Best new car deals--Honda and Toyota

The cash for clunkers program may be over, but there are still a number of deals available on a variety of vehicles. We recently updated our Best new car deals report, which highlights incentives and rebates available on Consumer Reports-recommended vehicles. However, the latest Honda and Toyota deal information missed our last update, so we’ve charted the standout models here. Note that there may be other trims available on these models, and these deals will be added to the regular Best new car deals.

Make & model	Expires	MSRP	Invoice Price	Customer rebate	Dealer incentive	Bottom Line Price	Potential Savings below MSRP
2009 Honda Accord 2.4 LX-P	9/30/2009	$21,905	$19,869	No	Yes	Get the Bottom Line Price	15%
2009 Honda Civic EX 5AT	9/30/2009	20,105	18,515	No	Yes	Get the Bottom Line Price	10%
2009 Honda CR-V EX 4WD 5AT	9/30/2009	24,695	22,977	No	Yes	Get the Bottom Line Price	10%
2009 Honda Odyssey EX	9/30/2009	29,455	26,692	No	Yes	Get the Bottom Line Price	15%
2009 Honda Pilot EX-L 4WD	9/30/2009	35,295	31,969	No	Yes	Get the Bottom Line Price	10%
2009 Honda Ridgeline 3.5 Auto RST	9/30/2009	31,305	28,363	No	Yes	Get the Bottom Line Price	15%
2009 Toyota Avalon XLS	10/5/2009	32,145	28,607	No	Yes	Get the Bottom Line Price	10%
2009 Toyota Camry 2.4 LE	10/5/2009	20,600	18,643	No	Yes	Get the Bottom Line Price	15%
2009 Toyota Corolla LE AT	10/5/2009	16,750	15,326	No	Yes	Get the Bottom Line Price	15%
2009 Toyota Sienna XLE	10/5/2009	29,725	26,751	No	Yes	Get the Bottom Line Price	15%
2009 Toyota Tundra 5.7 Auto 4WD SR5 Crew Max	10/5/2009	34,285	31,369	No	Yes	Get the Bottom Line Price	15%

To make this list, a vehicle must meet our stringent requirements to be recommended. Specifically, the vehicle must have performed well in Consumer Reports' tests, have average or better reliability, and, if crash-tested, provide good overall safety. Vehicles also must not have tipped up in the government rollover test.

Whatever vehicle you choose, continue your research by comparing ratings, reliability, reviews, fuel economy, performance, and much more with our New Car Selector (available to online subscribers). For more advice on car buying see our New car buying guide.

—Liza Barth

Cash for clunkers: Is it right for you?

There is mounting interest in the cash for clunkers program officially launched today, as evidenced by CR’s reader feedback and media queries. Automakers are beginning to fire up their marketing engines, enticing shoppers to consider replacing their low-value rattletraps with shiny new models. But the cash for clunkers program works just for a small subset of would-be shoppers.

The government’s “Car Allowance Rebate System” (CARS) provides about $1 billion to jump-start car sales and send older, gas guzzlers to the junkyard for recycling. Running until November 1st, the program can aid motorists by providing up to $4,500 to put toward a new car. Sounds appealing on the surface, but is cash for clunkers right for you?

To qualify, the trade-in vehicle must:

• have been manufactured less than 25 years before the date you trade it in.
• have a “new” combined EPA city/highway fuel economy of 18 miles per gallon or less.
• be in drivable condition.
• be continuously insured and registered to the same owner for the full year preceding the trade-in.

To be clear, the mileage target is based on the combined EPA figure. Many CR readers have cited that they don’t achieve the official figure. As the saying goes, mileage may vary. This is especially true with an older vehicle, past its prime.

The value of cash for clunkers
In order for the program to make financial sense, your current vehicle should have a trade-in value that is well under the offered credits, $3,500 and $4,500. By electing to use the CARS program, the buyer is choosing the automatic credit in place of negotiating a traditional trade in. No voucher or registration is needed, despite what some news outlets or Web sites may claim.

The program may have particular appeal to those who own a vehicle that is on its last legs. A car that has a serious engine or transmission problem, for example, may be more expensive to repair than the vehicle is worth. Such a vehicle can be hard to get rid of. Here, cash for clunkers provides a means to get out of the junker.

Is this the right time to buy?
Chances are, consumers drawn to this program have an older car and are predisposed to hold on to vehicles for many years. This is the ideal profile for a late-summer shopper who could take advantage of year-end clearance sales, yet not worry about the rapid depreciation that model will have when the 2010 models arrive at the dealers weeks later. (Conversely, if you are inclined to trade-in a car every three to four years, and drive less than 15,000 miles a year, look to the 2010s.)

Also likely, someone who has held on to a car until is it nearly worthless is frugal, either by nature or by choice. With new car prices hovering around $28,000 on average, this may necessitate a loan for more than $20,000. It is important to consider you payment comfort level and the personal risk of a multi-year commitment. It may be that the more prudent decision, especially during tough economic times, would be to consider a used car.

