Back in 1986 I was in the market for a Japanese auto, because of the better gas mileage and bang for the buck in terms of perceived quality and standard features. I narrowed the list down to two contenders: Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. I went to the Honda dealer first and looked over the floor model, including the price sticker. Down at the bottom, in ballpoint ink, was written an $1800 surcharge with wording that I didn't understand. I asked a roaming salesman what the surcharge was for and got some gobbledegook answer that I finally realized was an arbitrary markup. I said,"So, you're charging what the market will bear." He replied in the affirmative. I walked out with a very disagreeable taste in my mouth and went to the Toyota dealer. A very good price and a satisfied Camry owner I became. I've been a Toyota fan ever since and am a proud owner of a 2002 Prius that I bought 10% off sticker price in September 2002. Toyota's gain, Honda's loss!

Toyota should bear down on those dealers who price gouge, for their own protection. There may be potential first-time customers (as I once was) who go to Honda for a hybrid Civic, never to return to Toyota!