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2012 Model Year Crash Test Results

2012-01-05T00:00:00-06:00

2012 Model Year Crash Test Results

January 5, 2012

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration crash tested several new 2012 model-year vehicles this week.

The 2012 Volkswagen Passat and 2012 Chevrolet Sonic both earned a five-star composite score.

The composite scores are made up of frontal, rollover, and side impact tests. In the past, it was easier to get a five-star rating, but the NHTSA imposed stricter guidelines last year.

The 2012 Hyundai Elantra, Hyundai Accent, Dodge Durango and Mazda6 each earned a four-star composite score.

So far, the only other 2012 models that have earned a five-star score are the Cadillac CTS, Cadillac SRX, Saab 9-4X, Chevrolet Camaro and Toyota Camry.

The NHTSA will be testing a total of 74 vehicles for the 2012 model year, we'll keep you updated as the results come in.

Used Car Prices Should Remain High in 2012

2012-01-05T00:00:00-06:00

Used Car Prices Should Remain High in 2012

January 5, 2012

Prices on used vehicles are expected to remain high in 2012 due to a continued shortage of inventory.

The number of used cars available today is dependant on the number of new cars that were sold in the past 3 years.

There were only 10.3 million and 11.6 million new cars sold in 2009 and 2010, compared to average levels of 16 million in prior years.

To make matters worse, leasing took a huge nosedive, so there are few lease-returns coming back right now.

The good news is that higher used car prices make new cars more attractive. The year-over-year depreciation rate on 2010 models was only 6.6%.

Some experts are predicting increased incentives on new vehicles during the first quarter as Honda and Toyota try to gain back market lost market share.

If you currently have a used car you want to trade-in or sell for a new one, this is a good year to do so.

Used car prices are expected to keep increasing from now until summer.

Vehicles With the Biggest Discounts Right Now

2011-12-29T00:00:00-06:00

Vehicles With the Biggest Discounts Right Now

December 29, 2011

We scoured the country looking for the biggest discounts available on brand new vehicles.

Turns out Nissan is still offering some of the biggest discounts off MSRP right now.

For 2012 models, aggressive negotiators can get up to 26% off the MSRP.

If you're looking at leftover 2011 models, the deals are even more incredible, with some cars discounted 36% off MSRP.

All deals include local incentives and were completed during the past 15 days.

Biggest New Car Discounts: 2012 Models

Vehicle	MSRP	Savings	% Discount off MSRP
2012 Mitsubishi Galant	$22,600	$5,800	26%
2012 Nissan Frontier	$19,300	$4,150	22%
2012 Dodge Avenger	$19,750	$4,000	21%
2012 Nissan Altima	$24,360	$4,700	19%
2012 Chrysler 200	$22,100	$4,200	19%
2012 Jeep Liberty	$24,100	$4,500	19%
2012 Nissan Armada	$39,750	$7,000	18%
2012 Mazda Mazda6	$21,000	$3,600	17%
2012 Chevrolet Malibu	$22,700	$3,900	17%
2012 Nissan Murano	$30,000	$4,800	16%
2012 Nissan Maxima	$32,500	$5,400	16%

Best Car Deals: 2011 Models

Vehicle	MSRP	Savings	% Savings off MSRP
2011 Ram Dakota	$23,900	$8,500	36%
2011 Nissan Titan	$28,300	$9,600	34%
2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500	$22,200	$6,600	30%
2011 Cadillac STS	$48,100	$13,100	27%
2011 Mitsubishi Galant	$22,400	$5,800	27%
2011 Nissan Armada	$39,500	$10,300	26%
2011 Mitsubishi Endeavor	$29,100	$7,200	26%
2011 Nissan Frontier	$19,000	$4,700	25%
2011 Chrysler 200	$20,000	$4,800	24%
2011 Nissan Murano	$30,100	$7,100	24%
2011 Nissan Maxima	$32,500	$7,500	23%
2011 Chevrolet Malibu	$23,700	$5,200	22%

If you're looking for help negotiating with a dealer, CarWoo is a service we highly recommend you try.

Otherwise, make sure you follow our step-by-step car negotiation method to land these types of deals yourself.

Volkswagen Offering Great "Sign and Drive" Lease Deals

2011-12-29T00:00:00-06:00

Volkswagen Offering Great "Sign and Drive" Lease Deals

December 29, 2011

The last few days of December offer the best car buying opportunities of the year.

Dealers and manufacturers are both trying to hit their yearly sales goals, and also wanting to get rid of their leftover inventory to make room for the 2012 models.

Volkswagen in particular is trying to end the year on a high note with their $0 down lease deals.

Now through January 3rd, you can lease just about any 2012 model with zero down, zero due at signing, zero security deposit, and zero first month's payment.

The special lease offer applies only to gas-powered vehicles (the diesels are excluded).

For example, you can lease the 2012 Jetta S manual for as low as $219 a month for 36 months (not including tax, title, and dealer fees).

The 2012 Passat 2.5L S can be leased for $279 a month for 36 months.

Volkswagen is also offering 0% financing for up to 60 months if you'd rather buy than lease.

All in all, these are some of the best incentives we've seen all year, so if you're interested, you'll want to act quickly before they expire.

Big Savings Available on Discontinued Models

2011-12-29T00:00:00-06:00

Big Savings Available on Discontinued Models

December 29, 2011

Each year, there are usually a few models that are discontinued for one reason or another.

Usually it means that either the model wasn't selling well, or it's being replaced by an all-new model.

As long as the manufacturer is still in business (unlike Saab), this type of situation can present a great buying opportunity for those still interested in the vehicle.

This week it was announced that 3 models will be discontinued: The 2011 Ford Ranger, 2011 Dodge Nitro, and 2012 Dodge Caliber.

This means production has stopped and the only models remaining are those on dealer lots.

Out of the three, the Ford Ranger is the most popular model being given the axe. More than 7 million have been sold during its nearly 30 year run.

There are approximately 10,000 Rangers remaining on dealer lots across the nation. Right now, you can purchase a brand new base model for 20% off MSRP, or around $15,000!

The 2012 Dodge Caliber will be replaced by the 2013 Dodge Dart, but if you're still interested in the Caliber, the 2011 model is selling for around 17% off MSRP. The 2012 model doesn't have such big discounts however. There are approximately 6,000 vehicles left on dealer lots right now.

As for the 2011 Dodge Nitro, there are 2,500 left on the lots and they're typically selling for 20% off MSRP.

The deals should get even better the longer you wait, but you risk the chance inventory will run too low and you won't have any decent colors or options to choose from.

Screaming Deals on 2011 Lexus GS

2011-12-29T00:00:00-06:00

Screaming Deals on 2011 Lexus GS

December 29, 2011

There's good news for Lexus fans. The redesigned 2013 Lexus GS 350 will hit dealer showrooms in February.

The best part - base price remains the same at $46,900 (plus $875 destination fee).

The 2013 GS 350 is vastly improved from the current 2011 version (the 2012 model year was skipped). In addition to all-new styling on the outside, it has a redesigned chassis, suspension and interior.

There are currently only around 300 of the 2011 models left on dealer lots right now. If you're open to buying one, you should be able to get a screaming deal - especially if they're still around when the 2013 version comes out.

Right now, you can easily negotiate $6,000 off the base price. Come February, that figure might be $8,000 or more.

Keep in mind the vehicle will be considered 2 years old at that time, so you should only consider buying if you intend on keeping it for a long time. Otherwise you may take a big depreciation hit.

Saab Files for Bankruptcy, Great Deals on Remaining Models

2011-12-22T00:00:00-06:00

Saab Files for Bankruptcy, Great Deals on Remaining Models

December 22, 2011

Saab filed for bankruptcy this week which means headaches for current owners and opportunities for prospective buyers.

Saab is seeking full liquidation which means they will no longer make new cars or honor warranties on the cars that have been sold.

GM announced they will honor warranties on Saabs sold while they were still the parent company back in 2010.

But owners of current Saabs will still take a depreciation hit since consumers are less likely to purchase vehicles where the manufacturer is no longer in business.

They will also have a harder time finding spare parts and getting the vehicles serviced.

However, this presents an opportunity for those still interested in a Saab and don't mind the drawbacks.

In its most recent Vehicle Dependability Study, J.D. Power ranked Saab above the industry average, finishing 13th on a list of 34 brands.

New Saabs that are still sitting on dealer lots will likely be deeply discounted. There are currently about 1,500 new Saabs available across the country with the majority being the Saab 9-3 and 9-5 models.

Just keep in mind these vehicles won't come with a warranty and will likely have low resale value, so only consider buying if you intend on keeping the vehicle for a long time.

Biggest Price Drops on Popular Used Cars

2011-12-22T00:00:00-06:00

Biggest Price Drops on Popular Used Cars

December 22, 2011

According to automotive research site CarGurus, used car prices have dropped an average of 4.1% since September.

Some popular models have seen their prices drop by as much as 15%.

CarGurus believes prices are set to rise again beginning next year, so if you're in the market for a used car, you need to act soon.

Here are the largest price drops in the past 3 months on the most popular used vehicles.

Vehicle Type	Year/Model	Price on 9/9/11*	Price on 12/9/11*	Price Change
Small/Midsize Cars	2007 Toyota Prius	$17,902	$15,269	-15% ($2,633)
	2007 Hyundai Accent	$9,714	$8,678	-13% ($1,349)
	2008 Ford Focus	$13,822	$12,302	-11% ($1,520)
	2008 Honda Civic	$16,632	$14,837	-11% ($1,798)
	2007 Volkswagen Jetta	$15,186	$13,563	-11% ($1,623)
	2008 Hyundai Elantra	$12,945	$11,646	-10% ($1,299)
	2007 Mazda Mazda3	$13,575	$12,249	-10% ($1,326)
	2006 Toyota Corolla	$11,764	$10,685	-10% ($1,199)
Minivans and SUVs	2007 Kia Sedona	$13,599	$12,147	-11% ($1,452)
	2008 Dodge Grand Caravan	$16,925	$15,312	-10% ($1,613)
	2008 Ford Escape Hybrid	$20,302	$18,331	-10% ($1,901)
	2006 Lincoln Navigator	$20,543	$18,521	-10% ($2,022)

*The prices noted above are an average of thousands of listings analyzed by CarGurus, including cars with different trims, mileage and options.

Current market value for specific trims, mileage and options in any given zip code can be found at (CarGurus.com/dealfinder)

Deal Alert: Chevrolet Cruze Prices May Drop

2011-12-22T00:00:00-06:00

Deal Alert: Chevrolet Cruze Prices May Drop

December 22, 2011

Chevrolet Cruze models were selling briskly earlier this year, but after GM shifted production in July to switch over to the 2012 model, something went wrong.

Sales started dropping and inventory levels have been increasing ever since - and nobody seems to know why.

Inventory levels jumped from a 33 day supply earlier in the year to 88 days in December, which is not good news for GM - but is great for car buyers.

In an effort to reduce supply and prevent prices from dropping, GM shut down production of the Cruze last week.

This may do the trick, but it's likely prices for the Cruze will still drop. If you're in the market for a compact car and have not considered the Cruze, you should definitely put it on your list.

With inventory levels high, dealers are now more likely to negotiate on price.

The main competitors to the Cruze are the Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Volkswagen Jetta, and Hyundai Elantra.

Best End of Year Deals on New Cars

2011-12-22T00:00:00-06:00

Best End of Year Deals on New Cars

December 22, 2011

December is the best time of year to buy a new car - especially if you know which models have the biggest discounts.

Each year, Consumer Reports releases a list of the best end-of-year deals on new vehicles.

To be eligible for the list, each model has to meet Consumer Reports' criteria to be recommended. This means they have to score well in testing, have an average or better reliability, and perform well in crash tests.

The list includes both 2011 and 2012 models which have average discounts of 15 to 20% off MSRP. But since you're a RealCarTips.com reader, average isn't good enough so you should negotiate even further.

Some of the models such as the Chevrolet Traverse, Honda Pilot, Lincoln MKZ, and Mazda6 have been sitting on dealer lots over 100 days and are ripe for negotiation.

Make & model	Expires	MSRP	Invoice price	Customer rebate	Dealer incentive	Below MSRP
2011 Cadillac DTS	1/3/12	52,845	49,989	No	Yes	20%+
2011 Chevrolet Avalanche	1/3/12	43,405	40,433	Yes	No	20%+
2012 Chevrolet Malibu	1/3/12	24,115	22,947	Yes	Yes	20%+
2011 Buick Lucerne	1/3/12	45,225	43,447	Yes	No	15%+
2011 Chevrolet Corvette	1/3/12	54,995	50,131	Yes	No	15%+
2011 Chevrolet Suburban	1/3/12	57,530	53,569	Yes	No	15%+
2011 Chevrolet Traverse	1/3/12	34,820	33,120	Yes	No	15%+
2011 Dodge Durango	1/3/12	36,270	34,361	No	Yes	15%+
2012 Ford Escape	1/3/12	27,445	25,640	Yes	No	15%+
2011 Ford F-150	1/3/12	37,820	34,387	Yes	No	15%+
2012 Ford Mustang	1/3/12	34,505	31,854	Yes	No	15%+
2012 Ford Taurus	1/3/12	32,950	30,420	Yes	No	15%+
2011 GMC Yukon XL	1/3/12	50,365	46,906	Yes	No	15%+
2011 Honda Accord	1/3/12	23,950	21,791	No	Yes	15%+
2011 Honda Pilot	1/3/12	36,680	33,298	No	Yes	15%+
2011 Lexus ES 350	1/3/12	37,600	34,174	No	Yes	15%+
2011 Lexus IS 250	1/3/12	35,340	31,894	No	Yes	15%+
2011 Lexus LS 460	1/3/12	73,550	65,556	No	Yes	15%+
2012 Mazda6	1/3/12	22,035	20,430	No	Yes	15%+
2011 Nissan Altima	1/3/12	23,330	21,919	Yes	No	15%+
2012 Nissan Maxima	1/3/12	35,310	32,401	Yes	No	15%+
2011 Nissan Murano	1/3/12	38,810	35,805	Yes	No	15%+

List of Cars You Shouldn't Buy Right Now

2011-12-15T00:00:00-06:00

List of Cars You Shouldn't Buy Right Now

December 15, 2011

As a new car shopper, sometimes it can get really frustrating trying to find a good deal on a popular vehicle.

Everyone seems to want the same vehicles and dealers are low on inventory for many models - especially ones that are newly redesigned or were introduced this year.

Some are even getting away with charging over MSRP because the demand is so high.

In cases like this, it's best to wait a few months in hopes of production catching up with demand - or you may want to consider an alternative model, one that doesn't suffer from supply/demand contraints.

Doing so can save you several thousand dollars.

Here are the most in-demand vehicles right now. It's going to be very difficult to get a great deal on these models, so if you really want one right now - expect to pay a big premium.

2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid
2012 Toyota 4Runner
2012 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque
2012 Nissan Juke
2012 BMW X3
2012 Subaru Forester
2012 Toyota Prius V
2012 Acura MDX
2012 BMW 535i xDrive
2012 Audi Q5
2012 BMW 528i
2012 Honda Fit
2012 Hyundai Elantra
2012 Mercedes-Benz E350
2012 Mercedes-Benz ML350
2012 Hyundai Veloster
2012 Kia Soul
2012 Porsche Cayenne

Chevrolet Lease and Finance Deals for December

2011-12-15T00:00:00-06:00

Chevrolet Lease and Finance Deals for December

December 15, 2011

Chevrolet is offering some very attractive "no money down" lease deals on select models this month.

The lease deals expire on January 3, 2012 and come with no down payment, no security deposit, and no first month's payment.

In addition, Chevy is also offering a few special finance incentives as low as 0% for up to 60 months.

Chevrolet Lease Deals

2012 Chevrolet Cruze LS Manual - $199/month for 39 months - $0 down
2012 Chevrolet Malibu LS - $229/month for 39 months - $0 down
2012 Chevrolet Traverse LS - $299/month for 39 months - $0 down

Chevrolet Finance Deals

2012 Chevrolet Equinox - 0% financing for up to 36 months
2012 Chevrolet Traverse - 0% financing for up to 60 months
2012 Chevrolet Impala LS - 0% financing for up to 60 months
2011 Chevrolet Traverse - 0% financing for up to 60 month plus $500 bonus cash
2011 Chevrolet Traverse - 0% financing for up to 72 month plus $500 bonus cash
2011 Chevrolet Avalanche - 0% financing for up to 72 month plus $500 bonus cash
2011 Chevrolet Silverado - 0% financing for up to 72 month plus $500 bonus cash
2011 Chevrolet Tahoe - 0% financing for up to 72 month plus $500 bonus cash
2011 Chevrolet Suburban - 0% financing for up to 72 month plus $500 bonus cash
2011 Chevrolet Camero - 0% financing for up to 72 month plus $1,000 bonus cash

Why Now is the Best Time to Buy a New Car

2011-12-15T00:00:00-06:00

Why Now is the Best Time to Buy a New Car

December 15, 2011

Great news for car buyers!

We have officially entered the best time of year to buy a new vehicle. The last two weeks of December offer the best opportunity to negotiate the lowest prices.

Not only are car makers trying to hit yearly sales goals, individual dealers are also trying to hit their monthly and yearly goals as well.

On top of this, most consumers are busy around this time with holiday preparations and don't consider car shopping as their top priority.

The best strategy is to try to make the purchase on the last few days of the month. December 27th through the 31st will offer the very best opportunities.

