Top 8 new-car deals for November

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Discounts are fast becoming available on just-arrived 2012 cars and trucks as automakers want to jump-start sales for the new model year. The bargains are even more generous on closeout 2011s for those who are willing to settle for whatever color and feature combinations might be remaining on dealer’s lots.

This month we scoured the lists of available incentives to identify the deepest discounts on what we feel are the best models across a wide range of automotive segments. These include direct-to-consumer cash rebates, discounted financing promotions and so-called marketing-support incentives, which we call additional dealer discounts. Typically favored by luxury automakers, the latter are cash allowances given to dealers to lower the prices on select models without seeming to cheapen the brand by offering cash rebates. The only catch is that a dealer may or may not automatically pass them on without some hard-nosed negotiations.

Full List: The Top New Car Deals For November

The Fine Print: Additional incentives may apply, such as those often offered to recent college graduates and members of the military and/or owners or lessees trading in same-brand or competing models. Offers may vary by region and are subject to subsequent modification or termination by the manufacturer; cited financing rates are typically open only to qualified buyers with top credit ratings and may vary based on eligibility. And no matter how great a rebate deal you may be offered, keep in mind that the final transaction price is always open to negotiation. We expect dealer discounts on any of these vehicles will be substantial for hard-nosed hagglers.

2011 Dodge Challenger

Deal: $2,000 additional dealer discount or 0.0 percent financing to 60 months, 1.9 to 72 months.

This retro-designed midsize “pony car” is one of the few sporty coupes to come with what is actually a sufficiently roomy back seat. It’s affordable and reasonably quick with its standard 305-horsepower 3.6-liter V-6 engine. R/T versions pack a quicker 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 with 376 horsepower and the top SRT8 that packs a 6.4-liter Hemi with a galloping 470 horses. Enthusiasts will want to opt for the available six-speed manual transmission (a five-speed automatic gearbox is also offered). MSRP: $24,895.

2011 Infiniti M56

Deal: M56: $5,000 additional dealer discount; M37: $4.000 additional dealer discount.

Infiniti's largest sedan is a lower-cost alternative to top BMW and Mercedes models. The M37 comes adequately powered by a 330-horsepower V-6 engine and smooth-shifting seven-speed automatic transmission, while the M56 packs a punch with a 420-horsepower V-8. Both versions are entertaining to drive, with entertaining ride and handling qualities. All-wheel-drive is optional for improved performance on wet or snowy roads, with myriad high-tech features available. Those wanting a 2012 version can alternately get $1,000 leasing cash or financing as low as 1.9 percent. MSRP: $47,050.

2011 Dodge Durango

Deal: Up to $3,000 additional dealer discount or 0.0 percent financing to 60 months, 1.9 to 72 months.

Reintroduced for model-year 2011, the Durango is now mechanically related to the Jeep Grand Cherokee, though it carries distinctive styling cues. As with the Jeep, the seven-passenger Durango rides on a car-like unibody construction that’s built to be more rugged than the typical crossover and enables it to go off-road. A 290-horsepower 3.7-liter V-6 engine is standard with a 360-horsepower 5.7-liter V-8 available that enables the vehicle to tow up to 7,400 pounds. Several of the latest high-tech features are offered. MSRP: $29,195.

2011 Chrysler 300

Deal: Up to $3,500 additional dealer discount or 0.0 percent financing to 72 months.

The full-size 300 sedan received an impressive redesign for 2011 that gave it an added dose of style and sophistication. While the standard 292-horsepower 3.6-liter V-6 engine is quick enough to suit most buyers, a quicker 363-horsepower 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 is alternately offered. All-wheel-drive is optional for added traction on slick or snowy roads. The 300 sports an elegant exterior with a nicely designed interior that affords ample room for five passengers to stretch out and enjoy the car’s myriad luxury and infotainment options. MSRP: $31,170.

2011 Dodge Ram 1500

Deal: $4,750 additional dealer discount and 0.0 percent financing to 72 months.

Wrapped in big and bold exterior styling, the full-size Ram 1500 comes in three cab styles, with rear- or four-wheel drive and a choice of V-6 and V-8 engines that range from 215 to 390 horsepower. The truck’s ride and handling qualities remain first-rate, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces and without undue harshness over rough pavement. Novel features include in-floor bins with Crew Cab models and optional locking “RamBox” cargo-bed storage compartments. Those requiring a heavy-duty pickup can also avail themselves of a $4,500 additional dealer discount and financing as low as 0.0 percent on Ram 2500/3500 models. MSRP: $20,810.

2011 Ford Flex

Deal: $3,000 cash or $1,000 cash and 0.0 percent financing to 60 months, 1.9 to 72 months.

This engaging seven-passenger crossover wagon is a more-efficient alternative to a full-size SUV for large families. A capable 262-horsepower 3.5-liter V-6 engine and a six-speed automatic transmission come standard, with a turbocharged V-6 optional that generates a stronger 355 horsepower, but with equivalent fuel economy. A long list of available amenities includes a panoramic sunroof, a small backseat refrigerator and a novel self-parking feature. MSRP: $29,355.

2011 Chrysler Town & Country

Deal: $3,000 additional dealer discount or 0.0 percent financing to 60 months, 1.9 to 72 months.

This perennial favorite among people-moving minivans affords a no-nonsense design, refined overall performance and a host of family-friendly and safety-minded features. A 3.6-liter V-8 engine delivers a generous 283 horsepower and comes mated to an efficient six-speed automatic transmission. Its seven-passenger interior features second and third-row seats that can fold flat into the floor for extreme cargo-carrying flexibility. MSRP: $30,260.

2012 Chevrolet Malibu

Deal: Up to $1,000 additional dealer discount and $2,500 cash or 0.0 percent financing to 60 months, 3.9 to 72 months.

While Chevy is ramping up a new Malibu to be launched early next year, the deals remain rich on the current model. A fuel-efficient four-cylinder engine is standard, with a stronger and smoother 252-horsepower V6 optional (which won't carry over to the 2013 version, by the way), with a six-speed automatic standard across the line. It's a roomy and comfortable car with a smooth ride and agreeable handling. If you can find a 2011 model on the lot to your liking you'll get up to a $1,000 additional dealer discount and $3.000 cash or 0.0 percent financing to 72 months. MSRP: $21,995.

Full List: The Top New Car Deals For November