Yes, when backed up by automaker‘s stores and employees that work directly for automaker (not cheating franchised dealerships), it’s less painful. And those with trades still get to enjoy current high trade in values.
I beg to differ. Let me preface this with I think that either solution has its bad players and one side is doing a great job marketing at any given time.
i don't think Carmax, Carvana, Tesla, and Autonation has solved the core issues that effect customers. In the case of Carmax and Carvana like companies the sheer amount of capital reserves they have to outbid everyone has allowed select sellers (dealer and end customer) to profit on their trades while simultaneously outpricing a great chunk of the market. Used Dodge Journeys have trade in value above what they paid for!
In terms of companies that have gone to the one price model, mainly Tesla, yes they have removed the middle man etc shifting the once lost power lost by mfgs currently in franchise agreements back to the mfg. But has that allowed customers into the cost savings by having another mouth at the table to feed. Not really. Tesla prices have risen quite drastically just like the mfgs who are in franchise agreements.
This type of startup behavior is pretty funny that folks buy into it (thank savy marketing). Ride the anger against industry stalwarts, with attractive pricing, then when you have enough marketshare turn into the company that consumer anger was directed to. Good luck pushing them on price.