TrueCar finds August is best time for minivan deals

Kia Sedona tops savings within the segment as back-to-school season gears up

As the back-to-school season nears, August is a great month for consumers shopping for a minivan. According to TrueCar, Inc. (NASDAQ: TRUE), the negotiation-free car buying and selling mobile marketplace, August offers the biggest savings within the segment. TrueCar’s analysis of 2014 new vehicle transactional data indicates an average savings of 8.7 percent off the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP).

“Minivans have been overlooked as a result of the rise of the crossover, but they’re phenomenally useful,” said Eric Lyman, TrueCar’s vice president of industry insights. “Nothing comes close in terms of practicality, and much progress has been made in styling for the minivan segment as a whole. Consumers, especially those with families, shouldn’t dismiss these dependable vehicles, particularly given the generous savings this month.”

Within the segment, Kia’s Sedona makes TrueCar’s list of best savings on new vehicles with the highest average discount in August versus any other month of the year. The Sedona is available for an average transaction price of $30,233 this month, or 8.9 percent off of MSRP.

Dodge is also promoting special financing on its Grand Caravan minivan that is currently available with a zero percent interest loan for 60 months. The Toyota Sienna also has a special lease rate of $269 for 36 months.

F-Series inventory rebounds, savings increase

The Ford F-Series inventory has returned to relatively normal levels positioning the automaker to use deeper discounting to regain lost sales from lower supply earlier in the year. The F-Series has been the best-selling truck in the U.S. for 38 years in a row.

Pricing pressure remains evident on F-Series’ key competitors. GM’s Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is offering up to $2,250 in customer cash this month. Meanwhile, FCA’s full-size Ram 1500 SLT pickup is selling with a 17.7 percent discount off MSRP. Following closely behind is Ford’s F-150 2WD SuperCab, available at a 17.2 percent off MSRP.

“The fight for big pickup supremacy is now fully engaged,” Lyman said. “Luckily for consumers ready to buy, there are excellent savings to be had on these beloved vehicles.”

Published monthly, the “TrueSavings” report analyzes recent transaction prices and identifies opportunities for consumer savings.

A snapshot of some of the best savings (compared to MSRP) on new vehicles in August 2015 includes:

*Estimated monthly payments are based on a 2.5% APR for 72 months with 20% down on the current market average price, and excludes sales tax and other fees and charges that may vary by region or state. These examples are for informational purposes only, and are not offers to lend. See dealer/lender for details, including actual available offers.

“Market Average” is based on the national average of recent vehicle transactions, including destination and delivery charges after incentives that are subject to change. This does not include tax, title, licensing, documentation or processing fees, other state and governmental charges and/or fees or any other charges or fees allowed by law.

Below is a snapshot of some of the best manufacturer lease and finance deals currently available in certain regions:

Customer Cash Offers:

• 2015 Chevrolet Silverado1500: up to $2,250 customer cash, Exp: 8/31/15, Southwest region availability
• 2015 Chrysler 200: up to $2,500 customer cash, Exp: 8/31/15, Northeast region availability
• 2015 Mazda MAZDA3: up to $1,000 customer cash, Exp: 8/31/15, Western region availability
• 2015 Nissan Rouge: up to $500 customer cash, Exp: 8/31/15 New England region availability
• 2015 Toyota RAV4: up to $750 customer cash, Exp: 9/8/15, Eastern region availability

Finance:

• 2016 Acura MDX: 1.9% financing for 36 months, Exp: 9/8/15
• 2015 Dodge Grand Caravan: 0.0% financing for 60 months, Exp: 8/31/15
• 2015 Mercedes Benz CLA250 Coupe: 2.9% financing for 24 months, Exp: 8/31/15
• 2015 Nissan Leaf: 0.0% financing for 72 months, Exp: 8/31/15
• 2015 Ram 1500 SLT Reg. Cab 4×2 6’4’’ Box: 0.0% financing for 60 months, Exp: 8/31/15

Lease:

• 2015 Ford Fusion SE: $179/month for 24 months, $2,499 down, 10,500 miles/year, no security deposit is required, Exp: 9/30/15
• 2015 Honda CR-V CVT LX 2WD: $209/month for 36 months, $1,999 down, 12,000 miles/year, no security deposit is required, Exp: 9/7/15
• 2015 Hyundai Sonata: $179/month for 36 months, $1,999 down, 12,000 miles/year, no security deposit is required, Exp: 8/31/15
• 2015 Kia Soul Base: $229/month for 36 months, $0 down, 12,000 miles/year, no security deposit required, Exp: 9/8/15
• 2015 Toyota Sienna L: $269/month for 36 months with $1,999 down, 12,000 miles/year, no security deposit is required, Exp: 9/8/15

The deal information summarized above is provided for illustrative purposes only, and is not an offer to lend. Results may vary depending on your individual circumstances, including credit approval by dealer/manufacturer. Deals are subject to change and are limited to inventory on hand. See your dealer/manufacturer for details, including actual offers available in your region.