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Rebates, Incentives, APRs - Questions & Comments

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  • CarMan@EdmundsCarMan@Edmunds Member Posts: 38,514
    Interesting article, montanafan. Thanks for the heads up. The $5,000 dealer cash that VW was providing on the '04 Phaeton was not scheduled to expire until the beginning of January, but it must have just not been enough. I suppose that I shouldn't be surprised considering that VW just significantly enhanced its lease program on the '04 Phaeton.

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  • big_catbig_cat Member Posts: 14
    I am still not clear how the GM employee discount work.
    My sister work for GM and she gave me one of her monthly code to buy a new GM car or truck.
    I understand there are $6000 GM discount on some of their vehicles. Plus the discount from individual dealer.
    My question is can my employee discount apply with 1. GM $6k discount and 2. dealer discount.

    and when I buy a car should I mention to the dealer that I am using the employee discount up front?
    Thanks for advantage.
  • sukinsynsukinsyn Member Posts: 23
    Hello Car_Man,

    I am looking at purchasing a 2004 Nissan Murano. The local dealer offered the auto at an inflated MSRP to begin with, then on the sheet to take home offered various payments based upon various loans. The loans were at interest rates of 8.93%, 9.54% and 9.86%.

    On the Edmunds Rebates, Incentives, Etc. page, Nissan is offering 2.0% for up to 60 months on this vehicle. Or am I wrong? Why didn't the dealer even bring it up? I am in Ohio. The dealer did not check my credit, that I am aware of, however, all he had to do was ask. Based upon credit and income, I know I would qualify for the best available interest rate.

    Is this common? I want to phone the dealer today to discuss this, however, I want to be armed with the facts and would appreciate your feedback.

    Thank you!
  • CarMan@EdmundsCarMan@Edmunds Member Posts: 38,514
    Hi big_cat. The General Motors Employee Purchase program is compatible with any available customer or dealer cash incentives. These offers will be automatically deducted from the price of any vehicle that is purchased through this program. However, no additional dealer discounts are allowed when one purchases a new car or truck through the GM Employee Purchase program. General Motors is already providing a very low price on the vehicle and individual dealers are only paid a small allowance of something like 2% of the vehicle's price for delivering it to the consumer. Dealers are not allowed to dip into this payment and will get in trouble with GM if they are caught doing so. When purchasing a new vehicle through this program you definitely should be upfront about the fact that you are doing so.

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  • CarMan@EdmundsCarMan@Edmunds Member Posts: 38,514
    Greetings sukinsyn. Unless your credit is in rough shape, you definitely should not have to pay anywhere near 9% to finance a new Nissan Murano. Nissan is currently offering 2% financing on it for up to 5 years for consumers who qualify for its top credit tier, 3% who qualify for its second credit tier, and 4% for consumers who qualify for its third credit tier. Even if you didn't finance through Nissan's special program, as long as your credit is in good shape you should be able to get a rate of less than 6% for a 5 year loan.

    For consumers who elect not to finance the 2004 Murano through NMAC, Nissan is offering $1,000 customer cash. Perhaps the dealer that you are working with used this cash to reduce the Murano's selling price and then tried to arrange financing on it for you through an independent bank. By doing to, it could mark-up the bank's buy rate and possibly make additional back-end profit on your deal. The marking up of rates is completely legal, so in order to avoid it one should get pre-approved to finance the vehicle that they want prior to negotiating with any dealers. Getting pre-approved serves two purposes. First, it gives you an idea of what sort of interest rate to expect. Secondly, it often motivates dealers to beat the rate that you have already been approved at.

    It sounds to me as though this dealer was trying to make a ton of money by financing you this vehicle at a very high rate. If you really want a 2004 Murano, you may want to consider shopping at another dealer, make this dealer finance you it at the special interest rate that Nissan is offering, or get pre-approved to finance it on your own.

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  • sukinsynsukinsyn Member Posts: 23
    Thank you Car_man! We are going to be purchasing two autos in the next 6 months and I have done so much research my head is spinning. I thought I had every base covered and now we are actually dealing with the salesmen.