Be sure to use our step-by-step negotiation guide to land the best deal.

Keep in mind some vehicles are still in very high demand so you need to be realistic about the prices you can expect to get if you're shopping for one.

If the supply is very low, you may be better off waiting several months while production catches up with demand - rather than buying one now.

For those who don't want to spend the 3 to 4 hours it takes to go through our negotiation method, we recommend the CarWoo online service.

It's about as close as you can get to our method without the time investment required, plus they offer a full money back guarantee.

Toyota Offering $1,000 Twitter Incentive

2011-12-15T00:00:00-06:00

Toyota Offering $1,000 Twitter Incentive

December 15, 2011

If you're planning on buying a Toyota between now and January 3, 2012, read the following very carefully because we're going to show you how to get an additional $1,000 cash back.

Toyota is offering a special "Twitter Incentive" called Shareathon. If you buy a Toyota vehicle and tweet about it on your Twitter account, they will send you a $500 prepaid debit card.

For every friend who retweets the message within 48 hours, Toyota will add $50 to the card. There is a limit of 10 retweets allowed which would bring the total on the debit card to $1,000.

This is free cash folks! It doesn't matter what kind of deal you negotiated or what kind of incentives you already received on the vehicle - the Shareathon debit card is on top of all that.

Here are the steps you need to take to get the extra money:

You must first register online at Toyota.com/shareaton by December 21st.
Only the first 140 people who register each day starting at 11 AM EST will qualify. If there are no spots left today, try again the next day (but keep in mind December 21 is the last day you can register - set a reminder for 11 AM)
Next, you must purchase a Toyota by January 3, 2012
Tweet about the purchase through the Toyota Shareaton site
Ask your friends to retweet the message within 48 hours

There you have it, you just saved an additional $500 and possibly up to $1,000.

If you're not familiar with Twitter, don't worry - it's easy and free to use. Just visit Twitter.com to sign up.

Crash Test Results for 2012 Models

2011-12-08T00:00:00-06:00

Crash Test Results for 2012 Models

December 8, 2011

Of the 22 vehicles that have been crash tested so far by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for model year 2012, only three have earned a five-star composite score.

These three include the 2012 Chevrolet Camaro, 2012 Cadillac CTS, and the 2012 Toyota Camry.

NHTSA instituted new crash test guidelines which took effect for the 2011 model year. These stricter guidelines have resulted in fewer vehicles earning top scores. In fact, only the 2012 Chevrolet Camaro has so far earned a perfect rating across the board.

NHTSA has yet to test an additional 52 vehicles, so we may see more cars added to the perfect score list next year.

So far, here are the current crash test results for model year 2012 vehicles.

Vehicles with the Highest Owner Satisfaction

2011-12-08T00:00:00-06:00

Vehicles with the Highest Owner Satisfaction

December 8, 2011

When it comes to choosing a car, you want to make sure you're going to be happy with the one you choose since you'll be stuck with it for several years.

Most people start by checking out the reviews and rankings from the various publications and consumer review sites.

Reliability, safety, ownership costs, and fuel economy are usually at the top of everyone's list. But what if you buy a vehicle that fits all the criteria, yet you regret it afterwards?

This is where Consumer Reports' Owner Satisfaction survey can help.

Each year, they ask more than 300,000 subscribers the following question: "Considering all factors (price, reliability, comfort, enjoyment, etc.), would you get this car if you had it to do all over again?"

The answers are surprising. The vehicles that ranked the highest in owner satisfaction were mostly fuel-efficient cars with alternative drivetrains (like the Chevy Volt) or sporty cars (like the Dodge Challenger).

The percentage of owners that would definitely buy a Chevy Volt again was an astounding 93% - making it the #1 in owner satisfaction. The Dodge Challenger and Porsche 911 tied for 2nd place with 91% of owners who answered "definitely yes".

It seems that these kinds of cars generate more enthusiasm and loyalty than other types of vehecles - which some view as moving appliances.

Here is a list of vehicles with the highest owner satisfaction ratings (by segment):

FUEL-EFFICIENT HATCHBACKS
Model	Percentage
Chevrolet Volt*	93
Lexus CT 200h*	89
Volkswagen Golf TDI*	89
Toyota Prius	85
FAMILY CARS
Model	Percentage
Ford Fusion Hybrid*	85
Hyundai Sonata (4-cyl.) Turbo*	80
WAGONS
Model	Percentage
Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen TDI	81
SPORTY CARS
Model	Percentage
Dodge Challenger (V8)*	91
Porsche 911 non-Turbo*	91
Chevrolet Corvette (base)	89
Ford Mustang GT	87
Audi S4 (V6) supercharged)	87
Chevrolet Camaro SS*	86
Mazda MX-5 Miata	85
Chevrolet Camaro (V6)*	81
COUPES & CONVERTIBLES
Model	Percentage
Audi A5/S5 Coupe (V6/V8)*	82
Mini Cooper Convertible (base)	81
Audi A5 Coupe (2.0t)*	80
Audi A5/S5 Convertible AWD*	80
UPSCALE SEDANS
Model	Percentage
Lincoln MKZ Hybrid*	89
Acura TL (except Type-S)	82
LUXURY SEDANS
Model	Percentage
Lexus LS non-Hybrid	84
Mercedes-Benz S-Class (except Hybrid)	82
LARGE SPORT-UTILITY VEHICLES
Model	Percentage
Ford Flex EcoBoost*	86
LUXURY SPORT-UTILITY VEHICLES
Model	Percentage
BMW X5 Xdrive 35d*	81
Lexus RX Hybrid*	80
FULL-SIZED PICKUP TRUCKS
Model	Percentage
Ford F-150 (V6) AWD EcoBoost*	84
* Indicates number based on 1 or 2 years of data.

The Best Deals on Used Compact SUVs

2011-12-08T00:00:00-06:00

The Best Deals on Used Compact SUVs

December 8, 2011

As we reported last week, used car prices are set to hit rock bottom this month.

If you've been considering a used compact SUV, you need to check out the following list compiled by Consumer Reports.

They researched current deals on 2006 - 2008 models that have ranked well in reliability.

The previous owners have already taken the large depreciation hit that comes with the first few years of ownership.

The list includes average retail prices you can expect to pay at a dealership. Some of the vehicles have depreciated as much as 40% compared to their original MSRP - so you're saving a lot of money here.

Keep in mind these are dealer prices - you should be able to get an even better deal if you buy from a private party.

Make & model	Mileage	MSRP when new	Dealer Price	Drop in Price vs. MSRP
2007 Hyundai Tucson	66,000	$23,845	$14,800	38%
2006 Subaru Forester X	75,000	24,945	15,050	40%
2007 Subaru Forester X	66,000	21,995	15,475	30%
2008 Mitsubishi Outlander LS	51,000	23,970	15,700	35%
2006 Toyota RAV4 Ltd	75,000	25,870	16,125	38%
2007 Toyota RAV4	66,000	24,385	16,550	32%
2006 Honda CR-V SE	75,000	25,450	16,725	34%
2008 Subaru Forester X	51,000	22,495	17,825	21%
2007 Honda CR-V EX	66,000	24,050	17,875	26%
2008 Nissan Rogue SL	51,000	21,870	18,025	18%
2008 Acura RDX	51,000	33,195	23,700	29%

The Best Leftover Deals for December

2011-12-08T00:00:00-06:00

The Best Leftover Deals for December

December 8, 2011

December is generally the best month of the year to buy a new car.

Dealers are scrambling to meet end-of-year sales goals while manufacturers are offering the largest incentives to help move remaining inventory.

December is also usually the best time to purchase a leftover model. Practically all 2011 models are now considered leftover because most dealers are already selling the 2012 versions.

Buying a leftover model is a smart choice if you plan on keeping the car for many years. Otherwise, keep in mind they're considered a year old next month. If you're forced to sell the vehicle soon, you'll have a large depreciation hit.

Below is a list of leftover 2011 models that come with large hidden dealer incentives. These are incentives that only dealers are supposed to know about, but this information usually leaks out.

Hidden incentives are cash rebates that are given to the dealer to help them sell the vehicles. If you know how to negotiate correctly, you should be able to get the dealer to pass the rebate on to you via a lower transaction price.

Make sure to read our negotiation guide for the step-by-step instructions.

Hidden Dealer Incentives on Leftover 2011 Vehicles

Vehicle	Hidden Incentive
2011 Acura RL	$2,000
2011 BMW 3-Series	$1,500
2011 BMW 7-Series	$10,000
2011 BMW Alpina B7	$10,000
2011 BMW ActiveHybrid 7	$2,000
2011 BMW M3	$1,500
2011 Chrysler 200	$3,500
2011 Chrysler 300	$4,500
2011 Chrysler Town & Country	$3,500
2011 Dodge Avenger	$3,500
2011 Dodge Challenger	$2,000
2011 Dodge Charger	$3,000
2011 Dodge Durango	$4,000
2011 Dodge Grand Caravan	$2,500
2011 Dodge Journey	$2,500
2011 Dodge Nitro	$3,000
2011 Infiniti EX	$2,000
2011 Infiniti FX	$3,000
2011 Infiniti G	$2,000
2011 Infiniti M37	$4,000
2011 Infiniti M56	$5,000
2011 Jeep Compass	$3,000
2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee	$2,000
2011 Jeep Liberty	$3,000
2011 Jeep Patriot	$2,000
2011 Jeep Wrangler	$1,000
2011 Land Rover LR2	$2,000
2011 Land Rover Range Rover	$3,000
2011 Lexus ES350	$2,000
2011 Lincoln MKS	$2,500
2010 Lincoln MKT	$5,000
2012 Lincoln MKT	$2,000
2011 Mercury Grand Marquis	$5,500
2011 Mercury Mariner	$3,500
2011 Mercury Milan	$3,500
2011 Ram 1500	$5,250
2011 Ram 2500	$4,500
2011 Ram 3500	$5,000
2011 Volvo S60 and S80	$3,000

New Cars With the Biggest Discounts Right Now

2011-12-01T00:00:00-06:00

New Cars With the Biggest Discounts Right Now

December 1, 2011

The end of the year is generally the best time to buy a new car.

Dealers and manufacturers are both trying to hit sales goals and need to clear out leftover inventory to make room for the latest models.

TrueCar.com has released a list of vehicles offering the largest discounts off MSRP right now.

For 2011 models, the Chevrolet Impala offers the biggest discounts at 27.3% below MSRP. The Impala also has the biggest discount for 2012 models at 20.2% off MSRP.

Here are the top 5 models offering the biggest discounts:

Biggest Discounts 2011 Models

Chevrolet Impala - 27.3% off MSRP
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 - 23.8% off MSRP
Nissan Titan - 23.0% off MSRP
Volskwagen Routan - 20.9% off MSRP
Chevrolet Avalanche - 19.3% off MSRP

Biggest Discounts 2012 Models

Chevrolet Impala - 20.2% off MSRP
Chevrolet Malibu - 13.3% off MSRP
Kia Sedona - 11.9% off MSRP
Jeep Liberty - 11.4% off MSRP
Nissan Armada - 11.0% off MSRP

BMW to Raise Prices Beginning Next Month

2011-12-01T00:00:00-06:00

BMW to Raise Prices Beginning Next Month

December 1, 2011

If you're in the market to buy a BMW, you should do so before the end of the year.

BMW is set to increase both the MSRP price and destination charge on most of their vehicles starting January 1, 2012.

The price increase will be equivalent to around 1% of MSRP, except for the 6 and 7-Series models which will remain unchanged.

BMW is raising the destination charge between $20 and $895 on most models.

Prices are expected to increase between $220 and $320 for the 3-Series and 5-Series and up to $320 for the X3 and X5.

Timing your purchase for the end of December should maximize your savings. Not only is it the best time of year to buy a new BMW, but you'll also lock in the lower prices.

Tip: Before you visit a BMW dealership, first get price quotes via email and learn which dealers are offering the best deals and the largest selection.

Fiat 500 Sales Collapse, Dealers Desperate to Sell More

2011-12-01T00:00:00-06:00

Fiat 500 Sales Collapse, Dealers Desperate to Sell More

December 1, 2011

If you're a big fan of the Fiat 500 and have been waiting to buy one, you're now in luck

Sales of the tiny subcompact car have hit a wall and dealers are getting desperate.

When it first launched in March, Fiat had an ambitious goal of selling 50,000 units this year, but they only sold about 16,000 so far and sales keep dropping.

Out of 150 Fiat dealers, 29 of them didn't even sell one vehicle last month - ouch!

Chrysler, the parent company of Fiat, is now offering a $500 rebate to entice buyers.

The collapse in demand for the Fiat 500 is a perfect example of why you should always wait before buying a newly introduced model.

The early adopters paid a high price to have the first one on the block.

If you're serious about purchasing the Fiat 500, make sure to use our step-by-step negotiation guide to maximize savings.

Used Car Prices to Hit Rock Bottom Soon

2011-12-01T00:00:00-06:00

Used Car Prices to Hit Rock Bottom Soon

December 1, 2011

If you're thinking about buying a used car, wait until the last week of December or the first week of January to maximize savings.

According to both KBB and CarGurus.com, used car prices are expected to drop by a further 3 to 4 percent between now and the first week of next year.

Prices peaked in August and are expected to hit rock bottom on January 8, 2012.

Historically, used car prices start climbing rapidly between January and February, sometimes by as much as 4%.

On a $20,000 used car, timing your purchase could save you an average of $800 - which is definitely not pocket change.

Sources: CarGurus, KBB

5 Best Lease Deals Right Now

2011-11-24T00:00:00-06:00

5 Best Lease Deals Right Now

November 24, 2011

The day after Thanksgiving marks one of the best days of the year to buy or lease a new car.

CarsDirect.com has come up with their list of the 5 best lease deals you can get right now.

These lease deals are for popular models and most are good only through the end of the month.

1. 2012 Mazda Mazda6 i Sport
$229/month for 36 months. $1,823 due at signing with 12,000 miles annually.
Expires November 30, 2011

2. 2012 Chevrolet Cruze LS
$169/month for 36 months. $659 due at signing with 12,000 miles annually.
Expires January 3, 2012

3. 2012 BMW 1 Series 128i
$349/month for 36 months. $3574 due at signing with 10,000 miles annually
Expires November 30, 2012

4. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta S
$219/month for 36 months. $0 due at signing with 12,000 miles annually
Expires November 30, 2012

5. 2012 Kia Rio LX
$159/month for 39 months. $1,999 due at signing with 12,000 miles annually
Expires January 3, 2012

2012 Models with the Highest Resale Values

2011-11-24T00:00:00-06:00

2012 Models with the Highest Resale Values

November 24, 2011

If you're planning on either leasing a car or trading it in after only 5 or 6 years, you need to seriously consider its resale value (also called residual value).

The most expensive part of owning a car is this depreciation cost. Most vehicles lose half their value in only 3 years, which means on a $30,000 purchase you'll lose about $400 per month in depreciation - ouch!

To help you select a vehicle with good resale value, you should check out the results from the just-released "2012 Best Resale Value Awards" from Kelly Blue Book, one of the leading car pricing guides.

The results show that Toyota and Lexus as a whole produce cars that retain their value the best.

It also shows that the SUVs and trucks tend to hold their value a little better than passenger vehicles.

Here are the top 10 cars with the best resale value according to KBB:

Rank	Model	36 months	60 months
1	2012 Jeep Wrangler	68.0%	55.0%
2	2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser	67.0%	50.0%
3	2012 Toyota Tacoma	64.0%	49.0%
4	2012 Hyundai Tucson	64.3%	45.3%
5	2012 Audi Q7	63.3%	44.3%
6	2012 Infiniti FX	58.0%	44.0%
7	2012 Honda CR-V	60.3%	43.5%
8	2012 Lexus RX	64.0%	43.0%
9	2012 Nissan Frontier	56.2%	42.8%
10	2012 Chevrolet Camaro	57.0%	42.2%

Nissan Offering Some of the Best Incentives This Month

2011-11-24T00:00:00-06:00

Nissan Offering Some of the Best Incentives This Month

November 24, 2011

Nissan has consistently offered some of the best incentives this year, especially compared to the other foreign manufacturers.

And unlike Toyota, Honda, and Hyundai, they seem to have plenty of inventory to choose from.

This tends to result in big discounts on top of the already large incentives.

For example, you can currently buy the mid-sized 2012 Nissan Altima 2.5S for about the same price as a compact Hyundai Elantra GLS.

The Altima's MSRP is a few thousand more than the Elantra, but there's a lot of wiggle room in the price - and most Elantras are selling close to MSRP.

Nissan is offering just about every type of incentive including cash back rebates, low financing rates, and lease deals.

Here's a sampling of what's available - good through the end of November.

2012 Nissan Models

2012 Nissan Altima – $1,250 rebate, or 0% loans, $350 lease bonus cash
2012 Nissan Armada – $2,000 rebate, 0.9% loans, $599/month lease
2012 Nissan Frontier – $2,500 rebate, 0% loans, $229/month lease
2012 Nissan Maxima (3.5 S) - $2,000 rebate, 0.9% loans
2012 Nissan Pathfinder – $2,000 rebate, 0.9% loans, $349/month lease
2012 Nissan Titan – $2,000 rebate, $1350 bonus cash, 0% loans, $499/month lease

2011 Nissan Models

2011 Nissan Armada – $4,000 rebate, 0% loans, $1,650 lease bonus cash
2011 Nissan Frontier – $3,000 rebate, 0% loans, $50 lease bonus cash
2011 Nissan Titan – $5,250 rebate, 0% loans, $300 lease bonus cash
2011 Nissan Maxima (3.5 S) – $3,000 rebate, 0% loans, $800 lease bonus cash
2011 Nissan Murano – $3,000 rebate, 0% loans, $600 lease bonus cash
2011 Nissan Pathfinder – $2,500 rebate, 0% loans, $1,475 lease bonus cash
2011 Nissan Xterra – $2,000 rebate, 0% loans, $289/month lease

Tip: Before you visit a Nissan dealership, first get price quotes via email and see which dealers are offering the best prices and the biggest selection for the model of your choice.

