Understanding the point of "Whats the asking price...what's the selling price?"

Listening to a coworkers interaction and hear the customer ask the above question. I know people are people etc but logically why would someone advertise one price and then drop a undisclosed amount within 2 mins of speaking.

Its like "Oh psssh I'm sorry you are not one of those suckers online! It's really 5 thousand less we just hope no one mentions it"

I don't know if it's a flea market or pawn shop mentality with people it sounds like such a silly thing to ask.

Unless you intend to say "How much are you charging for the car? Okay and whats the total when you add the taxes and fees?"