Rebates, Incentives, APRs - Questions & Comments

badgerfan · September 2006

I see Grand Caravan rebates are now listed again at $4K, as they were before "employee pricing". I do not know if they also have the previous $750 loyalty rebate.

Also saw a local dealer ad for Grand Caravan SXT for $7200 off of MSRP, which once again is similar to the pricing I got in June, before the employee pricing promotion. So, now it is once again a good time to deal.

Their promotion for July and August didn't move much product, I understand, and with internet savvy purchasers, it is no wonder.

nortsr1 · September 2006

I just "restarted" negotiations via the internet for a new PT Limited.The local dealer has a $499.00 will not budge on it, however; they do not have the color and options on their lot that I am in the market for. I Emailed about four dealers that are within 60 miles of me (Florida)and the best offer I received was an invoice offer less the $2000.00 rebate. When I asked about the "other fee", which was a $750.00 dealer fee (already preprinted on their sales form, I emailed back that was unacceptable. They then agreed to lower the sale price that amount to compensate for it. (%750.00 below invoice-the $2000.00 rebate). If I remember correctly, before Employee pricing, there was also a hidden $500.00 dealer incentive, so I figure that is probably still in effect.I checked all the Chrysler dealerships inventory within 100 miles for the past two months, and for sure, the PT's have not been flying off their lots. I figure Chrysler must be offering good "hidden" incentives to the dealers.
Saturday morning, I rented a PT Cruiser from Enterprise (they have a $21.00 special/day for week-ends). I drove that sucker almost four hundred miles to make sure I was comfortable and compatible with it.(I am slightly handicapped,need plenty of leg room,6'2" tall, and a nice back area to carry my mobility scooter. It worked out great with those folding rear seats to give plenty of room for the scooter.
I always make a habit of renting a car for a couple of days before I purchase (just to make sure it is all that I read about). So now (after i call for an appointment) I am ready to make a 60 mile trip to see if the dealer will "keep his word". I printed out his offer so that there are no changes. I will follow up with a full report of either "Yes, I bought it! or "No" they were just trying to "lure" me into their dealership to wear me down....I will walk!!!!

lonestar98 · September 2006

does it make sense to "prequalify" on chryslers website using the "apply for credit" link? my uncle would like know if he will qualify for the 0%/72mo financing offer. ideally he'd like to know before he is at the dealership.

vegasresident · September 2006

Got a Suzuki Aerio SX crossover wagon. This was the last year for the model as they are coming out with an SX4 for 2007 that costs more with about the same options so clearing their lot they gave great combo deals.

It has been awesome since the day we got it! My 90 pound german shepherd stands up in the rear without her ears even touching the roof. She has all the room to turn around and lay whereever. The back lays flat with no footwell to fall in (like the PT). It has little things that american makers dont think of such as a place to hook the headrests up when they come off. It has some nice under storage in the back and funky little compartments everywhere. The front feels extremely roomy. The gas milesage is good and the drive is very nice.

Never thought I would buy a Suzuki but it has turned out to be a great buy! :shades:

vegasresident · September 2006

you can probably do your homework first without having his credit hit by a Chrysler credit check for no good reason and also not giving Chysler his personal info.

Generally when I have seen that it requires a FICO/BEACON score of like 750 to qualify along with a clean credit history. You can check his credit score online with Equifax or another credit comnpany and run a 3 in 1 report to get his score from all the credit companies.

If his score and history are not stellar, then I would go to your bank or lender and get the best rate they can offer then walk into the dealer with that. It will give you more leverage and they will be more likely to offer a better rate than if you do all their stuff first. If his score and history are stellar you can probably get the deal.

