reputable dealership in every state (or nearby) listed on the forum.
Markups are common, but can be negotiated. Person just before me paid +$6k for same vehicle - presumably they didn't negotiate the markup.
My negotiation wasn't perfect from my side - they wouldn't budge on some things - but in the end I was happy and they were happy to make the sale - so I suppose it was mutually beneficial.