A great price is only one part of a great deal when it comes to buying a new car. Huge discounts can only go so far in compensating for a subpar product. Consumer Reports ranks the major auto makers in its annual Car Brand Report Card, which takes into account road-test performance and predicted reliability. In 2015, Lexus, Mazda, Toyota and Audi finished at the top of the pack and luckily we've found noteworthy deals from each of these brands this week.
While not every model in these auto makers' lineups will possess Consumer Reports' coveted "Recommended" rating, such accolades for the brands as a whole nonetheless serve as a starting point for identifying great deals both in terms of product and pricing. The Consumer Reports Build & Buy tool, which was launched in Canada earlier this month, allows you to search across all models in the market for the best new car deals and easily identify those that are Consumer Reports "Recommended" vehicles.
December is the beginning of the seasonal slowdown in car sales volume, which in many cases results in enhanced manufacturer incentives and dealer discounts. The featured deals this week and those from earlier this month remain valid through the end of the year.
2016 Lexus NX 200t
Cash purchase, finance and lease customers can now take advantage of a $1,000 manufacturer incentive on the 2016 NX 200t (compared to zero in November). Those who have financed or leased a Lexus previously are entitled to an additional 1.5 per cent rate reduction, which can result in a loyalty interest rate as low as 3 per cent for financing for 60 months or 2.4 per cent for leasing for 48 months.
2016 Lexus NX 200t 4WD
- MSRP: $41,950
- Manufacturer incentive: $1,000 (after-tax)
- Estimated dealer discount: $1,000
- Freight, PDI, government fees: $2,185
- Cash purchase price before tax: $42,135
- Finance for 60 months at 4.5 per cent for $890 per month including tax (includes a $1,000 manufacturer incentive applied after-tax)
- Lease for 48 months at 3.9 per cent for $626 per month including tax (includes a $1,000 manufacturer incentive applied after-tax and assumes a 20,000 annual kilometre allowance)
2016 Mazda CX-5
Cash purchasers can take advantage of a $1,250 manufacturer incentive on the 2016 CX-5, while finance and lease customers are entitled to a $350 rebate. Those who already own a Mazda are entitled to an additional $500 loyalty rebate or a 1 per cent rate reduction, which can result in a loyalty interest rate as low as zero per cent for financing for 60 months and 0.09 per cent for leasing for 48 months.
2016 Mazda CX-5 GS AWD Automatic
- MSRP: $31,245
- Manufacturer incentive: $1,250
- Estimated dealer discount: $750
- Freight, PDI, government fees: $2,035
- Cash purchase price before tax: $31,280
- Finance for 60 months at 0.99 per cent for $621 per month including tax (includes a $350 manufacturer incentive applied before tax)
- Lease for 48 months at 1.09 per cent for $451 per month including tax (includes a $350 manufacturer incentive applied before tax and assumes a 20,000 annual kilometre allowance)
2016 Toyota Tundra
Cash purchasers can now take advantage of a $2,000 manufacturer incentive on the 2016 Tundra (compared to zero in October). Financing for up to 60 months and leasing for up to 48 months are both available at 1.49 per cent interest (compared to 1.99 per cent in October).
2016 Toyota Tundra 4x4 Double Cab SR5 Plus 4.6L
- MSRP: $40,510
- Manufacturer incentive: $2,000 (after-tax)
- Estimated dealer discount: $1,250
- Freight, PDI, government fees: $1,870
- Cash purchase price before tax: $39,130
- Finance for 60 months at 1.49 per cent for $804 per month including tax
- Lease for 48 months at 1.49 per cent for $544 per month including tax (assumes a 20,000 annual kilometre allowance)
2016 Audi A3
Cash purchasers can take advantage of a $3,000 manufacturer incentive on the 2016 A3, while finance and lease customers are entitled to a $2,000 rebate (compared to $1,000 for cash, lease, and finance in October). Those who have financed or leased an Audi previously are entitled to an additional 1 per cent rate reduction, which can result in a loyalty interest rate as low as 1.9 per cent for financing for 60 months and leasing for 48 months. Cash purchasers are entitled to an additional $1,250 loyalty rebate.
2016 Audi A3 2.0 TFSI Progressiv DCT 4WD Sedan
- MSRP: $39,500
- Manufacturer incentive: $3,000
- Estimated dealer discount: $1,000
- Freight, PDI, government fees: $2,235
- Cash purchase price before tax: $37,735
- Finance for 60 months at 2.9 per cent for $785 per month including tax (includes a $2,000 manufacturer incentive applied before tax)
- Lease for 48 months at 2.9 per cent for $531 per month including tax (includes a $2,000 manufacturer incentive applied before tax and assumes 20,000 annual kilometre allowance)
Andrew Tai is CEO of Unhaggle
Pricing and calculations are based on Ontario customers and subject to availability of inventory. Please note that while the information above is accurate at the time of publication, pricing, incentives, and discounts may vary and are subject to change or discontinuation at any time. Dealer discounts are estimates and may be given at the discretion of individual dealers. Consult your local dealership for details.
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