Always be sure that if you do finance through the dealer, everything is done so they dont call back a week later and say the financing fell through.

badgerfan · September 2006

Post back with your results on the PT Cruiser negotiations. I would think you shouldn't pay more than Invoice-$2K. Dealer is still making money at that point due to the holdback received when sold from Chrysler. You still might be able to dicker them down a few hundred more.

nortsr1 · September 2006

I will report back. As far as the holdback goes, that's not all pure profit for a dealer, they have interest costs involved with that...it's the SECRET mfg. to dealer incentives that we never really know about. As long as I get invoice less the $2000.00 rebate and don't get hit with those "added" dealer fees, I am usually satisfied, however; I will let you know. It won't be posted for about two weeks as that is when I am visiting this particular dealership.
I also set a expected price for my trade-in ahead of time and if I don't get an offer within $400.00 of my expectation, I walk.

british_rover · September 2006

heheh sorry had to laugh at the SECRET dealer incentives.

You know for the most part those are myths right? Unless the mfg. has some kind of volume bonus going on like 500 bucks a vehicle if the dealer sells 20 or more PT crusiers in a month.

badgerfan · September 2006

"SECRET" incentives may be mostly a myth, but holdback is not a myth. True, dealers have to markup the vehicle from whatever their true out of pocket cost to the manufacturer is, however that does not mean they won't dip down to a very low price if they are trying to move the metal. My case was a good example. Disregarding the $4750 rebates I received, dealer sold me the GS SE for $591 below invoice, and based on the sheet I was shown that also listed the holdback, this price gave the dealer a markup of about $200, neglecting and "hidden" incentives.

With the $4750 rebates, I believe I ended up with a very good deal.

nortsr1 · September 2006

"You know for the most part they are myths, right?"
British rover; "For the Most part" is the key...but they do exist just like you said...Volume sales,Mfg. to dealer incentives on certain vehicles to MOVE same.End of year dealer incentives....They do exist and like I said before, as long as I get Invoice and the advertised mfg. rebate and a decent trade-in...I always then feel as though I got a "Good Deal". BUT....THEY DO EXIST!!! and they are usually not available or known to the prospective buyer..I really don't care, but it is a fact!!!!

deserth8r · September 2006

I am thinking about getting rid of my truck and leaseing something that gets better gas mileage. I dont drive very many miles, so I think a 24 month/12k mi/yr lease would work well for me. My only real needs are it needs to have a decent amount of cargo space (wagon/compact SUV) and AWD.

Does anyone know of any good lease deals out there, the only one I have really seen is the Dodge Caliber.

Thanks for your help.

qbrozen · September 2006

There are plenty of choices ...
but what payment are you looking for?
And what kind of mileage?

If you don't drive that much, why are you worried about improving mileage? The payment on a new vehicle would easily overshadow the savings you'd see at the pump.

dino001 · September 2006

If you don't drive that much, why are you worried about improving mileage? The payment on a new vehicle would easily overshadow the savings you'd see at the pump

Not only that, but the fees alone (taxes) plus a realization of the depereciation cost at the trade will easily take away all savings. For those few bucks at the pump that you don't even leave that often, your're gonna have to fork over hundreds if not thousands upfront. Makes no sense whatsoever.

deserth8r · September 2006

The mileage thing is just how I justify the new car to my wife. I also enjoy getting a new car every few years, that is why I am considering leasing this time. I can afford to buy something up to $35k, so that is also my budget for leasing. I would be happy with anything (wagon/SUV) that got 20mpg overall.

Thanks.

qbrozen · September 2006

well, see, if you said you wanted a new car ... then I can understand that. Since you said you just wanted better mileage ... well, that's obviously why I made that statement.

OK ... so new car it is.

20 mpg is a piece of cake. I don't think you'd find many wagons that DIDN'T get that. I think you could even squeeze that out of a Dodge Magnum Hemi.

BMW is running a special on the X3.

Jag is running a special on the X-type wagon.

You've got the RAV4 and Passat wagon, as well. If I were you, I'd take a look at the Honda Pilot, too. If you can find an '06 sitting around, you'd probably get a great deal. We used to get right around 20 mpg in ours.

