AutoWeek - Buyers' Market--Struggling Auto Sales Mean Consumers Win

[Merc1]

Cars sales have nose-dived along with the the collapsing economy, and the forecast doesn't look any better, with predictions that U.S. sales will shrink to a mere 13 million units in 2009. In hopes of jump-starting sales, automakers have ramped up incentives on many models.

Not surprising is that larger and more expensive vehicles carry the biggest rebates. Some are on outgoing models, and a lot of them are not very fuel-efficient. But the price of fuel has dropped significantly in recent weeks, so your savings on the sticker price could be augmented by cheaper pump prices--at least in the short run.

We list here the top 10 most generous offers available today. How about a Mercedes-Benz S-class for $10,000 off or a BMW 7-series for $7,500 off? If you're looking for a sport-utility vehicle, you can have a Lincoln Navigator or a Hummer H2 with $8,000 and $7,000 cash back, respectively. Need to tow? Get a Ford F-350 Super Duty for $7,000 cash back or 0 percent financing.

There are plenty of other intriguing incentives, so do some digging, and you might discover a sweet deal on your target car. Be forewarned that offers differ by region and among trim levels.

Happy shopping!


OTHER HOT DEALS

2008 Infiniti QX56 and M45

MSRP: $53,265 (QX56), $50,415 (M45)

$7,000 factory-to-dealer incentive


2008 Ford F-150

MSRP: $18,850

$4,500 to $7,000 cash back or 0 percent to 5.9 percent financing


2008 Mercedes-Benz E-class and SLK-class

MSRP: $52,075 (E), $45,025 (SLK)

$6,000 factory-to-dealer incentive


2008 Chrysler 300C

MSRP: $36,915

$5,250 to $6,000 cash back or 0 percent to 7.9 percent financing


2008 Ford F-350 Super Duty and F-250 Super Duty

MSRP: $24,565 (F-350), $23,845 (F-250)

$6,000 to $7,000 cash back or 0 percent to 3.9 percent financing


2008 Mercury Mountaineer

MSRP: $27,585

$5,000 to $6,000 cash back or 0 percent to 1.9 percent financing


2008 Dodge Ram 1500

MSRP: $23,050

$5,000 to $6,000 cash back or 0 percent to 5.9 percent financing


2008 Toyota Tundra

MSRP: $23,135

$1,800 to $6,000 cash back or 0 percent to 1.9 percent financing



Buyers' market--Struggling auto sales mean consumers win - AutoWeek Magazine


M

 

[Brookside]

I'm not surprised by these deep discounts. Manufacturers are overproducing and dealer lots are filled with a surplus of product.
What I am surprised to see is how many people in my neck of the woods are taking advantage of great bargains in a sour unpredictable economy:
getting rid of their gas guzzles and moving into smaller more fuel efficient vehicles.

It seems like just a matter of time that gas prices will rise again- this is a "shopping oppurtunity" for consumers.