Slideshow
Want A Big Discount On Your New Car? Pick These Models For The Biggest Savings
Jul 25, 2010
- Image Credit: emilio labrador, Flickr
Introduction
With all the factors that influence a car dealer's willingness to knock a few dollars off of a vehicle's MSRP, it's comforting to know that at least one of these is something within your control. Yes, the day of the week, the monthly sales volume at the dealership, the salesman's mood, and, it seems, even the weather can all influence the price. But when it comes down to getting a good deal, it's the make and model of the vehicle you're considering that can have the most impact on discounts.
- Image Credit: Getty Images
Introduction
According to TrueCar.com, certain models will in fact receive bigger discounts off MSRP than others. Lee Morrell, Senior Manager of Media Relations at TrueCar, told AOL Autos how this data forecast was compiled.
“The data is based on actual transactions; the average percent below MSRP is based on the average price paid minus incentives and rebates [available at the time], which gives the final price paid. The final price paid is then compared to the MSRP.”
TrueCar then listed which vehicles were most likely to come with discounts attached simply by finding the models that sold with the largest difference between final price paid and MSRP. Often, Morrell said, these particular models were those that manufacturers were trying to reduce the inventory of, in order to create more demand to meet excess supply.
Thus, if you’re looking to save some big bucks on your next car, click through to see which models tend to receive the biggest discounts.
“The data is based on actual transactions; the average percent below MSRP is based on the average price paid minus incentives and rebates [available at the time], which gives the final price paid. The final price paid is then compared to the MSRP.”
TrueCar then listed which vehicles were most likely to come with discounts attached simply by finding the models that sold with the largest difference between final price paid and MSRP. Often, Morrell said, these particular models were those that manufacturers were trying to reduce the inventory of, in order to create more demand to meet excess supply.
Thus, if you’re looking to save some big bucks on your next car, click through to see which models tend to receive the biggest discounts.
- Image Credit: Chrysler
Large Truck: 2010 Chevy Silverado
Average % Off MSRP: 22%
MSRP: $20,850 - $41,775
Fuel Economy: 20 mpg Hwy, 15 mpg City
The Chevrolet Silverado works hard to live up to its reputation as the 'strongest, most dependable and longest lasting truck on the road'. The 1500 is the 'half-ton', model in Chevrolet's full-size pickup line-up.There are four engine sizes to choose from: 4.3-liter V6, 4.8-liter V8, 5.3-liter V8, and 6.2-liter V8; and two transmissions: a four-speed automatic and a six-speed automatic. Like all Silverados, the 1500 is available in a wide array of bed sizes, wheelbases, drive types and cab sizes, as well as a variety of trim levels.
MSRP: $20,850 - $41,775
Fuel Economy: 20 mpg Hwy, 15 mpg City
The Chevrolet Silverado works hard to live up to its reputation as the 'strongest, most dependable and longest lasting truck on the road'. The 1500 is the 'half-ton', model in Chevrolet's full-size pickup line-up.There are four engine sizes to choose from: 4.3-liter V6, 4.8-liter V8, 5.3-liter V8, and 6.2-liter V8; and two transmissions: a four-speed automatic and a six-speed automatic. Like all Silverados, the 1500 is available in a wide array of bed sizes, wheelbases, drive types and cab sizes, as well as a variety of trim levels.
- Research the Chevy Silverado
- Chevy Silverado Photos & More
- Chevy Silverado Best Deals
- Chevy Silverado Local Dealer Price Quote
- Image Credit: Hyundai
Midsize Car: 2010 Hyundai Sonata
Average % Off MSRP: 18%
MSRP: $18,700 - $26,550
Fuel Economy: 32 mpg Hwy, 21 mpg City
The Hyundai Sonata is a four-door, five-passenger sedan that has an established reputation for being well built and excellent value for money. It holds its own when compared to other mid-sized cars in this competitive class. Motivation comes from a 175-hp 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, with the choice of a five-speed manual or a Shiftronic five-speed automatic transmission. A more powerful 249-hp 3.3-liter V6 mated to a Shiftronic five-speed automatic transmission is also available.
MSRP: $18,700 - $26,550
Fuel Economy: 32 mpg Hwy, 21 mpg City
The Hyundai Sonata is a four-door, five-passenger sedan that has an established reputation for being well built and excellent value for money. It holds its own when compared to other mid-sized cars in this competitive class. Motivation comes from a 175-hp 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, with the choice of a five-speed manual or a Shiftronic five-speed automatic transmission. A more powerful 249-hp 3.3-liter V6 mated to a Shiftronic five-speed automatic transmission is also available.