    We have to buy one within the next 30-45 days. My lease is up and my car inspected and paid off. I can return it any time. I just need to find the car and purchase it.

    There are other dealers here in town. I will e-mail the internet managers and look for quotes.

    I appreciate the time. Again. You are great. Really. :-)
  • bobstbobst Member Posts: 1,776
    Buying a car is pretty simple.

    1) Decide what kind of car you want.

    2) Do research here on Edmunds to determine a price.

    3) Find a dealer that has the car you want to buy.

    4) Go there and make and offer. If you have computed your price in a reasonable way, your offer will be accepted.

    Besides, if you ask for a quote, they will probably not give you a very good price. When we wanted to buy a car last year, I called a dealer to see if they had one in stock. They said Yes and said they would give me a good price.

    I asked, "OK, so what is your OTD price?". They said $22000.

    A couple days later we went there and offered $20500 OTD and they accepted.

    The moral to this story? Don't ask for a price. Determine your price and see if they will accept it.
  • ua01682ua01682 Member Posts: 48
    Consensus.. you think there's a difference between a phone call "quote" and an internet or buypower quote? I do...
  • rroyce10rroyce10 Member Posts: 9,332
    **Consensus.. you think there's a difference between a phone call "quote" and an internet or buypower quote? I do...**

                 

                  A voice over the phone gets a whole lot more done than a few letters and words on the computer .. a face in front of someone can change the world ...

                                Terry.
  • CarMan@EdmundsCarMan@Edmunds Member Posts: 38,514
    You're welcome, sukinsyn. Good muck and let me know if you have any other questions.

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  • scott31scott31 Member Posts: 292
    Carman, on the edmunds incentives page for the 2004 8cyl model of Phateon, it mentions $5000 and $10000 dealer cash incentives. If I don't do financing or leasing thru VW, do I qualify for both?

    Thanks!
  • CarMan@EdmundsCarMan@Edmunds Member Posts: 38,514
    Hi scott31. The way that Volkswagen's dealer cash on the 2004 Phaeton works is actually a little confusing. At the beginning of the month, VW was providing $5,000 dealer cash on cash purchases of this car, $2,000 on '04 Phaetons that are financed through VW Credit, and three thousand and change on VW Credit leases of this car. Mid-month, it enhanced the dealer cash for cash purchases of this car to $10,000, but there is a catch. According to what I have heard, dealers must keep a couple of Phaetons in stock to be able to take advantage of this additional cash. So if the dealer that you are working with has several '04 Phaetons in stock then it will receive the full ten grand on your car if you purchase it. However, if you are looking at its last unit or two then there probably is only $5,000 dealer cash on it.

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  • rroyce10rroyce10 Member Posts: 9,332
    "couple of Phaetons in stock to be able to take advantage of this" ...

                Close .. they need to have sold one out of inventory already, basically they are trying to "award" the dealers that have shown an aggressive sales attitude .. lets see if that works, doubt it ......

                                        Terry.
  • CarMan@EdmundsCarMan@Edmunds Member Posts: 38,514
    Ah ha, thanks for the clarification, Terry. I knew that there was some sort of catch to the ten grand dealer cash.

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  • dillydilldillydill Member Posts: 118
    Car_man,

    Any idea if the GM "Instant Value Certificates"
    are still around for this month. I am looking at getting a new Chevy Silverado 1500 truck for light plowing this winter. Thanks for your help.

    Dillydill
  • fredvhfredvh Member Posts: 857
    Is the $1000 bonus for financing through GMAC for many GM vehicles still available this month?
  • montanafanmontanafan Member Posts: 945
    Just check out the incentive tables at GM's web site. www.gm.com , then current incentives, then choose your part of the country. Chart has a column for the GMAC bonus, then you can see if the car/truck you want is covered this month.
  • CarMan@EdmundsCarMan@Edmunds Member Posts: 38,514
    Yes, Dillydill, General Motors sent out a new round of Instant Value Certificates for November on October 22nd. Up to two of these $500 certificates may be used per sale of 2005 models and up to three may be used per sale of 2004 models. Remember though that dealers do not have enough of these certificates to use on on every sale. The fact that you know about them, while most other consumers don't, definitely gives you a leg up in your negotiations.

