The Worst New Car Deals: September 2012

MSRP: $23,495 - $32,095
Invoice: $22,123 - $30,034
Fuel Economy: 21 mpg City, 28 mpg Highway

Average Discount Off Of MSRP: 3.61%

The Outback is now in its fourth-generation of what Subaru likes to call the world's first sport utility wagon. The Outback is available with a 173-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder with a six-speed manual transmission (or optional six-speed CVT), or a 3.6-liter six-cylinder with a five-speed automatic transmission. The CVT and automatic transmissions feature a manual mode with paddle shifters on the steering wheel.

Subarus have been selling hot for three years straight, and their excellent resale value makes them a good target for any car shopper. There is such steady demand for the Outback, the company is not having to discount much at all.

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MSRP: $27,270 - $30,850
Invoice: $25,361 - $28,691
Fuel Economy: 21 mpg City, 30 mpg Highway

Average Discount Off Of MSRP: 3.36%

The Audi A3 is a combination of open-road dynamism, long-haul friendliness, around-town usefulness and fuel economy.

The Audi A3 is powered by either a 200-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged (2.0T) four-cylinder gas engine; or a 140-hp 2.0-liter turbo-diesel (TDI) engine. The 2.0T comes standard with a six-speed manual or optional automatic S-tronic transmission that allows manual selection of gears.

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MSRP: $32,000 - $39,525
Invoice: $30,721 - $37,945
Fuel Economy: NA

Average Discount Off Of MSRP: 3.36%

The Toyota Prius Plug-In is a new addition to the Prius family, expanding a lineup of gas-electric hybrid vehicles that has set the standard for environmentally-friendly transportation. This front-wheel drive, five-door liftback delivers the same impressive fuel economy and low emissions as the standard Prius model, with the added benefit of extended electric vehicle (EV) driving. The Prius Plug-In is available in two trim levels: Prius Plug-In and Prius Plug-In Advanced. Both trim levels employ Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive, a hybrid powertrain technology that unites a 1.8-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder gasoline engine with a powerful electric drive motor to generate 134 combined horsepower.

The jury is still out on EVs and extended range cars that eliminate range anxiety by having a gas motor aboard. The demand for cars like this remains to be seen.

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MSRP: $35,600 - $43,000
Invoice: $33,108 - $39,990
Fuel Economy: 20 mpg City, 27 mpg Highway

Average Discount Off Of MSRP: 3.26%

The Audi Q5 provides the versatility of an SUV with the driving characteristics of a sport sedan, with the goal of being the sportiest in its class. The Q5 is powered by either a 211-hp 2.0T four-cylinder or a 3.2-liter FSI V6 engine, the 2.0T gets an eight-speed Tiptronic automatic, while the 3.2 is bolted to a six-speed Tiptronic automatic. Audi's quattro all-wheel drive system provides surefootedness in all conditions.

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MSRP: $15,325 - $17,060
Invoice: $14,926 - $16,607
Fuel Economy: 27 mpg City, 33 mpg Highway

Average Discount Off Of MSRP: 3.09%

The Honda Fit distinguishes itself from all other subcompacts with its impressive practicality thanks to four-door hatchback versatility and ingenious interior packaging. The Fit offers five-passenger seating and a unique second-row "Magic Seat" that either folds flat with the cargo floor, or flips up to carry tall items behind the first row of seats. The Fit is available in two trim levels, base and Sport, both are powered by a 117-hp 1.5-liter i-VTEC four-cylinder engine with front-wheel drive and a choice of a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic.

For now, the Fit is built in Japan, which means that Honda has trouble getting enough to satisfy demand.

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MSRP: $19,695 - $21,255
Invoice: $18,763 - $20,243
Fuel Economy: 31 mpg City, 37 mpg Highway

Average Discount Off Of MSRP: 2.60%

The 2012 Honda CR-Z is a sport hybrid coupe. The CR-Z is the spiritual successor to the old CR-X, a fun to drive small car, but now with modern hybrid technology.

The CR-Z is powered by Honda's Integrated Motor Assist system, which is a combination of a 1.5-liter gas engine and a 13-hp electric motor, all attached to either a six-speed manual, or a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

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MSRP: $18,950 - $23,230
Invoice: $18,003 - $21,625
Fuel Economy: 53 mpg City, 46 mpg Highway

Average Discount Off Of MSRP: 2.58%

The Toyota Prius c is a new addition to the Prius family, expanding a lineup of gas-electric hybrid vehicles that has set the standard for environmentally-friendly transportation. This subcompact front-wheel drive, five-door hatchback delivers comfort, excellent fuel economy and low emissions in an urban-friendly size. The Prius c is available in four trim levels: Prius c One, Prius c Two, Prius c Three and Prius c Four. All trim levels employ Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive, a hybrid powertrain technology that unites a 1.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder gasoline engine with a powerful electric drive motor to generate 99 combined horsepower.

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MSRP: $17,450 - $21,950
Invoice: $16,842 - $20,898
Fuel Economy: 28 mpg City, 40 mpg Highway

Average Discount Off Of MSRP: 2.53%

The Hyundai Veloster is an innovative and unique entry in the compact coupe segment. It's a sleek hatchback that is highly functional and includes a convenient rear passenger-side door. A new Turbo trim is available for 2013.

The Veloster is powered by a 138-hp 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with gasoline direct-injection and variable valve timing combined with a six-speed manual transmission. A 201-hp turbocharged version of the 1.6-liter engine powers the Veloster Turbo and is also mated to a six-speed manual transmission.

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MSRP: $38,850
Invoice: $36,393
Fuel Economy: 40 mpg City, 39 mpg Highway

Average Discount Off Of MSRP: 1.99%

The Lexus ES 300h is a Hybrid luxury sedan based on the highly successful ES 350. The ES 300h is offered in one trim level, with the opportunity to layer luxury by choosing from a selection of available packages. Power is provided by an electric motor/gasoline four-cylinder engine that, combined, produce 200-hp. An electronic continuously variable transmission with manual shift mode sends power to the front wheels.

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MSRP: $20,695 - $28,295
Invoice: $20,104 - $27,480
Fuel Economy: 26 mpg City, 35 mpg Highway

Average Discount Off Of MSRP: 1.84%

The new Mazda CX-5 crossover offers seating for five people. With adaptive cargo space and a comprehensive set of standard safety features, the CX-5 is a safe, practical, sport inspired vehicle to Zoom-Zoom around in. It is available in three trims, Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring. All are powered by a 2.0-litre 155-hp, direct injection, SKYACTIV four-cylinder engine. The FWD Sport is standard with a six-speed manual, while all other trims have a six-speed automatic transmission.

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