New Car Deals

With gasoline costs making a huge dent in everyone's wallet, economizing in any way is the name of the game. Either you must drive less, or trade in your old car for one that gets better mileage. It's not just the driving public feeling the pinch. Car dealers are hurting too. It's not easy to sell that big gas guzzler. As a result, dealers are offering great deals, in a variety of flavors, to entice you to take them up on that new car deal. A new car is expensive, any way you cut it, so if you're thinking of getting a new car, you've got to buy smart. Here's how to do it.

All you need to do is watch television once a day to see the pleas from new car dealers. Here we're seeing the new 2009 models being introduced and the dealers still have a glut of the less gas-friendly 2008 model vehicles sitting on their lots. Here are just some of the incentive offers you'll find.

It seems that some of the bigger dealers have worked out a deal with the oil companies, such that you can purchase gas for $2.99 a gallon for three years, if you purchase certain models. The caveat on this new car deal? The $2.99 price is good only for 12,000 miles of travel each year. Although insurance companies used to estimate 12,000 miles as the average driver's travel per year, this figure is no longer accurate.

Housing costs have risen at an alarming rate in metropolitan areas, and many families moved to less expensive areas, further from work, years ago. Many people regularly commute for 2-3 hours on a daily basis. If you're thinking of going for one of these new car deals, do the math first. If you drive 25,000 miles a year and the vehicle gets 15 miles to the gallon, this isn't a smart buy. On the other hand, if you fall within that 12,000 mile parameter, this may be a practical new car deal for you.

Other deals being offered are the zero-interest for x number of years. This can be a great deal if you've got a great credit score. The caveat on this deal is usually delivered in the narrator's hushed tones, or conveyed in the fine print you can't read at the bottom of the screen. The key phrase here is, “for well-qualified buyers”. Be sure you're “well-qualified” before showing up on the lot.

How about the hybrids? Again, do the math. These cars are quite expensive today. You've got to do a lot of driving to justify the price. Two or three years from now, the price may drop radically. Think resale value. As food for thought, consider that motorcycle dealers are sold out all over the country. There are some great new car deals out there, but you need to sharpen your calculator before jumping at a deal.