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  • CarMan@EdmundsCarMan@Edmunds Member Posts: 38,514
    Yes, fredvh, GM is still providing additional cash incentives on select models when they are financed through General Motors Acceptance Corp. The exact amount of the "bonus cash" that GM is providing varies by model and often by which one of its five regions you are in. If you let me know what state you live in and which vehicle or vehicles you are considering, I would be more than happy to give you a rundown of all of the incentives that GM is currently providing on them.

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  • sickntired1sickntired1 Member Posts: 11
    Hi Car man, I too am looking at 2004 GM vehicles. I live in Maryland, NE region and I am interested in GMC Envoy, Chev Trailblazer, Chev 1500 Silverado Ext. Cab and Crew Cab. Can you give me the rundown on cash incentives? Thanks.
  • fredvhfredvh Member Posts: 857
    Michigan; and the vehicles are the 2005 Lacrosse and 2005 Buick Lesabre.
  • CarMan@EdmundsCarMan@Edmunds Member Posts: 38,514
    Hi sickntired1. Here's the lowdown on the vehicles that you are considering.

    2004 GMC Envoy: In its Northeast region, General Motors is currently providing 0% financing for up to 6 years or $4,000 customer cash on this truck. If you choose to finance it through GMAC using its standard financing rate, which is never very attractive, you can add an additional $1,000 to the customer cash. Instead of either of these offers, you can combine 0.9% financing for up to 3 years, 1.9% for 4 years, 2.9% for 5 years, or 3.9% for 6 years with $2,500 customer cash. GM is providing $500 "Value Certificates" to its dealers that will help them increase their sales. Dealers were not provided enough certificates to use one on every deal, but the fact that you know about them and most other consumers do not will give you an advantage in your negotiations.

    2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer: In its Northeast region, General Motors is currently providing 0% financing for up to 6 years or $4,000 customer cash on this truck. If you choose to finance it through GMAC using its standard financing rate you can add an additional $1,000 to the customer cash. Instead of either of these offers, you can combine 0.9% financing for up to 3 years, 1.9% for 4 years, 2.9% for 5 years, or 3.9% for 6 years with $2,500 customer cash. The $500 certificates are available on this model as well.

    2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Extended Cab / 1500 Crew Cab: In its Northeast region, General Motors is currently providing 0% financing for up to 5 years and 1.9% for 6 years or $3,500 customer cash on these trucks. If you choose to finance them through GMAC using its standard financing rate you can add an additional $1,000 to the customer cash. Instead of either of these offers, you can combine 0.9% financing for up to 3 years, 1.9% for 4 years, 2.9% for 5 years, or 3.9% for 6 years with $2,500 customer cash. The $500 certificates are available on these models as well.

    That pretty much sums it up, but let me know if you have any other questions.

    Car_man
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  • CarMan@EdmundsCarMan@Edmunds Member Posts: 38,514
    Thanks for the additional information, fredvh. General Motors is not currently providing any GMAC bonus cash on either the Buick 2005 Lacrosse or the 2005 Buick Lesabre in your area. It does have a number of other offers on these vehicles though. Let me know if you would like any information on the other incentives that are available on them.

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  • cali_dvrcali_dvr Member Posts: 18
    I'm looking at getting a new 04 Chevrolet Tahoe next month. Will GM up their rebates or incentives for the last month in the year? Just a curiosity question.

    Also how difficult is it to get the 1.9% for 72 months?
  • CarMan@EdmundsCarMan@Edmunds Member Posts: 38,514
    That is a very good question, cali_dvr. General Motors is stuck in a very difficult position. Its earnings have not been as good as it would like so it wants to clamp down on incentive spending. However, its market share continues to erode and it has fairly high inventory levels that it will have to do something about. If I had to make an educated guess, I would say that General Motors probably will increase its incentives on most models before the end of the year. The only problem with waiting to buy is that you are interested in a 2004 model. The longer you wait to purchase the leftover truck that you are interested in the greater the chance that you will not be able to find out equipped exactly the way you want.

