Incentives sweeten deals for '12 autos

[atlaw4u]

From $500 to $1,750 cash back and/or zero percent interest for up to 60 months, depending on model.

Melissa Burden - DETROITNEWS - July 11, 2012


General Motors Co.'s Chevrolet brand and Chrysler Group LLC on Tuesday announced incentive programs aimed at clearing 2012 models off dealer lots.

GM's "Chevy Confidence" program runs through Sept. 4 and lets buyers return a new 2012 or 2013 Chevy if they don't like it after trying it out for a month or two. It also gives buyers lower, no-haggle prices on 2012s.

Chrysler again is offering a "No Payments for 90 Days" promotion on Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram Truck and Fiat brand models as part of its annual Summer Clearance Event, which runs through the end of August.

Edmunds.com senior analyst Jessica Caldwell said summer clearance, tent and other similarly named incentive events are common during the summer.

"It is a way to get rid of your old model-year vehicles," she said, adding that Chevrolet last month had a higher percentage of 2012 model sales compared with 2013 models than the industry average.

Caldwell said automakers are changing their incentives. Many are stepping away from strictly cash off the hood, because that hurts residual values. Instead, they are offering deals such as financing, subsidized leasing or branded events such as GM's Chevy Confidence program, she said.

Chevrolet said the Chevy Confidence program — set to be introduced in a 60-second ad during Tuesday's Major League Baseball All-Star Game and which will air during the Olympics — is aimed at new customers.

"Our research shows consumers are reassured of the quality of a product and like the peace of mind that comes with knowing they have the option of being able to return their vehicle," said Chris Perry, Chevrolet vice president of marketing.

Don't like it? Return it... [Read More]

[Carcus]

Hmmm.

I stopped by the Toyota dealership 2 days ago.

Salesman told me all the Prius models were marked UP anywhere between $1,500 and $5,000.


/I'm a long way from Detroit.

[ItsNotAboutTheMoney]

Originally Posted by Carcus

Hmmm.

I stopped by the Toyota dealership 2 days ago.

Salesman told me all the Prius models were marked UP anywhere between $1,500 and $5,000.

/I'm a long way from Detroit.

Salesmen was hoping you were a sucker, one of the people who still believe the hype.

Anyone paying over MSRP isn't trying hard enough. There are some areas where the Prius is marked up but a trip of a few hundred miles or even just an email to the fleet/Internet sales department will sort that out.

[Carcus]

Originally Posted by ItsNotAboutTheMoney

.....a trip of a few hundred miles .....

ahhh, what?

[ALS]

Originally Posted by Carcus

Hmmm.

I stopped by the Toyota dealership 2 days ago.

Salesman told me all the Prius models were marked UP anywhere between $1,500 and $5,000.


/I'm a long way from Detroit.

If you're in the South East region of Toyota yes I can see that happening. Over the years I have heard horror stories of outrageous mark ups. Just checked by me (Pittsburgh) and other than one dealer and it could have been a typo, looks like everyone else is selling for MSRP.

[ItsNotAboutTheMoney]

Originally Posted by Carcus

ahhh, what?

High-priced dealers rely on convenience and ignorance. Volume sellers rely on shifting cars. If you're lucky you live close to a volume seller, if not you can other pay through the nose or travel (or have your car delivered).

[WriConsult]

Originally Posted by Carcus

Hmmm.

I stopped by the Toyota dealership 2 days ago.

Salesman told me all the Prius models were marked UP anywhere between $1,500 and $5,000.


/I'm a long way from Detroit.

Wow, really? I'm seeing fewer sales on Priuses than a couple months ago, but near where I work Beaverton Toyota is offering level 2 and 3 Priuses for $2000 off MSRP. That works out to about $22.8k.

[rfruth]

The south east region of the US is covered by SET (south east Toyota) basically there are two middle men so MSRP (not above) is the norm ((there *are* incentives)) http://www.jmfamily.com/Business/SoutheastToyota.aspx

[RedylC94]

So when I decide to give up on my old car and trade it in on a new Prius, I can drive to Oregon for a better deal? That should be an interesting trip!

[WriConsult]

Of course the trip would cost you a few hundred bucks each way (gas, plus 3000+ miles worth of depreciation!) plus hotels or campgrounds and sights along the way, but it would sure be fun.

For most of this year Broadway Toyota in Portland has also been offering Prius Twos at $22.6-22.8k (and for several months they were offering this deal on ALL their twos, often numbering 30-60 vehicles in stock or transit), but at the moment they don't seem to be advertising any deals. My first guess would have been that their inventory had tightened up, but maybe that's wrong because their site currently says "over 120 new Prius to choose from" (I think that includes all 4 models). They're still worth watching for anyone thinking of coming here to get one, as they have a pretty good reputation as car dealers go.

Searching around the local dealerships, I also see Vancouver Toyota is offering Prius Twos at $2000 off MSRP, starting at $22.9k including floormats.