The Labor Day weekend has traditionally been a good time to shop for a new car because both car dealers and manufacturers are unveiling sales specials to help move what's left of the 2010 model year inventory.
Consumers looking for a bargain usually start shopping about now. The Internet now makes it easier to shop, since most dealers list their inventory and automotive sites offer research and advice.
"Summer is one of the best times of the year to shop for a great deal on a new car, and that window usually lasts until just after Labor Day," said Cars.com Editor in Chief Patrick Olsen. "Most manufacturers are trying to move out their 2010 models to get ready for the 2011s that are headed to dealer lots."
Cars.com has researched the offerings and lists what it sees as the
Top Ten Incentive Deals:
• 2010 Grand Cherokee: $5,500 cash back ($1,500 dealer incentive) or 0% APR (up to 72 months) plus $1,000 cash back
• 2010 Chevrolet HHR: $4,000 cash back (up to $5,000 dealer incentive) or 0% APR (up to 60 months)
• 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, Malibu: $3,000 cash back (up to $5,000 dealer incentive) or 0% APR (up to 60 months)
• 2010 Chevrolet Impala: $4,000 cash back (up to $5,000 dealer incentive) or 0% APR (up to 72 months)
• 2010 Nissan Altima Hybrid: $4,500 cash back or 0% APR (up to 60 months)
• 2010 BMW 650i: $12,500 dealer incentive and 0.9% APR (up to 72 months)
• 2010 BMW 5 Series (includes M5): $4,500-$7,000 dealer incentive and 0.9% APR (up to 60 months)
• 2010 Infiniti FX35, FX50: $4,000-$7,000 dealer incentive, 0.9% APR (up to 60 months)
• 2010 Lincoln Navigator: $3,500 cash back ($6,000 dealer incentive) or 0% APR plus $1,000 cash back for 36 months
• 2010 Volvo XC70: $2,000-$5,000 dealer incentive and 0% APR 72 months
"Some models on this list, such as the 2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee, have been recently redesigned or received significant upgrades for 2011," Olsen said. "Other models just didn't have great sales in general, like the 2010 Chevy HHR and 2010 Infiniti FX35."
Just because a vehicle has an attractive incentive package doesn't necessarily mean its the right choice. So, instead of just researching prices, take advantage of sites like ConsumerAffairs.com that publish recall information and consumer reviews.
For example, the 2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee was included in a recall earlier this year of Chrysler vehicles with a steering problem. The same applies to the 2010 Chevy Cobalt. Most likely any Grand Cherokee or Cobalt still on the lot has had that problem addressed, but it never hurts to ask about it.
The Cars.com best deals list only includes models that have 600 or more 2010 models listed in Cars.com's national inventory. The above incentives represent the maximum incentives available. Available trims and region restrictions may apply. Loan incentives are for qualified buyers only. Nissan Altima Hybrid is not on sale in all states.