    General Motors' lowest special financing rates are not that difficult to qualify for. I believe that as long as you qualify for one of its top four credit tiers, I am not sure of the exact score that is necessary to do so, you can get the 1.9% rate for 72 months.

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  • sickntired1sickntired1 Member Posts: 11
    Thank you car man for your help.

    Can you finance thru GMAC to get the extra 1,000 on the Trailblazer, Envoy, etc. and then turn around and obtain a loan through a credit union and pay off the GMAC loan? Or do they write something into the contract that prevents people from doing this.

    You said the regular percentage rate is unattractive....how bad is unattractive? My credit union offers 4.25% for 60 months and 4.75 for 72. I know they used to give you .25% off if you had auto pay withdrawal, but I'm not sure if they still do this.
  • CarMan@EdmundsCarMan@Edmunds Member Posts: 38,514
    No problem, sickntired1. I believe that consumers can indeed finance the car or truck that they are interested in through GMAC and then refinance it through their credit union at a lower interest rate soon after. Two things to keep in mind though, make sure that there is no limit to the amount of time that you have to hold onto this loan in order to avoid having to pay a penalty (I don't believe there is, but I am not absolutely positive). Also, when you refinance your vehicle through a local bank or credit union it may not qualify for the lowest interest rates that are normally reserved for "new" vehicles. You may have to refinance it using the bank's used vehicle rates, which are usually higher than its new vehicle rates, but still are probably lower than GMAC's standard interest rates. I am not sure exactly what GMAC's standard interest rate for consumers who qualify for its top credit tier is at this time, but the last time that I saw it, it was something like 7% to 8%.

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  • cali_dvrcali_dvr Member Posts: 18
    Thanks for all the info! When does GM update their rebates and incentives? My wife and I are thinking about the second week of December is when we want to go ahead and get the Tahoe. Is there also a way to check for new vehicles in the state you live in?

    I know when I went to the dealership last the guy was able to do a look up for the vehicle I wanted throughout the state.

    Also as a side note we just refinanced our house and have payed off all our outstanding debts (ie credit cards, computer loan). How long would it take for the paid off/account closed information to be updated on our credit? I figure its best to go into the dealership with the best credit score possible right? As of today we are waiting on one last account to receive the check in the mail and close the account.

    edited: Another question. GM is doing 1.9% financing at 72 months with $1,000.00. What if you go with the $5,000 instead what kind of percentage could you be looking at?
  • enya18enya18 Member Posts: 19
    If I have excellent credit (I was told my beacon score was 714), why can't I get financing for 0%, if not through the dealership, then through the bank, etc.? Or do I have to wait until it is being offered? I'm looking into the '05 Civic Coupes and they have a special for 2.9%, but I feel like I can do better than that....Thanks for the advice!
  • CarMan@EdmundsCarMan@Edmunds Member Posts: 38,514
    You're welcome, cali_dvr. Many of General Motors' current offers are scheduled to run through January 3rd. However, I definitely expect GM to enhance its incentives before that date in an effort to finish the year on an up note, sales-wise. If I had to make an educated guess as to when it will enhance its offers, I would probably say right after November 30th, when its current round of "bonus cash" is scheduled to expire.

    I believe that General Motors allows consumers to search dealers' inventory through the GM BuyPower web site.

    If you opt to finance your new vehicle through GMAC using its standard interest rate so that you can add the GMAC cash to its normal customer cash incentive then you will probably have to pay an interest rate of around 7% to 8%, assuming that your credit is in good shape. As you can see this is a much higher rate than someone who qualifies for it would be able to get through an independent bank at this time.