- Research the Hyundai Sonata
- Hyundai Sonata Photos & More
- Hyundai Sonata Best Deals
- Hyundai Sonata Local Dealer Price Quote
- Image Credit: Ford
Small Truck: 2010 Ford Ranger
Average % Off MSRP: 17%
MSRP: $17,820 - $25,800
Fuel Economy: 27 mpg Hwy, 22 mpg City
Available as a 4x2 Regular cab or 4x2 and 4x4 Supercab the Ranger is offered in three trims: XL, XLT, and Sport. A 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine generates 143 horsepower and a 4.0-liter V6 engine produces 207 horsepower. Available transmissions include a standard five-speed manual or an optional five-speed automatic. The supercab is available as a two-door or four-door with jump seats. A trailer hitch and safety features such as four-wheel anti-lock brakes and dual-stage front airbags are standard equipment. New for 2010 all Rangers include Roll Stability Control with AdvanceTrac, and Side Seat airbags. The 2-door SuperCab now includes jump seats in standard equipment.
MSRP: $17,820 - $25,800
Fuel Economy: 27 mpg Hwy, 22 mpg City
Available as a 4x2 Regular cab or 4x2 and 4x4 Supercab the Ranger is offered in three trims: XL, XLT, and Sport. A 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine generates 143 horsepower and a 4.0-liter V6 engine produces 207 horsepower. Available transmissions include a standard five-speed manual or an optional five-speed automatic. The supercab is available as a two-door or four-door with jump seats. A trailer hitch and safety features such as four-wheel anti-lock brakes and dual-stage front airbags are standard equipment. New for 2010 all Rangers include Roll Stability Control with AdvanceTrac, and Side Seat airbags. The 2-door SuperCab now includes jump seats in standard equipment.
- Research the Ford Ranger
- Ford Ranger Photos & More
- Ford Ranger Best Deals
- Ford Ranger Local Dealer Price Quote
- Image Credit: Ford
Small Car: 2010 Ford Focus
Average % Off MSRP: 15%
MSRP: $16,290 - $18,780
Fuel Economy: 35 mpg Hwy, 24 mpg City
Small, economical, and fun, the Ford Focus is a smart choice for those looking for a compact car. Available as a coupe or sedan the Focus includes only minor changes for 2010. The engine is a 140-hp 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder available with a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. Ford offers two series on the coupe, the SE and SES; and four on the sedan, the S, SE, sporty SES, and luxury SEL.
MSRP: $16,290 - $18,780
Fuel Economy: 35 mpg Hwy, 24 mpg City
Small, economical, and fun, the Ford Focus is a smart choice for those looking for a compact car. Available as a coupe or sedan the Focus includes only minor changes for 2010. The engine is a 140-hp 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder available with a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. Ford offers two series on the coupe, the SE and SES; and four on the sedan, the S, SE, sporty SES, and luxury SEL.
- Research the Ford Focus
- Ford Focus Photos & More
- Ford Focus Best Deals
- Ford Focus Local Dealer Price Quote
- Image Credit: General Motors
Large SUV: 2010 Chevrolet Tahoe
Average % Off MSRP: 14%
MSRP: $36,965 - $51,400
Fuel Economy: 19 mpg Hwy, 14 mpg City
The Tahoe is available in LS, LT, and LTZ trims in both 2WD and 4WD. The standard engine on the rear-wheel drive Tahoe is a 295-hp 4.8-liter V8 matched with a four-speed auto transmission. A six-speed automatic is standard with all other engines. Four-wheel drive models come standard with a 320-hp 5.3-liter V8 that features GM's Active Fuel Management technology that turns off four cylinders in many normal driving situations. A version of this engine can run on both E85 ethanol-blended fuel as well as regular unleaded gasoline.
MSRP: $36,965 - $51,400
Fuel Economy: 19 mpg Hwy, 14 mpg City
The Tahoe is available in LS, LT, and LTZ trims in both 2WD and 4WD. The standard engine on the rear-wheel drive Tahoe is a 295-hp 4.8-liter V8 matched with a four-speed auto transmission. A six-speed automatic is standard with all other engines. Four-wheel drive models come standard with a 320-hp 5.3-liter V8 that features GM's Active Fuel Management technology that turns off four cylinders in many normal driving situations. A version of this engine can run on both E85 ethanol-blended fuel as well as regular unleaded gasoline.
- Research the Chevrolet Tahoe
- Chevrolet Tahoe Photos & More
- Chevrolet Tahoe Best Deals
- Chevrolet Tahoe Local Dealer Price Quote
- Image Credit: Ford
Luxury SUV: 2010 Lincoln MKX
Average % Off MSRP: %14
MSRP: $38,845 - $40,695
Fuel Economy: 24 mpg Hwy, 17 mpg City
The MKX is Lincoln's entry into the tough, ever-growing five-passenger luxury crossover segment. The MKX is powered by a 265-hp 3.5-liter V-6 that puts power to the ground via a six-speed automatic and front- or all-wheel drive. Standard safety features include four-wheel anti-lock brakes, six airbags, electronic stability control with roll control, rear parking sensors, SYNC, and tire pressure monitoring.
