Rebates, Incentives, APRs - Questions & Comments

CarMan@Edmunds · April 2005

Hello Kathy. Posting this vehicle's VIN in this forum is not a problem, but I don't really need to know it either. General Motors' normal customer cash incentives are not compatible with leases through GMAC, so the salesperson who you spoke with was telling the truth. GM just introduced a new incentive program yesterday, so its incentives on this truck are likely different than when you test drove it. Right now, GM is providing $250 lease cash plus an additional $1,000 bonus cash, $1,250 total, for leases of 2005 Rendezvous models through GMAC in most areas. For whatever reason, the lease calculators that are available on manufacturers' web sites often do not take their actual current lease programs into account. I would be happy to calculate a sample lease payment on this vehicle for you, but this is a more appropriate topic for the "Lease Questions - Ask Here" discussion. Please post your question there and I would be more than happy to help you out. See you there.

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phili · April 2005

Hi Car_man. I'm interested in the Toyota incentives for April, esp. for the
2005 Camry (Chicago region). It was $700 cash back, but there are no incentives listed this morning on the Toyota site. I'm going to talk to a dealer tomorrow. Any word on what Toyota might be offering? Thanks.

phili

charlotte7 · April 2005

Is GM still doing the "Conquest Cash" rebate thing of $1000 off if you're currently not driving a GM vehicle?

CarMan@Edmunds · April 2005

Hi phili. It's interesting that you are in Toyota's Chicago region. I would have guessed that you live in the Philadelphia area

. In April, Toyota is still providing $700 customer cash or 1.9% financing for 3 years and 3.9% for 4 to 5 years or a special lease on the 2005 Camry in its Chicago region.

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CarMan@Edmunds · April 2005

Charlotte7, General Motors is not currently providing conquest cash on any models that I am aware of, but it is providing $1,000 bonus cash on all of its 2005 models this month.

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mikey00 · April 2005

I am holding out for the best deal on a Sunfire. In march the total incentive was 4500. I took a chance and held out but now it's down to 3500. Any thoughts? Should I make the move or wait to summer?

big_cat · April 2005

Could anyone tell me what is the incentive or rebate on 04 Nissan?
I am interested on 04 Xterra.

It was $2400 last month, local dealer will sell it $500 below invoice + incentive!

And in general, if I want to trade in, will I get a better value with it's own dealer.
eg. if my car is Nissan, I should trade with Nissan dealer?
Thank in advance!

wa_carshopper · April 2005

Car_man - I saw your post (dated Mar 23) that confirmed a 1500 dealer incentive for Volvo S40.
I am planning to buy an S40i (in Washington state).
Any incentives for April?
There is only the 1.9% special apr on volvo's web-site - not sure of they advertise the dealer incentives there.

Thanks! Appreciate your help.

roldan · April 2005

Car_Man,

Can you tell me whether or not GM is still offering the $1000 bonus if the vehicle has been on the Dealer Lot for over 120 days. When does this expire? Is this in addition to the $3500 being offered for Silverado pickups???

Thanks RC

sjacobson81 · April 2005

According to Edmunds Incentives page, it looks like the GM "Hot Button" $1,000 customer cash can ONLY be used for cap reduction on a GMAC SmartLease, or on a GMAC SmartBuy balloon loan!

Darn it!

CarMan@Edmunds · April 2005

Hi mikey00. I am sorry that General Motors actually reduced its incentives on the car that you are interested in. Generally speaking, vehicles' incentives increase as the model year progresses, so it was a slightly unusual move. If I had to make an educated guess, I would say that GM will increase its cash incentive on the 2005 Pontiac Sunfire at some point in the coming months. It is difficult to say how far in the future this will happen though.

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CarMan@Edmunds · April 2005

Greetings wa_carshopper. Like most manufacturers, Volvo does not advertise dealer cash. Volvo is still providing $1,500 dealer cash on the 2004 S40i in April, but this incentive cannot be combined with its special financing rates.

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CarMan@Edmunds · April 2005

Hi roldan. General Motors was offering additional bonus cash on models that had been on dealer lots for a long time in March. This program expired though and was replaced by $1,000 bonus cash on all models in April. This bonus cash is included in the ash incentive that you mentioned for the Chevrolet Silverado.

