Month’s best new vehicle savings led by gas friendly models
Hyundai Motor Corp.’s Sonata hybrid sedan, now selling at an average of 20 percent off the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP), tops the list of best savings on new vehicles in April, according to TrueCar, Inc. (NASDAQ: TRUE), the negotiation-free car buying and selling mobile marketplace.
Given current sustained low gasoline prices, fuel-efficient vehicles are primed for large savings this month. A gallon of regular gasoline averaged $2.429 nationwide on April 17, according to AAA’s Daily Fuel Gauge Report, down $1.23 from a year ago. Pump prices this summer are projected to hit a decade low, benefiting drivers planning vacations by car or road-trip. Low fuel prices are also working in favor of consumers looking to purchase fuel-friendly vehicles and want notable savings off MSRP.
“In time for Earth Day on April 22, our detailed transaction data tells us it’s a great time to buy a fuel-saving vehicle,” said Eric Lyman, TrueCar’s vice president of industry insights. “While cheaper gasoline helps make trucks and SUVs more appealing, it also creates an opportunity for consumers to purchase vehicles that will be kind to your pocketbook when gasoline prices rise.”
The midsize 2015 Sonata Hybrid averages 38 miles per gallon of gasoline in combined city and highway driving. Toyota Motor Corp.’s subcompact Prius c hatchback, which averages 50 mpg, follows the gasoline-electric Hyundai model, currently selling at an average of 16 percent off of MSRP this month.
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 April 2015 includes:
| Year/Make/Model/Trim | Segment | MSRP | Market Average | $ Savings /% Savings | Est. Monthly Payment* | City / Hwy / Comb MPG |
| 2015 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid | Midsize Car | $26,825 | $21,552 | $5,273/ 19.7% | $310 | 36/40/38.1 |
| 2015 Toyota Prius c, One | Small Car | $20,365 | $17,136 | $3,229/ 15.9% | $246 | 53/46/48.9 |
| 2015 Ford Fiesta Hatchback S | Subcompact Car | $15,680 | $13,880 | $1,800/ 11.5% | $200 | 28/37/32.3 |
| 2015 Kia Optima Hybrid, LX | Midsize Car | $26,815 | $23,769 | $3,046/ 11.4% | $342 | 36/40/38.1 |
| 2015 Jeep Patriot Sport 4×2 | Small Utility | $17,790 | $15,760 | $2,030/ 11.4% | $227 | 23/30/26.4 |
*Estimated monthly payments are based on a 3% APR for 60 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.