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  • CarMan@EdmundsCarMan@Edmunds Member Posts: 38,514
    Hi enya18. Banks, especially ones that are not owned by automakers, are in business to make money. They can't make any by loaning you money to purchase your next car or truck at 0%. The only banks that offer 0% financing on new vehicles are those that are owned by auto manufacturers. They do so on select vehicles from time to time to help boost their parent company's sales. If 0% financing is being offered on the vehicle that you are interested in, you will definitely qualify for it with your credit score, but the key is that this offer has to actually be available for you to take advantage of it. An interest rate of 2% is actually fairly attractive right now, especially for a term like 5 years. If you were to finance this Civic through an independent bank rather than take advantage of this offer, you would probably have to pay at least 4% interest, if not more.

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  • 2creditlosers2creditlosers Member Posts: 3
    I have some raunchy credit; 460 last I checked 2 years ago. My repot is now 7 yrs old, and nothing recent (dings or active accts). A couple of dealers said they needed thousands down, so I laughed and waved.

    My 93 Sentra is destined to car heaven in a few weeks or months. I just want a new commuter, but have almost nothing to put down.

    1) Do I go after the rebates/cash back as a down?

      A) Should I hold out for year end?

      B) Kia and Mitsu are the best ratio 2k-3k back
         on 10k-12k cars.
          I) Mitsu over Kia, right?
          II) Are there any others to look at?
      
      C) What's this MFR to DLR "Marketing Assistance"
          I) Is this a potential bargaing chip for $$?

    2)Should I try to impove my credit quickly?

       A) A secured credit card would give me some
          current credit.
           I}How long does it take to hit the report?
           II)How much does it actually help?

       B) Or pay the most recent collections debt?

    I think you get the picture. I know I'm screwed every which way, but I'll be more screwed if I cant get to work.

    I hope this all makes sense, I appreciate any input.
  • rroyce10rroyce10 Member Posts: 9,332
    **A couple of dealers said they needed thousands down, so I laughed and waved**

               Hmmm, sounds like you are going to be laughing and waving for some time .. because thats what it's going to take -- some big cash .......... ;)

                             Terry.
  • caseyonecaseyone Member Posts: 2
    I have been negotiating with a couple of dealers and the way they explained the rebate to me was different. One said that the rebate was subtracted from the total price after taxes, dealer prep etc. The other implied it was taken off the negotiated price before taxes, etc. I've researched this and it seems that it varies by state. How is it done in California? Is the rebate subtracted before or after the additional costs are added in?
  • 2creditlosers2creditlosers Member Posts: 3
    I guess you didn't follow. I can use the "Cash Back" (i.e. $2500 back on a galant) as the "serious cash". I want to know if this is the best option for me.
  • Kirstie_HKirstie_H Administrator Posts: 11,242
    $2500 may not be enough, 2CL.
    Before you go any further, you need to check your current credit score. It sounds like last check was 2 yrs ago, so you need to know your current situation first.

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  • califleftycaliflefty Member Posts: 1
    Hi,

     Just about to sign a deal TODAY on a new 2005 f-150 fx4 4x4. I have read in other forums that if you finance $7,000+through Ford there is a $1,000 incentive. But the dealer denies this, called Ford credit and they played dumb. If anyone knows the details please post a response ASAP - I need ammunition! Thanks!!!!!!
  • CarMan@EdmundsCarMan@Edmunds Member Posts: 38,514
    Hi 2creditlosers. The first thing that you need to do is to try and repair your credit to the best of your ability ASAP. Get copies of your credit reports from TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax and make sure that they are correct. Any sort of mistakes on them, such as a bill that is listed as outstanding that you have paid off can make your credit scores lower than they should be.

    Once you have made sure that your credit reports do not contain any mistakes, you should begin trying to repair your damaged credit right away. One way to do so is to take out a small loan and pay it off. Even starting a new regular or store credit card and making payments on it on time will help. Applying for a credit card or loan from a bank that you have a savings or checking account at will increase your chance of getting approved. If you do not qualify for a normal credit card because of your current credit problems, you may want to think about getting a "secured" credit card. This means that the credit card that you use is guaranteed with a deposit that you make with the bank that it is through. If you decide to open a new account or two, just make sure not to go crazy with it. Use it in moderation and pay more than the minimum balance every month.