MSRP: $38,845 - $40,695
Fuel Economy: 24 mpg Hwy, 17 mpg City
The MKX is Lincoln's entry into the tough, ever-growing five-passenger luxury crossover segment. The MKX is powered by a 265-hp 3.5-liter V-6 that puts power to the ground via a six-speed automatic and front- or all-wheel drive. Standard safety features include four-wheel anti-lock brakes, six airbags, electronic stability control with roll control, rear parking sensors, SYNC, and tire pressure monitoring.
- Research the Lincoln MKX
- Lincoln MKX Photos & More
- Lincoln MKX Best Deals
- Lincoln MKX Local Dealer Price Quote
- Image Credit: Ford
Sports Car: 2010 Ford Mustang
Average % Off MSRP: 14%
MSRP: $21,395 - $36,395
Fuel Economy: 26 mpg Hwy, 18 mpg City
The Mustang remains one of the most widely recognized, respected and desired nameplates in the automobile business. It may be retro inspired, but the Mustang is a thoroughly modern car. Today's Mustang delivers bold styling, rear-drive performance and affordability that have been Mustang hallmarks for decades. The Mustang is available either as a coupe or convertible. Each is available with a V6 or a V8. The 4.6L V8 receives an increase in power - producing 315-hp for 2010.
MSRP: $21,395 - $36,395
Fuel Economy: 26 mpg Hwy, 18 mpg City
The Mustang remains one of the most widely recognized, respected and desired nameplates in the automobile business. It may be retro inspired, but the Mustang is a thoroughly modern car. Today's Mustang delivers bold styling, rear-drive performance and affordability that have been Mustang hallmarks for decades. The Mustang is available either as a coupe or convertible. Each is available with a V6 or a V8. The 4.6L V8 receives an increase in power - producing 315-hp for 2010.
- Research the Ford Mustang
- Ford Mustang Photos & More
- Ford Mustang Best Deals
- Ford Mustang Local Dealer Price Quote
- Image Credit: Kia
Minivan: 2010 Kia Sedona
Average % Off MSRP: 13%
MSRP: $22,195 - $28,695
Fuel Economy: 23 mpg Hwy, 17 mpg City
The Kia Sedona has a compelling value among minivans, offering convenience, comfort, style and performance at a great price. The Sedona comes in short wheelbase and long wheelbase models. The short-wheelbase model comes in a base trim while the long wheelbase is available in LX and EX trims. All trims use the same a 3.8-liter V6 that produces 250-hp. All can seat up to seven.
MSRP: $22,195 - $28,695
Fuel Economy: 23 mpg Hwy, 17 mpg City
The Kia Sedona has a compelling value among minivans, offering convenience, comfort, style and performance at a great price. The Sedona comes in short wheelbase and long wheelbase models. The short-wheelbase model comes in a base trim while the long wheelbase is available in LX and EX trims. All trims use the same a 3.8-liter V6 that produces 250-hp. All can seat up to seven.
- Research the Kia Sedona
- Kia Sedona Photos & More
- Kia Sedona Best Deals
- Kia Sedona Local Dealer Price Quote
- Image Credit: GM
Premium Sports Car: 2010 Chevy Corvette
Average % Off MSRP: 13%
MSRP: $48,930 - $106,880
Fuel Economy: 26 mpg Hwy, 16 mpg City
The Chevrolet Corvette is the best high-performance value in America. The Corvette delivers supercar performance for the price of a midsize luxury sedan. The Corvette is a two-seat sports car available as a targa-roof coupe, convertible, or the high-performance Z06 and new ZR1 hardtop coupes. The coupe and convertible come with a 430-hp LS3 6.2-liter V8 engine and six-speed manual transmission. A six-speed automatic with steering wheel paddle shifters is available.
MSRP: $48,930 - $106,880
Fuel Economy: 26 mpg Hwy, 16 mpg City
The Chevrolet Corvette is the best high-performance value in America. The Corvette delivers supercar performance for the price of a midsize luxury sedan. The Corvette is a two-seat sports car available as a targa-roof coupe, convertible, or the high-performance Z06 and new ZR1 hardtop coupes. The coupe and convertible come with a 430-hp LS3 6.2-liter V8 engine and six-speed manual transmission. A six-speed automatic with steering wheel paddle shifters is available.
- Research the Chevy Corvette
- Chevy Corvette Photos & More
- Chevy Corvette Best Deals
- Chevy Corvette Local Dealer Price Quote
- Image Credit: Chrysler
Small SUV: 2010 Jeep Patriot
Average % Off MSRP: 12%
MSRP: $17,795 - $24,550
Fuel Economy: 29 mpg Hwy, 23 mpg City
The Jeep Patriot is available in two trims, Sport and Limited, which have a standard 172-hp 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and five-speed manual transmission; A Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) is optional. A 158-hp 2.0L engine, available with the CVT only, is available on the FWD Sport trim. The Patriot shares its small-SUV platform with the Jeep Compass but offers off-road capability its sibling does not.