And I think I'd look at the Compass rather than the Caliber, but that's just personal taste, I suppose.

badgerfan · September 2006

I think you should buy the absolutely least reliable vehicle you can find.

That way you will have a reason to tell your wife you need to buy something new once again in two or three years, since the mileage excuse will only work once!

deserth8r · September 2006

That is exactly why I am planning on leasing this car, so in a couple of years I dont need an excuse.

qbrozen · September 2006

by the way, this is EXACTLY what I did.

Told the wife we were trading to reduce our monthly spending. And we did. We're saving about $100 per month in gas and a slightly lower payment.

And I get a new vehicle in 3 years when the lease is up.

Oh, and to save that much, I went from a vehicle getting 21 mpg on premium to one getting 28 mpg on regular.

I think you should shoot for better than 20 mpg, personally. What is your truck getting? 15?

deserth8r · September 2006

My truck averages about 16, I guess with the 20mpg, I just dont have really high expectations for an AWD vehicle. Thanks for the advice, I think I am going to take a look at the Honda Pilot, it looks like several dealers still have 2006s according to their online inventory. I get home from Iraq next week, so hopefully by the end of the month I will have a new vehicle.

badgerfan · September 2006

You guys are devious, deceiving your spouses to satisfy your new car itch!

Maybe you should consider on of the smaller SUV's or crossovers, if you want AWD and still decent mileage.

Ford Freestyle, or even a hybrid Escape. Edge is also coming from Ford also, and there are a bunch of new ones every week it seems from one manufacturer or another.

qbrozen · September 2006

You guys are devious, deceiving your spouses to satisfy your new car itch!

:b

escape hybrid is a good idea. I'm not sure what it would lease for, though, as they probably aren't cutting good deals on them. So it may or may not be financially beneficial since the improved mileage might be set off by a higher payment.

They aren't offering special lease deals at the moment that I know of, but if I was looking for an AWD small ute that got better than 20 mpg, I'd be looking at the Subaru Forester XT. Low-20s mpg, wagon utility, and sportscar speed!

british_rover · September 2006

I remember reading an old Sport Compact Car issue where one of the father of one of the editors bought a Forester XT and they set about making it into a sleeper STI.

They changed out the wheels and tires and swapped on some WRX or some such suspension bits. They actually made it handle pretty well and it didn't cost a lot of money.

sam1461 · November 2006

Hi car_man,

I just made a deal for 15.3K + ttl for toyota corolla LE auto 07 near chicago. I am interested in using the 400$ graduate rebate. I have been enrolled as student for the last 2 years and have a fellowship that easily covers most of my expenses, can you tell me what kind of paperwork should i take to my dealers when I am trying to resolve this rebate with them.Also, can you let me know if there are any other incentives on new corollas in that region.

Thank you,
Sam

tidester · November 2006

The conditions are spelled out here: Toyota College Graduate Finance Program

tidester, host

cocolo2k · November 2006

I need help finding the right lease. I am interested in a monthly payment of 300-450 range with 15k miles for 24 months or shorter and as close to 0 down. I like the crossover suv(murano, fx35, etc) and the sedans that I like are the chrysler 300 or the dodge charger. Anyother suggestions on a v6 vehicle that i can lease for that price range?

nkcar_research · November 2006

Looks like there is a Honda APR incentive starting Nov 22. AFAIK, it excludes some of the Honda models like Civic, Fit and CRV.

They are offering 3.9% on approved credit for 24-36 months and 4.9% on approved credit for 37-60 months.

FYI, for people looking to purchase over the Thanksgiving weekend

dudette3 · December 2006

I am thinking of purchasing a new Focus. The rebates are currently around 2500. Do you think it would be worth my while ot wait until the end of December time frame, and maybe the rebates will increase?

bretfraz · December 2006

I haven't seen much talk about the current DCM consumer rebates vs. their recently announced dealer incentive.

