Mbenz528i

I am typically a January end of the month car buyer. Dealerships are empty, the lots are full with 2011s and the salespeople fight to greet me when I walk in the door. My understanding has always been that this is the best time to buy a car because everyone is broke from the holidays and tax returns have not come back, plus dealers are desperate to get the year started right.

My belief is waivering a bit with all the end of the year deals that car companies are rolling out, including a lot of factory to dealer insentives.

See, e.g., http://usnews.rankingsandreviews.com...est-Car-Deals/

I personally am in the market for a compact 4 door (sentra/soul/fit, etc.) for my mother and was wondering if you would wait or go for it now.

madoka

From user muniala at slickdeals:

2011 Nissan Sentra S 3YR/36K December Lease - $87 + tax/ month with zero down

Nissan has a very good lease deal on the 2011 Sentra S for December.

The interest rate is really low at 1.06% and the residual is really great at 64% for 3YR/36K. Additionally there is a $2500 incentive on the car. All these go into making an excellent lease on this car.

Also if you are a recent college grad there is an additional $500 incentive
The text is as follows
" College Grad Bonus Cash available towards leasing or purchases to customers who have graduated within the past 2 years or will do so within the next 6 months from an accredited 2-year College, 4-year College/University, Nursing degree program, or Graduate degree program. Customer must finance or lease through NMAC. See participating dealer for details."

As always, I am not advocating leasing over buying or vice versa neither am I advocating this car over any other. We all have our preferences and if leasing this car is for you, I hope you find the following information useful.

2011 Sentra S
36-month | 12k miles | residual 64% | .00044 base money factor


A Sample lease on a base car is as follows

MSRP: $18,200
Bank Fee: $595
(Target) Selling Price $13780 ( Ive used the truecar.com dealer quote for this and this price is after the $2500 incentive)

Drive off: First Month Payment + ~$50 doc fee + DMV fee + SalesTax on $2500incentive. This is essentially a zero down lease
Monthly Payment for 3yr/36K miles: $87 + tax

If you also qualify for the recent College Grad incentive, the lease payment falls to $73/month + tax

bnizzle87

i think the best time to get a 2010 would be right now, but as far as 2011's are concerned, jan through feb seems to be the right time. i always request to see their full inventory (the ones in a warm parking structure). not sure why, but i always go with one that's in a structure and not clearly visible for all to see and choose from.

also, what's a bank fee? this college program incentive is great for young students fresh out of college to get into a nice affordable ride and not break the bank, as most of them are probably looking for jobs.

Mbenz528i

That is a pretty sick deal on a Sentra. I am not sure my mother likes it, but I will check it out.

TripleL

Purchased my current ride 12/27/2005 and I can tell you I remember getting a great deal on my car especially after it only being on the market for about 9 weeks.

As for the 'best' time there are a lot of variables. Do they have the car you want with the options you want and are ready to sell at the same moment you are ready to buy? If the answer is yes then that probably is a recipe for a great deal.

rdgdawg

Benz, VW is running sick deals as well on, IMO, MUCH better cars

Also, check Costco!!!! I saved another $2500 (YES, TWENTY FIVE HUNDRED) on the Wolf through Costco... helps the dealership as a pass through incentive right to you (or your Mom)

iRock

iTrader: (12)

Depends on if ur trying to get a 2010 or a 2011... I think the best time is always at the end of the year though to be honest... I was in the dealership a week or two ago and they were almost giving the car to me... but they were trying to put me in something that I didn't exactly want so that didn't work out for them...

LexFather

Slickdeals is a great site. I think last year Nissan had a deal on a Sentra for 9k or so...