Most savvy car shoppers know that September — the traditional end of the model year — means great bargains on car lots. But the truly advanced shopper knows that even better deals are available for those who are willing to buy a model that is about to be discontinued or redesigned.
Why are these vehicles so cheap? Well, if you buy a model that will be redesigned or dropped for the next model year, you will be driving a car that's visibly outdated. It's like buying a dress or suit that was hot last year, but has been eclipsed by newer styles. But even if you're the pragmatic type whose decisions aren't driven by fashion, this is your chance to score a new set of wheels at a low price.
Besides good, old-fashioned discounts, the cars featured in the list below are likely to carry hefty incentives and rebates to sweeten the deal. Check to see what is available in your area — many such offers are regional. To correctly apply incentives, remember to negotiate your lowest price first and then deduct any rebate. And if there is a choice between low-interest financing and cash back, run the numbers to see which will save you the most.
One note of caution for bargain hunters, though. When car makers introduce a model redesign, the prior model depreciates more quickly and reselling it might be more difficult. However, if you're going to keep the car for a long time, depreciation will have little effect on you.
These are vehicles that are just about to be replaced by new-generation models, yet represent excellent value and performance:
2012 Chevrolet Impala
The Chevrolet Impala is spacious and reliable but it's been six years since it had a significant update, and a complete redesign will arrive with the 2014 model year, set to debut early in 2013. The discounts and rebates on the Impala will certainly reflect its somewhat outdated platform.
The Chevrolet Impala is spacious and reliable but it's been six years since it had a significant update, and a complete redesign will arrive with the 2014 model year, set to debut early in 2013. The discounts and rebates on the Impala will certainly reflect its somewhat outdated platform.
2012 Chevrolet Malibu
With an all-new 2013 version arriving in the fall, the still-popular 2012 Chevy Malibu will see significant discounts and incentives. This makes it a good choice for budget-minded shoppers who stress low purchase price and high reliability.
With an all-new 2013 version arriving in the fall, the still-popular 2012 Chevy Malibu will see significant discounts and incentives. This makes it a good choice for budget-minded shoppers who stress low purchase price and high reliability.
2012 GMC Acadia
A refresh is coming for the 2013 Acadia, so the 2012 will quickly be considered outdated. However, it is still a solid choice in the SUV category. Incentives will likely increase as the new models hit the lot in the fall.
A refresh is coming for the 2013 Acadia, so the 2012 will quickly be considered outdated. However, it is still a solid choice in the SUV category. Incentives will likely increase as the new models hit the lot in the fall.
2012 Chevrolet Traverse
With a refresh coming in 2013, Chevrolet will put some serious incentives on the hood of this popular SUV.
With a refresh coming in 2013, Chevrolet will put some serious incentives on the hood of this popular SUV.