At the dealership
For those looking to take advantage of the CARS program, proceed with caution. Make sure you keep each aspect of the dealership experience separate: shopping, price negotiation, trade in or credit, and financing.

Maybe it has been years since you purchased a new car—your skills could be rusty and your enthusiasm barely contained. That combination is like chum in the water. The sales staff is hungry, well trained, and practiced. You are no match. By keeping the process broken into distinct sections, you can focus on ensuring you get a good deal and understand the terms. Plus, it will help you to focus on negotiating that new-car price, without having the numbers blurred together. It would be a tragedy to just claim the credit and drive off, thereby leaving thousands on the table. After all, old-car owner, you are frugal.

Brush up on our new-car buying advice, and do your research online to ensure you are targeting good, eligible, safe, and reliable cars. We have compiled a list of Consumer Reports recommended vehicles to help get you started.

—Jeff Bartlett

Visit our Cash for clunkers special section. Also, check out our New car buying and leasing forum to share your experience and give advice to others making the trade.

Read:
Cash for clunkers: Recommended cars that qualify for a voucher
Cash for clunkers: The best gas guzzlers to junk
Cash for clunkers: Compare the fuel savings
Cash for clunkers: Fuel and owner costs
Cash for clunkers bill cuts fuel consumption–running the numbers

Best new and used car deals

Are you in the market to buy a new or used car? Now is a great time to take advantage of excess dealer inventory, promotions, and incentives. Plus, with gas prices on the rise again, this is a good opportunity to move to a more fuel-efficient vehicle and possibly cash in on the “cash for clunkers” program.

Here is a list of the latest new car deals on Consumer Reports recommended vehicles with good gas mileage for their class. Whatever model you choose, continue your research by using our new car selector to compare ratings, reliability, fuel economy and more (available to subscribers).

Make & model	Expires	MSRP	Invoice price	Customer rebate	Dealer incentive	Bottom line price	Potential savings below MSRP	mpg
2009 Ford Escape XLT 2.5L 4WD	6/30/2009	25,205	23,381	Yes	No	Get the Bottom Line Price	10%+	21
2009 Ford Focus SES Sedan	6/30/2009	17,865	16,552	Yes	No	Get the Bottom Line Price	15%+	26
2009 Ford Fusion I4S	6/30/2009	19,035	17,707	Yes	No	Get the Bottom Line Price	15%+	23
2009 Hyundai Elantra 2.0 Auto SE	6/30/2009	17,820	17,090	Yes	No	Get the Bottom Line Price	15%+	27
2009 Hyundai Sonata GLS I4	6/30/2009	18,700	17,922	Yes	No	Get the Bottom Line Price	20%+	26
2009 Kia Optima EX AT	6/30/2009	20,690	19,255	Yes	No	Get the Bottom Line Price	15%+	23
2009 Mazda3 2.0 Auto I Sport 4-Door	6/30/2009	15,590	14,616	Yes	No	Get the Bottom Line Price	15%+	27
2009 Mazdaspeed3 2.3 Grand Touring	6/30/2009	24,455	22,885	Yes	No	Get the Bottom Line Price	10%+	24
2009 Mazda 5 2.3 Auto Touring	6/30/2009	20,920	19,592	Yes	No	Get the Bottom Line Price	10%+	23
2009 Mercury Milan I4	6/30/2009	20,320	18,703	Yes	No	Get the Bottom Line Price	20%+	23
2009 Mitsubishi Outlander 3.0 XLS Auto 4WD	6/30/2009	25,980	24,492	Yes	No	Get the Bottom Line Price	10%+	22
2010 Pontiac Vibe 1.8L	6/30/2009	16,100	15,376	No	Yes	Get the Bottom Line Price	10%+	29
2009 Suzuki SX4 Crossover AWD AT	6/1/2009	17,799	17,087	Yes	No	Get the Bottom Line Price	10%+	22
2009 Toyota Camry 2.4 Auto LE	7/6/2009	21,650	19,593	Yes	No	Get the Bottom Line Price	15%+	24
2009 Toyota Corolla Base	7/6/2009	15,350	14,352	Yes	No	Get the Bottom Line Price	10%+	32
2009 Toyota Matrix S AT	7/6/2009	19,550	17,888	Yes	No	Get the Bottom Line Price	15%+	28
2009 Toyota Prius Hybrid Touring	7/6/2009	24,270	22,519	Yes	No	Get the Bottom Line Price	10%+	42

A late-model used car can be one of the best values you'll find when car buying. With relatively low mileage, modern safety and convenience features, and usually a much lower price than similar new vehicles, you can get a great deal. See our list of recommended vehicles in our best used car deals for 2004-2008 models, where you can find deals up to 74 percent below MSRP.

Our new and used car price reports provide more detailed pricing information to empower shoppers to negotiate a price.

--Liza Barth

Can you get a great deal on an orphaned Chrysler?

