Monday, March 7, 2011

Best Car Deals: March 2011

While analysts have said the automotive industry has been in recovery for months, February new car sales have sealed it: consumers are back in showrooms ready and willing to buy. Most car makers report that sales in February 2011 were up about 20 percent compared to the same time a year ago. The sales increase has the industry on track to sell over 13 million new cars and trucks this year—a level not seen since 2009's Cash for Clunkers sales extravaganza.
2011 VW Jetta Sportwagen (Volkswagen)


While sales are usually pushed by incentives, that wasn't the case for this February. TrueCar.com reports that industry-wide incentive spending for February was at its lowest levels since 2007. When automakers spend less on incentives, consumers feel the pinch. The average price for a new car in February was up $132 from the average price in January. It seems that car makers feel secure enough to dial back discounts and cash back offers.


That doesn't mean that there aren't good deals available—it just means that car makers are focusing on leasing and low-interest financing offers to get buyers into showrooms. While those deals aren't as exciting as cash back, they can still save you money in the long run.This month, Chevrolet is offering either $2,500 cash back on the 2011 Malibu or zero-percent financing for up to 60 months. Cash back is more exciting, but going for zero-percent interest saves you $950 in finance payments over the life of the loan (compared to 6.5 percent financing from your bank and assuming no trade-in and no down payment). Of course, you'll need to have stellar credit to get the no-interest financing, but if you can get it, it's the better deal.

Chevrolet isn't the only car company getting in on the no-interest financing game. Nissan is offering zero-percent financing for up to 60 months on many of its models. Ford is also offering low- and no-interest financing for up to 60 months in many regions on most of its models.Depending on where you live, you may be able to find 1.9 percent financing on a new Toyota. Mazda has no-interest financing for up to 60 months and no payments for up to 90 days on many models. Even Subaru, which saw sales increases when other automakers experienced sales declines, is offering 1.9 percent financing on many models.Subaru rarely offers incentives, so if you've been wanting one, act now.

Other companies that weathered the recession better than others aren't feeling the need to offer many deals at all. Hyundai managed to prosper during the recession and still has strong sales—so strong that they don't need to offer many incentives this month.BMW doesn't have any financing offers available, but Mercedes-Benz is offering 1.9 percent APR financing on the C-Class sedan for up to 36 months.

While we strive to keep this list of the best car deals up-to-date, they can change without warning.In many cases, the deals available to you depend on where you live. The best way to find out if you can take advantage of these deals is to contact a dealer near you.You can use next to the car your interested in below to contact local dealers for more information on the best new car deals. If these deals don't work for you, we've got the best deals for Toyota, Nissan, Ford, Honda, Chevy, Lexus, Infiniti, Jeep and Chrysler. We also have this month's best lease deals and best deals on used cars. There's a great deal out there for you, and we've done the research to help you find it.



Carmaker
Car Deal
Expires
Buick, GMC,Cadillac, Chevrolet0%  APR financing for up to 60 months on many models. 3/31/11
Chrysler, Dodge,Jeep0% APR for up to 72 months; availability depends on model, year and region.3/31/11
Ford, Lincoln0 % APR  financing for up to 60 months on many 2011 models; some 2010 models available with cash back, depending on region.4/4/11
Volkswagen1.9% APR financing for up to 60 months on many models.3/31/11
Subaru1.9% APR financing on many models.3/31/11
Mercedes-Benz1.9% financing for up to 36 months on C-Class and GLK-Class models.3/31/11
Mazda0% APR financing for up to 60 months on some models, depending on region.3/31/11
Nissan, Infiniti0% APR financing for up to 60 months, depending on region.3/31/11

The best deals for March 2011 are below:



2011 Ford Taurus: $2,000 cash back or zero percent APR for up to 36 months in most of the country

2011 Ford Taurus
The Ford Taurus has dominated the large car class since its redesign, and the 2011 model is no different. With the Taurus being such a strong performer, you might think you'd have to pay a premium to get one. But, you can get all the space, comfort and style of the 2011 Ford Taurus this month with $1,500 cash back or zero-percent financing for up to 36 months. It's also our 2011 Best Family Sedan for the Money. Expires: 04/04/11

