Fisker Karma discounted to $80,000, at one dealer

The top-selling dealership offering the Fisker Karma has got some deep discounts available as it awaits the future of the troubled automaker. Fisker of Orange County is dropping the price well below the manufacturer's suggested retail level of between $105,000 and $120,000. In fact, a Karma recently sold for "just" $80,000.

"I'm certainly more flexible now than I was, but we're not having a fire sale."

Jeff Robinson, sales manager at the Irvine, CA, dealership, confirmed they're offering discounts in combination with a $7,500 tax credit, but declined to be much more specific. Discounts are being offered – especially on demonstration vehicles with a few miles on them – and Robinson confirmed that the dealership did sell one for $80,000. That particular car had 12,000 miles on its odometer.

"I'm doing some very nice deals," Robinson said to the Orange County Register. "The next few owners are going to get a lot of car for the money. Everyone tries to haggle. I'm certainly more flexible now than I was ... but we're not having a fire sale."

Fisker of Orange County sold more than 140 of the plug-in cars last year and six last month. Dealers are able to set the selling price themselves, Fisker Automotive said.

Fisker dealers and potential and existing customers are very concerned about the future of the company. According to Robinson, potential buyers are asking about service in the event of a bankruptcy. While the cars come with an eight-year, 80,000 mile warranty, it may mean nothing if the automaker goes away. Robinson is hopeful that General Motors could come through if parts need replacement. This makes sense because some of the parts, including the plug-in hybrid's gasoline engine, are sourced from GM.

Resignation of the company's co-founder Henrik Fisker hasn't helped the tension dealers are facing over the company's future. More recently, they heard that the company is looking into a bankruptcy filing while it also looks for partners, investors or new owners. This morning, a round of layoffs hit the company. For now, offering discounts is one way to move the metal.