When Chrysler announced plans two weeks ago to shed 25 percent of its dealer network by June 9th, the 789 retailers affected had more than 44,000 new Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep vehicles sitting on their lots. Chrysler’s move triggered some to immediately drop prices, as they tried to divest themselves of bloated inventories before the June 9 deadline.

Does that make this an especially good time to make a deal? As we’ve reported before, good prices can be found, though there are significant caveats to consider.

Chrysler considerations
The most significant caveat is that no Chrysler, Dodge, or Jeep models are recommended by Consumer Reports. Reliability has been below average for most, and others have scored too low in our testing.

That said, we understand that many people purchase non-recommended vehicles and car shoppers will be tempted by the aggressive pricing now available.

Those shoppers may be disappointed with the models left in stock. Harold Bendell is President of Major Auto World, a multi-branded dealership that sells Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep along with other makes in Long Island City, NY. He pointed out that after months of discounts and rebates, buyers will likely find much of the remaining inventory to be increasingly made up of less-sought-after models, or those in unpopular colors or lacking popular features.

As for prices, Bendell says things can only get discounted so far. “There are some people coming in thinking they can get a super-duper deal, 50 cents on the dollar. They can’t.”

That may change, as the June 9 deadline fast approaches, particularly at smaller, single-line dealerships, if not big ones like Major World. Prior to the bankruptcy filing, Chrysler officials urged dealers to take additional inventory and said doing so would increase their good standing with the automaker. Some then lost their franchises anyway. According to Bendell, any cars that remain on dealer lots after their franchise is lost must be sold as used cars. Additionally, the Chrysler won’t extend rebates or incentives on those models.

Chrysler said it is helping to find homes for any unsold inventory at its remaining dealerships, but Bendell remains skeptical, particularly if those models are older inventory or less-popular models.

A quick Internet search found widely varying prices among Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep dealers, but we did see some deep discounts, especially on 2008 models. We found a new 2008 Dodge Avenger SE listed for $15,542, a discount of $4,818. The same dealer was offering a 2008 Dodge Caravan SE discounted $7,425 to $21,900.

Good news for buyers looking to trade is that in spite of losing their franchises, many Chrysler and Dodge dealers are planning to continue in the used car business and are looking for used inventory.

“Most of the Chrysler dealers I know are buying at auction” said Bendell. “There is a ready market for used cars, prices are astronomically high.”

Be especially wary of buying a “new” car once it must be sold as a used model. The U.S. government agreed to back warranties on new cars sold during the Chrysler bankruptcy, but if the model is sold as used the compelling “Lifetime” powertrain warranty protection is not available, as the warranty is non-transferrable. Plus, financing rates are also likely to be higher for a used car than a new one.

While it may be tempting to save big on a new car now, remember the risk you may face bigger losses later in depreciation and increased repair costs. (Should you intend to keep a vehicle longer than five years, depreciation may not be a factor, though reliability should given even higher priority.) Purchasing a vehicle from an automaker going through bankruptcy exposes the consumer to further risks, as there may not be the traditional lemon law and product liability protection.

No matter what vehicle you desire, be sure to do your homework to ensure you are buying a good, safe, reliable model with average or better project owner costs. In this economy, it is best to minimize the surprises, and the research can be done in minutes using our interactive new car selector.

We will continue to monitor the news from Chrysler and GM, reporting here in the Cars blog and also updating advice and news on the Auto Crisis hub.

—Jim Travers

Top 40 Best Deals on American-Made Cars

Memorial Day is a time to commemorate the sacrifices made by men and women to protect our freedoms and values. It is a time to rally around the flag, with picnics, parades, and yes, car sales. In the patriotic spirit, our Auto Price Services team has studied the market and compiled these best deals on American-made cars for the holiday weekend.

Made in America
Buying an American-made car puts a new car in your driveway, and it also stimulates the economy from the automaker down through the parts suppliers, factory workers, and neighborhood dealerships. Given the recent announcements from Chrysler and General Motors that they will be making drastic cuts in the number of franchised dealerships, there will now be a greater drive than ever for these stores to make a deal. Likewise, their competitors will also offer significant discounts.

As is the case with our Best New Car Deals, to make this list, a vehicle must meet our stringent requirements to be recommended. Specifically, the vehicle must have performed well in Consumer Reports' tests, have average or better reliability, and, if crash-tested, provide good overall safety. Vehicles also must not have tipped up in the government rollover test.

To truly judge the deals, we factored customer rebates as well as hidden dealer incentives, as available in our new car price reports. From a list of all discounted models, we whittled it down to the 40 American-made models that meet our recommended criteria and offered the greatest discounts.

The list showcases a diverse assortment of 11 brands, reflecting the global nature of the auto industry and the reality that most companies build cars in the United States. (Conversely, many models from Chrysler, Ford, and GM are imported from other countries.)

While pro-America motives may fuel your purchase, be sure to research the models that best suit your needs and budgets, weighing the potential risks in choosing from a brand in bankruptcy proceedings or being divested, such as Hummer, Pontiac, Saab, and Saturn. Tremendous up-front savings can be overshadowed by excessive depreciation unless you plan on keeping the car longer than five years. There also may be limited dealer access.

