Year End Deals: Find the Car and the Deal That’s Right for You – And Yes, It’s Out There!
Terri Marshall
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Let’s face it, we’ve all been through a lot in the past two years.
And our struggles spilled over into the automobile industry. Prices soared for both new and used vehicles. Inventory supplies continue to be limited and now, interest rates have increased. But despite our troubles, there are some year-end deals to consider if you’re in the market for a new vehicle. Bottom line: There are cars out there. There are deals. And, things are beginning to shift to a buyer’s market for many car brands. That’s all good news for consumers!
Related: Buying a car in 2023? Here’s What to Look For
Year End Deals for Financing and Leasing
The majority of the deals this year lean toward financing options. You’ll find savings on interest rates and lease incentives. Remember, credit eligibility is required for these types of deals, so make sure you’re eligible.
Fancy a sedan? The current deals are in your favor as many of the deals this year offer special interest rates on sedans that don’t sell as well as SUVs. “We’re still in a massive inventory shortage, especially on more popular models. And with interest rates going up like crazy, small to mid-sized sedans, which typically appeal to people with a more conservative budget, are becoming more unaffordable,” says LeeAnn Shattuck of TheCarChick.com. “The manufacturers are offering special interest rates to help move those cars. But we’re not talking about 0% financing. A special rate these days is around 3 to 4% given that regular interest rates are now 6%.”
Related: I Used Capital One Auto Navigator to Buy My Car
Hyundai Elantra, redesigned in 2021, is among the models that have had some good purchase offers in 2022. Photo: Scotty Reiss
Our Favorite Sedan Deals & More
Many of this year’s best lease deals focus on small cars and SUVs. Monthly lease payments for some are as low as $250 or less and a few thousand dollars due at signing. For example, 2022 Subarus are available to finance for 2.9%, while 2023 models carry a 3.9% APR. Both of these rates offer solid savings compared to the current national average of about 6% for a new-car loan. Beyond these deals, Subaru is offering well-qualified buyers a zero money down plan with an interest rate of 2.9% or 3.9%. Three-year leases are also available for payments between $250 and $419 per month with $1,469 to $3,829 due at signing.
You’ll find more deals on the 2023 Honda HR-V, 2022 Mazda CX-30, 2022 GMC Terrain and 2023 Kia Forte, among others. Ram is offering a great deal on certain Big Horn models of the 2022 Ram 1500 pickup, with payments of $299 per month. There are also excellent lease deals this December on the recently reintroduced 2023 Acura Integra and the highly ranked 2023 Genesis G70.
Related: Why the Genesis G70 is the Most Awarded Car of the Year
The exterior of the Kia EV 6 GT; many luck buyers have found well-priced EV6 models on the market recently. Photo: Scotty Reiss
Charge Up Your Life in 2023
Considering an EV or plug-in hybrid? Current deals available through January 3rd provide motivation to move in that direction. Here’s a very electric deal with the 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV and the Tesla Model 3 and more brands. And we have a few more deals to consider.
- Chevy Bolt EUV: A purchase deal through January 3rd offers 4.99% financing for 60 months.
- 2022 Tesla: A rare purchase deal offers a $3,750 credit with the purchase of certain Tesla models including the brand’s most affordable model, the Tesla Model 3.
- 2023 Nissan Leaf: Nissan is offering attractive financing through December with 2.99% for 72 months. Or if you’re up for a lease, the deal is $269 per month for 36 months with $5,239 due at signing.
- For a big. family-friendly SUV with off-road capability, the new Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe can be yours for $540 per month for 39 months with $3,799 due at signing.
Tips for Negotiating Your Year End Deals
When it comes to leasing, keep in mind that many are restricted to customers who live in a specific area. Unlike car purchase deals, new vehicle lease deals are almost always limited to cars with precise trim levels and option packages. While leasing generally favors customers with good credit, lease specials frequently raise the bar even higher; only consumers with top-notch credit qualify for the best offers.
You also need to have a plan in place, so make a car purchase plan. Know your credit score and finance options before you start shopping and don’t fall for the advertised price. Beyond that, here are more tips and how to know if you should lease or buy your next car.
- Look closely at all deals
- Ask three times “Is this the best rate you have? “Are you sure you can’t do better than this?” “Is this the best you can do?”
- Get to the top fast—ask to speak with the manager when you start negotiations
- Keep your budget to yourself
- Don’t get emotional
- Get the offer in writing and understand your paperwork and contract
Whatever you decide, we hope you kick off the New Year with a beautiful new car of your dreams!
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