    You also may want to consider finding someone who will co-sign the loan for your new car or truck for you. A co-signer will definitely increase your chances of getting approved for a loan.

    As you have already found, a substantial down payment will dramatically increase your chances of being approved for a loan on the vehicle that you want. Rather than laughing when you are asked for a large down payment, work on saving so that you can make one. Try to hold onto your current car while you save a little money each week to put down on your next vehicle You also could temporarily do some extra work or a second job in order to help you save enough for a substantial down payment.

    Another thing to consider is getting a less expensive vehicle. Rather than spending $10,000 to $12,000 on a brand new model, purchase a late model used vehicle that has already depreciated several thousand dollars for $5,000 to $8,000.

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  • CarMan@EdmundsCarMan@Edmunds Member Posts: 38,514
    Hi caseyone. Different states calculate sales tax on vehicles differently than others. In general though, customer cash is taxed and dealer cash is treated as a manufacturers' price adjustment and is not. This means that the tax is calculated on vehicles in most states before the subtraction of customer cash incentives and after the deduction of dealer cash incentives. You may be able to find out more information on your state's specific policy on this matter by visiting the following Web site: California Department of Motor Vehicles.

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  • CarMan@EdmundsCarMan@Edmunds Member Posts: 38,514
    Hi califlefty. There is a $1,000 cash incentive on 2004 Ford F-Series pickups that are financed through Ford credit right now, but this incentive is not available on 2005 F-Series models. This is a good time to be in the market for an F-Series though. Ford is making a big push to break its all time sales record for the F-Series this year. It needs to sell just over 100,000 more of these trucks in November and December to break it. To help it reach this goal, mid-month Ford introduced a new dealer stairstep program on all F-Series models. This program provides dealers with up to $1,500 dealer cash on this truck. The exact amount of the cash varies depending upon what percentage of its Ford-determined goal dealers achieve. If I had to make an educated guess, I would say that most trucks will receive $500 on average, but again this will vary from dealer to dealer. Even though there is no way for you to know exactly how much money your dealer is getting on the truck that you are interested in through this program, the fact that you know about it will strengthen your bargaining position.

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  • 2creditlosers2creditlosers Member Posts: 3
    Car_man,
      Thank you for your time. I am taking your advice on repairing what I can now. Can you elaborate on the small loan please (who from? how much?) I don't know of anyone will give me a loan now, do you? I can't get a store card, so the first step will be the secured card. I can handle that & I ordered a free credit report moments ago, that will also give me a score.
       As far as saving money, I am a single father living in the most expensive place in the US (SF Bay). A couple hundred a month is all, and ther isn't time. I can't really do side work or OT because of my boy. I had a friend take a look at my sentra, and a cylinder is only at half pressure. I'm no mechanic, but he said the days are limmited.
       I take it you don't think the rebate is the way to go because it has to be a new car. I agree, I cringe at the thought of paying thousands for the smell. But IF it can happen, then I will sleep at night again knowing that I will be able to take my son to daycare and get to work. I just need a fix for now, while I work on my credit.
         Thanks man,
              Jeremy
  • rroyce10rroyce10 Member Posts: 9,332
    ...... Jeremy .. rebates aren't a down payment and most lenders know this, especially with someone with weak credit ...

                 I don't think anyone is picking on you, but a reality check sometimes helps .. rebuilding your credit is a good way to start ............. :)