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CarMan@Edmunds · April 2005

Sjacobson81, GM's "Hot Button" bonus cash is compatible with all programs, not just vehicles that are financed or leased through GMAC. I see your point about the incentives section of this site. Either the footnote for this incentive is very poorly worded or whoever input this data misinterpreted it.

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go8 · April 2005

Car_man,

Would you please tell me what is the lease incentive that GM is offering on a Suburban lease in NJ. Also, what is the residual and interest rate for a 36mth 15k/year lease? Thanks for your help!

Go8

ddelise · April 2005

Hmm - I think GM's rebates kind of decreased this month somewhat.

For example, Car_Man, can you confirm the rebates on a 2005 Malibu Maxx?

Last month it was (in the SouthEast region):
***$2000 customer cash
***$500 bonus cash
***$1000 March Madness (for cars that qualified)
***$3500 total

whereas this month it is:
***$1500 customer cash
***$1000 bonus cash
***$2500 total.

Damon

sballard · April 2005

Hi,

A while back you indicated that Jeep Liberties were
eligible for $2000 cash back and 0% financing for 60
months, as well as $1000 bonus cash for financing
through Chrysler.

My dealer is only allowing me to use the $2000/60 month
0% and not the $1000 bonus cash. He says they cannot
be combined. I asked him to double check, and he came
back and said he was correct, that they could not be combined.

Is there anyway I can get someone from Jeep and/or Chrysler
to let them know I am eligible for both?

Thanks in advance...Shawn

CarMan@Edmunds · April 2005

Hi Go8. This is a more appropriate question for the "Lease Questions - Ask Here" discussion. Please post it there and I will be happy to answer any questions that you have on leasing.

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CarMan@Edmunds · April 2005

Hey Damon. In April, General Motors is providing $2,500 customer cash plus an additional $1,000 "Hot Button" bonus cash on the 2005 Chevrolet Malibu. Its cash incentives for this particular model are fairly similar to what they were last month for vehicles that did not qualify for the additional $1,000 because they had been on dealer lots for more than 125 days. The inventory clearance special that GM ran last month was apparently fairly successful so there probably aren't even that many old models left anyhow even if that offer was still available. The month is still young. While there is no guarantee that GM will do anything, I would not be at all surprised if it made some sort of mid-month enhancement to its April incentives.

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CarMan@Edmunds · April 2005

Hi Shawn. DaimlerChrysler is currently providing $2,000 customer cash and an additional $1,000 bonus cash plus 0% financing for up to 5 years on the 2005 Jeep Liberty. I am pretty sure that both of these cash incentives can be combined with the 0% rate. If you feel as though the dealer that you are working with is either intentionally or unintentionally misrepresenting the incentives that are available on this truck, you can always shop around with a few other dealers. Doing so may lead you to find a dealer that you are more comfortable doing business with. If not, you may be able to at least get confirmation that these offers may be combined to take back to your original dealer.

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wa_carshopper · April 2005

Hi Car_man,
How does the AAA rebate for Volvo work? I was quoted a price $500 over invoice and when asked about the AAA discount, the salesman told me that I had already beat that price (indicating that the discount only brought down a much higher price).
On reading other message boards, my understanding was that it came directly from manufacturer. Can you tell me if I would be eligible for the AAA discount? (I am a plus member). And if so, how do I indicate this to the salesman?
Thanks a lot!

jlan1 · April 2005

Hello Mr Car_Man,

First time on this forum so I apologize in advance for anything I'm missing and thx in advance for your input. I'm working with a metro Detroit Saab dealer, have GM employee discount status and have the following lease deal on the table:

Aero w/Nav Package MSRP = $37,700. I don't know if I can post my employee discount on this forum, but with that employee price and less $3,000 in rebates, I'm looking at:

24 Months at $450/month. 12k Miles $0 down. Or, lump sum in advance of $10,055. I'm thinking of taking the latter, but am wondering if you have visibility as to whether rebates will improve (or reduce) in May. Can you let me know? And let me know if ok to post GM employee discount amount. Might not be a secret.

Thanks a lot!