On the 2006 Dodge Ram there is a $5500 consumer rebate that ends today.

This past Saturday, DCM announced a dealer incentive program that provides up to $7000 on '06 Ram's.

Initially I thought BOTH were available as there is/was some overlap in the dates. That would mean up to $12,500 on the table. Does that sound right?

If not, I suppose the dealer incentive is replacing the consumer rebate for December. Hard to find solid info so if anyone knows anything, please post it.

klanger83 · December 2006

Wondering if anyone knows what the formula used for gmc employee pricing? Is it a set percentage below invoice?

klanger83 · December 2006

Wondering what is the best time of year to lease? Is there a certain time of year when the manufactuerers always usually offer good incentives?

Also, lets say 2008's will be released in Sept of 2007. Is there an advantage of getting into one right away considering it will be more "appealing" for the dealer to sell a 2008 in Sept 2009 (assuming 2 year lease) so it doesn't "look" more than 2 years old even though it is?

Is this type of thing taken into consideration with regards to residual values?

I understand it's always best to lease at the end of a month (especially the end of a quarter), but I am talking more about WHICH month would be best. Thanks!

oldfarmer50 · December 2006

I just saw a newspaper ad for a car I'm considering. The dealer quotes a price including a $1000 rebate. Problem is, Edmunds says that there is currently a $2000 rebate on this model. Is this dealer trying to pull a fast one by keeping half the rebate or could Edmunds be wrong? Anyone ever run into a situation where the dealer disagrees with Edmunds on the rebate?

cccompson · December 2006

This is not unusual - the discrepancy could be due to one (or more) of many reasons.

Rebates seemingly change almost daily and are sometimes regional. Particularly on new programs, Edmunds' information sometimes lags. Sometimes "rebates" are a combination of real rebates and dealer incentives (some of which is publicly known and some of which is not).

Check the manufacturer's website for the most up to date (but not necessarily comprehensive) data. Edmunds is good for spelling out dealer incentive info.

kyfdx · December 2006

My own anecdotal evidence shows that February and March seem to have the best lease deals..

You'll often see low money factors, without a corresponding drop in residual values..

I have seen great lease deals disappear in April.. So, when you get a good one, you should grab it.. Unlike dealer cash incentives, they tend to go away with little rhyme or reason.

vt18t1 · February 2007

ON the VW website it states the following:

Select US Certified Pre-Loved Passat models are available with financing as low as 2.49%. Jetta Certified Pre-Loved models are available with financing as low as 3.49%. All other models are available with financing as low as 3.99%. So what are you waiting for?

Could someone please post what the various rates and terms are for 03 and 04 passat wagon models.

Kirstie_H · February 2007

I just looked at the Volkswagen Passat Prices Paid discussion, and there's at least one VW salesguy who hangs out there. You might have better luck posting your question in that discussion.

metmdx · February 2007

To the experts on this board:
Are you aware of any current Infiniti incentives on leftover 2006 G-35AWD models?
TIA- metmdx

metmdx · February 2007

anybody home ?????

tidester · February 2007

While you're waiting, have you tried New car incentives, auto rebates, dealer incentives at Edmunds?

tidester, host
SUVs and Smart Shopper

metmdx · February 2007

Tidester, yes I did look there but didn't see anything.Was wondering if there was any 'inside' info out there. I'd find it hard to fathom that they wouldn't try to move any '06's left as it seems the '07's are a pretty hot item.
metmdx

tidester · February 2007

I am not aware of any though that does not mean there are none. Perhaps some recent buyers know of something. Check out Infiniti G35: Prices Paid & Buying Experience.

tidester, host
SUVs and Smart Shopper

wtap2 · February 2007

I have been getting Internet quotes on a 2007 Buick Rendezvous.This is an example of how dealers ar determining buyers price:
MANUFACTURER'S SUGGESTED RETAIL PRICE $28,765.00
Options installed by Manufacturer:
DRIVER & FRONT PASSENGER
HEATED SEATS
POWER SUNROOF
MEMORY SEAT/MIRROR