MSRP: $17,795 - $24,550
Fuel Economy: 29 mpg Hwy, 23 mpg City
The Jeep Patriot is available in two trims, Sport and Limited, which have a standard 172-hp 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and five-speed manual transmission; A Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) is optional. A 158-hp 2.0L engine, available with the CVT only, is available on the FWD Sport trim. The Patriot shares its small-SUV platform with the Jeep Compass but offers off-road capability its sibling does not.
- Research the Jeep Patriot
- Jeep Patriot Photos & More
- Jeep Patriot Best Deals
- Jeep Patriot Local Dealer Price Quote
- Image Credit: Ford
Luxury Car: 2010 Lincoln MKZ
Average % Off MSRP: 11%
MSRP: $34,225 - $36,115
Fuel Economy: 27 mpg Hwy, 18 mpg City
Lincoln's entry-level MKZ has dynamic American luxury styling with features only found on cars costing thousands more. The MKZ is powered by a 263-hp 3.5-liter V6 with a six-speed automatic transmission with SelectShift, and is offered in both front and all-wheel drive. Standard features include leather heated/cooled power driver and passenger seats, 17" alloy wheels, SYNC entertainment/communication system, satellite radio and dual-zone electronic climate control.
MSRP: $34,225 - $36,115
Fuel Economy: 27 mpg Hwy, 18 mpg City
Lincoln's entry-level MKZ has dynamic American luxury styling with features only found on cars costing thousands more. The MKZ is powered by a 263-hp 3.5-liter V6 with a six-speed automatic transmission with SelectShift, and is offered in both front and all-wheel drive. Standard features include leather heated/cooled power driver and passenger seats, 17" alloy wheels, SYNC entertainment/communication system, satellite radio and dual-zone electronic climate control.
- Research the Lincoln MKZ
- Lincoln MKZ Photos & More
- Lincoln MKZ Best Deals
- Lincoln MKZ Local Dealer Price Quote
- Image Credit: Toyota
Subcompact Car: 2010 Toyota Yaris
Average % Off MSRP: 11%
MSRP: $12,605 - $13,365
Fuel Economy: 36 mpg Hwy, 29 mpg City
The Toyota Yaris manages to combine a well-tailored, roomy interior with agile performance and a fuel efficient engine in an entry-level car. The front-wheel drive Yaris is available as a hatchback (three-door or five-door) or a four-door sedan; all are offered in a Base trim. The Yaris is powered by a 106 horsepower 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, which is mated to a five-speed manual transmission; a four-speed automatic is optional.
MSRP: $12,605 - $13,365
Fuel Economy: 36 mpg Hwy, 29 mpg City
The Toyota Yaris manages to combine a well-tailored, roomy interior with agile performance and a fuel efficient engine in an entry-level car. The front-wheel drive Yaris is available as a hatchback (three-door or five-door) or a four-door sedan; all are offered in a Base trim. The Yaris is powered by a 106 horsepower 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, which is mated to a five-speed manual transmission; a four-speed automatic is optional.
- Research the Toyota Yaris
- Toyota Yaris Photos & More
- Toyota Yaris Best Deals
- Toyota Yaris Local Dealer Price Quote
- Image Credit: Ford
Van: 2010 Ford Transit Connect
Average % Off MSRP: 10%
MSRP: $21,185 - $22,755
Fuel Economy: 25 mpg Hwy, 22 mpg City
The 2010 Transit Connect is Ford's new award winning entry into the small commercial van segment. Combining flexibility, functionality, and reliability, the Transit Connect presents a unique and versatile answer to the business owner who needs a vehicle for delivery, service, or small work crews. Available as a van or wagon, the front-wheel drive Transit Connect is powered by a 138-hp 2.0-liter Duratec four-cylinder engine, matched with a four-speed automatic transmission. Sliding rear and split-opening back doors are available with or without windows.
MSRP: $21,185 - $22,755
Fuel Economy: 25 mpg Hwy, 22 mpg City
The 2010 Transit Connect is Ford's new award winning entry into the small commercial van segment. Combining flexibility, functionality, and reliability, the Transit Connect presents a unique and versatile answer to the business owner who needs a vehicle for delivery, service, or small work crews. Available as a van or wagon, the front-wheel drive Transit Connect is powered by a 138-hp 2.0-liter Duratec four-cylinder engine, matched with a four-speed automatic transmission. Sliding rear and split-opening back doors are available with or without windows.
- Research the Ford Transit Connect
- Ford Transit Connect Photos & More
- Ford Transit Connect Best Deals
- Ford Transit Connect Local Dealer Price Quote