CarMan@Edmunds · April 2005

Hi wa_carshopper. I am not familiar with any sort of special incentive for AAA buyers on Volvo products. While it is possible that Volvo has some sort of $500 cash incentive for AAA members, it is also possible that the program you heard about is just a special pricing arrangement between AAA and Volvo that gives AAA members reasonable purchase prices on new cars. Perhaps someone over on one of the Volvo-specific discussions would know more about this specific program. If you find out that this is indeed a cash incentive to AAA members and the dealership that you are speaking with refuses to give it to you, you can always comparison shop with another dealer.

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CarMan@Edmunds · April 2005

Welcome jlan1. Unfortunately, it is difficult to say what manufacturers will do with their future incentives. General Motors itself probably does not know what its May incentives will be like for this model yet. A lot of what it does will depend upon how sales are this month and what its inventory situation is like. I don't see any problem with posting the GM employee purchase price for the vehicle that you want in these forums if you want to.

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jlan1 · April 2005

This is the config and rebates I'm being presented with. Please let me know if I'm missing out on any other incentives. Thanks

9-3 Sport Sedan (Aero)
Options
Sentronic Automatic Transmission $1,350
Navigation System $2,295
Front Heated Seats $500
Moonroof $0
Total MSRP: $37,700
Dealer Invoice: $35,800
My GM Emp Price: $34,300
Less rebates: $3,000 (hot button 1k, bonus cash 500, 1,500 lease assist)
My net price: $31,300
24 month lease: $450/month or Lump sum pmt $10,055.

I intend to take the lump sum deal. Please weigh in w/any comments. Thx

kmcg · April 2005

I received a coupon in the mail yesterday for $1k off a Saab 9-2x, or $500 off any other Saab. Can you tell me what the current incentives on the 9-2x and the 9-5 sport wagon would be (in addition to the coupon, which says it can be combined with other incentives)?
Thanks!

CarMan@Edmunds · April 2005

Hi jlan1. the incentives that you mentioned for this car, the $500 bonus cash, $1,000 "Hot Button" bonus, and $1,500 lease cash, are all that is available on it in April. If you can lease one through the GM Supplier Purchase program, you are getting good deal on a nice car.

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CarMan@Edmunds · April 2005

Hi kmcg. Right now Saab is providing 0% financing for 5 years or $4,500 customer cash on the 2005 9-2X. Both of these offers can be combined with an additional $1,000 bonus cash. On the 2005 9-5, Saab is providing $2,000 bonus cash and $3,000 dealer cash. Both of these cars also have special lease programs available on them.

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zhangtao9703 · April 2005

Hi, Car_man

May I ask you about the incentives and bonus about the Saab 9-3 Linear Sedan?

Thanks.

bill731 · April 2005

Hi, Car_man HOST

On Post # 2756, you said, in April, General Motors is providing $2,500 customer cash plus an additional $1,000 "Hot Button" bonus cash on the 2005 Chevrolet Malibu.

I live in Wisconsin, Zip--53573. My research today shows only $1,500 customer cash plus $1,000 bonus cash... Please tell me I am wrong and you were right !!!

Bill

CarMan@Edmunds · April 2005

You certainly may, zhangtao9703. In April, Saab is providing $1,500 bonus cash and $2,000 dealer cash, $3,500 total, or lease support on the 2005 9-3 Linear Sedan.

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CarMan@Edmunds · April 2005

If I said $2,500 customer cash was available on the 2005 Chevrolet Malibu earlier, I sincerely apologize, bill731. In April, GM is providing $1,500 customer cash and $1,000 bonus cash on the 2005 Chevrolet Malibu. Sorry for any confusion that my typo may have caused.

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xstang · April 2005

I've been hearing about a $500 off coupon. Can someone please tell me what I need to do to get this email sent to me? I've attended Autoshow in motion, called GM, called the dealership ect... No luck! Found this posted on the web somewhere....

$500 private offer terms and conditions:

The following are not eligible for this offer: HUMMER H1, all Saab vehicles, and all 2006 Saturn vehicles.

Must take retail delivery (purchase or lease) of an eligible new and unused 2004, 2005, or 2006 GM vehicle from April 11, 2005, through May 31, 2005.

Offer is valid for person named in this e-mail and is transferable only (with proof of address from a valid driver's license or state identification) to residents within your household.