TOTAL OPTIONS $1,120.00
TOTAL VEHICLE & OPTIONS $29,885.00
DESTINATION CHARGE $735.00
TOTAL VEHICLE PRICE*** 30,620.00
CURRENT OFFERS $-0.00
NET PRICE $30,620.00

Net price $30,620.00 +6%tax(Michigan)Total=$32,457.20
$32457.20 - $5000 Rebate=$27457.20 Which is my price.
Edmunds suggest Rebate be deducted from best deal arrived at,but it seems as if dealers start with the MSRP.
Is there something wrong with this picture,or is this the way it's done?

cccompson · February 2007

Yeah, this is an aging model that you should be able to buy anywhere in the country for invoice less rebates. Shop some other stores.

docious · February 2007

On 2/28/07 there is a rebate of $2000 for the 2007 Chevy Tahoes (among other cars) that is expiring.

This is the same rebate that ended 1/2/07 for the same vehicle.

Does anyone know if the rebate will continue past the end of February?

I'd just like to know before I order a Tahoe, and the $2k is not available, since you have to take delivery of the vehicle by 2/28.

Thanks!

cccompson · February 2007

Well, there's no way to know what, if any, rebate might be in effect when an ordered Tahoe is delivered weeks from now.

GM will announce whatever their next round is going to be on or about March 1.

blue2500hd · March 2007

Does anybody have a clue yet as to what GM might be coming out with for rebates or other incentives after these last ones run out which i guess is april 3 , i am interested in the Avalance and the silverado and the sierra trucks and was woundering if i should wait a little longer before i buy . thank you

gasman1 · March 2007

Traditionally, rebates drop off in Spring and don't pick up again until towards the end of the model year. However, today's world market has thrown tradition (and caution) to the wind. I'd say that GM is looking at several factors right now to determine what the next rebates will be. For the Avalanch, I would think these factors apply:

a. price of gas on the way up, rebates up
b. current sales volume up, rebates down
c. current inventory up, rebates up
d. new model year introduction date one to three months out
e. new competitor model intoduction announced for next month
f. consumer confidence up, rebates down
g. stock market up, rebates down

Unless someone has inside information, this is the best that I can come up with. You may need further research to answer some of the questions these factors raise. Good luck!

blue2500hd · March 2007

Just talked to a Big car dealership up in NH and was told it might be better to wait till the new rebates come out april 4th said that he has 17 avalances in stock and has not sold a one same with all his large suv's so he things that GM will or should have some good deals coming out soon .

want2buyatruck · April 2007

Ford rolled out 0 up to 60 and 1.9 for 72 on F150 trucks today. I'm curious to see how GM responds with their incentives expiring tonight.

joel0622 · April 2007

Ford rolled out 0 up to 60 and 1.9 for 72 on F150 trucks today. I'm curious to see how GM responds with their incentives expiring tonight.

We have had that going now for about the past 45 days. Though it possibly could be that it has not been in your region.

Unfortunaltley GM never responds to what Ford does, Ford always seems to be responding to them

docious · April 2007

I had ordered a Tahoe, and it came in this last Saturday, before the cutoff on the rebates/allowance. So we got $3000 off.

I am curious to see how much the next set of rebates/allowance are going to be starting today. I wonder if we got screwed or if we are okay.

In 07, the rebates have been increasing as we got towards the end date for whatever rebate period. This past period (3/1 > 4/3), cash allowance started out as $2000, and around 3/15, cash allowance increased to $3000. The period before (1/3 > 2/28), I think the cash allowance started at $1500 and ended at $2250 [I am guessing at these particular numbers.].

So I'd say if you are purchasing a vehicle soon, try to wait until the end of the current rebate period.

Rebates, Incentives, APRs - Questions & Comments

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