Top 25 Cars Offering Rebates as High as $5,000

2011-11-24T00:00:00-06:00

Top 25 Cars Offering Rebates as High as $5,000

November 24, 2011

According to TrueCar.com, the best day to purchase a new car this year is Black Friday - the day after Thanksgiving.

You can expect dealers to negotiate aggressively because most people aren't shopping for a car that day and manufacturers are offering some great incentives.

In addition to Black Friday, TrueCar also expects great deals to be had over the weekend. It's getting close to the end of the month and dealers are eager to meet their quotas.

To save even more money, you may want to consider the following vehicles. They currently offer the largest cash back rebates available right now - some as high as $5,000.

When you time the market right and mix in large rebates, you're sure to land a great deal.

2011 Buick Lucerne – $4,000
2011 Buick LaCrosse, Regal – $3,000
2011 Cadillac Excalade – $4,000
2011 Chevrolet Avalanche – $4,500
2011 Chevrolet Corvette - $3,000
2012 Chevrolet Impala – $3,000
2011 Chevrolet Impala – $4,000
2011 Chevrolet HHR – $3,500
2011 Chevrolet Malibu – $3,000
2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 – $4,500
2011 Chrysler 200 – $4,000
2011 Dodge Avenger - $4,000
2011 Ford Flex – $3,000
2011 GMC Sierra 1500 – $4,505
2011 GMC Yukon – $3,500
2011 GMC Sierra 2500HD – $3,000
2012 Jeep Liberty – $3,000
2011 Lincoln Town Car – $3,000
2012 Mitsubishi Galant – $3,000
2011 Mitsubishi Endeavor – $4,500
2011 Mitsubishi Galant – $,3500
2012 Nissan Titan – $3,000
2011 Nissan Titan – $5,250
2011 Nissan Armada – $4,000
2011 Nissan Frontier – up to $3,000
2011 Suzuki Equator – $3,000

Before you visit a dealership, first get price quotes via email and see which dealers are offering the best prices and the biggest selection for the car of your choice.

Least Expensive Cars to Repair

2011-11-17T00:00:00-06:00

Least Expensive Cars to Repair

November 17, 2011

A report released this week by CarMD, which collects repair data from its netowrk of 3,000 U.S. mechanics, shows that Toyota and Hyundai have the lowest repair costs among all car brands.

Repair costs can be a huge hidden expense, especially if you plan on keeping your vehicle for a long time.

The study looked at the repair costs incurred for each model over a one year period.

The 2009 Toyota Corolla had the lowest average repair cost at only $45.84 followed by the 2008 Honda CR-V with $91.25 in repair costs.

Surprisingly, luxury brands fared the worst - not because of high repair costs, but because they needed repairs more often.

Here are the final rankings by car manufacturer:

Toyota
Hyundai
Honda
Ford
GM
Mitsubishi
Nissan
Kia
Volkswagen
Chrysler

Toyota Offering Leases Starting at $149/month

2011-11-17T00:00:00-06:00

Toyota Offering Leases Starting at $149/month

November 17, 2011

Toyota has been offering attractive lease deals for the past several months, and this month is no different.

Leasing is a good choice for those who want to trade into a different car in 36 to 48 months. It offers lower monthly payments and no worries about repairs.

If this is what you're looking for, then Toyota should be high on your list for leasing options.

The following lease deals may be slightly different depending on where you live.

Keep in mind these are usually for the bare-bone models with tax, title and other dealer fees not included.

2011 Toyota Avalon - $359/month, 39 months, $2,358 due at signing
2011 Toyota Camry LE - $199/month, 39 months, $2,599 due at signing
2011 Toyota Corolla LE - $149/month, 39 months, $2,148 due at signing
2012 Toyota Highlander - $289/month, 39 months, $2,288 due at signing
2011 Toyota RAV4 - $219/month, 39 months, $2,218 due at signing
2012 Toyota Sienna LE - $329/month, 39 months, $2,328 due at signing
2011 Toyota Venza - $319/month, 39 months, $2,358 due at signing

If you're seriously considering leasing a Toyota this month, Click Here to get real-time pricing in your local area along with all the current lease deal details.

The Hardest Cars to Negotiate Right Now

2011-11-17T00:00:00-06:00

The Hardest Cars to Negotiate Right Now

November 17, 2011

As we approach the end of the year, most manufacturers have their 2012 models available for sale now.

But since most of them have just arrived, the demand outstrips supply by a good margin.

This will change over the next several months, but for those who need a car right now, it's difficult to negotiate a good deal.

For cars that are in highest demand, many dealers are finding eager customers willing to pay over MSRP.

As if that's not bad enough, it can also be hard to find models to choose from. You're likely going to have to settle for colors and options that may not be your first choice.

Right now, the hardest car to negotiate is the Hyundai Veloster - a model that was just released this month. Good luck finding one on dealer lots as most have already been pre-sold.

The smart thing to do is hold off buying any one of these models until next year, potentially saving you thousands of dollars.

If on the other hand, you're able to negotiate a great deal on one, we'd love to hear about it and let our readers know.

Top 20 Hardest Cars to Negotiate Right Now

2012 Hyundai Veloster
2012 Toyota Camry
2012 Subaru Outback
2012 Toyota Tacoma
2012 Honda Odyssey
2012 Mercedes-Benz ML350
2012 Toyota Sienna
2012 Honda Pilot
2012 Hyundai Elantra
2012 Kia Soul
2012 Lexus RX 350
2012 Mercedes-Benz C250
2012 Mini Countryman
2012 Scion tC
2012 Nissan Versa
2012 Honda Accord
2012 Honda Fit
2012 Hyundai Accent
2012 Mini Cooper hatchback
2012 Volkswagen Passat

If you'd like to see what kind of prices dealers are offering on these vehicles, Click Here to see real-time pricing in your local area without having to step foot in a dealership.

BMW Launches End of Year Deals

2011-11-17T00:00:00-06:00

BMW Launches End of Year Deals

November 17, 2011

BMW has kicked off their end-of-year sales event titled "Mission to Drive" with the best incentives we've seen in a long time.

They're on track to becoming the best-selling luxury brand in the US for the first time in 11 years and this sales drive is meant to keep it that way.

Now until January 3, 2012, BMW is offering everything from 0.9% financing, lease deals as low as $349/month and cash back rebates as high as $7,500.

Cash Back Rebates

It's not often you'll see cash back rebates on BMWs, especially on 2012 models. But surprisingly, they're offering $2,500 cash back on all 2012 6-Series and Z4 models.

BMW is also offering ECO credit cash rebates as high as $7,500 on their ActiveHybrid and Diesel models.

If you currently own a 2005 or newer BMW, you're also eligible for a $1,500 loyalty cash back bonus.

Financing Deals

BMW is offering 0.9% financing for up to 24 months on ALL models (except the 1-Series M Coupe).

It ranges from 3.9% to 4.9% if you'd rather finance 36 to 60 months.

Lease Deals

BMW is offering a plethora of attractive lease deals including bonus cash of up to $6,000 on some models.

You can lease a 2012 BMW 3-Series starting at $389/month for 36 months with $2,500 down.

For the more upscale models, you can get a 2012 7-Series that comes with $6,000 in bonus cash for $729/month for 36 months with $3,000.

If you're seriously considering purchasing a BMW this month, Click Here to see real-time pricing in your local area along with all the current incentives.

Toyota and Honda Incentives War May be Next Year

2011-11-10T00:00:00-06:00

Toyota and Honda Incentives War May be Next Year

November 10, 2011

Just when things were looking good for Toyota and Honda, floods in Thailand have knocked their production back again.

A string of bad luck this year starting with the March Japan earthquake has caused severe part shortages, causing inventory levels to plummet.

With fewer inventory to choose from, consumers have either held off buying or have chosen competing brands, hurting sales considerably.

Toyota and Honda had been gearing up for a year-end incentives war, but that's out of the question now.

Honda has had to cut production in half and delay the release of the 2012 Honda CR-V by several weeks.

Both manufacturers won't be back to full production again until early next year.

The good news: If you don't mind waiting, the incentives war looks like it may occur in the first quarter of next year - and this one may be even bigger than what was planned for this year.

Toyota and Honda are desperate to gain back market share, and the longer they suffer with shortages, the more it will take to win back customers.

We won't be surprised if they offer the largest incentives in their history sometime early next year.

But, keep in mind no one knows for sure what's in store. You can still get a good deal right now, but if you have the luxury of waiting, we recommend doing so.

Chrysler Offering Large Discounts and Hidden Rebates

2011-11-10T00:00:00-06:00

Chrysler Offering Large Discounts and Hidden Rebates

November 10, 2011

Consumer Reports recently ranked Chrysler as the most improved brand in America when it comes to reliability.

In fact, Chrysler is currently ranked as the most reliable domestic brand - a huge turnaround from recent years.

What's interesting is that consumer perception has yet to catch up, so Chrysler is still having to offer large incentives to get buyers to bite.

This is great news for those looking to get the best deals on decent cars.

In addition to large cash-back rebates, Chrysler is also offering hidden dealer incentives of up to $4,500. These are incentives that can be passed on to the consumer if they know how to negotiate correctly.

Here are some of the current incentives being offered:

2011 Chrysler 200 – up to $1,000 cash back, $3,000 hidden dealer incentive
2012 Chrysler 200 – up to $2,000 cash back
2011 Chrysler 300 – up to $1,000 cash back, $4,500 hidden dealer incentive
2012 Chrysler 300 – up to $1,500 cash back
2011 Chrysler Town & Country - up to $1,000 cash back, $3,000 hidden dealer incentive
2012 Chrysler Town & Country – up to $1,000 cash back

In addition to these incentives, Chrysler is also offering 0% financing for up to 36 months on several models.

If you're seriously considering purchasing a Chrysler vehicle this month, Click Here to see real-time pricing and all the current incentives in your local area.

GM Offering "Supplier Pricing" on SUVs and Trucks

2011-11-10T00:00:00-06:00

GM Offering "Supplier Pricing" on SUVs and Trucks

November 10, 2011

GM has announced a new promotion where they are now offering "supplier pricing" on their SUVs and Trucks until January 3, 2012.

The only catch - you have to be a member of Costco to get the deals.

Supplier pricing is not as big a discount as Employee pricing, but it's still a large discount. In addition, any incentives and rebates will be added on top of the discount.

The vehicles that are part of the promotion include 2011 and 2012 versions of:

Chevrolet Silverado
Chevrolet Suburban
Chevrolet Tahoe
Chevrolet Traverse
GMC Acadia
GMC Sierra
GMC Yukon
GMC Yukon XL

To be eligible for these discounts, you need to register with the Costco Auto Program and get an authorization number along with a PIN number that you can take to a participating dealer.

BMW Offering Great Year-End Lease Deals

2011-11-10T00:00:00-06:00

BMW Offering Great Year-End Lease Deals

November 10, 2011

BMW is well on its way to becoming the best selling luxury brand in America this year.

And there's a good reason why. They've been offering sweet incentives over the last few months and they just upped the ante with new lease deals.

Now through the end of December, BMW is offering exceptional lease deals on almost all 2011 and 2012 models - some as low as $299 per month.

In addition to the lease deals, BMW is also offering up to $1,500 in bonus credit if you currently own a BMW.

Here are some of the sample lease deals available:

2011 BMW 328i - $299/month, $4,924 due at signing, $1,500 loyalty bonus
2012 BMW 328i Coupe - $419/month, $3,644 due at signing, $1,000 loyalty bonus
2012 BMW 528i XDrive - $609/month, $3,234 due at signing, $1,000 loyalty bonus

In addition to the great deals, BMW is also offering free maintenance for 4 years or 50,000 miles with free roadside assistance. It just doesn't get any better.

If you're seriously considering purchasing a BMW this month, Click Here to see real-time pricing and all the current lease deals in your local area.

Compact Cars With the Lowest Ownership Costs

2011-11-03T00:00:00-05:00

Compact Cars With the Lowest Ownership Costs

November 3, 2011

If you only focus on the price of a vehicle, you're overlooking a lot of other costs.

Most car shoppers don't realize that the true cost of a vehicle is much larger than the initial price paid. It includes things such as depreciation, fuel, insurance, repair and maintenance.

Over a five year period, a vehicle's ownership costs will easily outweigh the actual price you paid for it.

Kelly Blue Book, a leading provider of vehicle pricing information, released their rankings of ownership costs for compact cars and SUVs.

The winner in the compact car segment was the Toyota Corolla, with a total 5 year ownership cost of $32,811 - nearly $1,500 less expensive than the runner up.

For the compact SUV segment, the Hyundai Tucson achieved the number one ranking.

5 Year Ownership Costs: Compact Cars

Rank	Model	Five-Year Total Cost of Ownership
1	Toyota Corolla	$32,811
2	Hyundai Elantra	$34,123
3	Chevrolet Cruze	$34,705
4	Honda Civic	$36,344
5	Ford Focus	$36,591
6	Volkswagen Jetta	$36,865

5 Year Ownership Costs: Compact SUVs

Rank	Model	Five-Year Total Cost of Ownership
1	Hyundai Tucson	$38,735
2	Honda CR-V	$40,515
3	Nissan Rogue	$41,050
4	Toyota RAV4	$42,004

Consumer Reports Releases 2011 Car Reliability Survey

2011-11-03T00:00:00-05:00

Consumer Reports Releases 2011 Car Reliability Survey

November 3, 2011

Consumer Reports has just released the results from their 2011 Annual Car Reliability Survey.

Ford took a beating, dropping from 10th to 20th place mainly due to problems with their MyFord Touch system and dual-clutch transmissions.

Chrysler was the big surprise, improving their rankings considerably thanks to the Chrysler 200, Dodge Durango, and Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Consumer Reports gets their data from surveys submitted by 1.3 million vehicle owners who subscribe to the magazine.

It is the largest consumer survey of vehicle owners, but some industry analyst claim the data can be biased and unfair.

Case in point: many of the Ford reliability issues came about from problems experienced with the MyFord Touch system - not related to driving dynamics or mechanical issues.

Below is a list of the best and worst vehicles by brand based on predicted reliability. Models with an asterisk (“*”) are based on data for one model year only.

Make	Worst model	Best model
Scion	xB	xD
Lexus	IS Convertible*	CT 200h*
Acura	TSX	TL (FWD)
Mazda	CX-9	MX-5 Miata
Honda	Odyssey*	CR-Z*
Toyota	Sienna (AWD)*	Highlander (4-cyl.)
Infiniti	G Convertible	QX56*
Subaru	Tribeca*	Forester (non-turbo)
Nissan	Z	Titan*
Volvo	XC90*	C70*
Hyundai	Santa Fe (V6)	Elantra Wagon
Kia	Sedona	Optima*
Jeep	Wrangler (4-door)	Patriot
Lincoln	MKX (FWD)*	MKZ Hybrid*
Chrysler	Town & Country	200*
Volkswagen	Routan	Golf TDI
Chevrolet	Silverado 2500*	Volt*
Mercedes-Benz	GL-Class	C-Class (RWD)
BMW	550i*	X3*
Ford	Edge (AWD)*	Fusion Hybrid
Dodge	Ram 2500 (turbodiesel)	Caliber
GMC	Sierra 2500*	Sierra 1500 (V6, 2WD)
Mini	Cooper Clubman S	Cooper Hatchback
Buick	LaCrosse (AWD)*	Enclave (FWD)
Cadillac	Escalade*	CTS (V6, RWD)
Audi	Q5 (V6)	A4 (4-cyl.)
Porsche	Cayenne*	911*
Jaguar	XF	XJ*

*Based on one model year; redesigned or introduced for 2011

Hyundai Offering Lease Deals as Low as $169/month

2011-11-03T00:00:00-05:00

Hyundai Offering Lease Deals as Low as $169/month

November 3, 2011

Hyundai has been offering attractive incentives for the past few months, and this month is no exception.

They just announced new incentives good through the end of November, and the deals are still incredible - especially considering the popularity of the vehicles.

Hyundai doesn't really need to offer such large incentives, but they're focused on grabbing market share and their plan is working perfectly.

They're currently offering special lease deals on nearly all models - some starting as low as $169/month.

In addition, they're offering up to $1,500 in bonuses if you currently own a Hyundai or a competing vehicle (again, trying to take away market share!)

Here are some of the highlights:

2012 Hyundai Accent - Lease $169/month for 36 months, $1,530 down
2011 Hyundai Azera - $1,500 bonus if you currently own a Hyundai
2012 Hyundai Elantra - Lease $179/month for 36 months, $1,820 down
2012 Hyundai Equus - Lease $739/month for 36 months, $4,260 down
2012 Hyundai Genesis - Lease $399/month for 36 months, $3,499 down

If you're seriously considering purchasing a Hyundai this month, Click Here to get real-time pricing and all the current incentives in your local area.