Regardless of the model that catches your eye from this list, buying these models will help keep America working and put you behind the wheel of a good car.

Make & model	Expires	MSRP	Invoice price	Customer rebate	Dealer incentive	Bottom line price	Potential savings below MSRP
2009 Nissan Titan SE 4X4 Crew Cab SWB	6/1/2009	$33,200	$30,061	Yes	No	Get the Bottom Line Price	25%+
2009 Ford Focus SES Sedan	6/30/2009	17,865	16,552	Yes	No	Get the Bottom Line Price	20%+
2009 Ford Focus SES Coupe	6/30/2009	17,865	16,552	Yes	No	Get the Bottom Line Price	20%+
2009 Nissan Armada LE 4X4	6/1/2009	47,860	43,562	Yes	No	Get the Bottom Line Price	20%+
2009 Ford Mustang GT Premium Coupe	6/1/2009	29,160	26,734	Yes	No	Get the Bottom Line Price	20%+
2009 Ford Mustang V6 Premium Convertible	6/1/2009	27,345	25,100	Yes	No	Get the Bottom Line Price	20%+
2009 Ford F-150 XLT 4x4 SuperCrew 157-in.	6/1/2009	34,760	31,303	Yes	No	Get the Bottom Line Price	20%+
2009 Ford Escape XLT 2.5L 4WD	6/30/2009	25,205	23,381	Yes	No	Get the Bottom Line Price	15%+
2009 Honda Odyssey EX	6/1/2009	29,455	26,692	No	Yes	Get the Bottom Line Price	15%+
2009 Mercury Sable Premier	6/30/2009	29,380	26,917	Yes	No	Get the Bottom Line Price	15%+
2009 Ford Escape XLT 3.0L 4WD	6/30/2009	26,215	24,300	Yes	No	Get the Bottom Line Price	15%+
2009 Ford Taurus Limited FWD	6/30/2009	30,670	28,053	Yes	No	Get the Bottom Line Price	15%+
2009 Mercury Mariner Premier I4 4WD	6/30/2009	26,515	24,598	Yes	No	Get the Bottom Line Price	15%+
2009 Honda Ridgeline 3.5 Auto RTS	6/1/2009	31,305	28,363	No	Yes	Get the Bottom Line Price	15%+
2009 Nissan Frontier 4.0 LE Crew Cab 4X4 AT	6/1/2009	29,190	27,045	Yes	No	Get the Bottom Line Price	15%+
2009 Mercury Mariner Premier V6 4WD	6/30/2009	27,515	25,508	Yes	No	Get the Bottom Line Price	15%+
2009 Toyota Tundra 5.7 Auto 4WD SR5 Crew Max	6/1/2009	34,285	31,369	Yes	No	Get the Bottom Line Price	15%+
2009 Ford Taurus X Limited AWD	6/30/2009	34,175	31,272	Yes	No	Get the Bottom Line Price	15%+
2009 Toyota Camry 2.4 Auto Hybrid	6/1/2009	26,150	23,796	Yes	No	Get the Bottom Line Price	15%+
2009 Toyota Camry 2.4 Auto SE	6/1/2009	22,815	20,533	Yes	No	Get the Bottom Line Price	15%+
2009 Toyota Camry 2.4 Auto LE	6/1/2009	21,650	19,593	Yes	No	Get the Bottom Line Price	15%+
2009 Lincoln Navigator Luxury 4x4	6/1/2009	56,020	51,383	Yes	No	Get the Bottom Line Price	15%+
2009 Ford Expedition Eddie Bauer 4x4 EL	6/30/2009	45,730	41,628	Yes	No	Get the Bottom Line Price	15%+
2009 Subaru Outback 2.5 Auto I	6/1/2009	23,295	21,907	Yes	No	Get the Bottom Line Price	15%+
2009 Toyota Camry 3.5 Auto V6 XLE	6/1/2009	28,695	25,823	Yes	No	Get the Bottom Line Price	15%+
2009 Hyundai Sonata GLS I4	6/1/2009	18,700	17,922	Yes	No	Get the Bottom Line Price	15%+
2009 Subaru Tribeca Limited 5-Passenger	6/1/2009	32,595	30,727	Yes	No	Get the Bottom Line Price	15%+
2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 1LT 4X4 Crew Cab	6/1/2009	34,295	31,723	Yes	No	Get the Bottom Line Price	15%+
2009 Mazda Tribute 2.5 Auto i Grand Touring 4WD	6/1/2009	26,375	24,681	Yes	No	Get the Bottom Line Price	15%+
2009 Subaru Outback 3.0R Limited w/Navigation Auto 4WD	6/1/2009	34,095	31,721	Yes	No	Get the Bottom Line Price	15%+
2009 Honda Accord 2.4 LX-P	6/1/2009	21,905	19,869	No	Yes	Get the Bottom Line Price	15%+
2009 Honda Pilot EX-L 4WD	6/1/2009	35,295	31,969	No	Yes	Get the Bottom Line Price	15%+
2009 Mazda Tribute 3.0 Auto S Grand Touring 4WD	6/1/2009	27,635	25,856	Yes	No	Get the Bottom Line Price	15%+
2009 Honda Accord 2.4 LX-P 5AT	6/1/2009	22,705	20,592	No	Yes	Get the Bottom Line Price	15%+
2009 Nissan Altima 2.5 HEV Auto	6/1/2009	26,650	24,976	Yes	No	Get the Bottom Line Price	15%+
2009 GMC Sierra 4WD Crew Cab SLT SWB	6/1/2009	41,855	38,716	Yes	No	Get the Bottom Line Price	10%+
2009 Hyundai Sonata GLS V6 A/T	6/1/2009	22,450	21,466	Yes	No	Get the Bottom Line Price	10%+
2009 Nissan Altima 2.5 S Sedan	6/1/2009	21,040	19,728	Yes	No	Get the Bottom Line Price	10%+
2009 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE Auto Sedan	6/1/2009	25,680	23,800	Yes	No	Get the Bottom Line Price	10%+
2009 Honda Accord 3.5 EX-L V6 5AT	6/1/2009	28,955	26,240	No	Yes	Get the Bottom Line Price	10%+

