It's not easy to make predictions about the auto industry, but there are signs that the long-running buyers' market is starting to lose ground. As a result, automakers may not need an extremely high level of rebates and special financing to attract customers.
Factories are purring along to fill depleted stocks after the "Cash for Clunkers" program, and a restructured General Motors is showing signs of life. Ford was even profitable during the third quarter of the year. And in recent weeks, there have even been shortages of some models. No one is suggesting that incentives are going away. But there are already fewer rebates in the $4,000 to $5,000 range and the terms for 0% deals tend to be shorter -- more often 48 or 60 months instead of 72. So if you were thinking of buying a new vehicle, it might be a good idea to start looking now. You can still find great deals if you shop carefully. Expect the offers to vary greatly from brand to brand and model to model as automakers customize their strategies to new conditions. It's the perfect environment for smart shoppers willing to do their homework on pricing, incentives and options.
Select The Vehicles Below And View The Incentive:
| Compact Cars | Midsize Crossovers | Midsize Cars | Fullsize Cars | Pickups |
| Mazda3 | Mazda CX-7 | Mazda6 | Chevrolet Impala | GMC Canyon |
| Toyota Corolla | Hyundai Santa Fe | Chevrolet Malibu | Ford Taurus | Toyota Tundra |
| Ford Focus | Ford Edge | VW Passat | Cadillac CTS | Ford F-150 |
| Chevy Cobalt | Chevrolet Equinox | Mitsubishi Galant | Kia Amanti | Chevrolet Silverado |
Editor's Pick: 2010 Mazda3
For 2010, Mazda has taken a good compact car and made it better. The Mazda3 has long been known to be a perky, fun-to-drive car, the full beneficiary of Mazda engineers' near-obsession with power, handling and quick reflexes. It now has a more aerodynamic style, a better suspension, and improved fuel economy -- thanks in part to its lighter weight. With its new 167-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, it gets a thrifty 33 mpg on the highway and 25 mpg in the city. It comes in four equipment levels and in hatchback and sedan versions. Even though these features alone ought to attract buyers, Mazda hasn't skimped on the incentives either. It is offering 0% for 36 months and 2.9% for 60 months -- about the same levels that other automakers are offering on some much older vehicles. There is even a $239 a month lease deal for 42 months, with no down payment, which could work out well for cash-strapped buyers.
Please Note: These deals only apply to the month listed above.
Car Shopping? You May Want to Read the Articles Below:
- Dealer Secrets: The Loan Officer- Dealer Secrets: When & Where to Shop
- Dealer Secrets: Have A Shopping Game Plan
