Although we’re already at the mid-point of summer, there’s plenty of time left to enjoy the allure of the open road before winter weather inevitably arrives. This month we’re featuring the 7 best deals on new cars that are particularly well suited for summer fun.
These are the best deals by virtue of 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.
The FinePrint: 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.
Acura ZDX (2011)
Deal: $2,000 additional dealer discount and $750 leasing cash or 0.9 percent financing to 36 months, 1.9 percent to 60 months. For car-trippers who find conventional crossover SUVs too conservative for their tastes we present the five-passenger midsize ZDX. It comes wrapped in svelte coupe-like styling and packs a 300-hp V6 engine, smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive for added traction in a sudden summer storm. It’s not as big a seller as the more-sedately styled Acura MDX crossover, which warrants the added incentives.
Audi A6 / S6 (2011)
Deal: $3,000 cash. This large luxury sedan and wagon line is ideal for a long car trip, delivering ride and handling qualities that deftly balance ride comfort on the open road with adept handling for when the pavement gets curvy. It’s being redesigned for 2012, but unlike the 2011 edition won’t be offered with a V8 engine, nor will it come in a wagon or as the sporty V10-powered S6. If you’re a fan of either of those versions, buy one before they’re gone and pocket the extra savings.
Audi TT / TTS (2011)
Deal: $2,000 cash. Hit the open road in style with Audi’s diminutive two-seat sports coupe and convertible. Either is equally appealing with their distinctively rounded styling and lively performance, thanks to a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The top TTS models remain the quickest with a 265-hp turbocharged version, with all models delivering precise handling.
Chevrolet Corvette (2011)
Deal: $3,000 additional dealer discount and 1.9 percent financing to 60 months, 2.9 percent to 72 months. Both coupe and convertible versions of this world-class sports car – and that includes the super-fast 638-horsepower ZR1 model – carry sizable rebates this month, with plenty of fine weather ahead to race the sun to the horizon. God bless American muscle.
Dodge Grand Caravan (2011)
Deal: $2,500 cash or 0.0 percent financing to 60 months, 1.9 percent to 72 months. Arguably one of the best vehicles at any price in which to pack the family for an extended vacation, the modern-day descendent of the original minivan features three rows of flexible foldaway seating. A new 3.6-liter V6 engine delivers added horsepower and a handsomely revised interior gives the minivan a much richer feel than before. It can even be fitted with a device that turns the vehicle into a rolling WiFi hot spot to connect laptop computers, iPads, and other devices to the Internet, as well as the Sirius Backseat TV system with three kid-oriented channels to keep the little ones occupied. Meanwhile, the Grand Caravan’s slightly more upscale sibling, the Chrysler Town & Country offers a $1,500 cash rebate and another $2,000 to those who lease, as alternatives to the discounted financing.
Dodge Durango (2011)
Deal: $2,000 cash and $1,250 leasing cash or 0.9 percent financing to 36 months, 1.9 percent to 60 months, 3.9 percent to 72 months. Redesigned for 2011, the Durango SUV is now mechanically related to the Jeep Grand Cherokee, though it carries distinctive styling cues and offers three rows of family-friendly seating. As with the Jeep, the Durango rides on a car-like unibody construction that’s reinforced to be more rugged than the typical crossover, which means it can be taken off road. A 3.7-liter V6 engine is standard with a 5.7-liter V8available that enables the vehicle to tow up to 7,400 pounds of boat and/or trailer.
Nissan 370Z Roadster (2011)
Deal: $2,000 additional dealer discount and 0.0 percent financing to 60 months, 1.9 percent to 72 months. Astute buyers can find a bargain on the convertible versions of Nissan’s racy 370Z this month. Find a twisty mountain road to exploit the car’s crisp and exact high-speed cornering abilities, and be sure to keep a tube of sun block in the glove box.
These are the best deals by virtue of 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.
The FinePrint: 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.
Acura ZDX (2011)
Deal: $2,000 additional dealer discount and $750 leasing cash or 0.9 percent financing to 36 months, 1.9 percent to 60 months. For car-trippers who find conventional crossover SUVs too conservative for their tastes we present the five-passenger midsize ZDX. It comes wrapped in svelte coupe-like styling and packs a 300-hp V6 engine, smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive for added traction in a sudden summer storm. It’s not as big a seller as the more-sedately styled Acura MDX crossover, which warrants the added incentives.Audi A6 / S6 (2011)
Deal: $3,000 cash. This large luxury sedan and wagon line is ideal for a long car trip, delivering ride and handling qualities that deftly balance ride comfort on the open road with adept handling for when the pavement gets curvy. It’s being redesigned for 2012, but unlike the 2011 edition won’t be offered with a V8 engine, nor will it come in a wagon or as the sporty V10-powered S6. If you’re a fan of either of those versions, buy one before they’re gone and pocket the extra savings.Audi TT / TTS (2011)
Deal: $2,000 cash. Hit the open road in style with Audi’s diminutive two-seat sports coupe and convertible. Either is equally appealing with their distinctively rounded styling and lively performance, thanks to a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The top TTS models remain the quickest with a 265-hp turbocharged version, with all models delivering precise handling.Chevrolet Corvette (2011)
Deal: $3,000 additional dealer discount and 1.9 percent financing to 60 months, 2.9 percent to 72 months. Both coupe and convertible versions of this world-class sports car – and that includes the super-fast 638-horsepower ZR1 model – carry sizable rebates this month, with plenty of fine weather ahead to race the sun to the horizon. God bless American muscle.Dodge Grand Caravan (2011)
Deal: $2,500 cash or 0.0 percent financing to 60 months, 1.9 percent to 72 months. Arguably one of the best vehicles at any price in which to pack the family for an extended vacation, the modern-day descendent of the original minivan features three rows of flexible foldaway seating. A new 3.6-liter V6 engine delivers added horsepower and a handsomely revised interior gives the minivan a much richer feel than before. It can even be fitted with a device that turns the vehicle into a rolling WiFi hot spot to connect laptop computers, iPads, and other devices to the Internet, as well as the Sirius Backseat TV system with three kid-oriented channels to keep the little ones occupied. Meanwhile, the Grand Caravan’s slightly more upscale sibling, the Chrysler Town & Country offers a $1,500 cash rebate and another $2,000 to those who lease, as alternatives to the discounted financing.Dodge Durango (2011)
Deal: $2,000 cash and $1,250 leasing cash or 0.9 percent financing to 36 months, 1.9 percent to 60 months, 3.9 percent to 72 months. Redesigned for 2011, the Durango SUV is now mechanically related to the Jeep Grand Cherokee, though it carries distinctive styling cues and offers three rows of family-friendly seating. As with the Jeep, the Durango rides on a car-like unibody construction that’s reinforced to be more rugged than the typical crossover, which means it can be taken off road. A 3.7-liter V6 engine is standard with a 5.7-liter V8available that enables the vehicle to tow up to 7,400 pounds of boat and/or trailer.Nissan 370Z Roadster (2011)
Deal: $2,000 additional dealer discount and 0.0 percent financing to 60 months, 1.9 percent to 72 months. Astute buyers can find a bargain on the convertible versions of Nissan’s racy 370Z this month. Find a twisty mountain road to exploit the car’s crisp and exact high-speed cornering abilities, and be sure to keep a tube of sun block in the glove box.
Click here to see the full list of Top 10 New-Car Deals for July 2011
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