Here Are Some Labor Day Deals on New Vehicles

GOBankingRates and Autobytel said they have teamed up to find the best Labor Day sales and promotions available on 2014 vehicles. If you’re looking for a new car or truck this year, it might be worth a look.

The companies sought out deals on crossovers and SUVs, luxury vehicles, sedans, sports cars, and trucks. Labor Day weekend is typically a time when dealers are clearing out the current year models as next year’s models have started to hit dealer lots across the country.

In a sense, 2014’s are already “leftovers” – and dealers are eager to sell them to clear space for the 2015s. Here, then, are the chosen deals by category:

Crossovers and SUVs

GOBankingRates and Autobytel recommend you have a look at the 2014 Mazda CX-9. This car retails for $29,985, but Mazda is currently offering deals such as 0% APR for up to 60 months plus $1,000 APR bonus cash, or $3,500 customer bonus cash.

The 2014 Ford Expedition lists at $41,975, and Ford is offering incentives including 0% APR for 72 months or 0% APR for 60 months plus $2,500 bonus cash. Or you can choose to receive up to $6,000 cash back.

Luxury

Audi’s popular 2014 A6 lists at $43,100. The German company is offering 1.90% APR and $800 to $1,000 off your first monthly payment for their A4, A5, Cabriolet and A6 sedan.

The 2014 Cadillac CTS – another popular choice in the luxury category – lists at $39,495. With this car, the deals include 0% APR for 60 months. If you’re currently leasing a non-GM vehicle, you can take advantage of $1,000 toward the lease or purchase of a qualifying Cadillac. Current GM lessees get $1,000 toward the purchase of a new Cadillac.

Sedans

Korean carmaker Hyundai has had a hit with its Sonata, and the 2014 model lists for $21,450. This Labor Day, the company is offering incentives including 0% APR for up to 72 months, $2,000 in retail bonus cash; or a $500 valued-owner coupon offer.

Another popular sedan, the Chrysler 300, lists for $30,995. The company is looking to move these beasts with a cash allowance of up to $4,250 and APRs as low as 0%. There are also $500 rebates available to military members, college students and grads.

The 2014 Nissan Maxima lists at $31,290, and Mazda is offering 0% APR for 72 months, plus up to $1,000 in total savings. Other options include $500 bonus cash, $500 in cash from Nissan’s credit unit and $4,000 cash back.

Sports Cars

This category is stretched a bit to include two American muscle cars: the Dodge Challenger and the Ford Mustang.

The 2014 Dodge Challenger lists for $26,495, but Dodge is offering a $4,000 cash allowance for buyers, and up to $1,000 cash allowance and APRs as low as 0.24%.

Ford’s ever-popular Mustang clocks in at $22,510. The company is offering 0$% APR for 72 months; or 0% APR for 60 months plus $2,000 bonus cash. Or you can get $4,750 cash back if you choose the Ford Mustang GT with premium package.

Trucks

As all-American as apple pie and, er, pickup trucks, the truck category includes the Ford F-150 and the Ram 1500.

Ford’s F-150 has long-been one of the best-selling vehicles in the country (in many years it was the best seller), and the 2014 model lists for $25,025. However, Ford is trying to lighten your load by offering 0% APR for 60 months plus up to $3,500 in total savings. If you choose the XLT SuperCab or SuperCrew with leather and luxury package, you can get up to $8,000 in total savings.

Chrysler’s 2014 Ram 1500 lists for $24,810, and the company is offering an up to $5,000 cash allowance for buyers, and up to $2,500 cash allowance for lessees. This includes APRs as low as 0.17%.

Keep in mind that individual dealers will be offering their own discounts, which often come on top of factory-sponsored deals. So, shop around before you buy.

Also, not everyone will qualify for these deals. Read the fine print on nearly every company offer, and you’ll see that low APR financing deals usually only go to people top-tier credit. If your credit is less than perfect, the dealer’s finance department will magically transform that “0% APR” into 5%, or 10% — or even 20% or more.

You should always visit your credit union before you head out to the dealer lots, to find out what kind of APR your CU can offer you. Often times, CUs can beat dealer financing by a wide margin. Your CU may also have relationships with specific car dealers in your area. This can certainly make your buying experience smoother and far more pleasant.