Honda Announces Year End Incentives

2011-11-03T00:00:00-05:00

Honda Announces Year End Incentives

November 3, 2011

Honda has had a rough few months. While most other manufacturers managed to increase sales this year, Honda has lost a ton of market share and they need to make up for it quick!

The car maker announced new incentives this week that are good through the end of the year.

While their offerings are attractive, it's not exactly the incentives war that many analysts have been expecting.

Honda is mainly offering $0 down lease deals on most of their models - not much different than what they've been offering for the past couple of months.

It's possible they may provide bigger discounts next month, but it would be unusual since they already have expiration dates set that are good through the end of December.

Honda suffered a big setback in production due to the recent flooding in Thailand, where they have factories. This may explain why the incentives were not as large as expected.

Here are the current Honda lease deals. They are all 36 months, with $0 down, $0 security deposit, and $0 first month's payment. Good thru January 3, 2012.

2011 Honda Accord Coupe EX - Lease for $310/month with $0 down
2011 Honda Accord Sedan LX - Lease for $260/month with $0 down
2012 Honda Civic Sedan LX - Lease for $230/month with $0 down
2012 Honda Crosstour EX - Lease for $340/month with $0 down
2011 Honda CR-V LX - Lease for $270/month with $0 down
2012 Honda Odyssey LX - Lease for $350/month with $0 down
2012 Honda Pilot LX - Lease for $340/month with $0 down

If you're seriously considering purchasing a Honda this month, Click Here to get real-time pricing and all the current incentives in your local area.

New Cars With the Biggest Discounts Right Now

2011-10-27T00:00:00-05:00

New Cars With the Biggest Discounts Right Now

October 27, 2011

We scoured the country looking for the biggest discounts available on brand new vehicles.

Turns out Nissan, Ford, and Mazda are offering the biggest discounts off MSRP right now.

For 2012 models, aggressive negotiators can get up to 24% off the MSRP. That's incredible considering we're not even into the 2012 calendar year yet.

If you're looking at leftover 2011 models, the deals are even more incredible, with some cars discounted 33% off MSRP.

All deals include local incentives and were completed during the past 30 days.

Best Car Deals: 2012 Models

Vehicle	MSRP	Savings	% Savings off MSRP
2012 Mitsubishi Galant	$22,600	$5,000	24%
2012 Ford Escape	$22,000	$3,600	17%
2012 Nissan Maxima	$32,500	$5,400	17%
2012 Mazda Mazda6	$21,000	$3,500	17%
2012 Ford Fusion	$20,600	$3,200	16%
2012 Chevrolet Impala	$26,500	$4,300	16%
2012 Ford Flex	$30,200	$5,000	16%
2012 Nissan Altima	$25,000	$3,700	16%
2012 Nissan Sentra	$16,800	$2,500	15%
2012 GMC Sierra 1500	$22,900	$3,400	15%

Best Car Deals: 2011 Models

Vehicle	MSRP	Savings	% Savings off MSRP
2011 Ram Dakota	$23,900	$8,000	33%
2011 Nissan Titan	$28,300	$8,100	29%
2011 Cadillac STS	$48,100	$13,100	27%
2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500	$22,200	$6,000	27%
2011 Dodge Avenger	$20,000	$5,300	27%
2011 Mitsubishi Galant	$22,400	$6,000	27%
2011 Mazda Mazda6	$20,700	$5,300	26%
2011 Mitsubishi Endeavor	$29,100	$7,200	25%
2011 Nissan Frontier	$19,000	$4,700	25%
2011 Chrysler 200	$20,000	$4,800	24%
2011 Nissan Armada	$39,500	$9,500	24%
2011 Nissan Murano	$30,100	$7,100	24%
2011 Nissan Maxima	$32,500	$7,500	23%
2011 Chevrolet Malibu	$23,700	$5,200	22%

If you're looking for help negotiating with a dealer, CarWoo is a service we highly recommend you try.

Otherwise, make sure you follow our step-by-step car negotiation method to land these types of deals yourself.

Top 5 Best-Selling Family Sedans

2011-10-27T00:00:00-05:00

Top 5 Best-Selling Family Sedans

October 27, 2011

Sometimes when you're not sure which car you should purchase, it's useful to see what others consider to be the best vehicles.

There's no better way to judge this than by looking at the actual sales numbers.

This week, we take a look at the top 5 best selling family sedans from last month. If you're shopping this segment, you should take the time to test drive all 5 of these vehicles.

The most recent addition to this exclusive club is the Hyundai Sonata. The only other noteworthy position is the Honda Accord which is no longer either first nor even a close second, but is fighting to stay ahead of its Korean-brand rival.

As the largest single segment in America by sales volume, this is one hotly contested arena. Just about every brand has an entry and this is almost always where each manufacturer has its best selling passenger car.

1. With 24,851 units, Toyota's Camry has the top spot, mainly due to sales of their redesigned 2012 model.

2. Barely edged out by less than 2%, the Nissan Altima's 24,356 sales were accomplished without the help of any significant new model changes, a noteworthy feat.

3. Our first and only domestic-brand model on the list comes in the form of the Ford Fusion with 19,510 sales.

4. Suffering a sales decline of 13.8% from last year, the Honda Accord moves down two places with its 18,639 units.

5. While the Hyundai Sonata made a strong showing with 18,639 units sold, it shares a platform with the Kia Optima which had more than six thousands sales of its own.

Nissan Offering Large Cash and Lease Deals

2011-10-27T00:00:00-05:00

Nissan Offering Large Cash and Lease Deals

October 27, 2011

There's a big push to increase sales numbers at Nissan, which means extra cash and lease incentives until the end of this month.

For those with good credit, interest rates can be had for as low as 0% for most 2011 models.

Rates of 1.9% and 2.9% are available for some 2012 models.

Recent college graduates can get an extra $500 cash incentive while everyone else gets cash rebates in lieu of the special finance rate.

Summary of the Deals:

Model	Financing	Rebate
2011 Titan	N/A	Up to $5,250 (depending upon trim level)
2012 Sentra	0% for 36 months	$500 (in addition to 0%)
2011 Murano	0% for 60 months	$2,500
2012 Frontier	0.9% for 26 months	$2,000
2011 Versa	0% for 36 months	N/A

Lease Deals (12,000 miles annually):

Model	Payment	Term	Due At Signing
2012 Altima	$179/month	24 months	$2,999
2012 Sentra 2.0 SR	$169/month	39 months	$1,999
2012 Maxima	$309/month	39 months	$2,999
2011 Frontier	$229/month	39 months	$2,499
2012 Altima Coupe	$249/month	39 months	$2,999

Next Step: Enter your zip code to get real-time incentives and prices for Nissan models in your local area

Car Buyers Being Tricked by Lower Sticker Prices

2011-10-27T00:00:00-05:00

Car Buyers Being Tricked by Lower Sticker Prices

October 27, 2011

Automakers are starting to confuse car buyers by making it seem like their new vehicles are cheaper than last year's models.

In recent months, a number of cars have come with much lower base MSRP prices for 2012 compared to 2011, notes USA Today.

To create the lower prices, however, companies are removing standard features.

A prime example is the 2012 Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet. Down a whopping $1,850 compared to the 2011 base model. The catch? GPS Navigation is no longer a standard feature.

Chevrolet made a similar decision with the Volt, dropping the base price about a thousand dollars. To accomplish that, however, the company removed not only navigation from the standard equipment list, but also the Bose Stereo and other smaller items.

Automakers know that the vast majority of car buyers DO NOT buy the base model. In fact, it can sometimes be very difficult to even find bare-bone base models on dealer lots.

By removing standard features from the base model, car companies can advertise much lower starting prices, even though they're unrealistic for the vast majority of consumers.

Essentially, the idea is: When comparing prices between model years, be sure you're looking at equivalent equipment levels rather than just the price.

The Largest Hidden Incentives for October

2011-10-20T00:00:00-05:00

The Largest Hidden Incentives for October

October 20, 2011

When vehicles aren't selling well, manufacturers will offer incentives to help move them off the lots.

Cash back rebates are common, but not all manufacturers like to use them. Instead, some prefer giving dealers hidden incentives so that the vehicles aren't perceived as being discounted.

The dealers will use some or all of the money to discount the purchase price of the vehicle.

These kickbacks are not advertised, but aggressive negotiators should have no problem taking advantage of them. (Just make sure to use our car negotiation guide)

Here are the largest hidden incentives available for the month of October. We've also included additional incentives available for each car.

Vehicle	Hidden Incentive	Other Incentives
2011 Cadillac STS	$9,000	$500 bonus cash
2011 Cadillac DTS	$7,000	$500 bonus cash
2011 Saab 9-3	$5,000	$2,000 loyalty bonus
2011 Saab 9-5	$5,000	$2,000 loyalty bonus
2011 BMW Z4	$4,500	$1,000 loyalty bonus
2011 Chevrolet Impala	$4,500	$4,000 cash back
2011 Dodge Dakota	$4,500	$1,000 conquest cash
2011 Cadillac Escalade	$4,000	$500 bonus cash
2012 Chevrolet Impala	$4,000	$3,500 cash back
2011 BMW 5-Series GT	$3,500	$1,000 loyalty cash
2011 Acura ZDX	$3,000
2011 Audi S6	$3,000	$3,000 loyalty cash
2011 Range Rover	$3,000
2011 Lexus LS 460	$3,000	$750 veteran discount
2011 Audi A6	$2,500	$3,000 loyalty cash
2011 Mazda Mazda6	$2,500	$500 loyalty cash
2011 Toyota Tundra	$2,500	$4,000 cash back

Best and Worst Cars to Negotiate in October

2011-10-20T00:00:00-05:00

Best and Worst Cars to Negotiate in October

October 20, 2011

Sometimes a good car just might be a lousy deal. And if you take a car that's been overlooked, it could be a terrific buy.

Now that the overwhelming majority of cars are pretty reliable and safe, hunting for the best deal can becoming more important than ever.

Here is a list of cars that offer you the best and the worst opportunity to negotiate a good deal.

Each pick is based on a variety of factors, the most important point being how long it takes a dealer to sell that model.

The longer a particular vehicle sits on the dealership lot, the more likely bigger discounts will be accepted.

Not surprisingly, the list of best cars to negotiate are all leftover 2011 models, so you might have to hurry a little to ride this particular discount train.

Or you could just wait for those newer models to sit around and age a bit.

Worst Cars to Negotiate in October

1. 2012 Toyota Camry

2. 2012 Hyundai Veloster

3. 2012 Subaru Outback

4. 2012 Honda Odyssey

5. 2012 Lexus RX 350

6. 2012 Mercedes Benz ML350

7. 2012 Mini Cooper Countryman

8. 2012 Toyota Sienna

9. 2012 Honda Pilot

10. 2012 Hyundai Elantra

11. 2012 Kia Soul

12. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C250 sedan

13. 2012 Scion tC

14. 2012 Nissan Versa sedan

15. 2012 Honda Accord sedan

16. 2012 Honda Fit

17. 2012 Hyundai Accent hatchback

18. 2012 Mini Cooper hatchback

19. 2012 Volkswagen Passat

Best Cars to Negotiate in October

1. 2011 Jaguar XKR

2. 2011 Hyundai Azera

3. 2011 Jaguar XKR convertible

4. 2011 Saab 9-3 wagon

5. 2011 Toyota Yaris sedan

6. 2011 Lexus GS 450h

7. 2011 Saab 9-5

8. 2011 Saab 9-3 convertible

9. 2011 Volvo S40

10. 2011 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid

11. 2011 Mazda6

12. 2011 Suzuki Equator extended cab

13. 2011 Ram 1500

14. 2011 BMW 550i xDrive Gran Turismo

15. 2011 Cadillac CTS sedan

Special Lease Deal On 2012 Volkswagen Passat

2011-10-20T00:00:00-05:00

Special Lease Deal On 2012 Volkswagen Passat

October 20, 2011

Volkswagen is rolling out a lot of "new" with the 2012 Passat.

This is a completely revised new model.

It’s the first vehicle to be built in the company’s brand spanking new factory in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

And, the company is offering a surprisingly good new lease deal on this car.

This is the first Volkswagen to be assembled in the company’s own U.S. factory since the company shut down its Westmoreland, Pennsylvania, plant in 1988.

Rated "excellent" by leaseguide.com, the deal requires a down payment of $1,780, with a monthly payment of $219 for 36 months, with an allowance of 36,000 miles.

This applies only to the Passat 2.5L S with automatic transmission and the Appearance Package.

While that car is towards the lower end of the Passat range, VW is also offering a low interest loan on purchases for its entire Passat lineup.

If you have excellent credit, you could qualify for a 1.9% loan with no down payment.

10 Cars Offering 0% Financing Deals

2011-10-20T00:00:00-05:00

10 Cars Offering 0% Financing Deals

October 20, 2011

If you're looking to purchase a new car, anyone who is NOT a cash buyer is seeking the best loan rate.

It’s impossible to do better than zero percent interest.

For October, there are 10 cars from seven brands offering a special loan rate of 0% APR for up to 60 months.

Before grabbing one of these deals, you should first find out two things:

1) Whether your credit rating will qualify you for this deal (Check your credit score here).

2) What interest rate you can get on your own.

While a 5 year, 0% loan is worth quite a bit, you should determine how much interest you would pay on an alternative loan and see if you can work out a discount greater than that amount.

Model	MSRP	Loan Term	Payment
2011 Toyota Camry LE	$23,000	60 months	$383.33
2011 Nissan Maxima	$32,000	60 months	$533.33
2011 Nissan Murano FWD S	$29,500	60 months	$491.66
2011 Mazda 2 4-Door Hatch	$14,100	60 months	$235.00
2011 Chrysler Town & Country Limited	$39,825	60 months	$663.75
2011 Chrysler 300C RWD	$38,170	60 months	$636.16
2011 Dodge Nitro R/T	$24,545	60 months	$409.00
2011 Chevrolet Malibu 1LS	$22,000	60 months	$366.67
2011 Chevrolet HHR 1LS	$18,720	60 months	$312.00
2011 Mazda CX-7 FWD	$22,000	60 months	$367.00

Great Lease Deals on 2011 and 2012 Hyundai Models

2011-10-13T00:00:00-05:00

Great Lease Deals on 2011 and 2012 Hyundai Models

October 13, 2011

Hyundai is looking to move both leftover 2011 and newer 2012 models out the door by offering some great lease deals this month.

While the 2011 leases are priced lower - as would be expected - the differences may be small enough to seriously consider the 2012 models.

All of these deals are for the same term, 36 months and 36,000 miles. The deals are due to expire at the end of the month.

Happy Halloween!

Model	Payment	Due at Signing
2012 Hyundai Elantra GLS	$179	$1999
2012 Hyundai Accent GLS	$169	$1699
2011 Hyundai Elantra 1.8 GLS	$169	$1699
2012 Hyundai Sonata 2.4 GLS	$199	$2599
2011 Hyundai Sonata 2.4 GLS	$199	$2399
2012 Hyundai Veloster 1.6L GDI	$179	$1999
2012 Hyundai Veracruz	$299	$3199
2011 Hyundai Veracruz	$299	$2699
2011 Hyundai Genesis Sedan	$399	$1500
2012 Hyundai Elantra Touring GLS	$199	$2199
2011 Hyundai Elantra Touring GLS	$199	$1999
2011 Hyundai Equus Signature	$739	$2999
2012 Hyundai Genesis Sedan 3.8L V6	$399	$3499
2012 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2.0	$259	$2999
2011 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2.0	$259	$2699
2012 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS	$269	$2999
2011 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS	$269	$2699
2012 Hyundai Tucson 2.4 GLS FWD	$259	$2699
2011 Hyundai Tucson 2.4 GLS FWD	$259	$2499

Hybrid Sedans Take At Least 6 Years to Pay Off

2011-10-13T00:00:00-05:00

Hybrid Sedans Take At Least 6 Years to Pay Off

October 13, 2011

Bottom line: Are hybrids worth the money?

There are too many variables to answer that question simply, outnumbered only by the methods of determining the answer.

Cars.com's Kicking Tires blog takes the most direct approach when it comes to fuel savings.

In an effort to make comparisons as fair as possible, Kicking Tires put each hybrid up against its non-hybrid counterpart with equipment as similar as possible.

Automakers go to great lengths to make such comparison shopping difficult by eliminating availability of the exact same array of options and features on both models.

The comparison was made assuming a gas price of $3.67 per gallon - the current national average. If prices are higher in your area - or you expect a significant rise in prices during ownership of the vehicle - the hybrid's payoff may come considerably sooner. This would also vary quite a bit depending upon how many miles you drive annually.

Which hybrid is the best deal compared to its non-hybrid counterpart?

The Kia Optima and Toyota Camry win this one with six years before the higher initial cost is justified in fuel savings. The Ford Fusion comes in at eight years while the Hyundai Sonata (which shares its platform with the Optima) requires ten years.

They also threw in the diesel version of the Volkswagen Passat for comparison, with its 10-year payoff.

These numbers do not take into account things like re-sale value. A numbers-based comparison also cannot account for the intrinsic value you might, or might not, get from owning the hybrid.

Top 10 Best Deals on Leftover 2011 Models

2011-10-13T00:00:00-05:00

Top 10 Best Deals on Leftover 2011 Models

October 13, 2011

With the model year changeover in full effect, if you're serious about getting a good deal, now is the time to start looking.

The experts at CarDirect.com have put together a list of their top 10 choices based on a combination of price and value.

The list includes vehicles from BMW, Chevy, Ford, Honda, Nissan, Mercedes-Benz and two each from Jeep and Toyota.