Must present e-mail printout at time of purchase or lease. Only one set of qualifying documents may be used for redemption per purchase/lease.

Offer may not be combined with any other private offers. See dealer for details.

Offer may not be combined with the GM New Vehicle Purchase Program (GM employee discount), GM Company-Owned Vehicle Purchase Program, or GM Dealership Employee Purchase Program.

Offer may not be redeemed on previous purchases or leases.

Dealer Instructions: Refer to Administrative Message 05-14-3 for redemption details.

*Take delivery by 5/31/05. See dealer for details.

zhangtao9703 · April 2005

Hi, Car_man

When you said $1,500 bonus cash and $2,000 dealer cash, $3,500 total, does it only apply to buying (not lease)?

Is it true that for Leasing only $3000 total cash is available? I saw your reply on my lease question. I just want to make sure whether $3000 or $3500 cash is available if I lease a 2005 Saab 9-3 linear.

Please reply. I will go to bargain with dealer tomorrow. Thank you so much.

You are the man.

CarMan@Edmunds · April 2005

Hi xstang. It is difficult to get on the list for "direct mail" offers like the one that you mentioned intentionally. Manufacturers come up with the list of consumers who they send direct mail coupons out to a number of different ways. Sometimes they send them out to loyal customers, others they use registration data to target a select group of consumers who own competitive products or consumers who have attended a specific event, like an autoshow or test drive. One very good way to increase your chances of being included in a direct mail offer is to request information about vehicles through the manufacturer's web site. Stop by the site for the GM vehicle that you are interested in and request that they e-mail or mail you more information on a number of vehicles.

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CarMan@Edmunds · April 2005

Thanks zhangtao9703. The bonus cash is good on any sort of deal, but the dealer cash that is available on leases of the 2005 9-3 is only $1,500 instead of the $2,000 that is available on purchases.

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chillinnc · April 2005

My wife needs a replacement for her well-used van, but we're hopelessly upside-down on our loan (7-8K). I really don't want to put down very much money (or any) if I can help it.

I recently found out about an offering by a local dealer on new 2004 Ascenders with an $8000 incentive (off MSRP). This applies to the 5-passenger, but the 7-pass is in the $7K range. I intend to try to negotiate the price down even further.

Never owned an Isuzu and I realize they're now owned by GM, and these models are twins on the GMC Envoy, etc. Does this sound like a good way to go? Has anyone encountered other incentives in this range (7-8K) ? New 2004 models are ok.

Thanks in advance.

CarMan@Edmunds · April 2005

Hi chillinnc. I am surprised that there are still some 2004 Isuzu Ascenders floating around out there. Isuzu is currently providing something like $6,000 dealer cash on the 2005 Ascender, so while I have not seen what sort of dealer cash it is providing, or paid dealers out, on the 2004 model one would think that it has to be higher than that. I personally feel as though there are a lot better vehicles out there for the money than the Isuzu Ascender. While the Ascender is essentially produced by GM, Isuzu is a dying brand. I am surprised that they haven't closed the doors completely yet. There is no guarantee that Isuzu is going to go away, but if I was a betting man I would say that it eventually will. If you end up purchasing this truck it is going to have absolutely terrible resale value down the road when you try to sell it.

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jay46 · April 2005

Hi,

I'm in the market to purchase a new Audi A4 or Infinity G35 coupe. I live in northern CA. I know the A4 is new model and likely not to have any special incentives but is there any good APR for this car? As for the Infinity G35 coupe is this still a hot car? I went to my local Infinity dealership and they had around 20 of the coupes in stock ( all but one were automatic

. thanks

CarMan@Edmunds · April 2005

Hi jay46. You're right, Audi is nor providing much in the way of incentives on the 2005.5 A4 right now. Other than a special lease program, which isn't even that great, the only offer that Audi is running on this car is a special program that provides 2.9% financing for up to 3 years and 4.9% for 4 to 5 years on this model.

I believe that the Infiniti G35 Coupe is still a relatively hot car. Infiniti is not providing any sort of incentives at all on the 2005 model. For feedback on how much you should expect to pay for one, you should stop by the following discussion: "Infiniti G35: Prices Paid & Buying Experience".