MSRP: $25,170 - $33,620
Invoice: $23,348 - $30,953
MPG: 18 City / 28 Hwy

2011 Subaru Impreza: Purchase Deal: 1.9 percent financing
2011 Subaru Impreza
We normally don't feature cars with financing rates as high as 1.9 percent, but given that the rate is available on the Subaru Impreza, we're making an exception. Subaru rarely offers financing deals. To put it bluntly, they don't need to. They build good cars and the sales follow. The Impreza is an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety "Top Safety Pick" for its excellent crash test performance and standard electronic stability control. It's also a great performer and appeals to enthusiasts with its standard all-wheel drive and strong engine. You can even get the souped up WRX model with 1.9 percent financing, but you need to get it by March 31. Expires: 03/31/11

MSRP: $17,495 - $20,995
Invoice: $16,734 - $19,945
MPG: 20 City / 27 Hwy

2011 Mazda Mazda6: Purchase Deal: 0% APR for up to 60 Months plus $750 Customer Cash, depending on region
2011 Mazda Mazda6

While most midsize cars are ho-hum transportation appliances, the Mazda6 is a sporty performer that just happens to have room for five people and all their stuff. Reviewers love the Mazda6 for its athletic handling, which turns even the most boring commute into something engaging. The Mazda6 also stands out for its styling, which is sportier and more aggressive than you usually see in the midsize class. In March, you can get the Mazda6 with zero-percent interest financing for up to sixty months, plus you get to keep $750 in your pocket. Expires: 03/31/11

MSRP: $19,610 - $28,975
Invoice: $18,138 - $26,757
MPG: 20 City / 29 Hwy

2011 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen: Purchase Deal: 1.9% APR for up to 60 months. Excludes TDI models.

2011 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen
We'd normally use this spot to highlight a compact SUV like the Volkswagen Tiguan. But, with both the Jetta SportWagen and Tiguan available this month for 1.9 percent financing for 60 months, the SportWagen is the better deal. Not only does it have more cargo space and better fuel economy, but it also has a lower starting price. If you're shopping the Tiguan for its combination and performance and practicality, you're robbing yourself if you don't check out the SportWagen. The only thing that Tiguan offers that the SportWagen doesn't is all-wheel drive. If you can do without that, the SportWagen is the smarter choice. This offer does not apply to SportWagen TDI models. Expires: 03/31/11

MSRP: $19,995 - $26,095
Invoice: $19,195 - $25,051
MPG: 22 City / 30 Hwy

2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class: Purchase Deal: 1.9% APR for up to 36 months

2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
The C-Class may be Mercedes-Benz's entry-level sedan, but it's still a Mercedes. And, like the rest of the brand, the C-Class has a luxurious interior, excellent performance and unparalleled prestige. Unlike the rest of the Mercedes line up, the C-Class is available with 1.9 percent financing for up to 36 months. Mercedes rarely offers purchase incentives, so if you've always wanted to get into a German luxury car, even if it's just a baby Benz, jump on this C-Class deal. Expires: 03/31/11

MSRP: $33,990 - $39,990
Invoice: $31,611 - $37,191
MPG: 18 City / 26 Hwy

2011 GMC Acadia: Purchase Deal: 0% APR for 60 months OR $2,000 customer cash

2011 GMC Acadia
The GMC Acadia is one of a trio of well-liked crossovers from GM. While its cousins, the Buick Enclave and Chevrolet Traverse have the rounded styling that's typical of the class, the Acadia stands out with its masculine, truck-like looks. Inside, however, the Acadia is just as comfortable as any crossover. It can seat up to eight people in three comfortable rows and can swallow all their gear. Act before the end of the month and you can get the Acadia with no-interest financing for 60 months or $2,000 cash back. Expires: 03/31/11


News Source: Yahoo

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