These are all leftover 2011 models, which means the deals will be gone as soon as dealers can get rid of these models. Among them are five passenger cars, four SUVs and a minivan.

2011 BMW 3-Series
With a redesigned 2012 expected soon, there is an average 13% off MSRP on the current 2011 edition.
2011 Chevrolet Malibu
With discounts of $4,000 below MSRP, this is among the most affordable family sedans.
2011 Ford Flex
The 2012 model is already on the lot so old iron needs discounts to move it on out.
2011 Honda Pilot
Redesigned 2012s are already here so prices are slashed on remaining 2011 stock.
2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Almost sold out and the 2012 model is here, but the 2011s are about 10% cheaper.
2011 Jeep Liberty
Look for discounts of about $4,000 below MSRP.
2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
A redesigned 2012 will be here soon and there are too many 2011 models still on the lot.
2011 Nissan Altima
Both model years are available, while Nissan is putting out incentives to reach sales goals.
2011 Toyota Camry
The redesigned 2012 is here, but there remains an ample supply of leftover models.
2011 Toyota Sienna
With a recent redesign, there are plenty on hand that should soon gain incentives as the 2012 models arrive.

Top 32 Car Lease Deals for October

2011-10-13T00:00:00-05:00

Top 32 Car Lease Deals for October

October 13, 2011

Monthly Car Lease has released their picks for the top 32 car lease deals for October with the 2011 Toyota RAV4 on top of the list once again.

The list takes into account the MSRP of each vehicle and compares it to the overall monthly lease payment (including down payment). These are essentially the best bang-for-your-buck lease deals available this month.

Honda appears three times on the list partially by virtue of offering deals with no money down and skipping the first month's payment, giving you a car for 36 months while paying for only 35.

The chart lists cars ranging in MSRP from $17,265 for a Volkswagen Jetta S to $60,074 for an Infiniti M56.

#	Model	Monthly	Down Payment	Term (months)
1	2011 Toyota RAV4	$199	$1,965	36
2	2012 Honda CrossTour V6 EX FWD	$330	$0	36
3	2012 Honda Accord Sedan LX	$250	$0	36
4	2011 G25 Journey RWD	$319	$2,380	39
5	2011 Nissan Altima Sedan	$179	$1,820	24
6	2011 Mazda3 i Sport Sedan	$199	-$199	48
7	2011 G37 Sedan	$379	$2,120	39
8	2011 Acura TSX	$299	$1,700	36
9	2011 BMW 335i xDrive Sedan	$459	$3,725	36
10	2012 Volkswagen Passat 2.5L S	$219	$1,780	36
11	2011 Nissan Maxima S	$309	$2,690	39
12	2011 Honda CR-V 2WD LX	$270	$0	36
13	2011 BMW 328i Coupe	$379	$3,235	36
14	2011 Nissan Rogue S AWD	$209	$2,790	39
15	2011 BMW 328i Sedan	$359	$3,225	36
16	2012 Mercedes C300 Sport Sedan	$349	$3,660	36
17	2012 Volkswagen CC	$289	$2,710	36
18	2011 Acura TL	$379	$2,120	36
19	2012 Mercedes C250 Coupe	$399	$3,445	36
20	2011 Toyota Corolla LE	$169	$3,170	36
21	2011 Acura RDX	$369	$2,130	36
22	2011 Subaru Impreza	$199	$999	42
23	2012 MAZDA6 i Sport Sedan	$229	$1,574	36
24	2011 Toyota Camrey LE	$229	$2,885	36
25	2012 Volkswagen Jetta S	$179	$1,820	36
26	2012 Mazda3 i Sport Sedan	$195	$1,516	36
27	2012 Audi A4 2.0T quattro Premium	$449	$1,745	36
28	2012 Infiniti M56 Sedan	$769	$2,230	39
29	2011 Subaru Impreza WRX	$319	$1,699	42
30	2011 Subaru Outback	$299	$1,600	42
31	2012 Audi Q5 2.0T Premium	$499	$2,700	36
32	2012 Audi A6 3.0T quattro Premium Plus	$699	$4,394	36

Honda Announces New Incentives for October

2011-10-06T00:00:00-05:00

Honda Announces New Incentives for October

October 6, 2011

Honda sales are suffering in 2011, down 6.2% compared to last year. September was a particularly challenging month with a drop of 8.2%.

While that is tough news for the automaker, it brings opportunity to new car buyers who have an eye toward Honda.

Honda recently announced an array of new incentives for those who plan to lease or purchase a wide assortment of the company's vehicles.

If you're looking for something small and fuel efficient, you can buy the 2011 Honda Fit with an APR (annual percentage rate) of 0.9% for 24 to 36 months, or 1.9% for up to 60 months.

Or you can get a 36-month lease on a 2012 Civic Sedan LX automatic, paying $179 per month with $2,599 due at signing.

Honda is also offering a trio of 3-year lease deals with no down payment and no payment for the first month:

Model	Payment/Term	Due at Signing
2012 Honda Crosstour 2WD V-6	$330/35 months	$0
2012 Honda Odyssey LX	$360/35 months	$0
2011 Honda CR-V 2WD LX	$270/35 months	$0

Other low interest loans are available on the 2011 Accord Coupe, 2011 Accord Sedan, 2011 Accord Crosstour and 2011 Pilot.

These vehicles are all available with 0.9% financing for 24 to 36 months or 1.9% for 37 to 60 months.

Top 10 Cheapest Cars to Insure Right Now

2011-10-06T00:00:00-05:00

Top 10 Cheapest Cars to Insure Right Now

October 6, 2011

When figuring out the overall cost of owning a vehicle, the initial price is just one piece of a big puzzle.

Of course, things like fuel economy come into play. But one all-too-often forgotten factor is the cost of car insurance.

There are many things that impact your cost of insurance, including your age, driving history and where you live.

There's not much you can do about your age and existing history, and few people are ready to just up and move in order to save on insurance premiums.

But by choosing one car versus another, you could save hundreds of dollars annually.

That could make as much or more difference that getting that extra 2, 3 or 5 miles per gallon.

CarsDirect recently put together a list of the "Top 10 Cheapest Cars to Insure."

While this particular list applies specifically to a 40-year-old male with good credit and driving record, most people will still likely find these to be among the most affordable vehicles to own when it comes to dealing with insurance.

For those with a poor driving history, the difference between vehicles can become even more dramatic.

It's well worth the time to compare rates before making a final decision on which car to buy.

Compare Lowest Insurance Rates in Your State

Model	Annual Premium	Base Price
1. 2011 Chrysler Town & Country	$1,091.80	$30,260
2. 2011 Toyota Sienna (base)	$1,100.66	$25,060
3. 2011 Toyota Sienna LE	$1,107.70	$26,145
4. 2011 Honda Odyssey LX	$1,114.62	$28,075
5. 2011 Nissan Murano SL	$1,127.89	$36,400
6. 2011 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sport	$1,131.27	$25,545
7. 2011 Honda Odyssey EX	$1,138.16	$31,225
8. 2011 Toyota Sienna V6	$1,142.94	$26,300
9. 2011 Ford Escape XLS	$1,150.26	$21,240
10. 2011 Toyota Highlander	$1,154.02	$28,900

Acura Offering Lease Deals on Leftover Models

2011-10-06T00:00:00-05:00

Acura Offering Lease Deals on Leftover Models

October 6, 2011

Having finished a tough month with September sales down 6.6% from a year ago, Acura is beginning October with special lease deals in an effort to reduce left-over 2011 inventory.

One of the best features of Acura's latest round of lease deals is a choice between lower monthly payments or no money up front.

All of the leases are identical in two respects: They run for 36 months and allow 30,000 miles.

While renewal of these lease deals is always possible, Acura has currently set the expiration date to October 31st.

Not every trim level is covered and, so far, there are no special deals for Acura's midsize sedan, the TL nor the RL luxury sedan.

The table below shows the rates offered for two trim levels each of the other four models in the Acura lineup.

2011 Acura Model	Monthly Payment	Due at Signing
MDX	$499	$2,999
MDX	$560	$0
MDX w/Technology Package	$549	$3,499
MDX w/Technology Package	$630	$0
RDX	$369	$2,499
RDX	$430	$0
RDX w/Technology Package	$399	$2,899
RDX w/Technology)	$470	$0
TSX (2.4L 4cyl)	$299	$1,999
TSX (2.4L 4cyl)	$350	$0
TSX (3.5L 6cyl)	$399	$2,499
TSX (3.5L 6cyl)	$460	$0
ZDX w/Advance Package	$619	$3,499
ZDX w/Advance Package	$700	$0
ZDX w/Technology Package	$499	$2,999
ZDX w/Technology Package	$570	$0

Best Deals on Used Family Sedans

2011-10-06T00:00:00-05:00

Best Deals on Used Family Sedans

October 6, 2011

When it comes to bang for your buck, few vehicles offer as much for the money as a late model used car.

Because they are extremely practical and sold in very high volume, the mid-size family sedan offers the best bargains.

With its eye towards "value" and everything that word implies, Consumer Reports recently named a dozen cars in its list of "Best Deals on Used Family Sedans".

Because of the slow-down in new car sales, used cars are in shorter supply and prices have been on the rise.

While this makes them somewhat less of a bargain than they used to be, Consumer Reports still finds them affordable and we have to agree.

Its list of best used sedans includes those it finds reliable while being able to perform well in government and industry crash tests.

The table below shows how the publication placed the vehicles in order of the lowest price you may negotiate when buying from a dealer:

Vehicle	Mileage	MSRP (new)	Current Price	Price Drop
2006 Mazda6 s	75,000	$23,610	$10,525	55%
2006 Nissan Altima SL	75,000	$27,400	$12,525	54%
2006 Mercury Milan	75,000	$21,345	$9,950	53%
2006 Toyota Camry XLE	75,000	$25,805	$13,425	48%
2007 Honda Accord LX	47,000	$25,200	$14,250	43%
2007 Ford Fusion SEL	47,000	$24,020	$13,825	42%
2007 Toyota Camry XLE	47,000	$28,020	$16,975	39%
2008 Mazda6 s	36,000	$23,310	$15,425	34%
2008 Ford Fusion SE	36,000	$21,810	$14,725	32%
2008 Nissan Altima SL	36,000	$28,280	$19,600	31%
2008 Toyota Camry LE	36,000	$21,075	$15,400	27%
2008 Honda Accord EX	36,000	$25,860	$19,675	24%

Subaru Offering Lease Deals on All Models

2011-09-29T00:00:00-05:00

Subaru Offering Lease Deals on All Models

September 29, 2011

While most brands offer some great deals to move slow-selling models, Subaru is offering notable lease deals on its entire 2011 line-up!

This means you won't have to work hard to get a bargain - as long as you want a Subaru.

All leftover models and trim levels are currently available at special lease rates.

Although these are not necessarily the cheapest rates around, they are worth looking into - particularly if you are seeking a shorter-term lease plan of 36 months or less.

By leasing for no more than three years, you will keep your term of ownership within the warranty period and not have to worry about out-of-pocket repairs.

Examples of some of the rates you can find include a 2011 Subaru Outback 2.5i AWD four-door Wagon for $309 per month for 36 months or $448 per month for 24 months.

A down payment of $1,700 is required with an allowance for 10,000 miles per year.

Some other deals include:

2011 Subaru Impreza - $199/month with $1,198 down
2011 Subaru Legacy - $219/month with $1,518 down
2011 Subaru Forester - $249/month with $1,949 down
2011 Subaru Tribeca - $379/month with $3,289 down

Used Car Prices Keep Increasing

2011-09-29T00:00:00-05:00

Used Car Prices Keep Increasing

September 29, 2011

Having trouble finding a good late-model used car? You're not alone!

Blame the slow-down in sales of new cars.

As a result, it will be difficult to find a good bargain for a while.

The dearth of sales at new car dealers means there are fewer trade-ins, notes Consumer Reports. This creates a lack of available late-model used cars for two reasons:

1) There are simply fewer people trading in their cars for new car dealers to re-sell.

2) People are keeping their cars longer so by the time they finally hit the used market, they are much older and in worse condition.

With a short supply of high quality used cars out there, prices have been rising steadily.

However, notes Consumer Reports, "Late-model vehicles are still among the best values you'll find".

It's just going to be more challenging finding the right car at the right price.

On the flip-side, if you have a late model used car that you're looking to trade in for a new car, then you have gold on your hands.

You should negotiate agressively with dealers because demand for late-model used cars is astronomical right now.

Current Lease Deals Under $200 Per Month

2011-09-28T00:00:00-05:00

Current Lease Deals Under $200 Per Month

Septeber 28, 2011

Finding a bargain on a lease can allow you to drive a new car without the high cost.

There are numerous deals out there that will set you back less than $200 per month - after an initial outlay somewhere in the $2,000 neighborhood.

From the smallest car on the U.S. market to a full-size pickup truck, it's possible to stay in this budget arena.

You can find payments below $200 on the following cars right now:

2012 Hyundai Accent ($169/month, 36 months, $1699 at signing)
2012 Hyundai Elantra ($179/month, 36 months, $1999 at signing)
2012 Nissan Versa ($179/month, 36 months, $1999 at signing)
2012 Chevrolet Cruze ($169/month, 39 months, $2079 at signing)
2012 Nissan Sentra ($189/month, 39 months, $1999 at signing).

By raising your down payment, you can get a mid-size Nissan Altima for a shorter term ($179/month 24 months, $2999 at signing).

There are also some leftover 2011 models at similar rates, including the tiny 2011 Smart ForTwo Passion Coupe ($179/month, 24 months, $2033 at signing) or, at the other end of the scale, a 2011 Chevrolet Silverado ($189/month, 39 months, $2039 at signing).

The 2011 Volkswagen Jetta is also offering a great deal ($179/month, 36 months, $2199 at signing).

The Largest Rebates on Trucks and SUVs Right Now

2011-09-29T00:00:00-05:00

The Largest Rebates on Trucks and SUVs Right Now

September 29, 2011

With winter just ahead, thoughts turn to snow, slush and mud.

When it comes to dealing with the road hazards of the cold and wet, few vehicles deal with Mother Nature as well as trucks and SUVs.

Last year many Americans suffered one of the worst winters on record, giving Edmunds.com more reason than ever to focus on these vehicles in their recent September Deals of the Month.

Taking a look at the incentives automakers are offering, some of the best deals are on the biggest vehicles.

Dodge is putting $4,500 worth of cash on the hood of the 2011 Dakota pickup while Nissan is nearly matching that number with $4,250 on the 2011 Titan.

If you want financing instead of cash, 0% APR deals are available on the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado and Suzuki Equator.

Similar 0% deals are available on the 2011 Chevrolet Tahoe, 2011 Jeep Wrangler and 2011 Mazda CX-7.

If you are looking for a luxury brand, the 2011 Acura RDX can be had on a "zero down" lease starting at $430 per month.

Mercedes-Benz is even in the game, starting off it’s 2012 GLK model with a 1.9% financing deal.

If you're shopping for a new truck or SUV, you're in luck. They're not selling as well as manufacturers hoped and as we close the year, the deals should get even better.

The Best Family Sedan for the Money

2011-09-22T00:00:00-05:00

The Best Family Sedan for the Money

September 22, 2011

The midsize family sedan is the most competitive segment in the automotive market.

There are over 20 moderately priced models available for sale right now, including the 2012 Toyota Camry, 2012 Volkswagen Passat, and 2012 Hyundai Sonata.

The folks over at KickingTires did some intense research this past week to determine which family sedan provides the best bang for your money.

They equipped each sedan with the options most drivers prefer, which include:

Automatic transmission
Automatic headlights
Alarm system
Bluetooth connectivity
Remote keyless entry
Auxiliary jack for portable music players
Steering-wheel-mounted audio controls
Tilt/telescoping steering wheel
Cruise control

They then factored what it would cost for 2 years worth of gas at $3.67 per gallon for 30,000 miles.

And here was the outcome:

The 2012 Hyundai Sonata was ranked the most affordable family sedan for the money, beating the average by over $2,000.

The runners up were the 2012 Chrysler 200 and 2011 Subaru Legacy followed by the 2012 Toyota Camry.

This is a great way to see which cars actually result in the lowest overall cost when you factor in the options most buyers want.

Toyota Offers Lease Deal on 2011 Camry

2011-09-22T00:00:00-05:00

Toyota Offers Lease Deal on 2011 Camry

September 22, 2011

With the 2012 Toyota Camry arriving in dealer showrooms right now, Toyota wants to get rid of the remaining 2011 models as quickly as possible.

Nationwide, there are only about 11,000 cars left to choose from and the inventory will keep dwindling down as year-end approaches.

To move things along even quicker, Toyota is now offering lease deals on the 2011 model starting from $189 per month with $2,729 due at signing.

This is for the 2011 Camry LE model and is good through October 3, 2011.

The term is for 36 months with 12,000 miles allowed per year.

The lease deals may be structured differently depending on which area of the country you reside in, but the overall deal should be the same.

The Largest Hidden Cash Rebates Available Now

2011-09-22T00:00:00-05:00

The Largest Hidden Cash Rebates Available Now

September 22, 2011

Those of you looking for huge discounts on new cars need to pay attention to hidden dealer rebates.

These are cash-back rebates given to dealers (not consumers) by the manufacturer in order to help sell slow-moving models.

These hidden rebates are generally kept secret - as the name implies, but that doesn't stop certain dealers from leaking the information.

Consumers aren't supposed to know about these since it leads to lower transaction prices.

