General Motors is currently offering employee pricing on most models including the popular Chevrolet Malibu. Other automakers are also offering incentives, making now an excellent time to consider buying a new car.
My neighbor, Lester, is a good representation of so many of the people living in my area. He retired early, has a generous pension, is collecting social security, and he keeps track of his investments. Lester is also very thrifty, driving a nine-year old Chevy Impala that has less than 75,000 miles on the odometer.
Lester plans on buying one more car in his lifetime, figuring it’ll last him long enough before he and his wife will head off for a retirement home. That car purchase wasn’t going to take place until next year, but with so many new car incentives available this year, he plans on seeking the best discounts as soon as they become available.
It looks as if Lester’s wait is now over.
General Motors, for one, is now offering their biggest discounts of the year, allowing buyers to take advantage of the company’s employee pricing program. When an automaker rolls out this type of plan, they are showing that they mean serious business; car prices are slashed below the sticker price, and are offered at the deepest discounts possible.
Although the GM offer is the only one of its kind in place right now, other automakers are expected to follow suit between now and the end of the year. Sales for most car companies are way off and bloated inventories must be cleared. One way to do that is to offer slash prices to the bone. However, even with employee pricing, additional savings can be realized IF you think smart.
Employee Pricing? You Can Realize Additional Savings!
If you are planning to take advantage of GM’s employee pricing or some other automaker’s program, you’ll want to know that additional savings are also available. These include:
College Grad or Military Discounts — Recent college grads and active military members are often offered an additional discount by automakers. Ranging in price from $300 to $500, they are the kinds of deals that consumers often overlook and dealers don’t always mention. Before heading off to your local showroom, get on that brand’s website to learn about additional incentives.
Cash Discount — If you are in a position to offer an all cash transaction, you might also be able to shave a few hundred extra off of the price of the car. This offer varies from dealer to dealer, but remember this: the automaker often slips the dealer rebate money for selling cars — why not get a portion of that money for yourself as well? Lester plans on doing just that — too bad he isn’t a recent college grad or he’d be after that discount too!
Get More For Your Trade In — Lester is giving his old Impala to his daughter, but you may be looking to trade in your car when you buy your new wheels. Be careful — car dealers will often try to mix both deals together, i.e. the buying of a new car with the trading in of your old one. Better to work out the best price on your new car first and then see what the dealer will pay for your old car. Visit Kelley Blue Book at www.kbb.com to find out what your car is worth. Cars with larger engines as well as trucks and SUVs are depreciating much faster these days; you have high gas prices to blame for that.
I’m not in Lester’s position financially nor am I planning to buy a new car right now. Regardless of what your financial condition is, before you spring for a new car, you’ll want to use an automotive calculator to learn what you can afford and what your monthly payments will be. Visit the Saylending.com to find a lending guide to help you with the car buying process.
(Photo Credit: GM Corp.)
end of post idea for home improvement
view and analyze home improvement ideas at our LetsRenovate center
Helpful article? Leave us a quick comment below.
And please give this article a rating and/or share it within your social networks.