—Jeff Bartlett and Michael Dempsey

 

Job-loss protection: Ford Advantage Plan and the best deals

Like General Motors and Hyundai, Ford has sought to boost sales by quelling shopper fears by providing job-loss protection with the purchase of a new car. (Read about the Hyundai Assurance Plus and GM Total Confidence programs.)

To better understand the benefits from Ford Advantage Plan, Consumer Reports Auto Price Services has taken a close look at this program and identified best deals on eligible models.

To qualify as one of our “Best Deals,” the vehicle has to be a Consumer Reports Recommended model. To earn our recommendation, vehicles must have performed well in our tests, have average or better reliability, and, if crash-tested, provide good overall crash protection based on our composite of insurance-industry and government crash tests. Vehicles also must not have tipped up in the government rollover test or, if not tested, must have available electronic stability control.

The Ford Advantage Plan will cover payments of up to $700 a month for 12 months on any new Ford, Lincoln, or Mercury if customers involuntarily lose their jobs prior to January 1st, 2010. Eligibility is limited to those who have been employed for at least 30 hours per week for 90 days prior to becoming involuntarily unemployed. The program does not apply to seasonal workers, the self-employed, or people who are employed by a family member. This program applies only to vehicles purchased between March 31st, 2009 and June 1st, 2009.

Here’s a look at Ford’s Best Deals:

Model	MSRP	Invoice price	Rebate expiration	Bottom Line Price	Potential savings below MSRP
Ford Edge SEL AWD	$31,395	$29,195	6/30/2009	Get the Bottom Line Price	20%+
Ford Escape XLT 2.5L 4WD	25,205	23,381	6/30/2009	Get the Bottom Line Price	20%+
Ford Escape XLT 3.0L 4WD	26,215	24,300	6/30/2009	Get the Bottom Line Price	20%+
Ford Expedition Eddie Bauer 4x4 EL	45,730	41,628	6/30/2009	Get the Bottom Line Price	15%+
Ford F-150XLT 4x4 SuperCrew 145-in	34,460	31,037	6/30/2009	Get the Bottom Line Price	20%+
Ford Focus SES Sedan	17,865	16,552	6/30/2009	Get the Bottom Line Price	25%+
Ford Fusion I4 S	19,035	17,707	6/30/2009	Get the Bottom Line Price	25%+
Ford Fusion V6 SEL	23,755	21,765	6/30/2009	Get the Bottom Line Price	25%+
Ford F-150XLT 4x4 SuperCrew 145-in	34,460	31,037	6/30/2009	Get the Bottom Line Price	20%+
Ford Mustang GT Premium Coupe	29,160	26,734	6/30/2009	Get the Bottom Line Price	20%+
Ford Mustang V6 Premium Convertible	27,345	25,100	6/30/2009	Get the Bottom Line Price	20%+
Ford Taurus Limited FWD	30,670	28,053	6/30/2009	Get the Bottom Line Price	20%+
Ford Taurus X Limited AWD	34,175	31,272	6/30/2009	Get the Bottom Line Price	20%+
Lincoln MKX AWD	39,695	36,536	6/30/2009	Get the Bottom Line Price	20%+
Lincoln MKZ V6	32,695	30,021	6/30/2009	Get the Bottom Line Price	20%+
Lincoln Navigator Luxury 4x4	56,020	51,383	6/30/2009	Get the Bottom Line Price	15%+
Mercury Mariner Premier I4 4WD	26,515	24,598	6/30/2009	Get the Bottom Line Price	20%+
Mercury Mariner Premier V6 4WD	27,515	25,508	6/30/2009	Get the Bottom Line Price	20%+
Mercury Milan I4	20,320	18,703	6/30/2009	Get the Bottom Line Price	25%+
Mercury Milan V6	22,995	21,111	6/30/2009	Get the Bottom Line Price	25%+
Mercury Sable Premier	29,380	26,917	6/30/2009	Get the Bottom Line Price	20%+

Remember, other than the purchase of one’s home, buying a vehicle is likely to be the most expensive money outlay a consumer can make. That being the case, you want to get something that you’ll be happy with not just when you leave the showroom, but years later as well.