                                Terry.
  • gigi2gigi2 Member Posts: 3
    I'm buying with a GMAC 72 month loan. I was told that the $3500 was only available to me if I took the standard 8.9% financing rate (the other rebates listed on your site were offered to me). Your site seems to indicate that the standard 72 mos rate is 3.9%. Also your site seems to suggest that the $3500 is avail with that rate. Am I reading this correctly? I was offered 0% for 72 mos with out the $3500 rebate, but would rather have 72 months at 3.9% and a $3500 rebate. Is this 3.9% credit dependent? My credit is good. Thanks!!
  • CarMan@EdmundsCarMan@Edmunds Member Posts: 38,514
    You're welcome, Jeremy. If your credit is in rough enough shape that you don't think that you can get a loan or a store credit card, then a secured credit card is probably the way to go. Saving money, especially when one lives in an expensive part of the country definitely is not easy, but it is very important to do. I see why you can't get a second job, as a father I understand how important family time is. Perhaps you can start saving by cutting back on a few minor "luxury" items. By "luxury" I don't mean diamonds and fancy watches, but things like brown bagging your lunch instead of buying it, or not buying a Starbucks coffee every morning, eating at home instead of eating out on occasion, or scaling back your cable subscription. None of these things are fun, but they should help you to begin to build up a little savings.

    Most banks do not look at cash incentives as a down payment, and even if they did, I don't think that there is a new vehicle out there with a large enough cash incentive available on it for you to use it as they sort of down payment that you probably will need to get a loan.

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  • CarMan@EdmundsCarMan@Edmunds Member Posts: 38,514
    Hi gigi2. What vehicle are you interested in getting? I ask because I can take a look at its incentives program for you and tell you exactly how much money you qualify for on it. On most vehicles, GM's GMAC bonus cash offer is only around $1,000. That means that you can only take the $1,000 and use it with the special financing rates. In order to combine the $1,000 with its normal customer cash, one has to finance through GMAC using its standard interest rates, which as you have found are not very attractive.

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  • gigi2gigi2 Member Posts: 3
    Dear Carman,
    2004 Chevrolet Malibu LS Maxx.
    There seems to be some discrepancy with the info on your website vs what they told me at the dealer.

    - Standard interest rate for 72 mos of 8.9% (what they offer), vs 3.9% (edmunds website rebate info section specific for this car)

    - $3500 financing incentive - which I am aware is only available if I finance thru GMAC. They say it is not available with a 72 mos financing. Only with a 60 month at standard rate of 8.9%. This seems to disagree with what edmunds rebate section says. I was not offered a 72 month financing option at a standard rate. Only offered a zero percent, which I understand can not combine with the $3500. I was looking for 72 mos at a standard rate & also be able to get the $3500. This was not an option the dealer was offering me.

    Thank you!!
  • montanafanmontanafan Member Posts: 945
    When I read Edmunds web site for the Maxx, this is what I see.

    A)$3,500 Consumer Cash rebate. (Not a GMAC Bonus) That may not be combined with low rates.

    B)72M at 1.9% if you do not take the rebate I listed in A.

    C) $1,000 GMAC Finance Bonus for using any GMAC program.

    D) $1,000 Consumer Cash Rebate and 3.9% 72M financing.

    E) While no listed at Edmunds. I have read that GM has returned the 72m 0.0% program on 2004 models. It is not compatible with the $1,000 GMAC Bonus.
  • gigi2gigi2 Member Posts: 3
    Dear Montanafan,
    Are you a GM dealer? I'd really like to get Carman's opinion. My first question is what is the standard 72 month rate - not the special rate. Second question is - per edmunds it shows that the $3500 rebate must be combined with GM financing, which I am doing. Why am I not eligible for it? Thanks!!
  • CarMan@EdmundsCarMan@Edmunds Member Posts: 38,514
    Hi gigi2. The incentives that are being provided by companies that have a number of different offers, like General Motors, definitely can be confusing. I think that you are misinterpreting the information that is available on this site. Next to the $3,500 customer cash incentive it states "Restrictions Customer Cash may not be combined with Special APR." This means that you can not combine this cash with GM's special financing rates. The special 3.9%, 72 month rate may only be combined with $1,000 customer cash and $1,000 GMAC bonus cash in certain areas for a total of $2,000. This rate is a special program and it is much lower than GMAC's standard financing rate. If you want to take advantage of the entire $4,500 in cash incentives, the $3,500 + $1,000 GMAC cash, you need to finance through GMAC using its standard finance rate, which is very high.

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  • montanafanmontanafan Member Posts: 945
    Sorry for trying to help you (and possibly others) read the site properly.
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