Dealers can use these hidden cash-back incentives any way they see fit - but usually, they will pass the rebate on to the consumer.

Keep in mind these rebates are mostly on leftover models or ones that are less-popular. The largest ones are actually on leftover 2010 models!

Many car shoppers aren't interested in these vehicles, but if YOU are, then you're in luck because you should be able to negotiate a killer deal.

Use our Car Negotiating Method to squeeze the most savings out of any deal.

Largest Overall Hidden Rebates

Vehicle	Hidden Rebate
2010 Cadillac DTS	$10,000
2010 Cadllac STS	$10,000
2010 Cadillac STS	$10,000
2010 Mercedes CL-Class	$10,000
2010 Mercedes S-Class	$10,000
2010 Audi A8	$9,700
2011 Cadillac STS	$9,000
2010 Cadillac Escalade	$8,000
2010 Audi S6	$7,000

Largest 2011 Model Hidden Rebates

Vehicle	Hidden Dealer Rebate
2011 Cadillac STS	$9,000
2011 Cadillac DTS	$7,000
2011 Mercury Grand Marquis	$5,500
2011 Saab 9-3	$5,000
2011 BMW Z4	$4,500
2011 Chevrolet Impala	$4,500
2011 Dodge Dakota	$4,500
2011 Chevrolet HHR	$4,000
2011 BMW 5-Series GT	$3,500
2011 Saab 9-5	$3,500

Largest 2012 Hidden Rebates

Vehicle	Hidden Rebate
2012 Chevrolet Impala	$4,000
2012 Chevrolet Corvette	$1,500
2012 Acura TL	$1,250
2012 Chevrolet Colorado	$1,000
2012 Chevrolet Malibu	$1,000
2012 Mazda3	$500
2012 Mazda5	$500
2012 Mazda6	$500
2012 Mazda Miata	$500

Toyota Production Back to Normal, Better Deals Soon

2011-09-15T00:00:00-05:00

Toyota Production Back to Normal, Better Deals Soon

September 15, 2011

Toyota is officially back to 100% production - finally!

The company confirmed this week that its North American plants are back to normal after nearly five months of slow production.

Toyota shoppers have been plagued by low inventory which has made it difficult to find a good deal on specific models.

The plants that are back to full production make the company's best-sellers including the Camry, RAV-4, Corolla, Highlander and Sienna.

Toyota now plans to increase production by a further 15% to replenish dealer inventories.

This is great news for Toyota shoppers who should start seeing a lot more cars to choose from by the end of the year.

Many experts are expecting Toyota and other Japanese manufacturers to introduce attractive incentives later this year to gain back lost market share.

The only bad news is that Prius production is still limited and shoppers will continue experiencing shortages until at least early next year.

Deals Begin on Leftover 2011 Models

2011-09-15T00:00:00-05:00

Deals Begin on Leftover 2011 Models

September 15, 2011

It's that time of year again when we start seeing deals on leftover models.

Around half of the 2012 models have already arrived in dealer showrooms, which means the remaining 2011 models need to sell fast to make room.

We're expecting leftover models to sell at a brisk pace this year due to inventory shortages - both new and used models are in low supply.

As always, the deals should get better as we reach the end of the year, however, you will have fewer cars to choose from and may not get the colors or options you desire.

Some popular leftover models such as the Toyota Camry may even completely sell out before we reach the end of the year.

To complicate matters, experts are anticipating an incentives war between the Japanese manufacturers sometime after October.

Manufacturers such as Toyota, Honda, and Nissan need to gain back lost market share due to the devastating earthquake, so they should be offering more attractive incentives on both leftover and the newer 2012 models.

Again, the question is whether there will be enough leftover models available when the incentives start to increase.

If you want to wait for better deals, you may be looking at a very limited choice of leftovers, yet better deals on the 2012 models.

Manufacturer	2011 Leftover Deals
BMW	Low financing rates on the 1-Series, 3-series, M3, 5-Series, Z4, X5, and X6
Buick	$3,000 cash back on Lucerne $2,000 cash back on Enclave and LaCrosse
Cadillac	$3,500 cash back on Escalade $3,000 cash back on the CTS 0% Financing on some models
Chevrolet	$4,500 cash back on Silverado 1500 $4,000 on Avalanche $3,500 on Silverado 2500HD $3,000 on Suburban, Tahoe, Corvette, and Colorado 0% financing on Impala, HHR, Corvette and Malibu
Ford	$3,000 cash back on F-150 $1,500 - $2,000 cash back on most other models $500 cash back on Fiesta 0% financing on most models
GMC	$4,500 cash back on Sierra 1500 $3,500 on Sierra 2500HD $3,000 on Yukon and Canyon $2,000 on Acadia Low financing rates on all models
Honda	Zero Down Lease Deals and Low Financing Rates
Hyundai	$1,000 cash back on Veracruz, Santa Fe 0% financing on Veracruz, Santa Fe, Accent, and Genesis sedan
Jaguar	0% financing on the XF, XJ, and XK
Lincoln	$3,000 cash back on Lincoln Town Car $2,000 cash back on Navigator Rebates as high as $1,000 on other 2011 models 0% financing on most models
Mercedes	1.9% financing on most models
Mitsubishi	$4,500 cash back on Edeavor $3,500 cash back on Galant $2,000 cash back on Eclipse Spyder 0% financing on most models
Nissan	$5,250 cash back on Titan $4,000 cash back on Altima Hybrid $3,500 cash back on Armada $3,000 cash back on Maxima, Frontier 0% financing on most models
Saab	1.9% financing on 9-3, 9-4X, and 9-5
Subaru	0.9% financing on Impreza, Legacy, Tribeca, Forester, and Outback
Suzuiki	$2,000 cash back on Equator 0% financing on most models
Toyota	$1,000 cash back on Venza, Sienna and Highlander $500 cash back on Avalon 0% financing on Camry, Corolla, Rav-4 and Avalon
Volvo	1.9% financing available on most models

The Best "Bang for Your Buck" Lease Deals

2011-09-15T00:00:00-05:00

The Best "Bang for Your Buck" Lease Deals

September 15, 2011

Those looking for a fantastic car deal with zero negotiation can't go wrong with a great sub-vented lease deal.

This is when manufacturers discount the price of the car, increase the residual value, and lower the money factor - all of which combine to create an incredible lease deal.

The best part - everything is already pre-negotiated so you don't have to haggle with a salesman.

Although, if you really want to maximize savings, some dealers may lower the capitalized cost (price of the vehicle) even below the manufacturer's pre-negotiated terms.

The following are the top 10 best "bang for your buck" lease deals currently offered.

We calculated these lease deals using our "Is it a Good Lease Deal?" method, where we determine how much you pay per $10,000 worth of vehicle.

Any lease deals that fall below $150 per $10k are usually a decent lease deal. The ones we list are all below $115!

Rank	Vehicle	MSRP	Term	Monthly Payment w $0 Down	Per $10K of MSRP
1	2011 Mazda3	$20,845	48	$214	$103
2	2012 Chevrolet Malibu	$22,755	39	$234	$103
3	2012 Honda Crosstour EX-V6	$31,150	36	$327	$105
4	2011 Infiniti G25 Sedan	$35,295	39	$380	$108
5	2011 Nissan Frontier SV	$26,530	39	$286	$108
6	2011 Toyota Camry LE	$23,660	36	$260	$110
7	2011 BMW 328i	$38,125	36	$425	$111
8	2011 Infiniti G37 Journey	$38,845	39	$433	$112
9	2011 Acura TSX	$30,495	36	$346	$114
10	2011 Toyota Corolla LE	$20,410	36	$233	$114

Keep in mind that leases are not for everyone. In general, if you like to switch cars every 3 or 4 years, have good credit, and drive less than 15,000 miles per year, then leasing is a good choice.

Read our section on Car Leasing to help you decide if it's right for you.

Honda Lease and Finance Deals for September

2011-09-15T00:00:00-05:00

Honda Lease and Finance Deals for September

September 15, 2011

After offering some of the industry's best lease deals this summer, Honda has cut back a bit in September.

Honda continues to offer their special $0-$0-$0-$0 leases, but only on 3 models: The 2012 Crosstour, Pilot and 2011 Odyssey.

These leases include zero down payment, zero due at signing, zero security fee, and zero first month's payment.

Here are the specific lease deal details:

2012 Honda Crosstour EX V6 - $330 per month lease deal
2012 Honda Pilot EX - $330 per month lease deal
2011 Honda Odyssey LX - $370 per month lease deal

In addition to these zero down lease deals, Honda is offering a special lease promotion on the following two models:

2012 Accord Sedan LX - $199/month with $1,999 due at signing.
2011 Honda CR-V LX - $219/month with $1,999 due at signing.

Honda Financing Deals

Honda is offering financing as low as 0.9% on several 2011 models and as low as 1.9% on the 2012 Civic - which hasn't sold as well as expected.

2011 Honda Fit - 0.9% financing for up to 36 months
2012 Honda Civic - 1.9% financing for up to 36 months
2011 Honda Pilot - 0.9% financing for up to 36 months
2011 Honda Accord - 0.9% financing for up to 36 months

All of these Honda incentives are available until the end of October. We have a feeling this may be the calm before the storm, as many experts are expecting an incentives war at the end of the year.

If you don't mind waiting, your best bet will probably be to wait until November and see whether the incentive war heats up then.

Lexus Increases Incentives by Over 40%

2011-09-08T00:00:00-05:00

Lexus Increases Incentives by Over 40%

September 8, 2011

Great news for Lexus shoppers - as we predicted in July, Lexus has begun increasing their incentives dramatically in an effort to gain back market share.

Lexus had been the best-selling luxury brand in the U.S. for 11 consecutive years.

With sales down over 17% this year, that's no longer the case.

BMW now holds the title of best-selling luxury brand followed closely by Mercedes-Benz.

According to Edmunds.com, Lexus increased their incentives spending a whopping 41% last month to $2,667 per unit sold. This is the biggest monthly increase by any major automotive brand in recent history.

Unfortunately for Lexus, the competition isn't just sitting idly by. Mercedes is offering a $4,000 incentive to luxury car owners if they switch from a competing brand into a Mercedes E-Class or M-Class.

Lexus has four months to gain back some market share and build momentum for 2012.

Their pain is your gain, so now is a great time to be shopping for a new Lexus. We expect incentives to remain high for the remainder of the year.

Buick's First Compact Model Priced at $23,470

2011-07-14T00:00:00-05:00

Buick's First Compact Model Priced at $23,470

July 14, 2011

More car shoppers these days are purchasing compact models and even luxury manufacturers are keeping up with the trend by offering all-new cars for this segment.

Case in point is the new 2012 Verano, Buick's first entry-level compact sedan.

The pricing starts at $23,470 for the base model and goes up to $26,850 for the top of the line version (including destination charge).

The Verano comes with a four-cylinder, six-speed automatic producing 180 horsepower. (a 2.0 liter turbocharged engine will be added later)

Standard features include leatherette upholstery, a 7-inch touch-screen, climate control, remote start, power accessories, steering-wheel controls, Bluetooth and USB input.

The closest competitors to the Verano include the Volvo S40 and Audi A3 - both of which are priced about $4,000 higher.

The Verano seems to be a good value considering that a similarly equipped Chevrolet Cruze LTZ (the Verano's sibling) is about the same price.

We're expecting the Verano to go on sale later this year - if you're considering a compact car, make sure to put the Verano on your test-drive list.

Deals on the 2012 Ford Focus Should Get Better Soon

2011-09-08T00:00:00-05:00

Deals on the 2012 Ford Focus Should Get Better Soon

September 8, 2011

Those who have tried to buy the redesigned 2012 Ford Focus this summer have been disappointed by lack of inventory.

There are only about 7,500 cars on dealer lots - which equates to only about 2 Focuses for each Ford dealership.

Plain and simple, there just aren't enough of the cars available.

People are having a hard time locating preferred colors and options - and dealers certainly aren't willing to negotiate much on price.

Now for some good news - Ford has announced that a fresh batch of supplies will be heading to dealers this month.

There are 10,000 Focuses being shipped right now and another 30,000 are expected to hit dealer showrooms by November.

If you don't mind waiting, you'll get the best deals if you wait until the end of the year.

However, if you simply can't wait any longer, you'll at least have more colors and options to choose from over the next several weeks.

Good Time to Buy a Leftover 2011 Toyota Camry

2011-09-08T00:00:00-05:00

Good Time to Buy a Leftover 2011 Toyota Camry

September 8, 2011

With the 2012 Toyota Camry due to hit dealer showrooms this month, those looking for a good deal on the leftover 2011 model should start looking NOW.

The new Camrys will arrive at dealerships two weeks ahead of schedule - sometime around September 15th.

They were originally slated to go on sale in October, but the 2011 Camry has been selling better than expected and dealers are down to less than 30 days worth of inventory.

There are a few reasons you may want to consider buying the leftover 2011 model...

First, the demand for the redesigned 2012 model will be high during the first several months - don't expect to get a good deal.

Furthermore, vehicles tend to have more problems during the first year of a redesign. Manufacturers need a few months of production to get all the kinks out.

On the flip-side, the outgoing 2011 model should have the least problems for that generation.

Many critics have pointed out the new design looks pretty much the same as the outgoing model - and that the engines have been carried over to the new model.

There are only about 15,000 of the 2011 models remaining and Toyota should be increasing the incentives to move them off the lots to make room for the 2012s.

The longer you wait, the less choices you will have when it comes to colors and options, so start taking a look now.

The end of this month will probably present the best opportunity to buy a leftover 2011 model.

Nissan Currently Offering Biggest Discounts

2011-09-01T00:00:00-05:00

Nissan Currently Offering Biggest Discounts

September 1, 2011

Here's an interesting bit of news for car shoppers.

The online car negotiating service, CarWoo, has reveiled that Nissan is currently offering the biggest discounts of any major brand.

Their statistics show that the average Nissan is being discounted 11.9% off MSRP. This is more than double the industry average of 5.5% off MSRP.

Here is a break down for specific models:

Nissan Frontier - 15.8% off MSRP

Nissan Armada - 14.8% off MSRP

Nissan Altima - 13.6% off MSRP

Nissan Versa - 7% off MSRP

The discounts include rebates and other incentives.

What's really interesting is that these are the real, actual offers buyers are getting through the CarWoo service.

If you're looking for help negotiating the price of a car, CarWoo is definitely a service we highly recommend.

Another great option is to use our free step by step negotiation guide.

Top 10 Most and Least Stolen Cars for 2011

2011-09-01T00:00:00-05:00

Top 10 Most and Least Stolen Cars for 2011

September 1, 2011

Bad news if you happen to like driving a Cadillac Escalade.

The luxury SUV again tops the list of the most stolen cars in the U.S. according to the Highway Loss Data Institute.

Apparently thieves can't get enough, as four versions of the Escalade top the HLDI list of 2008-10 vehicles with the most theft claims.

On average, pickup trucks, including the Escalade EXT, had higher dollar amounts of theft loss than SUVs or cars.

That's because fewer pickup trucks have ignition immobilizers, and property can be stolen easily from the pickup bed.

The Chrysler 300 tops the theft rates for passenger cars, while the Audi A6 had the fewest claims..

Owning a car with a high claims rate will affect your car insurance rates so it makes sense to pay attention to this list when shopping for a vehicle.

View Insurance Rates in Your State

Hyundai's All-New Veloster Priced at $17,300

2011-09-01T00:00:00-05:00

Hyundai's All-New Veloster Priced at $17,300

September 1, 2011

Hyundai's all-new eco-friendly sport hatch, the 2012 Hyundai Veloster, will be priced starting at $17,300 with a manual transmission.

But most buyers will opt for the dual-clutch six-speed transmission which starts at $18,550.

This is right in the price range of competitors like the Scion tC ($18,575), Honda CR-Z ($19,345) and Mini Cooper ($19,500).

Fuel economy numbers are good too: manual transmission gets 28/40 mpg city/highway, 32 mpg combined. The dual-clutch: 29/32 mpg city/highway, 32 mpg combined.

The Veloster comes in only one base trim at launch, with heated power mirrors, 17-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, AC, power accessories, 7-inch touch-screen and a 196-watt six-speaker stereo with iPod compatibility.

The Veloster also comes with Blue Line, an OnStar-like service. Blue Link is free for the first six months.

Under the hood the Veloster boasts a 138 hp four-cylinder engine, averaging 40 mpg highway with the dual-clutch automatic.

Reviews/Tools for the 2012 Hyundai Veloster

2012 Hyundai Veloster Review - AutoBlog.com
2012 Hyundai Veloster First Drive - Edmunds
2012 Hyundai Veloster Configurator - Hyundai

Redesigned 2012 Toyota Camry Priced at $21,995

2011-09-01T00:00:00-05:00

Redesigned 2012 Toyota Camry Priced at $21,995

September 1, 2011

The Toyota Camry is America's best-selling car and the redesigned 2012 model has finally been revealed this past week.

As with past models, it comes in L, LE, XLE and sporty SE trims. The 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid is available in LE and XLE trims.

The base model starts at $21,995, up $1,800 from last year's base, but now automatic transmission, Bluetooth and USB port are standard.

The Hybrid LE is priced at $25,900, ($1,150 less than last year), but with fewer bells and whistles.

The 2012 Camry boasts one of the most fuel-efficient engines in its class. The Camry Hybrid bests the Ford Fusion Hybrid and Hyundai Sonata Hybrid at the pump, with 43/39 mpg city/highway and 41 mpg combined on the LE Hybrid.