—Michael Dempsey

Job-loss protection: GM Total Confidence and the best deals

Addressing reservations from prospective car buyers, it seems like General Motors drew inspiration from Hyundai (Read about the Hyundai Assurance Plus program) in creating its own job-loss protection plan. Building on the core tenants of the Hyundai program, GM has given the plan its own spin. Beyond market challenges facing all automakers, General Motors faces challenges in public perception and confidence due to its struggles.

To better understand the benefits from GM Total Confidence, Consumer Reports Auto Price Services has taken a close look at this program and identified best deals on eligible models.

To qualify as one of our “Best Deals,” the vehicle has to be a Consumer Reports Recommended model. To earn our recommendation, vehicles must have performed well in our tests, have average or better reliability, and, if crash-tested, provide good overall crash protection based on our composite of insurance-industry and government crash tests. Vehicles also must not have tipped up in the government rollover test or, if not tested, must have available electronic stability control.

The GM Total Confidence program runs through April 30th and will cover payments of up to $500 a month for nine months if you lose your job for economic reasons. Eligibility is limited to those customers who have been employed for at least 30 hours per week for 90 days after the purchase and for 12 consecutive weeks prior to your first day of unemployment. The program does not apply to seasonal workers, the self-employed, retirees or those receiving a severance package.

Other benefits of the GM Total Confidence program include:

During the first two years of ownership, GM will protect the retail value of the vehicle at trade-in time if the outstanding principal loan is more than the NADA Clean Retail Value.

GM vehicles will be backed by a five-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty with roadside assistance and alternate transportation should your vehicle break down.

Here’s a look at GM’s Best Deals:

Model	MSRP	Invoice price	Rebate expiration	Bottom Line Price	Potential savings below MSRP
Cadillac DTS 5 Pass. Luxury Collection	$49,730	$46,746	4/30/2009	Get the Bottom Line Price	10%+
Chevrolet Avalanche 4WD Avalanche LT1	39,380	36,427	4/30/2009	Get the Bottom Line Price	15%+
Chevrolet Malibu 1LT	22,505	21,267	4/30/2009	Get the Bottom Line Price	15%+
Chevrolet Malibu LTZ	26,880	25,402	4/30/2009	Get the Bottom Line Price	15%+
Chevrolet Silverado 1LT 4X4 Crew Cab	34,295	31,723	4/30/2009	Get the Bottom Line Price	15%+
GMC Sierra 4WD Crew Cab SLT SWB	41,855	38,716	4/30/2009	Get the Bottom Line Price	15%+
Pontiac Vibe 2.4L	16,495	15,588	4/30/2009	Get the Bottom Line Price	10%+
Saturn Aura 3.6 XR	27,250	25,479	4/30/2009	Get the Bottom Line Price	15%+

Remember to shop for the best vehicle that suits your needs, emphasizing Consumer Reports test scores, safety, reliability, and project owner costs. There are incentives now available on most vehicles; focus on getting a good deal on a great car, rather than a great deal on an average car.

When you’re ready to buy, negotiate from position of strength, knowing the advertised customer rebates and hidden dealer incentives and holdbacks with the Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price.

Learn about the Hyundai Assurance Plus program.

—Michael Dempsey

How to buy or keep a car in tough economic times

The news continues to get worse. The automotive industry is experiencing a meltdown, as consumer confidence and spending ability erodes. Yesterday’s downer came from General Motors admitting that bankruptcy proceedings may be a real and near-term option without more aid. Now, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reveals that the national unemployment rate rose to 8.1 percent, with the total number of unemployed persons increased by 851,000 to 12.5 million in February.

It is hard to sell cars to people without jobs, disposable income, or desire to simply indulge. Consequently, February car sales plummeted, and there is no end in sight.

So, what should you do? Well, that depends. There are essentially two roles consumers can take: buyers and long-term owners.

Buyers are in the driver’s seat, capable of finding a great deal from nearly any brand. As always, it is key to research the best car for your needs and budget, then focus on the deal. Don’t be swayed by snazzy marketing campaigns. As we have shown, it takes more than a discount for an offer to be desirable – the car itself should be “good” as well. (Read “Best new car values: It’s more than dollars and cents.”)

And truly consider if buying a new car is the right move. Perhaps a late-model used car would suffice, saving money on the purchase that may either keep coin in your pocket or be put toward a model with even more crash-test protection and safety features. (Read: “Used car savings for savvy shoppers.”)

