Transparency Verdict
Michael's Auto Group earns a D.
Early caution.
On the small number of verified deals we have so far, we observed concerns on fees, add-ons, or markup. The picture may shift as we collect more data — get every number in writing.
Limited confidence — based on 2 verified out-the-door quotes · Bellevue, WA
Collected Mar 6, 2026 – Mar 13, 2026 · Updated May 2, 2026
Early read. The grade may shift as we log more deals here.
The full story
Why Michael's Auto Group earned this grade
Between March 2026 and March 2026, CarEdge negotiated or logged 2 verified deals with this dealership. We pulled the doc fee, the add-ons, and the gap between advertised and out-the-door price from each one. Then we graded them the way a friend in the business would: on the things that actually cost you money.
! Where to push back
2 thingsDoc fee exceeds the state cap
Their typical doc fee of $950 is above WA's legal cap of $200. This is a red flag — every dealer in the state must stay at or below this number.
TipTell them you expect the doc fee at $200 or lower. It's not optional; it's the law.
The listing isn't quite the price
Quoted prices run about 3.8% above the advertised listing. On a $35,000 vehicle that's roughly $1,330 in extra fees or markup.
TipGet an OTD quote in writing before you visit. Compare it to the listing — if there's a gap, ask them to account for every line.
2 verified OTD quotes from Michael's Auto Group
Real out-the-door worksheets, not reviews. Click “View Quote” on any row to see the price breakdown.
Recent Quotes
Verified out-the-door prices from real transactions
2 verified quotes
Most Common Add-ons
At a Glance
Tips for Michael's Auto Group
- Doc fee is $550 above national average. Ask if they'll match competitors or reduce it.
- This dealer often adds $1,850 in dealer add-ons. Request a quote WITHOUT any add-ons upfront. These are almost always removable.
- Dealer markup is only +4% above listing (excluding taxes). This dealer keeps their fees minimal.
- Limited data (2 quotes). Score may change as we collect more information.
On the lot right now
Separate from the grade above — this is what's currently listed. Useful for spotting aging stock with room to negotiate.
Current Inventory
View all 28 vehicles →$15,499
Median Price
135
Median Days Listed
—
Added This Week
Days on Market
How long vehicles have been listed. Older stock means more room to negotiate.
Nearby Rated Dealers
These dealers near Benton Harbor have transparency scores based on verified pricing data.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Michael's Auto Group's doc fee?
Michael's Auto Group charges a typical documentation fee of $950. The WA average is $211. This is based on 2 verified OTD quotes in our database.
Does Michael's Auto Group add mandatory add-ons?
Michael's Auto Group adds an average of $1,850 in dealer add-ons when present. Ask for an itemized breakdown and negotiate to remove non-essential items like paint protection, nitrogen tire fill, or VIN etching.
Is Michael's Auto Group a good dealer?
Michael's Auto Group has a transparency score of 60.8/100, earning a Grade D. This score is based on their doc fees, add-on behavior, dealer markup, and data quality from 2 verified OTD quotes. This is below average. Consider getting quotes from other dealers in the area for comparison.
How we know this
Every number on this page came from a real deal.
Most dealer review sites scrape star ratings and count angry posts. We do the opposite. CarEdge shops for cars alongside thousands of real buyers every week — and when we negotiate on their behalf, we capture the full out-the-door breakdown the dealer sends back.
For Michael's Auto Group in Bellevue, WA, that has meant 2 verified OTD quotes logged into our database. Each one is a PDF, an email, or a screenshot showing the actual doc fee, the actual add-ons, and the actual final price — not a salesperson's promise.
Fee Transparency
30%Is the doc fee reasonable, or is it just profit? We compare it against the state average — and the legal cap, where one exists.
Add-on Behavior
30%How often does the dealer try to stick on paint protection, theft deterrent, or nitrogen tires? And when they do, how much do they cost you?
Price Accuracy
30%Does the advertised listing price match what you'd actually sign for? We flag dealers whose out-the-door diverges from the listing.
Data Quality
10%More data = more trustworthy grade. Dealers with lots of recent, complete quotes score higher for consistency.
The four numbers behind the grade
Weighted ScoreThe raw component scores — the math that led to D.
Doc Fee Comparison
Pulled 2 quote records · Grades update as new data comes in · Dealers cannot pay to change their score.
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