Left-Over Car Models for Great Deals

Buy last year's left-over new cars for the best bargains

In the current slow economy, car manufacturers and dealers have been stuck with a larger-than-normal number of 2008 vehicles, even though the 2009 and 2010 models have been out of a while. They are now offering some of the best cash-back rebates that have ever been seen on new cars on both 2008 and 2009 models.

These are not used cars. The cars are brand new, never been titled or owned, and have full manufacturers' warranties.

How does it work?

When a car manufacturer sees that it and its dealers have an oversupply of certain makes and models, they begin to offer incentives such as factory-to-customer cash-back rebates, low interest loans, and factory-to-dealer rebates (that can be passed along to customers as price discounts). These incentives usually are offered on a month-to-month basis, and as soon as enough of a particular make and model have been sold, the incentive will be dropped.

These incentive offers, particularly the cash-back rebates, are great opportunities of customers. Purchase prices often fall below the dealers' invoice prices — below the dealers' cost. The rebates can be used as a down payment on your new vehicle.

What's the catch?

There is no real catch except that your choices of colors and options might be limited to the cars that a dealer has in his inventory. He might be able to find the car you want at another dealer, however. So, you must be flexible in often having to accept a car that is not quite what you had in mind, but at a great price.

What to do?

If you know the make and model you want, or have your choices narrowed down to a few, you should get price quotes from local dealers. The prices you receive will automatically include any available rebates and incentives.

The best and easiest way to get dealer price quotes is by using an online request form, which automatically goes to dealers in your area who have the vehicle you want.

What vehicles currently have large incentives and rebates?

The following web site — Best Car Deals — list current left-over car deals, as well as new-model deals. Be aware that some deals on 2010 models may be just as good as left-over 2009 models, so make sure if you get a price quote from dealers, that you ask for quotes on not only the newest model, but on last year's model as well.

You can get free price quotes from the following sources: InvoiceDealers  is our top recommendation because it's consistently rated #1 ——— But don't stop there. Also get prices from Edmunds, CarsDirect, and Yahoo! Autos .

When you fill out the form specifying a make and model, in most cases you will not be asked about which year model you are interested in. If you are interested in last year's model, you'll have to specify that when you actually talk to the responding dealers.

Buying a leftover previous-year's model car can be a great deal if you can find the make and model you want. It might require some extra legwork looking and getting price quotes, but the results can get you a brand new car at a tremendous savings.

For more, see LeaseGuide.com