ConsumerReports.org has a wide range of information and tools to help in choosing the right car, from the detailed model overview pages to our list of new-car Best Values (factoring owner costs and test scores). But, perhaps the quickest and easiest way to get started is with the interactive New Car Selector, a nifty online tool that allows you to narrow your search by the factors that matter most, such as car type, brand, fuel economy, safety, test scores, and price. When you’re ready to buy, brush up with our comprehensive buying advice section, as well as read “How to buy a car in today’s market” and “Car-buying tips for getting the best deal today.”

Watching the dour headlines and negative employment trend lines should be a reminder to us all to make prudent automotive decisions. Buying a new car can help stimulate the economy, though sometimes the smarter decision may be to hold on your aging car for another few months or even years. Cars can last much longer than the typical ownership period, and they generally become less expensive to own after the first few years. (Learn how to make your car get to 200,000 miles.) You also have to consider your own household’s economy as the first priority before you go out and single-handedly save the country. Think through the risks and benefits, and definitely do the research.

—Jeff Bartlett

February: Best New Car Deals

Following "How to buy a car in today’s market" and "Car-buying tips for getting the best deal today," we present our Best New Car Deals for February 2009, just in time for President's Day weekend. Each year, this holiday weekend can be a time for great deals. Beyond the typical drive to move the iron, this year many dealers have too much inventory and automakers are anxious to keep the factories running. These factors put the car-buyer in the driver's seat for driving the deal.

Below we highlight 2009-model vehicles that meet our stringent requirements to be Recommended, factoring test scores, safety, and reliability. We feel these are good cars at good prices.

The Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price and complete cost breakdown is available in our New Car Price Reports, including hidden dealer incentives, for all models.

 

Make & model	Expires	MSRP	Invoice price	Customer rebate	Dealer incentive	Bottom Line Price	Potential savings below MSRP
2009 Acura RDX Technology Package	3/2/2009	$37,195	$35,190	No	Yes	Get the Bottom Line Price	15%+
2009 Acura RL 3.7 (48-state only)	3/2/2009	46,680	41,935	No	Yes	Get the Bottom Line Price	20%+
2009 Acura TL 3.5	3/2/2009	34,955	32,136	No	Yes	Get the Bottom Line Price	10%+
2009 Ford Fusion I4 S	3/31/2009	19,035	17,707	Yes	No	Get the Bottom Line Price	25%+
2009 Honda Accord 2.4 LX-P	3/2/2009	21,905	19,734	No	Yes	Get the Bottom Line Price	15%+
2009 Honda Civic EX 5AT Sedan	3/2/2009	20,105	18,424	No	Yes	Get the Bottom Line Price	15%+
2009 Honda Civic Hybrid CVT	3/2/2009	23,650	21,675	No	Yes	Get the Bottom Line Price	10%+
2009 Honda Odyssey EX	3/2/2009	29,455	26,601	No	Yes	Get the Bottom Line Price	20%+
2009 Honda Pilot EX-L 4WD	3/2/2009	35,295	31,878	No	Yes	Get the Bottom Line Price	15%+
2009 Honda Ridgeline 3.5 Auto RT	3/2/2009	31,305	28,183	No	Yes	Get the Bottom Line Price	20%+
2009 Infiniti G 37x AWD Sedan	3/31/2009	35,750	33,029	No	Yes	Get the Bottom Line Price	15%+
2009 Infiniti M 35x AWD	3/31/2009	47,950	44,267	No	Yes	Get the Bottom Line Price	10%+
2009 Kia Optima EX V6 AT	3/2/2009	21,695	20,095	Yes	No	Get the Bottom Line Price	15%+
2009 Mazda CX-7 2.3 Auto Grand Touring AWD	3/2/2009	28,400	26,561	Yes	No	Get the Bottom Line Price	10%+
2009 Mazda CX-9 3.7 Auto Grand Touring AWD	3/2/2009	35,205	32,567	Yes	No	Get the Bottom Line Price	10%+
2009 Nissan Altima 2.5 S Sedan	3/2/2009	21,040	19,728	Yes	No	Get the Bottom Line Price	15%+
2009 Nissan Armada LE 4X4	3/2/2009	47,860	43,562	Yes	No	Get the Bottom Line Price	20%+
2009 Nissan Frontier 4.0 LE Crew Cab 4X4 AT	3/2/2009	29,190	27,045	Yes	No	Get the Bottom Line Price	15%+
2009 Nissan Murano SL AWD	3/2/2009	30,830	28,401	Yes	No	Get the Bottom Line Price	10%+
2009 Nissan Sentra 2.0 S CVT	3/2/2009	17,760	16,567	Yes	No	Get the Bottom Line Price	20%+
2009 Nissan Titan SE 4X4 Crew Cab	3/2/2009	33,800	30,603	Yes	No	Get the Bottom Line Price	25%+
2009 Nissan Versa 1.8 SL CVT	3/2/2009	16,330	15,750	Yes	Yes	Get the Bottom Line Price	15%+
2009 Nissan Xterra S 4x4 AT	3/2/2009	26,860	25,452	Yes	No	Get the Bottom Line Price	15%+
2009 Pontiac Vibe 2.4L	3/2/2009	16,495	15,588	Yes	Yes	Get the Bottom Line Price	15%+
2009 Toyota Camry 2.4 Auto LE	3/2/2009	21,650	19,593	Yes	No	Get the Bottom Line Price	20%+
2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid	3/2/2009	26,150	23,796	No	Yes	Get the Bottom Line Price	15%+
2009 Toyota Corolla	3/2/2009	15,350	14,352	Yes	No	Get the Bottom Line Price	20%+
2009 Toyota Matrix S AT	3/2/2009	19,550	17,888	Yes	No	Get the Bottom Line Price	20%+
2009 Toyota Prius	3/2/2009	22,000	20,900	Yes	No	Get the Bottom Line Price	10%+
2009 Toyota Tacoma 4x4 Access Cab V6 5AT	3/2/2009	25,475	23,371	Yes	No	Get the Bottom Line Price	15%+

