Opportunities for big savings include up to 19% off MSRP or zero-percent financing
Consumers in the market for a new vehicle may want to consider buying this December as it yields the largest savings off MSRP versus other months of the year, according to TrueCar, Inc. (NASDAQ: TRUE).
With year-end promotions currently under way, consumers interested in midsize, large or premium cars or midsize utility vehicles may enjoy the highest percentage off MSRP this holiday season.
Chevrolet’s “Wrap Up the Deals, Wrap Up the Year” special event offers savings as high as $10,000 off a Silverado 1500 full-size pickup and no-interest financing on several models. Honda is running “Happy Honda Days” that features attractive lease deals and 0.9 percent financing. Ford switched off last month’s “Friends & Neighbors” promotion and elected for more a traditional holiday promotion of zero-percent financing for up to 72 months on core models.
“Many automakers are pressed to reach year-end sales goals in December, and as such consumers have plenty of opportunity to take advantage of fantastic deals,” said Eric Lyman, TrueCar’s vice president of industry insights. “With special holiday and year-end sales promotions available, consumers seeking the largest percentage savings off MSRP for the year should consider pulling the trigger.”
Luxury brand holiday promotions primarily focus on attractive lease rates. Lexus is running the “December to Remember” sales event, with special lease offers and 0.9 percent financing. Mercedes-Benz also has its “Winter Event” with special lease and finance offers across its model lineup as it vies with BMW for the U.S. luxury auto sales lead. For its part, BMW is touting savings of as much as $6,500 on select premium models. Through November, BMW led Mercedes-Benz by 1,860 units, excluding the latter’s Sprinter line.
“December is historically huge for luxury brands, ranking as the highest-volume month for premium auto sales over the past five years,” said Stacey Doyle, TrueCar’s senior industry analyst. “Ever since Lexus made holiday sales events famous with its big red-bow advertisements, more premium automakers save their best promotions for December.”
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 December 2015 includes:
| Year/Make/
Model/Trim |
Segment | MSRP | Market Average | $ Savings /
% Savings |
Est. Monthly Payment* | City / Hwy / Comb MPG |
| 2016 Chevrolet Malibu Limited, 1LS | Midsize Car | $23,440 | $18,975 | $4,465/ 19.0% | $227 | 24/34/28.6 |
| 2016 Jeep Compass, Sport FWD | Small Utility | $20,590 | $17,576 | $3,014/ 14.6% | $211 | 23/30/26.4 |
| 2016 Hyundai Elantra, SE Manual | Small Car | $18,085 | $15,726 | $2,359/ 13.0% | $188 | 27/37/31.7 |
| 2016 Toyota Camry LE | Midsize Car | $23,905 | $21,238 | $2.667/ 11.2% | $254 | 25/35/29.7 |
| 2016 Ram 1500, Sport, Regular Cab, 4×4, Standard Bed | Large Truck | $40,810 | $36,468 | $4,342/ 10.6% | $437 | 15/21/17.8 |
*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.
Average Customer Cash for TrueCar users**:
2016 BMW 3 Series, 328i xDrive Sedan: on average $1,471 in customer cash
2016 Dodge Grand Caravan, SE Plus: on average $2,658 in customer cash
2015 Ford F-150, 4WD SuperCrew 5-1/2 Ft Box XLT: on average $4,027 in customer cash
2015 Hyundai Sonata, 2.0T Limited: on average $4,544 in customer cash
2016 Jeep Cherokee, FWD Latitude: on average $2,997 in customer cash
**Based on average manufacturer-to-customer incentive offers reflected on TrueCar Certificates between 12/1/2015-12/9/2015 for the specified trim.
Below is a snapshot of some of the best manufacturer lease and finance deals currently available in certain regions:
Finance offers:
2016 Ford Fusion: 0.0% financing for up to 60 months, Exp: 1/4/16
2015 GMC Sierra 1500: 0.0% financing for up to 72 months, Exp: 1/4/16
2016 Kia Sorento: 0.0% financing for up to 60 months, Exp: 1/4/16
2016 Lincoln MKZ: 0.0% financing for up to 60 months, Exp: 1/4/16
2015 Volkswagen Tiguan: 0.0% financing for up to 60 months, Exp: 1/4/16
Lease offers:
2016 Chevrolet Equinox LT Preferred Equipment Group: $199/month for 24 months, $2,919 down, 20,000 miles, no security deposit is required, Exp: 1/4/16
2016 Honda Accord CVT LX: $199/month for 39 months, $1,999 down, 12,000 miles/year, no security deposit required, Exp: 1/4/16
2015 Lexus RX 350: $399/month for 36 months with $2,399 down, 10,000 miles/year, no security deposit is required, Exp: 1/4/16
2016 Mercedes Benz C300 Sedan: $399/month for 36 months, $4,553 down, 30,000 miles, no security deposit is required, Exp: 1/4/16
2016 Subaru Crosstrek: $239/month for 36 months, $1,139 down, 12,000 miles/year, no security deposit is required, Exp: 1/4/16
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.