Among the new features: 10 airbags, a 6.1-inch center console touch-screen, side-detection monitoring, and standard automatic transmission.

The 2012 Toyota Camry is expected to go on sale this fall with the following trims and MSRP prices:

2012 Toyota Camry L	$21,955	178 HP, 4 cylinder engine. Bluetooth/USB, Power windows, air conditioning, tilt/telescoping steering wheel
2012 Toyota Camry LE	$22,500	6.1 inch touch-screen, remote keyless entry, steering-mounted controls.
2012 Toyota Camry SE	$23,000	Optional 268 HP V-6 engine. Firmer suspension, sport mesh grille, ground effects, leather upholstery, paddle shifters, heated mirrors.
2012 Toyota Camry XLE	$24,725	Dual-zone automatic climate control, 8-way power driver's seat, 4-way power passenger seat. Lots of additional optional features available.
2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid LE	$25,900	Automatic climate-control system, psuh-button start.
2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid XLE	$27,400	8-way power driver's seat, auto-dimming mirror, 6.1 inch touch screen.

Here are a few detailed reviews of specific trims and overall driving impressions of the all-new 2012 Camry:

2012 Toyota Camry LE Review - The Truth About Cars
2012 Toyota Camry SE Review - The Truth About Cars
2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid Review - Cars.com
2012 Toyota Camry Review - Car and Driver
2012 Toyota Camry Review - AutoBlog

Although the car goes on sale this fall, we recommend you wait a few months in order to get the best deals.

Demand will be very high at first with limited supplies, so waiting until at least December should net you a decent savings.

Top 10 Cars Selling at Huge Discounts in August

2011-08-25T00:00:00-05:00

Top 10 Cars Selling at Huge Discounts in August

August 25, 2011

It's nearing the end of the month which means the best time to negotiate aggressive deals on new cars.

Most dealerships have sales expectations that need to be met, and if they're behind, they're much more likely to offer some incredible deals - especially on slow moving models.

We scoured the country looking for the biggest discounts off MSRP on popular new cars right now.

These are actual discounts that others have been able to negotiate (including incentives).

Using our car buying method, you should be able to get even bigger discounts.

Vehicle	MSRP	Discount	Savings
2011 Mitsubisih Galant ES	$22,394	$6,000	27%
2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500	$22,230	$5,800	26%
2011 Cadillac STS	$48,155	$11,300	24%
2011 Nissan Maxima 3.5 S	$32,510	$7,200	22%
2011 Chevrolet Malibu LT	$23,750	$5,000	21%
2011 Chrysler 200 Touring	$21,995	$4,300	20%
2011 Mitsubishi Lancer DE	$16,090	$3,200	20%
2011 Ford Escape XLS	$22,065	$4,200	19%
2011 Chevrolet Impala LS	$25,320	$4,500	18%
2011 Ford Fusion S	$20,645	$3,800	18%

2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Price Drops $3,200

2011-08-25T00:00:00-05:00

2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Price Drops $3,200

August 25, 2011

Good news for Jeep Grand Cherokee fans - the 2012 base model will go on sale next month with a price that's $3,220 lower than the 2011 model.

Before you get too excited, it looks like Jeep has removed some standard options to make up for the price difference.

For example, the power eight-way driver's seat is missing on the 2012 base model and other options seem to be a little more expensive.

We don't have the full options list yet, so we won't know for sure until the vehicle goes on sale.

Nonetheless, there are other improvements such as the addition of a six-speed automatic transmission for V-8 Powered trims.

We're also seeing some improvements in fuel economy, with the V-6 models burning 1 mpg less fuel overall.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee was redesigned for the 2011 model year. It's usually a good idea to wait until the second year before buying a redesigned model.

This is so all the kinks are worked out in the first year of new production and you'll be less likely to experience problems.

2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee (2011 pricing)

Laredo: $26,995 ($30,215)
Laredo 4x4: $28,995 ($32,215)
Limited: $36,795 ($36,715)
Limited 4x4: $39,295 ($39,215)
Overland: $39,495 ($38,795)
Overland 4x4: $42,995 ($42,295)
SRT8: $54,470 (n/a)
Destination charge: $825 (same)

Chevrolet Lease Deals as Low as $159 per Month

2011-08-25T00:00:00-05:00

Chevrolet Lease Deals as Low as $159 per Month

August 25, 2011

GM has jumped back into leasing this month, offering some of the best Chevrolet lease deals we've seen in a long time.

For example, you can lease a 2011 Chevrolet Cruze (one of the best selling cars in the US), for as low as $159 per month and $2,009 due at signing.

To get even more bang for your buck, you can lease a 2011 Chevrolet Malibu for $179/month with $1,599 due at signing.

It's nice to see GM offering competitive leases again - something we haven't seen since their finance division (GMAC) collapsed a couple of years ago.

The current lease deals are all for 39 months and include 12,000 miles per year, which is a tad on the low side.

Some other notable lease deals include:

2011 Chevrolet Traverse LS - $299/month with $1,970 down
2011 Chevrolet Equinox LS - $269/month with $1,590 down
2011 Chevrolet Camaro - $309/month with $3,159 down

These lease deals all expire on September 6th. Make sure to read our Car Leasing Guide before signing any deals.

Volkswagen Offering Great Lease Deals on 2012 Models

2011-08-25T00:00:00-05:00

Volkswagen Offering Great Lease Deals on 2012 Models

August 25, 2011

Lease deals on 2012 Volkswagens are looking really good this month.

Volkswagen is offering deals on both the 2011 and 2012 models. With pricing nearly identical, it makes more sense to lease the 2012 model.

In most cases, you'll only be paying an extra $10 per month for the newer model.

Surprisingly, with the Volkswagen Eos, you'll actually pay $10 less for the 2012 model.

Unfortunately there are no lease deals on the fuel-efficient diesel models; which makes sense considering there's large demand for those vehicles.

These lease deals expire August 31st. If you're considering buying a competing model, you may want to wait to see if incentives rise as some experts are predicting.

2012 Volkswagen CC Sport - $289/month, $2999 due at signing

2011 Volkswagen CC Sport - $289/month, $2999 due at signing

2012 Volkswagen Eos Komfort - $359/month, $2999 due at signing

2011 Volkswagen Eos Komfort - $369/month, $2999 due at signing

2012 Volkswagen GTI – $289/month, $2199 due at signing

2011 Volkswagen GTI – $279/month, $2199 due at signing

2012 Volkswagen Jetta S – $189/month, $2199 due at signing

2011 Volkswagen Jetta S – $179/month, $2199 due at signing

2012 Volkswagen Golf – $219/month, $2199 due at signing

2011 Volkswagen Golf - $209/month, $2199 due at signing

2011 Volkswagen Tiguan S – $279/month, $2499 due at signing

2011 Volkswagen Routan S – $309/month, $2499 due at signing

According to our calculations, all of these lease deals are a great bang for your buck so you really can't go wrong with these.

0% Financing Deals Available Until 2013

2011-08-18T00:00:00-05:00

0% Financing Deals Available Until 2013

August 18, 2011

With the recent volatility in the stock market, the Federal Reserve announced that they will keep interest rates near 0% until at least 2013.

This means banks will be able to borrow money at near 0% interest, making it easier for them to offer low interest loans to consumers.

This is good news for car buyers since interest rates on car loans will remain low or possibly even head lower.

Right now, if you have excellent credit (check your credit score here), you can get an auto loan for as low as 2.9% from major lenders such as Capital One Finance.

In the near future, these rates may drop even lower - and these are loans with no incentives attached!

Right now, most car makers are offering a slew of financing incentives, with a good portion offering 0% financing.

We're sure to see these trends continuing until at least 2013 and we'll likely see more 0% financing deals with terms of up to 72 months.

You can read more about how to save money on car loans in our Car Loan Guide section.

Chrysler Offers Cash-Back, No Payments for 90 Days

2011-08-18T00:00:00-05:00

Chrysler Offers Cash-Back, No Payments for 90 Days

August 18, 2011

With a second-half sales slowdown preying on automakers' minds, Chrysler has announced a raft of new incentives including a "No Payments for 90 Days" promotion.

This is a sweet deal for buyers of 2011 or 2012 Chryslers, Jeeps, Dodges or Ram Trucks.

As long as you finance through Ally Financial, you won't have to make payments for three months.

But the deal doesn't last long. The promotion ends September 6th.

The cash back deals, for qualified customers, include:

2012 Chrysler 200: $500 rebate
2012 Jeep Liberty: $1,000 rebate
2012 Dodge Avenger: $500 rebate
2012 Dodge Journey: $500 rebate
2012 Ram pickup: $500 rebate, plus an additional $1,000 Bonus Cash
2011 Chrysler 300 or 300C: 0% financing for 36 months or $2,000 rebate
2011 Dodge Charger: 0% financing for 36 months or $2,000 customer cash.

Lease Expensive Cars to Own for 2011

2011-08-18T00:00:00-05:00

Lease Expensive Cars to Own for 2011

August 18, 2011

Edmunds has announced the 2011 True Cost to Own Awards for 2011, recognizing vehicles with the lowest overall ownership costs in their categories.

This year's list of winners were determined by applying algorithms that estimate the five-year ownership cost of each 2011 vehicle currently on the market.

Ownership costs include things such as depreciation, fuel, repair, maintenance, and insurance costs.

Sedans
Sedan Under $20,000: Ford Fiesta
Sedan $20K-$30K: Honda Accord
Sedan $30K-$40K: Volkswagen CC
Sedan Over $40K: Cadillac CTS

Wagons
Wagon Under $25,000: Kia Rio
Wagon $25K-$35K: Subaru Outback
Wagon Over $35,000: Ford Flex

Coupes
Coupe Under $25,000: Toyota Yaris
Coupe $25K-$35K: Honda Accord
Coupe $35K-$45K: Audi A5
Coupe Over $45,000: Cadillac CTS Coupe

Convertibles
Convertible Under $35,000: MINI Cooper
Convertible $35K-$45K: BMW 1 Series
Convertible Over $45,000: Infiniti G Convertible

Trucks
Compact Truck: Ford Ranger
Large Light Duty Truck: Honda Ridgeline
Large Heavy Duty Truck: Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD

SUVs
SUV Under $25,000: Jeep Patriot
SUV $25K-$35K: Chevrolet Equinox
SUV $35K-$45K: Honda Pilot
SUV Over $45,000: Acura MDX

Minivan/Van
Minivan/Van: Ford Transit Connect

Hybrid
Hybrid: Honda Civic

The Biggest Hidden Incentives Right Now

2011-08-18T00:00:00-05:00

The Biggest Hidden Incentives Right Now

August 18, 2011

It's no secret that car companies often give dealers "hidden" cash incentives to help sell cars that aren't moving off the lot.

Known as factory-to-dealer rebates, these incentives are very common on leftover models, or current ones that aren't selling well for whatever reason.

Although dealers can deploy the cash any way they want, it usually goes to customers in the form of price discounts.

When you add factory cash to normal dealer discounts, it's easy to get below-invoice deals.

Below are the best hidden dealer incentives available right now.

2011 BMW 7-Series – $10,000
2010 Cadillac DTS and STS – $10,000
2010 Mercedes CL-Class - $10,000
2010 Mercedes S-Class - $10,000
2010 Audi A8 - $9,700
2009 Saab 9-7X - $9,000
2010 Cadillac Escalade – $8000
2010 Mercury Grand Marquis – $5500
2010 Ford F-150 – $5500
2010 Lincoln MKT – $5000
2010 Chevrolet Impala – up to $5000
2010 Mercury Mountaineer – $4500
2010 Chevrolet Cobalt – $4000
2010 Chevrolet Aveo – up to $3500
2012 Chevrolet Impala – up to $3000
2011 Audi S6 – $3000
2010 Ford Explorer – $2000
2011 Ford Focus – $2000
2011 Ford Mustang – $2000
2011 Toyota Tundra – up to $2500
2011 Audi A6 – up to $2500
2011 Land Rover Range Rover – $2000
2011 Mercury Mariner Hybrid – $1500
2012 Chevrolet Corvette – $1500

Honda Offering Special Leases with Zero Upfront Costs

2011-07-14T00:00:00-05:00

Honda Offering Special Leases with Zero Upfront Costs

July 14, 2011

Good news for those currently shopping for a Honda.

They're now offering some very attractive lease deals with no money down due at lease signing.

We're talking $0 down, $0 first month's payment, and $0 security deposit.

They call it their $0-$0-$0 lease, a Honda specialty being offering on and off for the past few years.

These are for 36 months and 12,000 miles per year and ALL are exceptional deals.

An added bonus: since you're not paying the first month's payment, you only make 35 payments - not 36.

Here are Honda's lease deals for August.

2011 Honda Accord LX Sedan – $240/month lease

2011 Honda Accord LX-S Coupe – $270/month lease

2011 Honda CR-V 2WD LX – $280/month lease

2011 Honda Crosstour EX 2WD – $310/month lease

2011 Honda Pilot 2WD LX – $340/month lease

2011 Honda Odyssey LX – $360/month lease

Top 10 Cars with the Best Resale Values

2011-08-11T00:00:00-05:00

Top 10 Cars with the Best Resale Values

August 11, 2011

Most people don't realize the biggest cost of car ownership is depreciation.

The average car loses about 50% of its value after only 3 years.

This isn't a problem if you intend to keep your car until the wheels fall off, but for those who like to trade up every 3 to 6 years, this can result in big losses.

But you can hedge your losses by purchasing a car that holds its value better than similar cars in its class.

Especially if you plan to sell after 2-3 years.

The following list comprises the top ten car models that retain their value best over the long haul.

Note that most of these vehicles rarely see rebates, nor do they end up as rental vehicles - which helps fend off depreciation.

2011 Toyota Prius
2011 Honda CR-V
2011 Lexus RX 350
2011 Nissan Maxima
2011 Acura TL
2011 Honda Fit
2011 MINI Cooper
2011 Subaru Legacy
2011 Honda Odyssey
2011 Hyundai Elantra

Best and Worst Cars to Negotiate in August

2011-08-11T00:00:00-05:00

Best and Worst Cars to Negotiate in August

August 11, 2011

In order to negotiate a great deal on a new car, you need to choose a vehicle that has a lot of price flexibility.

This means you can't go after the hottest sellers. When demand outpaces supply, dealers will not budge much on price.

This has been the case with Hyundai vehicles over the past few months.

The 2012 Elantra is still one of the fastest-sellers, blazing off lots in only six days.

In fact, all of Hyundai's models are fast-sellers: The 2012 Sonata and Tucson (6 days). The 2012 Hyundai Accent sedan (10 days) and hatchback (7 days).

Although you won't have a lot of negotiating room on these cars, there's a reason Hyundais have been selling well - they price their cars considerably lower than the competition and load them with more standard options.

On the other side of the coin are those cars that aren't selling well right now, such as the 2011 Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid (159 days) and the 2011 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid (150 days).

If these cars suit your taste, you're in luck since you should be able to negotiate some great prices.

Here is a list of the best and worst cars to negotiate right now based on price flexibility. The numbers in parenthesis refer to the average number of days it takes to sell:

Worst Cars to Negotiate Right Now

2012 Scion xB: 4 days
2012 Hyundai Elantra: 6 days
2012 Hyundai Sonata: 6 days
2012 Hyundai Tucson: 6 days
2012 Porsche Cayenne: 6 days
2011 Lexus CT 200h: 6 days
2012 Audi Q5: 7 days
2012 Hyundai Accent hatchback: 7 days
2011 Toyota Prius: 7 days
2012 Kia Sportage: 9 days
2012 Audi A4: 10 days
2012 Hyundai Accent sedan: 10 days

Best Cars to Negotiate Right Now

2011 Jaguar XF Supercharged: 228 days
2011 Hyundai Azera: 228 days
2011 Jaguar XK coupe: 188 days
2011 Mazda RX-8: 169 days
2011 Toyota Yaris sedan: 165 days
2011 Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid: 159 days
2011 Jaguar XKR: 154 days
2011 Nissan Versa: 150 days
2011 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid: 150 days
2011 Mazda Tribute: 143 days

Huge Incentives War Expected at Year End

2011-08-11T00:00:00-05:00

Huge Incentives War Expected at Year End

August 11, 2011

Great news for those who've been waiting patiently for better car deals.

You may not have to wait too much longer - there are rumors circulating that a massive incentives war will start occurring within two to three months.

The reason: Japanese automakers are trying to salvage a year of inventory shortages and market share loss.

With production levels expected to return back to normal, car manufactures such as Toyota, Honda, and Nissan may try to improve total annual sales with huge rebates and lease deals.

The disasters this spring in Japan have brought about a shift in market share, with Japanese auto companies losing a huge percentage of sales.

Toyota, for example, saw its market share plummet a whopping 2.6 percent, which is equivalent to Mazda's entire market share.

The new Camry about to roll on to dealer lots later this year may help the Japanese auto giant. Rivals Honda and Nissan will likely launch a price war to keep market share, meaning much larger incentives than usual.

The perfect storm is brewing and the rewards should be huge for patient buyers.

Biggest Cash Back Incentives for August

2011-08-04T00:00:00-05:00

Biggest Cash Back Incentives for August

August 4, 2011

Most car manufacturers have cut back on car incentives this summer - mostly due to limited inventory.

The earthquake in Japan had a huge impact on the supply of Toyota, Honda and Nissan vehicles, so we're not seeing attractive incentives from them yet.

However, analysts are predicting that Toyota and Honda will be offering exceptional deals towards the end of the year to make up for lost market share.

