If you’ve been waiting to buy a new car, you’d better get moving. The end of summer is usually one of the best times of the year to buy because it marks the end of the model year, and the beginning of the next one.
Dealers want to make room on their lots for 2013 models, so they’re eager to clear out their 2012s, even if very little has changed from one year to the next. For savvy consumers, there are some generous rebates, finance rates and lease deals available. And these aren’t just on a bunch of leftovers. In many cases, the clearance sales are on some of the manufacturers’ best-selling models and newly redesigned vehicles.
“With a little digging, you should be able to find the color, trim level and features you want,” said Alec Gutierrez, senior market analyst at Kelley Blue Book, an automotive research site for consumers.
Gutierrez’s advice is to do your research online, then email local dealers and tell them what you’re willing to pay. “Try to get the dealerships to bid for your business,” he said. If you do, you’re likely to get a great deal.
KBB.com dug through the myriad offers in popular categories to come up with the best purchase and lease deals available on well-equipped small and mid-sized cars and crossovers. Most deals expire Sept. 4.
Hyundai Accent
The Hyundai Accent GLS, with a sticker price of $13,320, is available for as little as $232 a month, with 3.9% financing.
Toyota Camry
You can get a Toyota Camry LE (MSRP: $23,360) for $334 a month for five years, with 0% financing and $1,500 cash back.
Fiat 500
The manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) is $16,200, but Fiat is offering 0% financing plus a $500 rebate, which means you can get this cute subcompact for about $248 a month.
Mazda3
This sporty compact sedan has an MSRP of $17,640, but is available with 0% financing, so you can own it for $269 a month.
Or If Leasing Is More Your Style
KBB found a lot of attractive lease deals available at the end of the 2012 model year as dealers take advantage of low interest rates and high used car values. There are some incredible offers right now.
Chevrolet Malibu
There's a new Malibu for 2013, but while the 2012 models are still around, you can lease a Malibu LS for $179 per month for two years, with $1,939 down.
Subaru Impreza
Like all Subarus, the Impreza features all-wheel drive. Redesigned for 2012, it is available for $169 for 42 months, with $1,969 down.
Ford Focus
For a little more, you can lease a larger Ford Focus for $159 for two years, with $2,378 down.
Kia Forte
Kia is offering a three-year lease deal on the Forte LX for $159 per month, with $1,999 down.
Ford Fusion
A redesigned Fusion is on the way later this year, but you can get a two-year lease on the 2012 model for $159 per month, with $2,778 down.
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Dealers want to make room on their lots for 2013 models, so they’re eager to clear out their 2012s, even if very little has changed from one year to the next. For savvy consumers, there are some generous rebates, finance rates and lease deals available. And these aren’t just on a bunch of leftovers. In many cases, the clearance sales are on some of the manufacturers’ best-selling models and newly redesigned vehicles.
“With a little digging, you should be able to find the color, trim level and features you want,” said Alec Gutierrez, senior market analyst at Kelley Blue Book, an automotive research site for consumers.
Gutierrez’s advice is to do your research online, then email local dealers and tell them what you’re willing to pay. “Try to get the dealerships to bid for your business,” he said. If you do, you’re likely to get a great deal.
KBB.com dug through the myriad offers in popular categories to come up with the best purchase and lease deals available on well-equipped small and mid-sized cars and crossovers. Most deals expire Sept. 4.
Hyundai Accent
The Hyundai Accent GLS, with a sticker price of $13,320, is available for as little as $232 a month, with 3.9% financing.
Toyota Camry
You can get a Toyota Camry LE (MSRP: $23,360) for $334 a month for five years, with 0% financing and $1,500 cash back.
Fiat 500
The manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) is $16,200, but Fiat is offering 0% financing plus a $500 rebate, which means you can get this cute subcompact for about $248 a month.
Mazda3
This sporty compact sedan has an MSRP of $17,640, but is available with 0% financing, so you can own it for $269 a month.
Or If Leasing Is More Your Style
KBB found a lot of attractive lease deals available at the end of the 2012 model year as dealers take advantage of low interest rates and high used car values. There are some incredible offers right now.
Chevrolet Malibu
There's a new Malibu for 2013, but while the 2012 models are still around, you can lease a Malibu LS for $179 per month for two years, with $1,939 down.
Subaru Impreza
Like all Subarus, the Impreza features all-wheel drive. Redesigned for 2012, it is available for $169 for 42 months, with $1,969 down.
Ford Focus
For a little more, you can lease a larger Ford Focus for $159 for two years, with $2,378 down.
Kia Forte
Kia is offering a three-year lease deal on the Forte LX for $159 per month, with $1,999 down.
Ford Fusion
A redesigned Fusion is on the way later this year, but you can get a two-year lease on the 2012 model for $159 per month, with $2,778 down.
source