Read “How to buy a car in today’s market.” Read our complete new and used car buying advice sections.

Car-buying tips for getting the best deal today

This is the second of a two-part series on “How to buy a car in today’s market”

Faced with large customer rebates, there is a temptation to take them on face value. As revealed in the Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price, there are hidden dollars on the dealer side that can be used in negotiation. For instance, most dealers receive a 2-3 percent holdback fee after the vehicle sale, giving them some additional negotiation space. And just as there are customer rebates, there are many direct-to-dealer rebates. These hidden dollars can sometimes be even greater than the customer cash. Examples of cars with high currently available dealer incentives are below, with a full list available with our Best New Car Deals.

Make & model	Expires	MSRP	Invoice price	Customer rebate	Dealer incentive	Bottom Line Price	Potential savings below MSRP
2008 Acura MDX 3.7	3/2/2009	$40,195	$36,514	No	Yes	Get the Bottom Line Price	20%+
2009 Chevrolet Malibu LTZ	3/2/2009	26,880	25,402	Yes	Yes	Get the Bottom Line Price	15%+
2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1LT 4x4 Crew Cab	3/2/2009	32,720	29,939	Yes	Yes	Get the Bottom Line Price	25%+
2009 Honda Accord 2.4 LX-P 5AT	3/2/2009	22,705	20,456	No	Yes	Get the Bottom Line Price	15%+
2009 Honda Civic EX Sedan	3/2/2009	19,305	17,690	No	Yes	Get the Bottom Line Price	15%+
2009 Honda Pilot EX-L 4WD	3/2/2009	35,295	31,878	No	Yes	Get the Bottom Line Price	15%+
2009 Infinit G37x AWD Sedan	3/31/2009	35,750	33,029	No	Yes	Get the Bottom Line Price	15%+
2009 Toyota Camry 2.4 Auto Hybrid	3/2/2009	26,150	23,796	No	Yes	Get the Bottom Line Price	15%+
2008 Toyota RAV4 Base 4x4	3/2/2009	22,900	20,839	No	Yes	Get the Bottom Line Price	15%+
2008 Volvo S80 3.2 FWD A	3/31/2009	38,705	36,383	No	Yes	Get the Bottom Line Price	20%+

Make sure you’re getting a good car — one that scores highly in Consumer Reports testing, reliability, and owner satisfaction data; has average or better owner costs; and a solid safety record. CR has highlights models in every vehicle category that meet our stringent criteria to be recommended. (Use our New Car Selector, browse models A-Z, available to online subscribers, or focus on those cited in our Best New Car Deals.)

Getting a great deal today is exciting, but living with a good, reliable and safe car for years to come is more important. In fact, plan to hold on to the car for at least five years—get your money’s worth. After all, due to steep, initial depreciation, a car is much less costly to own in its fifth year than its first. (Learn more about owner costs.)

On financing, it is important to be honest with what you can afford. Difficulty in securing financing comes from lending institutions feeling you may struggle with the payments or be a default risk, based on past performance. Putting a larger down payment can help, as can having a co-signer. Just as important is fiscal discretion. Don’t buy more car than you routinely need, both in terms of scale and features. For example, focus on the daily use rather than the once-a-year vacation. It may be more cost effective to simply rent a vehicle for those rare needs. And don’t disclose to the dealer that you can afford “X” dollars a month; they will find a way to get you in a car for exactly that, even if it means stretching out the loan period.

Be sure to check current average interest rates and secure similar financing before committing to a vehicle purchase. While a dealer can provide finance options, they will profit from the transaction and thereby may not have the best rates. And always check the rates at your local bank or credit union.

Bottom line
In this economy, focus on needs more than wants. That simple principle will help guide prudent decisions through the entire process. There are great deals available from most automotive brands, though remember that not all cars are good.

See the latest deals on Consumer Reports Recommended cars.

Read part one, “How to buy a car in today’s market.” Read our complete new and used car buying advice sections.

—Jeff Bartlett