If you've been considering one of these cars, you may save a considerable amount if you wait a few months.

For now, the best incentives are found with GM, Ford, and Chrysler vehicles.

So far, here are some of the best incentives being offered in August. More incentives will be announced in the coming week or two and we'll keep you updated in the meantime.

Best Cash Back Incentives for August

Buick Lucerne – $2,500
Buick Enclave – $2,000
Cadillac DTS – $7,000
Cadillac STS – $7,000
Cadillac Escalade – $3,500
Cadillac CTS – $2,000
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 – $4500
Chevrolet Avalance – $4000
Chevrolet HHR (selected styles) – $3500
Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD/3500HD – $3000
Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe – $3000
Chevrolet Impala (selected styles) – $3000
Chevrolet Malibu – $2500
GMC Sierra 1500 – $4500
GMC Sierra 2500/3500HD – $3000
GMC Yukon – $3000

2012 Honda Civic Not Recommended by Consumer Reports

2011-08-04T00:00:00-05:00

2012 Honda Civic Not Recommended by Consumer Reports

August 4, 2011

For the first time ever, the Honda Civic did not make Consumer Report's Recommended List.

The 2012 Civic performed too poorly in Consumer Reports' road test to be make the cut despite good reliability and high MPG.

The Civic scored 61 out of 100, placing next-to-last in the small-sedan category. (the Volkswagen Jetta took those dubious honors).

At the top of the list: The Hyundai Elantra, Subaru Impreza and Toyota Corolla.

Civic's bottoming out contrasts with its past performance as one of the highest-rated small cars ever tested at the publication.

The 2012 Civic, however, garnered only average scores in acceleration, emergency handling, braking, ride comfort and tire noise.

Looking at the bright side, the 2012 Civic scored an average fuel economy rating of 30 mpg, second only to the Corolla.

There are some who criticize the Consumer Reports ratings and advise car buyers to test-drive all cars they're interested in.

Several other publications ranked the Civic near the top three when compared to the competition.

For example, MotorTrend placed the Civic 2nd out of 8 competitors in their 8 Compact Sedan Shootout

Cars.com placed the Civic #2 out of 5 Sedans in their Under $20,000 and Over 35 mpg

And Automobile Magazine placed the Civic 3rd in their Small Car 6-Pack Shootout.

Ford Drops Sync Price by $100

2011-08-04T00:00:00-05:00

Ford Drops Sync Price by $100

August 4, 2011

Talk about getting in sync with your customers.

Ford has just announced that they will be cutting the price of their Sync system by $100 on the 2012 Explorer and Edge models.

The Sync system allows you to make hands-free calls and control music and other functions with voice control.

Sync drops down to $295, from $395.

No word on whether the price cuts will impact the cost of MyFord Touch, which is an optional system with Sync built into it.

Ford says that for 2013, customers can expect a lowered pricing on Sync for Taurus, Focus, Escape and Flex.

The Best Deals on Used Small Cars

2011-08-04T00:00:00-05:00

The Best Deals on Used Small Cars

August 4, 2011

With economic uncertainty and gas prices through the roof, it's wise to consider a small used car.

The cars featured here are recommended by Consumer Reports and are priced in the low teens - and even some below $10,000.

They made sure these cars have safety features like side air bags and stability control.

One bonus of buying used is that the original owner takes the initial depreciation hit.

It's smart to choose cars that scored well in Consumer Reports' tests, show good reliability, and do well in industry crash tests.

As always, before buying any used car, make sure you have a trusted mechanic give the vehicle a thorough inspection.

Here are the recommended small cars from the 2006-2008 model years.

Make & model	Mileage	Original Price	Current Price	Depreciation
2006 Subaru Impreza 2.5	75,000	$19,095	$11,300	41%
2006 Scion xB Release Series 3.0 FWD	75,000	17,140	10,675	38%
2006 Honda Civic DX	75,000	15,560	9,750	37%
2006 Toyota Corolla CE	75,000	14,905	9,425	37%
2007 Suzuki SX4	47,000	16,099	10,275	36%
2006 Mazda3 s	75,000	17,370	11,300	35%
2007 Honda Civic Hybrid	47,000	22,600	15,050	33%
2006 Toyota Prius	75,000	21,725	14,750	32%
2008 Suzuki SX4	36,000	16,370	11,450	30%
2007 Subaru Impreza 2.5	47,000	18,795	13,600	28%
2007 Toyota Corolla LE	47,000	16,315	11,800	28%
2007 Mazda3 s hatchback	47,000	18,630	13,825	26%
2008 Honda Civic EX coupe	36,000	20,710	16,325	21%
2007 Toyota Corolla LE	36,000	16,415	13,175	20%

Fiat Offers $199/month Lease Deal on the 500

2011-07-28T00:00:00-05:00

Fiat Offers $199/month Lease Deal on the 500

July 28, 2011

Fiat is back, and this time with an incredible offering.

$199 a month lease and cut-rate financing on the Fiat 500 Coupe.

The lease is for 39 months with $1,999 due at signing.

Purchasing the 500 coupe gives you a choice of financing packages:

1.9% financing for 36 months
2.9% financing for 48 months
3.9% financing for 60 months
5.9% financing for 72 months

The $199 lease offer is for an entry-level model with a base sticker price of $15,995.

Fiat's other model, the Fiat 500C convertible, is not part of this offer.

2011 Models with Lowest Ownership Costs

2011-07-28T00:00:00-05:00

2011 Models with Lowest Ownership Costs

July 28, 2011

Edmunds.com has announced their 2011 True Cost to Own Awards, recognizing vehicles with the lowest overall cost of ownership.

In developing the list, they didn't just look at vehicles with the lowest costs for any particular month.

Instead, they found those vehicles that have consistently maintained the lowest ownership costs.

The resulting list represents vehicles with the lowest overall ownership cost in their respective segments.

No matter which car segment you're currently shopping, you should consider one of these winners and at least test drive one to see if you like it.

Your pocketbook will thank you.

Sedan Under $20K	Ford Fiesta
Sedan $20K-$30K	Honda Accord
Sedan $30K-$40K	Volkswagen CC
Sedan over $40K	Cadillac CTS
Wagon under $25K	Kia Rio
Wagon $25K-$35K	Subaru Outback
Wagon Over $35K	Ford Flex
Coupe Under $25K	Toyota Yaris
Coupe $25K-$35K	Honda Accord
Coupe $35K-$45K	Audi A5
Coupe Over $45K	Cadillac CTS Coupe
Convertible Under $35K	MINI Cooper
Convetible $35K-$45K	BMW 1 Series
Convertible Over $45K	Infiniti G Convertible
Compact Truck	Ford Ranger
Large Light Duty Truck	Honda Ridgeline
Large Heavy Duty Truck	Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD
SUV Under $25K	Jeep Patriot
SUV $25K-$35K	Chevrolet Equinox
SUV $35K-$45K	Honda Pilot
SUV over $45K	Acura MDX
Minivan/Van	Ford Transit Connect
Hybrid	Honda Civic Hybrid

Five New Types of Car Insurance Available Now

2011-07-28T00:00:00-05:00

Five New Types of Car Insurance Available Now

July 28, 2011

This year, five new car insurance policies hit the market with some interesting (and crazy) offerings that can save you money.

Two of these new products are Vanishing Deductibles from Nationwide Insurance, and Better Car Replacement from Liberty Mutual.

Then there's pet injury coverage from the Chubb Group of Insurance Companies and Mobile Food Vendors Insurance from Whorton Insurance Services.

The weirdest one is Heffernan Insurance Brokers' insurance program for Burning Man participants.

Maybe it's the heat, maybe it's the planets aligning, but somebody out there is thinking outside the box. Way outside.

Whatever the case, now is a great time to do your annual insurance rate comparison. Rates can differ by up to $2,000 per year for the exact same coverage.

Check Insurance Rates in Your State:

Nissan Offering the Best Incentives This Month

2011-07-28T00:00:00-05:00

Nissan Offering the Best Incentives This Month

July 28, 2011

Nissan takes top honors this month for offering the best rebates of any car company for July.

The rebates are good across the entire product line. Plus, Nissan is also offering 0% APR interest rates.

But consumers have to choose between the cash-back rebate and the 0% financing option.

Which is better? Generally, if the rebate is $2,000 or more, you'll do better with the rebate (it acts like a down payment).

And, if your credit score is lacking - less than 720, you won't qualify for the 0% loan rate. (Check your credit score here)

Here are the current Nissan rebate deals:

Nissan Titan – Up to $4,500
Nissan Altima – Up to $4,000
Nissan Frontier – Up to $3,000
Nissan Pathfinder – Up to $2,500
Nissan Xterra – Up to $2,000
Nissan Maxima – Up to $1,500
Nissan Murano – Up to $1,000
Nissan Quest – Up to $750
Nissan Rogue – Up to $750
Nissan Sentra – Up to $500

The Top Finance and Lease Deals This Week

2011-07-21T00:00:00-05:00

The Top Finance and Lease Deals This Week

July 21, 2011

As we reach the end of the month, dealers are more likely to offer more discounts and better deals.

Many are trying to reach their monthly quotas and hoping to get a good start to the second half of the year.

This is why it's always best to do your negotiating during the last week of each month.

If you really want to maximize savings, negotiate on cars that are offering good manufacturer incentives.

Here are some of the best finance and lease deals available until the end of this month:

The Best Financing Deals

2011 Toyota Camry – 0% financing for 60 months plus $500 cash back

2011 Buick Regal – 0% financing for up to 60 months

2011 Mazda Mazda3 – 0% financing for up to 60 months

2011 Chevrolet Traverse – 0% financing for up to 60 months

2011 Jeep Liberty – 0% financing for 60 months plus $1,000 cash back

Best Lease Deals

2011 Volkswagen Jetta – $179 per month for 39 months with $2,999 due at signing

2011 Infiniti G25 Journey RWD with Moonroof – $339 per month for 39 months with $1,999 due at signing

2011 Chevrolet Cruze – $169 per month for 39 months with $1,639 due at signing

2011 Mazda CX-7 – $259 per month for 36 months with $2,583 due at signing

2011 Honda Odyssey – $319 per month for 36 months with $1,999 due at signing

The Best Used Cars to Buy Right Now

2011-07-21T00:00:00-05:00

The Best Used Cars to Buy Right Now

July 21, 2011

It's that time of year again, when Edmunds.com trots out its annual Used Car Best Bet Awards.

Criteria for voting: reliability, safety and availability.

Only used cars originally sold from 2004 to 2009 are eligible for these awards. Older vehicles usually have logged too many miles, and newer ones haven't yet felt the large depreciation that makes a low mileage 2- or 3-year-old car the best value.

Editors looked first at consumer ratings, as well as personal experience and judgment.

Second, they considered how these vehicles performed in National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety crash tests.

Third, they looked at availability; the bigger the model year spread the better.

The following vehicles won for 2011:

Vehicle Class	Winner
Compact Sedan	2004-2009 Hyundai Elantra
Midsize Sedan	2004-2009 Nissan Altima
Large Sedan	2006-2009 Hyundai Azera
Coupe	2004-2009 BMW 3 Series
Convertible	2004-2009 Mazda Miata
Wagon	2004-2009 Pontiac Vibe
Compact SUV/Crossover	2004-2009 Honda CR-V
Midsize SUV/Crossover	2004-2009 Ford Explorer
Large SUV/Crossover	2004-2009 Chevrolet Tahoe
Minivan/Van	2004-2009 Honda Odyssey
Compact Truck	2004-2009 Toyota Tacoma
Large Truck	2004-2009 Ford F-150
Luxury	2004-2009 Infiniti G35/G37
Hybrid	2004-2009 Toyota Prius
Sport Compact	2004-2009 Subaru Impreza WRX

Pricing for 2012 Nissan Versa Announced

2011-07-21T00:00:00-05:00

Pricing for 2012 Nissan Versa Announced

July 21, 2011

The new, redesigned 2012 Nissan Versa sedan goes on sale for $10,990 when it rolls out nation-wide in August.

The Versa hatchback, recipient of minor nips and tucks for this model year, debuted July 17th.

Both sedans rev up with a new, lighter four-cylinder 109 horsepower powerplant.

Wheelbase and width are the same as last year, but this year's Versa is lower and slightly shorter.

Lots of niceties included in the base Versa sedan: air conditioning, six-way adjustable driver's seats, AM/FM/CD stereo, tilt steering wheel, and rear defroster.

MPG is 27 city, 36 highway.

The Versa 1.6 SV goes for $14,560 and the 1.6 SL starts at $15,560. (Destination charges not included.)

The Best Hidden Dealer Rebates Available Now

2011-07-21T00:00:00-05:00

The Best Hidden Dealer Rebates Available Now

July 21, 2011

Only savvy car buyers know that auto companies provide dealers with hidden factory-to-dealer cash to help move inventory during slow times.

Dealerships use this factory cash (aka "marketing support") through discounting prices for consumers.

These direct-to-dealer rebates comprise a significant part of incentive programs that also include direct-to-customer rebates, low-interest financing (including 0% APR), and special lease deals.

While there is no guarantee that a dealer will pass all of the hidden incentive over to you, your chances are higher if you use our car buying method.

Here are some the best factory-to-dealer cash offers for July 2011. Act fast because most expire on August 1.

2011 BMW ActiveHybrid 7 – $2,000
2011 Chevrolet Corvette – $3,000
2011 Dodge Dakota – $4,500
2011 Ford Focus – $2,000
2011 Infiniti FX50 – $3,000
2011 Infiniti EX35, FX35 – $2,000
2011 Mercury Grand Marquis – $5,500
2011 Mercury Mariner, Milan – $3,500

Leftover 2010 Models

Infiniti G37 Convertible – $3,500
Mercedes-Benz CL, S Class – up to $10,000
Mercury Mountaineer – $4,500
Mercury Mariner, Milan – $3,500
Mitsubishi Endeavor – $4,500
Mitsubishi Galant – $3,500
Mitsubishi Eclipse, Eclipse Spyder – $3,000
Nissan 370Z – up to $2,000

Best and Worst Cars to Negotiate Right Now

2011-07-14T00:00:00-05:00

Best and Worst Cars to Negotiate Right Now

July 14, 2011

Hyundai vehicles have been flying off dealer lots lately.

With new products like the Sonata, the Elantra and now the Accent finding great favor with buyers looking for fuel-efficiency and low price.

Hyundai currently holds two of the top three spots on this month's Hardest to Negotiate list with the Elantra and all-new Accent subcompact.

Although it's hard to negotiate heavily on these Hyundais, you can still get a fairly decent deal because of Hyundai's incentive and lease programs.

Also note that Hyundai vehicles typically come standard with options that cost extra in competing vehicles. When you take this into account, the deals are pretty good even if you can't negotiate much off the price.

You may have a hard time finding the colors and options you desire, so it's best if you can wait a few months to sit back and keep an eye on the market.

Cars that get good gas mileage are the ones selling the fastest (and thus hardest to negotiate).

Hardest Cars to Negotiate Right Now

2012 Hyundai Elantra
2011 Nissan Leaf
2012 Hyundai Accent sedan
2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS550
2012 Nissan Altima
2011 Hyundai Elantra
2012 Honda Civic coupe
2011 Audi Q5
2012 BMW X5
2012 Ford Focus hatchback
2011 Audi Q7
2011 BMW X3
2011 Ford Explorer
2012 Honda Civic sedan
2012 Ford Focus sedan
2012 Ford Mustang convertible
2012 Ford Fiesta sedan
2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
2011 Porsche Cayenne
2011 Toyota Prius

Easiest Cars to Negotiate Right Now

2011 Jaguar XFR
2011 Mercedes-Benz SL63
2011 Jaguar XKR convertible
2011 Hyundai Azera
2011 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder
2011 Jaguar XK coupe
2011 Cadillac STS
2011 Lexus GS 450h
2011 Volvo S80
2011 Nissan Versa sedan
2011 Mazda2
2011 Lexus IS F
2011 Infiniti G25
2011 Mazda6
2011 Honda CR-Z

Best Lease Deals for July, 2011

2011-07-14T00:00:00-05:00

Best Lease Deals for July, 2011

July 14, 2011

Are you ready to lease a car this summer and need a great deal?

We have searched high and low to compile a short list of some of the best lease deals for July.

For instance, you can lease several Hyundai, Mazda and Volkswagen models for less than $200 per month.

These lease deals expire August 1st.

Vehicle	Payment	Term	Down Payment	Best Local Deal
2011 Toyota Camry	$189	36mo	$1,499
2011 Mazda3	$219	48mo	$0
2011 Volkswagen Jetta	$179	39mo	$2,999
2011 Hyundai Elantra	$169	36mo	$1,699
2011 Honda Accord	$250	36mo	$0

GM Offering Free Car Insurance with Car Purchase

2011-07-14T00:00:00-05:00

GM Offering Free Car Insurance with Car Purchase

July 14, 2011

GM and MetLife are joining forces to offer one year's free car insurance to car buyers in Washington and Oregon.

The insurance includes standard liability coverage, coverage for uninsured motorists (basic coverage mandated by Oregon), collision, and comprehensive coverage for car damage.

This program could save buyers thousands of dollars.

The average annual premium in Washington is $1,463 and $1,187 in Oregon.

The promotion is valid on new 2010, 2011 or 2012 Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick or GMC vehicles.

You must be a resident of Oregon or Washington with a valid driver's license. If the program is successful, GM may offer this as a nation-wide incentive.

Promotion ends September 6.