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cwh82 · April 2005

Hi Car_man,

I would like to know what kind of incentives Acura is offering right now for the Acura TSX. Also, what kind of incentives are offered through their College Graduate Program?

Thanks

CarMan@Edmunds · April 2005

Hi cwh82. Acura is not currently offering any sort of incentives on the 2005 TSX. It normally does not provide support on this car, other than the occasional brand-wide special financing rate. I don't believe that Acura's recent college grad program is really all that special either. I am not familiar with the exact details of this program, but it may be nothing more than being more lenient on recent grads who have employment lined up when they apply for a loan or lease.

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mikey00 · April 2005

Does anyone know what is going on with the Conquest rebate, the one where you get $1000 if you buy a GM product and currently own a non-GM. I am looking at a Pontiac Vibe and 2 dealers both said I would get the $2000 rebate plus the conquest for a total of $3000. Then I had them both double check and they said it was still good. All GM sites I look at indicate Conquest is histoty.

CarMan@Edmunds · April 2005

Hi mikey00. The dealers that you spoke with were correct. Last month, GM extended the expiration date for the $1,000 Pontiac Vibe conquest offer all the way until September 30th. So it looks like this offer is going to be around awhile. It is compatible with the $1,000 customer cash and $1,000 bonus cash for a total of $3,000.

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mikey00 · April 2005

I sent Pontiac a e-mail regarding this and here is their response:
"Thank you for contacting Pontiac and for your interest in the 2005 Pontiac Vibe! Yes, the Conquest offer has expired. At present, there is a Winback offer. Certain drivers of other makes were sent a GM Exclusive Direct Mail Private Offer (Winback) which gives $1,000 or $500 towards the purchase or lease of an eligible new and unused vehicle. We have checked the manifest list which indicates you were not sent this incentive. We apologize for any frustration this may cause you; we regret we are unable to place anyone on the manifest from this location. To obtain more information regarding the Vibe, please visit www.pontiac.com or contact your preferred dealership."
This response makes it look like you can only get the rebate if you received the special offer. But, not true. I purchased my new Vibe tonight with $2000 rebate plus $1000 Conquest, Winback or whatever they want to call it plus my $3000 in GM card points for a total of $6000 in rebates.

CarMan@Edmunds · April 2005

Congratulations on your new Vibe, mikey00. I thought that the conquest cash was still around. It's pretty sad when Pontiac's own employees don't even know what's going on but we do.

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peter12 · April 2005

mikey00,
How did you get $3000 in GM card points? The GM card web page says that the Vibe is only eligible for $1000 in GM card points. I currently have ovr $2500 in points saved up and I would like to use them all if I can. Can I ask your bottom line for the Vibe?

lucashandelsma · April 2005

Hi,

Just wondering what the reasonable fees are on a lease. I have heard everything from "up front sales tax", "bank fees", "acquisition fees", etc. I know I have to pay registration and tax, but some of these fees sound a little strange.

I am looking at leasing a 05 Nissan Murano SL AWD. In Nissan's case, are there any of these hidden fees that I have to worry about?

Also, does anyone know if my Murano is going for under invoice these days? Trying to get a good deal in San Diego.

Lucas

mikey00 · April 2005

It all depends on which card you have. I have an older card which has no limit based on the car you purchase. It does have a max annual rebate amount of $500 which expires after 7 years, so the max you can build up is $3500. Newer cards have no annual limit but do have a limit based on the car you purchase.
My deal was like this:
Sticker 20,410
rebate 2,000
Conquest rebate 1,000
GM Card points 3,000
Dealer discount 700

Final cost before tax and tags 13,710

Dealer invoice on the car was 18,966. The difference between invoice and sticker was about $1400 which the dealer and I split (thats the $700 dealer discount). I could have gotten closer to invoice but didn't want to take a chance on losing the car. It was configured exactly the way I wanted: no moon & tunes, no optional wheels, black, auto, antilock brakes, power package, StabilTrak. This is sort of an unusual configuration and if I lost it I don't think I could find another without special ordering. Usually you only find StabiliTrak on the fully loaded ones.

mikey00 · April 2005

I replied above. It has the wrong subject line and it's to late to fix it now.

Rebates, Incentives, APRs - Questions & Comments

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